Took out a Gen4 today for the first time, I'd been avoiding it incase I liked it too much. Happily I can tell it's better but it's not night and day from what I have in my modded Gen3 so I'm OK to continue waiting for now.
Improvements I noticed which I think most have echo'd;
Things that left me less impressed;
When I got back on mine my ass was much happier. Whilst the heft of the Gen3 is greater when turning, it's nicely planted too, and the intertia in the engine makes for a nice cruise, missile. The Gen4 I am sure would get me places faster if I was so inclined. If I was a road only rider...maybe there'd be less reasons to upgrade.
Don't get me wrong, the Gen4 is a step on but it's not an 'OMG I can't live without it and the Gen3 is dead to me' situation. I am confident I will have one, but I'm happy with my lot for now.
FWIW, I went out in ROAD mode to have some comfort, it was only a 30min blat so not as comprehensive as some, the roads used were not well known to me, to really go at them.
I had a fun little ride but like most others, I'd need a different seat or padded cycling shorts to go any distance on it!
Improvements I noticed which I think most have echo'd;
- I think the bars are more comfortable, it's like they are closer to you... possibly from the changes to the tank, it's less of a stretch.
- The tank shape is much better.
- Peg position was spot on for me at 5'11.
- Dash works really well I was in bright sunshine and love how vivid it is.
- It is light on its feet (this was a Sport w/Forged rims), not as top heavy as the Gen3.
- Turns in really nicely - had to stop myself over steering.
- Engine pulls like a train, all the way to 9k :/
- The Hockenheim Silver grows on me - properly sparkles in the sunlight.
- Brakes were strong from cold
Things that left me less impressed;
- Fueling at low rpm
- Feels odd at times on coast like it's pushing forwards still (lack of engine braking?)
- QS / Gearbox wasn't as smooth as mine - does it get better with age?
- I think all 3 of these are down to the lighter/lower inertia crank but I could be wrong.
- That seat, it had the M-Sport on and after 20mins it was uncomfortable (I'd already ridden for 80 mins getting to the dealership on mine)
- Bit buzzy ~4k rpm. Feet and fingers. But not as bad as mine without its heavy bar ends (my Gen3 has no vibes
) - I think this particular bike had some light knocking when coming to a rest under brakes. Could have been abused by previous testers.
When I got back on mine my ass was much happier. Whilst the heft of the Gen3 is greater when turning, it's nicely planted too, and the intertia in the engine makes for a nice cruise, missile. The Gen4 I am sure would get me places faster if I was so inclined. If I was a road only rider...maybe there'd be less reasons to upgrade.
Don't get me wrong, the Gen4 is a step on but it's not an 'OMG I can't live without it and the Gen3 is dead to me' situation. I am confident I will have one, but I'm happy with my lot for now.
FWIW, I went out in ROAD mode to have some comfort, it was only a 30min blat so not as comprehensive as some, the roads used were not well known to me, to really go at them.
I had a fun little ride but like most others, I'd need a different seat or padded cycling shorts to go any distance on it!
