My rule is..I don’t start it if I’m not going to ride it. Even if that ride is only to the mailbox and back. I’ve only have had one hard start and that happened when I violated my rule.
I owned a 2003 Gen 5 and now have a 2023 Gen 6. The Gen 5 had much better weather protection, but I didn’t like it in the heat and humidity areas during the summer. Too much of a good thing. Gen 5 had a much higher top end speed. Gen 6 is governed to 112 mph ish (I’m told). Gen 6 is...
Just, take the seat off and remove the pillion seat. Two bolts. Flat underneath and the base provides a spot for lashing between the two grab bars.. Unless you want a metal plate, I think most folks just run with the OEM base under the pillion seat.
3000 to 3500 rpm under load you will likely feel the clutch basket shudder. My 2013 did it from early miles on. I viewed it as more of an irritation than impending doom. Up to you to decide if it’s bad enough to worry about or fix.
Yes, Tusk boxes. Two years ago. No broken bones but I still have a bit of a scar tissue where the box got me. Boots did their job. Bike didn’t survive.
Be prepared to ride on the steel grating on the Mackinaw bridge. Everytime I‘ve been over it in the summer the outer paved lanes have been closed for bridge maintenance. The steel grating can be unnerving as it’s pretty big openings and the bike wiggles a lot. It’s a long way across and...