I thought i would take some time to write a review for my 2011. I hadnt really seen one on here really didnt know if it would help anyone in their choice of purchasing one or not.
Let me say first as many of you know i am coming from a gen1 2002. The only reason i upgraded was because i got offered a deal that was too good to turn down on both the sale of my 2002 and the purchase of the new 2011. My gen 1 was lightly modded performance wise ans a bit asthetic wise.
My first impression of the gen2 obviously was the visual. This part is more my opinion then anything else. the front has very subtle changes from the gen1. the nose and head light are a little different not a ton. the tail end is the most noticeable changes. my wife says the tail from the back end looks like an aliens face! it at first was my least favorite part of the gen 2 but it has since grown on me a lot. I think the black out kit will seal the deal of love at first sight. The gen 2 has the same sharp ride me fast look that the gen 1 had with the tail now being more aerodynamic. I myself chose the black. It has always been my dream of murdering one out. Also black happens to be my favorite color. After a little time in the garage, removing red stickers etc, it looks mean and like it is ready to fight to the death. The black rims, frame, and swing arm just add to the morbid eat you for breakfast look. i removed my grab bar to encourage passengers to snuggle! The hump also isnt as tall and has some nice curves etc in the angles. the tank seems shorter height wise as well. Could be just me though. the tank also has some new curves in it. the new dash etc is very easy to read and maintains the original analog style of gages. It does include a handy gear indicator and shift light which is pretty cool. i really like the mode changes though it will remain in A unless i hit some rain which i still may keep it in A anyway. I am not sure if i really like the new kanji super well. It seems a little to involved for me. i kinda miss the original kanji.
Now on to the performance and handling. There is no doubt at all the new 1340 motor makes way more power. It delivers the power to the ground way smoother then the gen 1 did. The transmission seems way smoother even not broke in yet. It shifts smoother and the shift pattern seems tighter so to speak. i had no problems bringing the front end up in the first three gears. This beast really comes to life after 4000 rpm. It does however maintain it low end grunt so dont fear that. There really is no end to the strong pull this beast has all the way through the power range. This bike comes stock with battleaxe 015 on it. I am not a big fan of any battle axe junk but for the typical rider these tires are more then capable. I havent completely got them broke in but they hadle the pain i give to them with very little slippage so far. one thing i noticed right away on this beast is they way it handles. I cant believe the advances they made in this department. it handles way faster and quiker into the corners etc. The suspension is more then capable of accepting a beating. I spent maybe 6 hours adjusting and fine tuning and it feels night and day difference from the gen 1. Now for the breaking....oh my god what a difference. the braking is now almost perfect. I havent noticed any brake fade yet. It does stop quick and straight. in corners the braking is smooth and reliable.
Well enough for now. i hope this helps anyone wondering. If any questions feel free to ask away. I am by far no pro on this bike but i will try to answer if i can. I know i love my gen2 and i wouldnt ever go back now.
Let me say first as many of you know i am coming from a gen1 2002. The only reason i upgraded was because i got offered a deal that was too good to turn down on both the sale of my 2002 and the purchase of the new 2011. My gen 1 was lightly modded performance wise ans a bit asthetic wise.
My first impression of the gen2 obviously was the visual. This part is more my opinion then anything else. the front has very subtle changes from the gen1. the nose and head light are a little different not a ton. the tail end is the most noticeable changes. my wife says the tail from the back end looks like an aliens face! it at first was my least favorite part of the gen 2 but it has since grown on me a lot. I think the black out kit will seal the deal of love at first sight. The gen 2 has the same sharp ride me fast look that the gen 1 had with the tail now being more aerodynamic. I myself chose the black. It has always been my dream of murdering one out. Also black happens to be my favorite color. After a little time in the garage, removing red stickers etc, it looks mean and like it is ready to fight to the death. The black rims, frame, and swing arm just add to the morbid eat you for breakfast look. i removed my grab bar to encourage passengers to snuggle! The hump also isnt as tall and has some nice curves etc in the angles. the tank seems shorter height wise as well. Could be just me though. the tank also has some new curves in it. the new dash etc is very easy to read and maintains the original analog style of gages. It does include a handy gear indicator and shift light which is pretty cool. i really like the mode changes though it will remain in A unless i hit some rain which i still may keep it in A anyway. I am not sure if i really like the new kanji super well. It seems a little to involved for me. i kinda miss the original kanji.
Now on to the performance and handling. There is no doubt at all the new 1340 motor makes way more power. It delivers the power to the ground way smoother then the gen 1 did. The transmission seems way smoother even not broke in yet. It shifts smoother and the shift pattern seems tighter so to speak. i had no problems bringing the front end up in the first three gears. This beast really comes to life after 4000 rpm. It does however maintain it low end grunt so dont fear that. There really is no end to the strong pull this beast has all the way through the power range. This bike comes stock with battleaxe 015 on it. I am not a big fan of any battle axe junk but for the typical rider these tires are more then capable. I havent completely got them broke in but they hadle the pain i give to them with very little slippage so far. one thing i noticed right away on this beast is they way it handles. I cant believe the advances they made in this department. it handles way faster and quiker into the corners etc. The suspension is more then capable of accepting a beating. I spent maybe 6 hours adjusting and fine tuning and it feels night and day difference from the gen 1. Now for the breaking....oh my god what a difference. the braking is now almost perfect. I havent noticed any brake fade yet. It does stop quick and straight. in corners the braking is smooth and reliable.
Well enough for now. i hope this helps anyone wondering. If any questions feel free to ask away. I am by far no pro on this bike but i will try to answer if i can. I know i love my gen2 and i wouldnt ever go back now.
Never with an issue. I don't think Suzuki intended the tires to go from the showroom to the strip or track. Your opinion and experience may vary. None the less, I was pleased with them. Did I buy a second or third set, no. # 2 were the Metzler m5's and currently running Pirelli Angels.
