+1 on what everyone has said. 954 is probably the best bike I've ever owned.

 

This is probably a dumb question, but why does my 954 feel heavier with a different tire compound?

 

By heavier, do you mean "flickability" on turning?

It shouldn't with a different compound, but it can with different tire brands. On the front, a more "V" shaped profile allows quicker turn-in and makes it feel nimbler, whereas a rounded tire makes turn-in seem more sluggish if you have been use to the "V" shape.

What kind of tires did you have and what do you have now?

 

ah ok that makes sense. "Flickability" better describes what I am referring to. I had Michelin Pilots I believe, and now I have Dunlop roadsmarts; I needed the extra life because she's my daily driver.

 

yup, roadsmarts.... thats why,handling comes at the expense of tire life, and vice versa

 

And be sure to check your tire pressures.... (you probably already know that, im just throwin it out there)

 

Yes when I went from a race type tire to the Michelin Sport Road tires....made more for touring than racing I immediately felt the difference.

Harder to turn and less nimble especially at low speed.

 

No SuperHawk/RC51 comparison? I'm sad to see the V-twin liter bikes fade away. If I'm riding in PA, I would always want to trade my cbr f3 for my friend's superhawk. I loved ripping that thing through mountain switchbacks. but the top-end straight aways, they were pretty even.

I'm still thinking the 954 is the same as the 1000 inline 4's of today. you only get the extra power if you're revving the powerband.

 

the power to weight ratio with rider is about identical to any current liter bike at 4.4:1
(4.4 lbs to 1 hp) using it however is the challenge for most

 

hey guys, I'm glad I found this forum! I just purchased my FIRST bike last week, and it's a 954!! I've searched and searched for a few months and found this sweet sweet bike for sale. I'm glad that I have made the right choice, a lot of people have been telling me how I made a great decision to buy this particular bike.

Some people have told me how crazy I am to buy a 954 as my first bike. I disagree. I know these bikes are powerful and fast, and I respect my bike 100%. I haven't taken it to it's limits, and probably won't for a very long time, but it's sure nice to have a super quality bike like the 954rr. same weight (if not less?) than the 600's and lots more power, what's not to like?? and like others have said, the bike looks new!

I absolutely love this bike and I have yet to meet any other rider out there that has anything negative to say about this fine piece.

Just to show how i love this bike (and riding), I never used to be a morning person, now I wake up at 5am to go out and ride before work, and then to work, and then after work. love love love this bike!!