This bike is f***ing awesome.

I posted the other day, wondering how to turn it...lol. It was more of a joke, and a statement of how much different it felt than my SV, than an actual question.

The consensus from you guys was, "seat time will do the trick." So today, I spent about 6 hours on the bike, in various stages of activity.

First, I did a little parking lot sitting and BS'ing - pretty cool but I was one of about 7 Ravens.

Next, I partook in some freeway antics with some members of the huge, extended Saudi royal family. Picture five Raven R6s and one red one, being led at 100+ mph by an Audi TT, driven by a guy wearing a helmet. These dudes are crazy! Got to look at the new Bentley Continental GT one of them was driving, too. Pretty nice.

Immediately after, I picked up a beautiful girl and rode into DC to dinner. I was totally shocked, but the R6 does much better with a passenger on it than the SV did. She made some noise about feeling slightly higher up than on the Suzuki, but I felt much more in control. No more shakiness accelerating away from, or stopping at, red lights. No more feeling like I might dump the bike if she shifts her weight too much.

I'm now much more comfortable than before when it comes to leaning the bike through turns, and am experimenting with different hand and foot movements. I am starting to understand how to chuck it into turns the way I did with the SV, and that goes for low-speed stuff as well.

Lastly, and this was surprising as well, I'm over the back-aches that came with my first 20 minutes on the R6. Those back pains had me really wondering if I had just totally thrown a good SV away, and spent a lot of money on something totally impractical. However, the R6 is proving itself to be not just more capable, but arguably as versatile and comfortable as the SV was. I am thoroughly impressed. I may actually go out for a little nightcap ride...typing this made me wanna go riding.

 

May I suggest a double bubble windscreen and a steering damper? On long monotonously straight highway rides, I usually perch my left elbow and forearm on the tank and tuck under the windscreen. This takes the stress off my back when I'm leaning on my left arm. Or sometimes, I rest my elbow on the tank and hold my chin up with my left palm. BTW, the R6 riding position, for an ss is pretty darn comfy.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ScareyH22A &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">May I suggest a double bubble windscreen and a steering damper? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Still deciding if the weird double-bubble look is something I could get over. I know it helps, but I do like the whole wind-holding-you-up thing to take the stress off your back.

What would the steering damper (or is it dampener?) accomplish?

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">On long monotonously straight highway rides, I usually perch my left elbow and forearm on the tank and tuck under the windscreen. This takes the stress off my back when I'm leaning on my left arm. Or sometimes, I rest my elbow on the tank and hold my chin up with my left palm. BTW, the R6 riding position, for an ss is pretty darn comfy. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Dude...F the elbow on the tank. I just lay my entire torso on it. I'm really not a big guy, so even if I rest my entire body and chin on the tank, I can still see traffic in my mirrors.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Still deciding if the weird double-bubble look is something I could get over. I know it helps, but I do like the whole wind-holding-you-up thing to take the stress off your back.

What would the steering damper (or is it dampener?) accomplish?

Dude...F the elbow on the tank. I just lay my entire torso on it. I'm really not a big guy, so even if I rest my entire body and chin on the tank, I can still see traffic in my mirrors. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Even with the double bubble, it'll still push you back when you're sitting up. But it moves the air stream up a bit higher. And takes your headshakes down if you're at the right sitting angle. Also, quiets things down a bit.

As for the steering damper (dampener? I don't know), it'll help firm up the bars. It's noticeably stiff at parking lot speeds but reasurringly stiff on the streets. Most of them are adjustable for resistance. Mine, save my *** a couple of times. Few from cracks running parallel to the bike on the freeways. And few from landing my wheels sideways out of turns (which can and will happen on the R6. It's got tremendous 1st gear pull). Not to mention landing sideways from wheelies.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ScareyH22A &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">As for the steering damper (dampener? I don't know), it'll help firm up the bars. It's noticeably stiff at parking lot speeds but reasurringly stiff on the streets. Most of them are adjustable for resistance. Mine, save my *** a couple of times. Few from cracks running parallel to the bike on the freeways. And few from landing my wheels sideways out of turns (which can and will happen on the R6. It's got tremendous 1st gear pull). Not to mention landing sideways from wheelies. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I dunno. At this point, my R6 feels rock-solid, so I don't see an immediate need for mods in that department. I'm actually enjoying doing things on the R6 that would violently upset the SV.

