That's an interesting development, for sure. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your impressions.
I have yet to see one in person but I do think that I might be a candidate for the R version.
Yeah, I know. I think in a way I didn't want to like it, hands up guilty.
But there's a lot you don't get from pictures and actual differences. The fairings on the pictures, even the official shots, have gaps in the fairings, these now have like small plastic covers in there, you don't see engine casings or coolant hoses through them anymore. There's also additional covers on the sub frame, there's some nice touches in there now, albeit after thoughts, but it's brought it together a bit better.
The big bulbous gas tank is still just that, but when you're sat on it, with it between your legs it feels good, some grip there for when you tip it in. It looks better from the seat, if you're familiar with an MV Agusta Dragster, it feels very much like that.
There is still a lot wrong with this bike in my mind, but like I say, there's a lot right with it. The dash is 100% bang on, I can't fault it. LED daytime running lights are switchable so you can turn them down in intensity level. And it does sound good, different, but good. New clip ons too, a lot neater and machined finish, they don't look like generic parts anymore.
I have renewed faith that the R is going to be amazing.