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« on: March 24, 2015, 01:46:35 AM »
I purchased the first 2015 FX that came off the line in November and I can't get enough of it! I want to ride it constantly!
Here are a few of my observations in random order:
* It accelerates! It's fun to leave other motorcycles behind when you silently zip away from them at a stop light. Launching is so simple... just twist the throttle all the way and watch things get smaller in your mirrors.
* It can pull wheelies up to 50mph with a little tug on the bars, but it doesn't quite have the instantaneous snap of a 2-stroke ICE MX bike like my CR250, and it's heavier with more front end weight so I still haven't got to where I can ride a wheelie at a constant speed. It either feels likes it's going over backwards so I let off or it's dropping the front wheel so I keep accelerating. I would describe the pull as more of a wave of power than an instant snap so I've found wheelie control to be challenging so far.
* The suspension feels really good. I've ridden off road a half dozen times with it and the suspension feels great. It's not like the bouncy springy suspension people complained about on the earlier models. It felt like it was bottoming out landing some jumps but I figured out it was due to the belt drive and rpm differences when landing. If the rear wheel speed doesn't match the ground speed then it gives a harsh landing and a clank/chatter sound (belt skipping cogs). I would like to know if this issue goes away with a chain drive.
* Don't think I like the ABS brakes. Especially with the original tires on dirt. I blew through a berm on a turn after passing another bike because I hit the brakes and nothing happened (ABS kicked in). Granted I was going to fast with the 70% street/30 % dirt tires. It's really easy to enter a turn too fast because it's so quiet you don't think you're going as fast as you really are. The ABS can be turned off but it has to be done every time you turn on the bike.
* The bike looks awesome. I get compliments all the time.
* A windscreen made it much nicer for commuting my 20 mi trek to work. Also, hand guards do a lot toward keeping your fingers from getting cold.
* 1300 miles problem free so far...
* Zero's range estimates are right on. I can go 60 miles at an average pace of 25 mph, but that drops to 25-35 miles at 60-75 mph. Also, be careful when the battery percentage gets below 25%. It will go to zero and shut down in just a mile if you ride it hard and fast, or it will go 10+ miles if you take it real easy. The bottom 50% of the battery charge is not as robust as the top 50%. Also, the top speed of 85 mph and mid/high end torque starts dropping when the charge gets below 50%.
* The bike handles really well! Awesome on the street. Great on the dirt over rocky/rutted surfaces. Gets very squirrelly if you throw it sideways and roll on the throttle due to the high torque, slight top heavyness, and enduro tires. I expect huge improvements after I get the Michellin MT21 tires mounted that just arrived at my door. I also bought an an extra set of wheels, brake disks, and rear belt pulley so I can quickly swap street and dirt wheel setups. I had planned to use a chain drive on the dirt and belt on the street, but the conversion appears more involved than I would like for quick conversions. Apparently the motor needs to be unbolted to swap the front pulley with a sprocket.
* The rear brake lever is adjusted too high so I have to lift my foot onto it rather than just lifting my toes to use it. It looks easy to adjust so I plan to do that.
* No issues with brake squeal like so many complained about with earlier FX models.
* Brake like blocks the view of the turn signal indicators.
* Head lights are pretty good, but I'm considering some additional aftermarket lighting for those occasional dark late night commutes home from work.
Bottom line: Buy it! You won't be able to stay off of it.
