The preserverance was hard to do. Up till now all I had was the typical photo layout on the website to go by. There is a "360 degree" view available on the blue/white one there, but nothing on the Phantom Black / Sunset Red.
Yesterday,when I visited the dealership, was the first time I had actually seen one in the context of actually being in the "buying" mode. I actually got to "sit" on one. I was very impressed, after getting it off the kickstand I hefted it around to see how it felt. Since I also have the Wing the weight just didn't seem to be much of a factor. I was real impressed with the black engine, am very glad I held out for it. I was so impressed (still no test ride) with just the appearance of the beast, that I was, at one point, just willing to go ahead and get the "bird in hand" one that was already at the dealer. That is when I had to do a reality check and just try to slow down that urge. I think if I hadn't already had gotten D&D Cylces into the bind of special ordering mine (floor charges start immediately, instead of the "customary" 60 days normally given to move the bike, when the bike hits the dealer) I would probalby have "settled" for the blue / white one...it just looked that good.
I have already had one motorcycle with the floorboards (2001 Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan Classic) so I'm sure I will get used to those real quick, and those boards are a decent size.
Sittin on it I was impressed also by the sheer size of that gas tank laid out in front of me. This machine felt like a big, bad motorcycle that just "fit". I go for a test ride today when I go down and deliver the check, I'm sure I won't be disappointed when I turn the key and make the bike come "alive".
I didn't get this bike to be a "Harley killer", though I'm sure I'll have no problem getting this bike to fulfill that particular mission, but I will enjoy the anticipated looks of envy I"m sure I will get, pulling up next to just about any bike as this one is that different from the norm as it appears ready made to give any bike a "size" inferiority complex.
This bike is not going to get here soon enough, as I'm starting to get up against a diminishing time frame to be able to enjoy this before I have to go back for my final 6 weeks....sigh.
Dennis
13 days to go!