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  • <i class="fa--xf fal fa-check "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" role="img" aria-hidden="true" ><use href="/data/local/icons/light.svg?v=1789222567#check"></use></svg></i> Discussion starter Discussion starter andrea.caldarone75@gmail.
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My other bike is a KTM 990 SMT, very different off course. In the past I've had R1200GS, R1200R, F800GS (and other Japanese bikes). I didn't know what to expect from a 400kg cruiser... I have to say that driving it is a lot of fun, more than what I expected. Off course the pace must be relaxed but the R18 is surprisingly fast. What is delusional is the comfort, it sucks! The handlebar is too far from the seat (I'm 180cm) I've resolved with 5cm risers (without changing the brake and clutch lines). Now I'm fighting against the seat, man, it's too hard. I've made a specialist add 1.5cm of gel and it improved, but we are not still there, the R18 deserves something better. Without modification I could drive for 1 hour, then I had enough. With risers and gel modified sest, I can go 2 to 3 hours, then my butt is done.
 
andrea.caldarone75@gmail. said:
My other bike is a KTM 990 SMT, very different off course. In the past I've had R1200GS, R1200R, F800GS (and other Japanese bikes). I didn't know what to expect from a 400kg cruiser... I have to say that driving it is a lot of fun, more than what I expected. Off course the pace must be relaxed but the R18 is surprisingly fast. What is delusional is the comfort, it sucks! The handlebar is too far from the seat (I'm 180cm) I've resolved with 5cm risers (without changing the brake and clutch lines). Now I'm fighting against the seat, man, it's too hard. I've made a specialist add 1.5cm of gel and it improved, but we are not still there, the R18 deserves something better. Without modification I could drive for 1 hour, then I had enough. With risers and gel modified sest, I can go 2 to 3 hours, then my butt is done.
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I am 172cm or 5ft6 and when I first sat on the bike it was the first bike ever that the bars felt exactly right. They did seem to be rotated backwards slightly. It was a used bike so perhaps the previous owner adapted it slightly.

Now the seat I agree with, one hour and it is certainly getting uncomfortable. Currently in Australia visiting family and I ordered a custom made sheep skin cover from Good Wool Store it looks terrific and can’t wait to put it on when back in Germany next weekend. I decided to go the less expensive route of a cover rather than a new seat which may not improve the ride and based on my past experience with wool seat covers thought why not.
Below some photos of it as delivered and showing the internal stitching and shaping. Wil post photos next weekend after fitment and hopefully give a ride report
 

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andrea.caldarone75@gmail. said:
If you pass by Jesi, Marche region, say hi.
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ahhhh.... VR46 country :ROFLMAO:

Wonderful region for cruising that. Enjoy!

I am planning to get a homage saddle kit. Also it seems to met that the 2022 model has more padding. Certainly the pillion pad is thicker.
 
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