Waiting for my "new" blue '09 Strat to be delivered this afternoon. My first bike since my '77 Suzuki 750, way back when. I'm almost 60 now, so I am a little "concerned" about handling. I sat on many and drove a few bikes before convincing myself that the Strat made the most sense. First, I don't think I'll ever need more bike than this. The engine has more displacement than my wife's first car, for criminey sakes). Second, it felt the lightest and easiest to manuver (sp?), which is comforting.
I have read a LOT of posts about changing exhaust, ride height, seats, handlebars, etc. and it kinda "scares" me into thinking I might have made a mistake. Is the Strat "rideable" for someone like me who hasn't been on a bike for more than a few miles in over 30 years? I'm afraid to even take a passenger along until I'm sure I can handle the bike. Can somebody make me feel better about buying a bike at my age, and this bike in particular?
If all you ever road was a 750 and, as I read this, I am not sure you actually test road a Strat, so, I can't make you feel better about this bike; it is a BIG bike and way more than you are used to.
The power is not an issue. It only gives you as much as you ask for.
As long as your are deliberate and smooth with your inputs, throttle, clutch, braking, it is predictable and consistent. Not the smoothest bike I ever road, clutch and throttle but, very predictable and consistent.
Straight line riding and curves won't be an issue for you either; really good, stable, easy turning bike.
Where I think you will struggle is in parking lots and tight, slow speed turns and stopping on odd angles, gravel under foot, etc. It's heavier than you are used to and it will feel, I think, awkward and huge at low speed. Until you get used to it.
I would urge you to spend a lot of time in an open parking lot doing slow speed circles, lot's of stopping and starting, quick stops, figure 8's and whatever else you can think of to get used to the bike. If you could handle your 750 like you were at one with it, you'll get there with the Strat in relatively short time.
Everyone I've let ride mine, the only thing I tell them to watch is when coming to stops to be very deliberate with their footing.
There is no performance need to change pipes unless you want a louder bike.
If you are average height and weight, I think you will be more than fine with ride height and the bars. if you are larger, I think you will love it. You can change all that stuff later to preference if you really aren't happy. Same with the seat. I ride a lot and the Ultimate Seat I have makes me happy. It came on it but, I would expect the stock seat will be fine unless you really start racking up the miles.
Once you get used to it at slow speed in tight spaces, I predict you will love it.
