Now for the first impressions...
The very first thing is that the bike does look better in person, its funny but I took a few shots with my digital camera and standing in front of the bike I could look from the photo on the camera to the real thing and the style just does not translate in two dimensions! It looks better in person!
Some of the bodywork has some of the styling of the 1098 but nothing is the same. It is an all new bike not a parts-bin special! There is no question, this bike is a streetfighter and has a streetfighter style. There's no other type of bike to compare it to and if you want to compare it over-all to monsters or superbikes I think you are missing the point, it's not meant to be those things. With that in mind I will use some ques from both bikes to describe the Streetfighter because both the 1098 and the monster are known to us.
The bike does look slightly longer than a 1098 and the front is slightly raked out in person but neither is objectionable.
It's obvious that the air intakes for the fuel injection are a bottleneck. I think there are a few ponys there waiting to get out.
We were very lucky to get the chance to sit on the bike. (it was not allowed during the premier or during the IMS show)
The seating position is similar to a monster but the foot pegs are slightly lower with more leg room. The bars are low but not uncomfortable. The angle should put the rider in an aggressive controlling riding position yet allow for relative comfort. Similar to the newer Monster 1100 but more aggressive than the previous generation of Monster.
The seat has more padding than the 1098 but still has some of the forward rake found on the superbike.
I do not like the view over the bars, the gauges are too low for me leaving a clear view of the pavement directly in front of the bike. The feeling is one of floating with nothing under you, its something I'll have to get used to.
The bike does not feel small like a Brutalle or a superduke, I feel like I fit on it well (I'm 6'2" - 200). It is very slim and roomy giving a very nimble impression.
The Number one all time biggest surprise was the weight! Guys this bike is silly light! I'm not kidding it feels like your on something extremely race prepped. Straddling the bike it felt like I could tilt the bike on either side to the ground and pick it back up. Of course I didn't try it but Wow! I was impressed!
Bottom line... I will be buying a Streetfighter
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