Got to test out the new ride this weekend; seemed like the entire PITS club was up at the property on Saturday. Mike H, Marty, Rich F, Rich (other), Harry O with friend, Pat M, Robbie, Dan D and I know I'm missing one or two. Most only came up for Saturday, only Marty stayed over as we did. Camping was great, weather was a little hot but not bad and the Vertigo is astounding.
All the bits (rear brake, shifter, pipe) are all tucked way back inside. 1/4" thick bash plate protects it all and the FI lets them make a much shorter header. I compared it with some gassers and it must be 2" higher at the first turn after the exhaust port and 3-4" lower at the upper turn (by the gas tank/frame). This allows it to be tucked up and away and stay right by the cylinder. Frames are about the same width but Vertigo does a silencer that flattens out under the rear fender rather than on the side like a gasser. Again, more trim and narrow in the tail. FI is very good, way better than the Osaa, Donna started it after riding it for 3 minutes....she could never start the Ossa. Air filter is HUGE, almost the size of the gasser fuel tank, no joke; up high as well so it lasts forever before a clean. Fuel tank is below the saddle and clear so you can see the fuel level (rocket science....).
That low fuel level leads to the handling; very light with a very tight turning radius. Dan D (Beta rider) agreed with me; it is as tight turning as a Beta, maybe even more so (he thought maybe another 5 degree?). I kept jack knifing on lock turns in soft stuff, it's so much tighter than the Ossa. Peg input is sensitive, slight weight variation and the bike takes a different tack; I was over doing it all weekend. The frame felt like it had two different areas to work in; over the saddle and way forward over the bars. At first being that far forward seemed weird but the bike is so stable and turns so tight you have to put some bar pressure down at full lock to make it track.
Motor has great power and is easy to dial up as needed. Pat M rode a test section on his gasser and cleaned it then tried Rich F's Ice Hell never having ridden it before. Not only did he also clean the section but said it felt better on Rich's bike!! We can all check it out next weekend and you guys can take it for a spin, it is impressive.
Heard that Jim got a new TRS and took it out with Bryce (and Matt I'd guess). Can't wait to here how he's liking the new ride. I was thinking about one but felt what you got for the extra coin for the Vert was worth it, hope I keep thinking that way.
PS, there's major road work on I-80 19-22, getting up there may really suck. Also the early Burners are heading up to Black Rock so that will only make it worse. I think it's only in the E bound direction but not sure; traffic and a small fire off the road outside of Colfax made it take 5 hrs to get back!
Beautiful looking bike and I've heard great things about them.