I got myself a 2012 SMT with 34K on the clock after selling my Z1000 from 2009.
I have been in search for the perfect bike and I think I have finally found it!
What a great bike this is, I love twin engines. I have been riding tubular Buells (an M2 and an X1) for 9 years, I loved the looks, torque and the sensation of the Milwaukee twin. I have spent a fortune on my Buells to keep them going, they take a lot of TLC and cash. The love hate relation I had with the brand made me decide to go for a jap bike again.After that I had a ZRX1100, subtle engine with nice grunt for a 4 cylinder, but on the twisties the bike was too heavy to keep up with the super sports, also the suspension wasn't really fit for the job. After that I had a Tuono with a full Akra and Gabro eprom from 2005, great steering, untamed engine. Great for on the track, a rodeo horse for easy touring. A Tuono is a great race bike, but difficult to drive slowly. After that I had a Z1000 from 2009, full Akra a PCV and it had been on the Dyno. Subtle bike and very easy to ride, it did everything well but in the end it was simply too goody goody. No thrill, too less grunt for a decent power wheelie.I took it to Scotland in the beginning of May, one of my mates was riding a 1290 KTM Super Adventure. That bike really goes. Anyone with a license can crank out a fast road lap on this monster. The power and the suspension are incredibly well controlled by the electronics, it is insane. The engine is great too. So when I cam back I was longing for either a MT09 or an SMT. The MT09 is a fun bike but the suspension is like a rubber band, really really poor and dangerous if you ask me if you want to give the bike a run for its money. The engine is sheer fun. And than I came across this SMT. What a thrill. Great suspension, lovely engine with enough torque to get you going and lift the front wheel with just a twist form the right wrist, great ergonomics, light weight, great looks, beautifully crafted, the quality drips from the bike. And fantastic handling. All I was looking for in a bike. I hear people complaining about the harsh gas response. My bike is completely stock and compared to my Tuono and Buells, it is silky smooth. I am going to be doing the mods though, take the 2nd flies out and load a proper map, set up the suspension, but other than that this bike is already perfect imho.
This forum contains a lot of very very useful information, I have learned a lot already. The audience is quite technical and hands on, my cup of tea.
About myself, built in 69, family and all, born and raised in Amsterdam but moved 9 years ago to a house with a garden and a garage (yes!) in a place called Aalsmeer right next to Amsterdam.
I got my OBD cable arriving tomorrow, I am sure I might ask you guys for some help if the search function fails me.
Regards, Michel