So... FINALLY picked it up yesterday after a lengthy wait (they had to warranty the forks because of corrosion they found, seems its a problem on a batch of Showa BPF forks this last year!)... At least the weather was good...
Rode it home (all of a mile!
), fitted a mini screen to it...
Then took it out for a blast... WOW!!! What a bike! OK so the forks are too soft stock so I bottomed them out a few times (have now firmed them up substantially and it has improved a lot), but was instantly very confident in the handling of the bike and the engine is superb... It's quick, really quick in fact, but it doesn't give you a crazy rush like the Tuono 1100 V4 does nor does it give the low end slug of a 1290. But it's a really nice motor, super smooth for a twin, pulls cleanly from 3k (albeit not much grunt down there), there's a notable kick around 6k and another at 9k (whereupon it goes mental til the 11.5k limiter!). Wasn't too sure about the Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV's as never been a Pirelli fan, but can confirm they are really good, was 20c yesterday and I was wearing jeans and a jacket, but still managed to get some decent temperature into both and explore the handling of the bike... For what it's worth, the 60 profile rear tyre is REALLY tall, and I was leaning the bike to 45deg yesterday yet still have about 20mm of a chicken strip both sides!
Apparently the only way they'll go is with track pressures and full commitment in leathers, preferably on a track... I'd have taken a 180/55 right to the edge yesterday the way I was riding, but the 180/60 is way steeper! Doesn't half turn quickly though...
Done 60 miles on it so far and really, really pleased with my purchase... Just need to get the suspension fully dialled and get some more miles in.
Might have to wait for that one... Almost makes the full Ti system at £4800 look like good value! 