I don't do the wheelies just yet, but I will recommend the dampener to my Saudi friends.

Scarey, out of curiosity, how tall are you and what do you weigh?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I dunno. At this point, my R6 feels rock-solid, so I don't see an immediate need for mods in that department. I'm actually enjoying doing things on the R6 that would violently upset the SV.

I don't do the wheelies just yet, but I will recommend the dampener to my Saudi friends.

Scarey, out of curiosity, how tall are you and what do you weigh?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'm 5'11" and I weigh 180 lbs.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ScareyH22A &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm 5'11" and I weigh 180 lbs.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Do you get cramped? I'm starting to really like the feel of this bike, but I know tall guys can get a little contorted on these super-sport bikes.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I dunno. At this point, my R6 feels rock-solid, so I don't see an immediate need for mods in that department. I'm actually enjoying doing things on the R6 that would violently upset the SV.

I don't do the wheelies just yet, but I will recommend the dampener to my Saudi friends.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

Get a damper! This bike's front end tends to get very light under hard acceleration, and all it takes is that one little bump in the road to throw the handlebars into a frenzy. Better to be safe than sorry.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Do you get cramped? I'm starting to really like the feel of this bike, but I know tall guys can get a little contorted on these super-sport bikes.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'm pretty comfy on the R6. I don't feel cramped. I do like the R1 and the Gixxer1000 much better tho.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ALL MOTA &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Get a damper! This bike's front end tends to get very light under hard acceleration, and all it takes is that one little bump in the road to throw the handlebars into a frenzy. Better to be safe than sorry. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Hmm. You might be right, but you really haven't seen a light front end under hard acceleration until you've seen me (or anyone) thrashing my SV on one of the many subpar highways around DC. Holy crap is that scary.

 

Stop bashing my beloved SV.

 

Don't listen to him, he's a sellout.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MordecaiPSI &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Stop bashing my beloved SV. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Mordecai - you need to come down here and check this thing out for yourself.

When I walked outside my apartment in the morning, I'd look at my SV and it would say to me, "Hello. Look at my aluminum frame and exposed radiators. Aren't they sexy?"

My R6 says to me, "Ride me, you pansy. I don't care if it's pouring out."

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">My R6 says to me, "Ride me, you pansy. I don't care if it's pouring out."</TD></TR></TABLE>

Hey what a coincidence, that's what your sister said to me just last night!

 

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hey what a coincidence, that's what your sister said to me just last night!</TD></TR></TABLE>

Har har. Should have checked with me to see if I actually had a sister (Negative, Ghostider).

It was probably my older brother. That sounds more up your alley.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Hey what a coincidence, that's what your sister said to me just last night!</TD></TR></TABLE>

You as well, she'd just got off on the phone with me.... damn that girl gets around

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Har har. Should have checked with me to see if I actually had a sister (Negative, Ghostider).</TD></TR></TABLE>

Well she said she was your sister and I took her word for it. Tell your mom she looks very young for her age.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Well she said she was your sister and I took her word for it. Tell your mom she looks very young for her age.</TD></TR></TABLE>

uh-oh

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ScareyH22A &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">uh-oh</TD></TR></TABLE>

Actually, that was the first sensible thing Apussylips said all day. My mom is almost 60 and very beautiful.

 

Oedipus Complex?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Oedipus Complex?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Beat me to it

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross R &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Lastly, and this was surprising as well, I'm over the back-aches that came with my first 20 minutes on the R6.</TD></TR></TABLE>

i told you, bish!!!

sheesh

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hybridreams &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i told you, bish!!!

sheesh

</TD></TR></TABLE>

William, oddly enough it was your condemnation of the SV's lower-back punishment that allowed me to go ahead with the R6 buy. Thanks so much for your advice, it was all correct.

 

They just opened a Memorial Day weekend class at the Loudoun campus Ross. Now j00 have no excuse!

http://www.nv.cc.va.us/loudoun...n.asp