Yes, I agree with your post, a very nice all-around bike indeed (2016 939, 3,800miles). Although I would recommend a new buyer think about the pros/cons a little more than I did
. I'm 5'10" and I like the nice bend in my legs. I have both the regular and low seat. I prefer the low seat as it provides a little more wind protection. I've mainly used it for commuting, long trips, and weekend twisty-rides, so everything lol. The following are some notes regarding mods, likes and gripes based on my own riding experience with the Hyp, aka IMHO.
My wife rides in the back 3-4 times a year, and it's great for 2-up, just don't forget about spring preload with a passenger (only rear is adjustable, but it helps).
So far, I've installed heated grips (had to have dealer turn on the function in the ecu, lame), RapidBike Easy, modified the throttle return spring to lessen return action, and added a pair of ebay led "fog lights" for day-time visibility-seems to have helped.
Heated grips, well, that's a no brainer. The RB Easy module does help with low throttle response, but it's not the complete solution. I believe it's basically an O2 sensor cheat that makes the ecu think the engine is cold in closed-loop operation and thereby pumps a few extra drops of gas in the low rpm region. I know this may not be the most techy explanation, I just know that it has helped with low RPM throttle response, I have not noticed an appreciable mpg delta after the installation. I also noticed the throttle return spring is insanely powerful, to a point where the slightest throttle adjustments in lower gears raise up the rookie flag in 1sec flat. I've tried different riding modes, they help slightly, but not enough.
I just completed a return spring modification since I still had the non-heated version grips (for testing purposes and not recommended due to possibly weakening the spring since it has to be heated to bend). I just finished this mod and will report more later, but the spring return rate is very close to my other bike, and I hope I can find a new spring to match, if it performs as expected....
But my biggest gripe is the suspension. It may work for some, but the front feels very stiff (with gear I'm about 172lbs) and the rear could use a little more travel. I can install springs for my weight, but I'd rather not band-aid it. I will assume since the Hyperstrada is marketed as a tourer of sorts, with 2-up capability, they opted for a stiffer front (guessing here) since the rear does have adjustable preload and rebound damping (no compression).
So this leads to my least favorite item, the front forks. During hair-pin turns, and generally any slow maneuvers, the Hyp shows it's flaws (could be my riding ability or style
but usually a stiff front is not ideal for slow maneuvers in my experience. But on a faster pace, the stock suspension is not too bad. I do wish there was an offering with better suspension, but even that would be a compromise and would not suit everyone.
In a perfect world, I could live with it as is - only if the it could be raised by about 1 inch. This would help with center stand clearance to minimize road contact at higher speeds while leaned over, and I could install appropriate front springs for my weight and call it a day.
RSL, I've read your detailed posts re suspension upgrades, and that may be a route worthwhile saving for as one can't beat a custom suspension, not to mention the ability to raise it by 1".
