First off, it takes some getting used to. The basic controls still work the same way. But it feels different, the balance, the weight, etc. Thus, you have to just get used to it all.
The very first thing I notice is that it handles better in every circumstance that involves moving. It handles way better at curves. It cuts through them with little effort. It accelerates better and brakes better. It even handles well that annoying through the middle of down town 15 to 30 mph speed range. And on the interstate, the sixth gear lets you run smooth at actual interstate speeds. Plus, the seat is better. Less vibration. When you stop, you can actually see the rear mirror instead of seeing it shake. Once you get this bike moving, it is better.
The harder thing is when it is not moving. It is a much heavier bike, so it requires more effort, coordination to back it up out of the garage - especially if your garage has obstacles and is a mess like mine :) And when you stop, you need to make sure you are stopping it balanced on the wheels, or else you're be hopping on 1 foot trying to keep it up right. On the old bike, proportionally, it was sized enough so I could honestly man handle it. I could stop it all crooked and it wouldn't matter. But this bike needs to be balanced when it comes to a stop. This is really something to learn and adjust to from a smaller bike. I'm still happy with it.
Oh, and the windshield. I get how I see so many people riding around without helmets. I don't agree with them, but I always wondered, don't they get hit by bugs a lot? My old bike had a windshield and it was like it wasn't there. The wind and bugs hit right into my helmet. But on this bike, the fairing and windshield actually push up most of the wind/bugs out of where my head is at. I feel the wind way less. This is a plus and minus. On a regular and cold temperature days, this is way preferred. But in the middle of summer, on really hot days, it would be nice to have the wind.
I picked up a radio. It is a nice to have, but not something I'd ever really buy a bike for. Your going down the road listening to a great song and then on comes a commercial or a suck song. That's basically how the radio goes :) Of course, it also supports a USB flash drive plug in and bluetooth audio to pair with your phone, so other options are available. I loaded up a flash drive for a long trip I took the other day. However, the radio sounds great when its stopped. But when your on the bike, going down the road, with ear plugs and a helmet on, it doesn't come across as well. Plus I still like hearing the road, so I've played with the radio, but not something I've really used much or probably will.
The seat and ride is way more comfortable. Longest trip in one day is 300 miles and longest miles in a one week is a thousand. I could never have done that on my old bike.
Safety features include ABS and integrated front and rear braking. I've gotten way better at braking, but I like the safety cushion this provides. I'll never buy or recommend to anyone they don't at least get at least ABS on their bike. Its something everyone should have. And was a big reason I got rid of the old bike instead of keeping it around for the wife or kids to one day learn on. Its too bad Harley makes this a premium feature instead of a standard one that people sort of upgrade into. A non-ABS bike is more like an advanced bike for advanced riders, not the other way around.
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