So, I just completed my first “extended” ride on my F3S. 6 days/1400+ miles….Northern VA to Charlotte NC and then in and around the Great Smokie Mountains and up the Blue Ridge Parkway. Mountain roads, back roads, and interstate. The beast handled the trip quite nicely. Storage was sufficient for me using the OEM saddle bags, the frunk and a Cortech seat bag…even had room to purchased stuff along the way. While the OEM bags leaked a bit during a massive rain event (which BTW, she handles the rain quite well and will hydro-plane like any vehicle, yes…I did a few times due to, um…excessive speed) they held up quite nicely…and I had packed using water proof bags like any experienced biker would do. I did have trouble with the lock and getting the key inserted after the rains…..once I lubed them, they worked fine. Still not impressed with the locks though. As for the Blue Ridge shield, worked like a champ. I wear a Full Face helmet when I am on doing any extended ryding as you just never now what the weather will be, what road debris will kick up from the interstate and needed the music provided by in-helmet speakers. Seating comfort after 8+ hour days was awesome. Floorboards were awesome. Cruise control was a God send on the interstate and I could drive with just the tips of my fingers on the handle bars at time….even tried a “look ma, no hands” for a second or two…just to see how smooth a ryde she is…and I have never done that laser thing. Avg MPG was around 35. Lots of looks and comments….mainly from kids!
The one downside…on or about day 4, I noticed an odd sound when slowly coming to a stop. It seems as though something is out of balance. The sound is a wobbling sound. While the bike does not wobble side to side, the sound is wobbling. You cannot notice it or hear it at speed for obvious reasons….but I need to get it looked at quick. I’m about 150 miles away from my first 3000 checkup.
BTL, the F3 is a wonderful machine and for me (I’m 6’2” 235 lbs) she fits like a glove, rydes like a dream (accept that wobble now, LOL!) and all the pokes about storage, the windshield and the bags…well….not my issue….now if I ever do a trip two-up with the wife, that’s another story…..LOL!
The one downside…on or about day 4, I noticed an odd sound when slowly coming to a stop. It seems as though something is out of balance. The sound is a wobbling sound. While the bike does not wobble side to side, the sound is wobbling. You cannot notice it or hear it at speed for obvious reasons….but I need to get it looked at quick. I’m about 150 miles away from my first 3000 checkup.
BTL, the F3 is a wonderful machine and for me (I’m 6’2” 235 lbs) she fits like a glove, rydes like a dream (accept that wobble now, LOL!) and all the pokes about storage, the windshield and the bags…well….not my issue….now if I ever do a trip two-up with the wife, that’s another story…..LOL!
hyea:
