Just thought I would post an update on the performance of my 08 SG. I picked it up in May of this year and have put 15k on her. The bike is stock. Along the way, her traits have come to show themselves and we have gotten to know each other pretty well.

She likes to be treated to a gallon or two of racing fuel mixed with the 91 Octane every couple of fill-ups. This completely eliminated the knocking and pinging I was getting.

I use the HD Syn oil in all three holes and have only noticed the heat off the pipes to be an annoyance in temps of 90 degrees and over while in traffic, which aint often cause I spend most of my time on long tours on open roads with her, as she is designed for.

I dont get on her untill she is good and warmed up, maybe 5-10 miles of ez riding, cause if I do she starts bitchin and moaning and clankin and creakin. Once good and warm, got-dam she is a joy to ride. I have emptied a full tank of gas at 90 - 95 miles an hour over the course of about 2 and one-half hours straight, and all she did was pull like a pit bull, and asked for more.

She doesnt like to be told what to do with aggression either. She will make you pucker up real quick if you do. But if your instructions to her are smooth, controlled, and purposeful, she will get you through a tight off camber turn doing 80 without any back talk, (or wobble), what so ever.

This bike is a solid, stable touring industrial piece of art just begging to be on the open road. It is also hands down the most comfortable bike I have ever been on, once I dialed her in for my height and reach.

Mechanically I have had zero problems and have done nothing to her except to follow the regular maintence intervals religously.

I cant necessarily get on the back dirt roads to do some serious fishing with her, but she just simply isnt that kind of girl. I have my eye on another girl for that, maybe next year? (Variety is the spice of life).

So in my opinion, if your a serious tourer, you will not find a better girl to ride. She is in it for the long haul. If however your looking to cruize around the block or just wanting pure speed along with extremely aggressive handling, you will be disappointed.

Just my two cents to date and I am stickin to it...

 

Have to agree with that

 

Nice write up, sounds like a keeper for sure.

I think that a regular height shock on the rear would make the SG handle more neutral. If I go that way, first thing I plan to do.

Just curious, why don't you think she'd take you down some dirt roads. Not sure how bad you're talking about, but seems like with the low CoG, it would be easy to cruise down simple non-paved roads.

 

Absolutely correct!!!!

 

After working the bugs out of my 07 I basically have an 08 with a years experience.
And I have to agree with you. I like the looks, I like the ride, I like the room, I like the power, I like the gearing and I'm impressed as all get out with the handling. And what a highway cruiser! She's getting a pair of tires this morning!
As far as the dirt road thing....I know, whine, whine, there's no problem with the bike, it's the blasted cleanup afterwards!!! Get a KLR for the dirt, they look fine dirty!