I've heard a few peeps commenting on how heavy the Bird is, and I must admit that compared to a 900 Blade it is. However, my previous bike was a Pan with ABS/TCS (gives a bit of extra weight apparently), so I used to think the Bird was light by comparison. Certainly the Pan is very finely balanced and is a dream to ride - but not a patch on the Bird for power and thrill of the ride (although you can still chuck a Pan at the bends and it takes it with ease). The Projects Director at work bought her hubby a Pan for Crimbo, and I took delivery of it for her as it was a surprise pressy. Once I'd helped the midget (yes, he was much smaller than me) to get it off the back of the van, I had a ride around the car park on it. Still felt well balanced, and when moving you don't feel the weight. But start to heave the bloody thing around manually when parking up etc, and boy oh boy did it feel heavy. Much heavier than the . Weight difference is about 140lbs - which is almost my bodyweight. So I conclude - the isn't heavy unless you compare it to a sports bike.
Now I feel a lot better about humping my around in the garage or the driveway, knowing that some poor bastid out there is having to hump an extra 10stone around cuz he bought a Pan instead of the best bike in the world And would I ever go back to a Pan after the Bird :? NO cuz the gives me SATISFACTION and relieves more stress than anything I know - except perhaps :hump) or :blowme)