So here are my riding impressions finally:
(Quick disclaimer that my impressions are influenced by having recently come off a Yamaha YZF600R with some pretty dated technology.)
To me, the riding position was without question designed with the track in mind. The height and angle of the seat plants you into the tank. I thought this would really be uncomfortable but when I went through a section of road that allowed some "spirited" manuevering, I found that the foot peg position coupled with the incredible lightness of the bike, made moving around the saddle really a no brainer.
The engine makes such a distinct sound and though I really never pushed it very hard, it really did feel like there was a lot more grunt than I had expected from the tripple. This might have really been influenced by that wonderful distinct sound though.
Moving through the gears, the shifts where crisp and precise.
The layout of the cockpit was nice, easy to read without distractions.
The front fairing and screen seemed tiny but at 5'9" the wind hit me right on the helmet and the airflow didn't create any buffetting.
As far as the actual ride? It was like riding a razor blade. In some situations, I could have sworn that all I did was look into an upcoming turn and the bike was already leaned over and tracking like it could read your mind. The setup on the suspension was pretty close it seems since I did hit some bumps and holes mid turn a couple times and the bike never hesitated.
When I brought it back, I had a grin that lasted for the next few days. The test ride pretty much sold me on the bike and if everything goes as I plan, I'll have one in the stable sometime this summer.
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