Over two weeks now . . . .
. . . . . and over 600 miles (city & highway) since the update. No problems before the update, barely noticeable changes after, but what I did notice was nice. But over time it has gotten better - a lot better.
The engine does not seem to rev as high on the highway - feels smoother, not as sensitive to slight changes in the throttle.
Stock exhaust sounds deeper/richer, still quiet, which I like. There is a little throaty rumble when downshifting that was not there before, but no backfiring.
Shifting from Reverse to First is almost always so smooth and quiet I have to check what gear it is in - still get a clunk every so often going into Reverse, but it is around 1 time in 10, instead of 5 times out of 10.
Mileage has jumped up, so far I am estimating at around 10 MPG more, I was running around 33 MPG.
Down-shifting is what I call " a little more muscular ", but is more like other bikes I have ridden. It feels natural and nothing I would call surging.
Steering is improved and now is noticeably different. That has taken some adjustment and relearning on my part.
So, for me, nothing bad. It may have taken a little of the Sport out of it, but it "Cruises" and "Tours" so much nicer - which fits my style of riding. If these changes hold, well, I will put it this way, I would have happily paid $100 for these improvements. No one thing seems to be all that different, but they all add up to a very nice change or difference.
2008 SE5, all stock, 4,500 miles, 88 Octane (with Ethanol), 5,000' to 7,000' operating range, 85 - 117 degree temps - mostly triple digits, humidity under 15%
Tom