Finally Home!

[ruxpin76]

Went for 52.4 miles today, perfect weather -- 70*, light breeze. Some observations...

-- Noticed right off that I had been stopping with front brake only -- corrected that to almost unconscious level by end of ride.
-- I'm 145# and had no problem getting my GZ to 70-75 on the highway, even maintaining that uphill BUT it was an unpleasant level of wind, noise, and revs compared to 45-55mph around town cruising. Confirmed what I already suspected, that this bike is a perfect backroad and around town cruiser, not a tire-blistering Hayabusa.
-- Noticed occasional "popping" rumbling from exhaust at idle after riding a while...assume it's a mild lean condition?
-- No fluids leaking -- yay!
-- Shifted with clutch (most of the time) occasionally downshifted w/o, but matched revs and it was MUCH smoother today. Will find that light slip-point on clutch and continue to use it.
-- Chicken strips around .75" still, but that's okay, considering the mold release on the tires and the fact that I was just cruising, not trying to push it. I did a couple swerve practices and turns withing a 2 parking space box.

This bike is just plain fun, and I wish I'd ridden it first -- it's a nice balance of weight and power to inspire confidence but still yield capable performance. I will probably keep it a couple years before considering upgrade, or will keep it for wife once I get a sportbike.