Yes - it got me around corners but it was always heart-in-mouth if I decided to get frisky. Tight corners were the worst, as if keeled well over, the front felt like it wanted understeer and wash out from under me. Brrrrrr. Felt like too much rake/trail.
I fitted a 25mm shorter GS rear stay arm and raised the rear ride height to max. This helped noticeably, but only up to a point. Grrrr.
My other machine is an '82 GL1100 Goldwing, that I began to ride after I'd bought my "S". I'd never ridden any Goldwings, and to say that I was almost dumfounded at its sense of "being planted", front and rear, is an understatement. What a contrast with the "S".
By this stage I'd decided to sell the "S", not only because of the handling, but also because it has no oil cooler fan. Here in Oz, crawling in traffic on 35C days, the engine/oil temp soars and the fuelling gets lean c/- intake temp sensor heat soak. Makes it run like a bag of sh**e. (The Wing has a far better cooling system design).
So - Front tyre was a Michelin Road Pilot 2, c/- PO.
I replaced it several days ago with a Road Pilot 4. Did I say I got a new bike??? Did I what!!! Just Amazeballs. There ya go.!
Cheers.
John C.
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On top of that, I discovered I can fit an RT oil cooler fan to my 'S'. Whoo hooo.
Now I can't hate it any more, but one bike still has to go. The 'S' has bucket-loads more low to mid range punch (c/- the GS intake tubes), ferocious brakes, but the Wing is smoother, has a better cooling system for hot climes, and I think might still have the handling edge (changes direction more quickly, easily).
OK. Might sound strange to some but there it is. On the last outing I touched my boots on a few turns so I think I'd better ease off a touch. (This is with the shorter GS brake stay arm and rear ride height at max).![[smilie=scared.gif]](./images/smilies/scared.gif "scared"){kind=small}