Interesting perspective. I can't say that you're wrong about any of it, but it probably depends on your past experiences, your expectations, and the particular example you're riding. I bought a 2014 RTW earlier this year and I've been in love since then.
A couple of general notes of agreement: the side stand can be hard to locate. I always buy a pad extender for my bikes, having had a Honda CX500 Turbo sink into some blacktop a long time ago. I opted for the Ilium works side stand "foot enlarger," which also ads a tang that makes locating and deploying the sidestand easier:
I don't have a lot of trouble getting my RT onto the center stand, but it would be nice to have a handle to grab on to. Wunderlich makes one, but the cost is pushing $200, so it's somewhat far down on my list of gotta have items. I'm a reasonably large guy--about 6'1" and 15.7 stones (figure it out), so that probably helps with wrestling the beast onto the center stand.
The computer? No complaints, only the observation that it's easy to spend too much time with your nose in the cockpit. I'm trying to be more conscientious about making adjustments only when at a standstill, unless I'm on a clear, straight section of road.
However, the area where I have a much different impression is in the engine and overall drivetrain. I suppose that there is some vibration is you're lugging it under 3,000 rpm, but when I've felt that, I've just taken it as a sign that I should be downshifting. The engine is much more lively above 3,000 rpm anyway, so the only time I run it below that engine speed is if I'm just lollygagging along, without any sense of urgency. However, even at lower rpms, I find the engine very tractable. I'd note, though, that my last three motorcycles have been BMW boxers, so maybe I've just adapted to engine characteristics that someone coming from a multi might find objectionable.
Generally, I ride with the throttle in Dynamic mode. As the OP noted, I initially found it pretty twitchy. In fact, the first time I rode in Dynamic mode, I did a pretty good--albeit inadvertant--wheelie. It didn't take too many miles until I found I had fully adapted to it.
Ultimately, I can't disagree with your impressions. They are, after all, your impressions. But, I find the RT to be a stellar motorcycle.
A couple of general notes of agreement: the side stand can be hard to locate. I always buy a pad extender for my bikes, having had a Honda CX500 Turbo sink into some blacktop a long time ago. I opted for the Ilium works side stand "foot enlarger," which also ads a tang that makes locating and deploying the sidestand easier:
I don't have a lot of trouble getting my RT onto the center stand, but it would be nice to have a handle to grab on to. Wunderlich makes one, but the cost is pushing $200, so it's somewhat far down on my list of gotta have items. I'm a reasonably large guy--about 6'1" and 15.7 stones (figure it out), so that probably helps with wrestling the beast onto the center stand.
The computer? No complaints, only the observation that it's easy to spend too much time with your nose in the cockpit. I'm trying to be more conscientious about making adjustments only when at a standstill, unless I'm on a clear, straight section of road.
However, the area where I have a much different impression is in the engine and overall drivetrain. I suppose that there is some vibration is you're lugging it under 3,000 rpm, but when I've felt that, I've just taken it as a sign that I should be downshifting. The engine is much more lively above 3,000 rpm anyway, so the only time I run it below that engine speed is if I'm just lollygagging along, without any sense of urgency. However, even at lower rpms, I find the engine very tractable. I'd note, though, that my last three motorcycles have been BMW boxers, so maybe I've just adapted to engine characteristics that someone coming from a multi might find objectionable.
Generally, I ride with the throttle in Dynamic mode. As the OP noted, I initially found it pretty twitchy. In fact, the first time I rode in Dynamic mode, I did a pretty good--albeit inadvertant--wheelie. It didn't take too many miles until I found I had fully adapted to it.
Ultimately, I can't disagree with your impressions. They are, after all, your impressions. But, I find the RT to be a stellar motorcycle.
Just kidding.
