Well,
I test rode the Ape yesterday
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they wouldn't let me take the Factory so I rode the R
the fly-by-wire throttle would work out great for my 'jacked up hand"
and the brakes too very, easy to apply
the bike accelerates very quickly and smoothly (almost too smooth ) compared to my 2 valve Ducs
the exhaust is cool and over-all the engine is very "snappy"
the engine does not have that intake "honk" like a 2 valve Duc though
I found it very hard to tuck into the windscreen and when I finally did I couldn't see where I was going
I didn't like the cable operated clutch, and the way it clicked every time the lever was engaged
the guy told me it was due to the slipper clutch and that they all do it
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either way I didn't like it (pretty annoying) but I guess I could get used to it ??
I couldn't test ride the 999R because it is on consignment and they need to check with the owner
but they will let me know
overall the Ape feels good, makes you feel like a kid and I can imagine you could get yourself into a lot of trouble
I think I prefer the more classic look of the 999R and older Ducs in general
I am not too fond of the current Duc line up though
anyway, the search continues
Dan..