It’s been a good 3500 miles with the GZ250, but I’ve been itching for more power and better cornering potential. Also, I somehow spent $1000 in maintenance in 10 months for a “beginner” bike. So, I sold my GZ250 to buy this crazy motorcycle. I always wanted a high-revving inline-3 engine, and this bike was a good deal.
What a difference it is! I went from being slower than 99% of cars on the road to faster than 99% of cars on the road. That and the difference in ergonomics make it feel like my first time riding again because I feel like a noob again.
It pulls so crazy hard in lower gears that I don’t think I’ve ever gave it full throttle below 4th gear, and it sounds amazing doing so. And whenever I take a corner, I consistently underestimate just how much I can lean, so I go almost unsatisfyingly slow, and the bike seems to say, “c’mon, chicken. Believe in me. You could’ve gone way faster than that.” I hope to do a track day to remedy this mismatch between me and my motorcycle.
Actually, 3 cylinders are quite cool. It’s got more torque than a 4 cylinder and it’s way lower in the rpm’s so it’s more useful (quick jumps in traffic to get out of the way in a hurry), and more horsepower so better top end speed than a 2 cylinder. I think they’re a great balance; unless you do 200mph everywhere you go and need a 4 cylinder, or can’t stop saying “bruuuuther” and need 2 LOL.
Nah I’m cool with very occasionally hitting 200 km/h on my 600cc ~100HP naked FZ6.
My second bike will probably be a FJR or a GTR.
Both great choices! BTW, I was only being a bit tongue in cheek. Personally I love all bikes and actually have just 2 cylinders myself. Although as it’s a Triumph, it’s less “bruuuther” and more “cup o’ tea ol’ chap?” LOL.