I got to test ride a 2010 Roadster Saturday. There were a couple things I noticed. This bike, as well as the R3T model I test rode last weekend popped during deceleration. Is that something that's common with these bikes, or is it a tuning issue? Also, the front footpegs/controls location is a little too high, and little too far rearward for my liking. I don't know how you would be able to relocate them further forward as the rear brake assembly, and the shifter would also have to move, but are there any companies that make a relocation kit? If not, is it possible to mount floor boards on the front of the bar the footpegs are mounted on? Neither issue would be a deal breaker for me, and I suppose I would get used to the position of the pegs...the popping on decel is a bit annoying though. I was always told popping on decel indicates a fuel to air ratio that is too lean.
Overall, I like the Roadster, and I like it better than the R3T, but I have to say, neither model felt that much more powerful than my 109. I know it is, but it doesn't feel like it. It does have more torque, especially at low RPMs, but overall, WOT acceleration wise, it doesn't feel much faster, and it certainly never felt like it was going to break traction, or pull the front wheel off the ground as some have said it does. That is also not a huge deal to me as this bike's mission will be to replace my 109 with similar performance, while being a better 2 up platform. I believe the R3R is that bike. I won't be buying this particular R3R as it didn't appear to be taken care of very well. It only had 2600 miles on it, but it had 2 dents in the tank, multiple scuffs all over the bike, and some of the chrome has started to pit. I will never understand how people can have such a beautiful machine and not take care of it. My mission now is to get my 109 sold....then the fun begins...