Have been using my new 750 Monster quite a bit lately, despite the foul UK weather, and I have to say it is a really great little machine.

The riding position is not as scrunched up as you would imagine when first sitting on the bike at a show or in a dealership. It’s very comfy, though it does encourage you not to ride the rear brake/gearlever, as they are quite steeply angled downwards ahead of the pegs. Handlebar controls are all nicely placed, particularly the dim/dip switch, and I like the way the indicators work. Same as Jap stuff, they just feel better. You can clearly see the flashers themselves from the riding position, so you know if they are left on. The headlight is great - no idea whether I have an uprated bulb in there though.

My first two rides were quite jerky. The clutch is right at the end of its travel (suspect worn out plates as slave cyl looks fine) and there was a bit of play in the throttle. I stripped off the airbox last night, checked a few hoses and adjusted everything: cables, routing, bar angles, throttle mech and head bearings and hey presto! Took it to the dentists in Banbury today and it rides a dream, no more on-off throttle bumping around corners and so smooth. Had it up to 75 which is the fastest I have been on it yet. 45 mph winds meant it was really blowy but the position is fine for it, though I may fit a small bikini fairing to alleviate the blasts. Settling the throttle down also helped with pains in my right hand, now I am not so tense there it is a lot better (i am suffering from a pulled thumb muscle at the mo, all ties into computer problems and overuse).

I am leaning more too, takes a while to get back into that, especially on crap tyres! The lighter bike (40 kilos lighter than the Bandit) means I am lots more comfortable with it under me and every ride is another step forward. I also fitted some bargain Road Racing mirrors that I bought on eBay, they are great. Not a sea change over the stock, but they are loads lighter and easier to use: they stick out a bit further and are better for a quick glance. They are anti-dazzle too so good at night. Plus they are black anodised aluminium, and very attractive! Pic below: