{Photograph}: Michael Venutolo-Mantovani
Granted, that is most likely solely the case for large individuals like me (6’ 4”, 255 kilos, and with very broad shoulders) and it may not even register for average-sized individuals. In actual fact, at 6’ 4”, I’m an inch too massive for the XP4, not less than in keeping with the model, which says the bike suits riders 4’ 10” to six’ 3”. However that further inch feels negligible, as, over my first 150 miles on the bike, my legs have but to really feel hemmed in by my saddle top.
Talking of that saddle, the bike’s seat put up options an built-in suspension coil, providing 40 mm of journey. Whereas, in principle, some rear suspension is welcome, I felt as if, each time the coil compressed, it was truly my seat tube slipping down into the body. It was a wierd sensation and one I need to admit that, some 200 miles into driving the bike, I haven’t fairly gotten used to.
One thing else I don’t love in regards to the XP4 is its old-school, one-sided kickstand. A motorbike of this heft ought to characteristic a motor-scooter-style stand that retracts from beneath the bottom-bracket, giving even assist to either side of the machine. The one-sided kickstand, nonetheless, typically finds itself (and me!) combating gravity after I’m making an attempt to lock the bike up on something resembling an incline.
All informed, these only a few shortcomings are hardly sufficient to make me not love the XP4 750, because it’s clean trip, extra-long vary, good-looking design, and litany of aftermarket add-ons make this a motorbike I’d commute with for an extended, very long time.
