I got my black Tourer in May. I was determined to get a bike with EFI and liquid-cooled. Salesmen really tried to direct me to something bigger, pointing to the need to have the valves adjusted regularly on this bike (of course, this bike was discounted greatly and they weren't going to make as much on its sale). But, I really thought this would be the bike.
Found right away that the bars were too low and too far forward. No amount of adjusting made much difference. I bought some Drag Specialties Bagger Bars and threw them on. (I didn't want to have to change cables and extend wiring, so I didn't go for something radically different).
The Bagger Bars are narrower and come back toward me quite a bit more. I find them much more comfortable, but also realize that eventually I will need something higher and more pulled back. Any suggestions are welcome.
I just finished a 1900mi ride and the bike was awesome, especially when I got into areas with 93 octane gas. I had a duffel bag and sleeping bag mounted on passenger seat, so I had a backrest. I find it irksome that I will have to buy a completely different seat in order to install a rider backrest. www.ultimateseats.ca looks like the place to go, but they won't have one until next spring.
I'm not a big fan of the super-loud pipes that seem to be the rage today. I do like the sound of the stock pipes. I may opt for aftermarket pipes, just to increase the power, but I wouldn't go with straight pipes. The theory of "loud pipes save lives", in my opinion is an urban myth. Most of the noise is directed behind the back, with some sideways in the rear, too. Considered with the fact that most of the danger comes from cars pulling out in front of the bike, it just doesn't make sense. Then there's the fact that when a big with the straight pipes is in front of me, I can't hear a damn thing.
So, other than the bars and the need for a rider backrest, I love the bike.
