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/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> The Cafe >> 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1579558018 Message started by DesertCat on 01/20/20 at 14:06:57 |
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Title: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by DesertCat on 01/20/20 at 14:06:57 I've sat on a couple of LS650s over the years but never ridden one. This is a first for me . . . Just completed my first ride on my new (to me) 2014 LS650. It has 2550 miles. Partly cloudy with temps in low 70s. Some wind. I went for a 50-mile ride, almost all back roads. No interstate -- yet. I averaged about 45-55 MPH staying mostly in 4th gear. I got up to 65 MPH once or twice. - The front end geometry, the cruiser rake, causes the front wheel to fall into low speed corners. Once you get the feel, it can even be helpful in sharp low-speed turns. - The ride is a bit stiff, not quite harsh, but very firm. - It launches easily from a stop. I weigh 210 lbs and the clutch/torquey motor are quite capable of smooth easy launches. - Some vibration at higher RPMs but nothing bad. My mirrors were clear almost all the time. - Seating position is OK. I'm not a big fan of forward controls but these are OK for me. I'm 6'2" with 34-in inseam and I'm comfortable enough for 100 mile rides. - Plenty of power. Riding along at 50 MPH in 4th gear, there is plenty of power with a twist of the grip. - This stock engine/exhaust is very quiet. With my full face helmet on I couldn't hear much of the engine or exhaust when cruising at constant speed. I like quiet, so this is a big plus for me. (BTW, this is my 63rd motorcycle in 51 years of riding.) Here's a pic I took just before the ride: |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by ohiomoto on 01/20/20 at 19:26:55 Looks great. I love the two-tone paint. Best look the bike ever had IMO. If you find it comfortable for 100 miles then your are one badass!!! :) |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by MMRanch on 01/20/20 at 19:36:00 It sure is a "LOOK-ER" :) |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by IslandRoad on 01/20/20 at 20:06:29 That is a beautiful looking bike! As for the gears, there's not much you can do in 5th that you can't do in 4th. I think the difference between 4th and 5th is about 200 rpm. I also found the bike felt like if dropped into a turn, especially at slow speeds. I opted for slightly wider drag bars (31") with a bit less pull back. It gave me more leverage and felt more stable. It also took pressure off my dodgy shoulder and moved the 'work' to my upper back instead of my shoulders - much more comfortable for me. |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by jcstokes on 01/20/20 at 20:15:51 An Airhawk seat pad, may help comfort somewhat, as others have said it's a lovely looking bike, so ride and enjoy. Worry about exhaust and carburettor mods, if you feel like worrying. |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by Juliana on 01/21/20 at 00:37:18 Agree on the Airhawk, have used on my last three unforgiving sportsbike seats and they are great. |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by DesertCat on 01/21/20 at 05:30:47 5651505654564D56390 wrote:
====================================== I like the paint scheme too. I found it comfortable enough for 50 miles -- maybe 100 miles is wishful thinking. ;) |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by DesertCat on 01/21/20 at 05:32:32 756775676A79767B70380 wrote:
================= It's a fun bike. I was telling the seller that when I was 19 years old (late 60s) and had this bike I would have thought I'd died and gone to heaven. |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by DesertCat on 01/21/20 at 05:33:58 0F352A27282214292722460 wrote:
======================================= Yeah, I found 4th gear to be good for most of the riding that I do -- 45-55 MPH. Thanks for the drag bars tip. |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by DesertCat on 01/21/20 at 05:35:48 5E5747405B5F5147340 wrote:
================================== Thanks for the tip. Yes, I think the LS650 is one of those icon bikes. I'm a bit different than most motorcyclists. I like quiet and all my bikes are stock. I have 10 bikes at the moment -- all completely stock. |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/21/20 at 07:13:20 The 05 had one piece seat and drag bars,, The 02 , two piece seat, buckhorn bars. Seat much nicer Arms and back really appreciate the bars. |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by DesertCat on 01/21/20 at 15:06:37 233C3A3D20271626162E3C307B490 wrote:
============================ Thanks! :) |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by jcstokes on 01/21/20 at 16:52:42 DesertCat, I'm so glad to know that there others who like things "quiet and stock". |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by DesertCat on 01/21/20 at 16:56:13 3E3727203B3F3127540 wrote:
======================= Thanks. It's a rarity. When I went thru my Harley phase (3 Softails, 2 Sportsters, and a Buell) I was the only guy riding a quiet stock Harley. ;D |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by Juliana on 01/21/20 at 19:16:50 Im with you on the standard sound too. I have twin yoshimuras on my Sv1000 and the sound is to die for, but having said that im enjoyng the quiet S40, it sort of suits the relaxed thumpy thumpy slow lane ride of the bike. With my full face helmet i cant hear the engine enough tho haha. |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by DesertCat on 01/21/20 at 19:36:52 @Juliana <thumbs up> I didn't mean to imply that I think there is something wrong with loud pipes. It's just my preference -- for quiet. Ride safe. |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/21/20 at 20:01:26 I don't necessarily want it Loud But I want good performance.. And the Dyna muffler is no louder than a stock harley.. |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by DesertCat on 01/22/20 at 05:54:11 27383E3924231222122A38347F4D0 wrote:
================================= I have a 2018 BMW R9T and a 2019 Triumph ST900 -- both have stock exhaust and both are quite a bit louder than my H-D Softails. BTW, here's a pic of my 2008 H-D Night Train, which I don't have anymore. I think it was one of the most beautiful bikes I ever owned . . . |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by Juliana on 01/29/20 at 20:03:05 I have to say Desert, i find Harleys pretty much hideous to look at . But that one you owned is lovely and the proportions look just right :) |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by IslandRoad on 01/29/20 at 20:36:19 734C5550585758390 wrote:
I agree, that's a beautiful bike! |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by DesertCat on 01/30/20 at 05:30:29 @Juliana @IslandRoad The thing about my 2008 Night Train was that it was completely stock, nothing added or removed. I wish I had kept it . . . but I wish that about many of the bikes I've sold over the years . . . Here's another Harley I owned for 10 years and really liked -- 2009 Sportster XR1200. Also completely stock. |
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Title: Re: 2014 LS650 - First ride impressions Post by LANCER on 01/30/20 at 06:26:01 I put a Danmoto exhaust on my Sporty and I like it a lot. ITS all stainless and only cost me $300 a few years ago. It fit perfectly, is a quality production and works great. The sound is a nice rumble at low rpm and then rises to a very healthy wail. It is a great alternative to stock or other aftermarket pipes, but a WHOLE lot less costly. |
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