Alright so I dug out that Motor 2023 sitting in my garage gathering dust. Always heard stuff online – “top speed,” “insane handling” – but you know how it is, right? Gotta see with your own eyes. Figured, why not put it through its paces myself? Buzz was building, but real-world buzz? Not so much.
Getting My Act Together
First thing? Rounded up what I actually needed. Couldn’t afford fancy gear. Borrowed my buddy Rick’s GPS speed tracker thingy – he swears it’s accurate. Measured out a decently flat stretch of back road near the old mill – private enough, no cops hassling me. Safety? Yeah, threw on my old helmet and some worn leathers. Not glamorous, but hey. Snagged my phone for videos and notes. Ready as I’d ever be.
Putting Rubber to Road
Started easy. Just riding in a straight line, gentle on the throttle. Felt… fine? Power was smooth coming on, no jerking. Comfortable seat. Then I cranked it. Went full throttle from a standstill.
- Acceleration: Felt like getting shoved in the back hard! Pushed me right back into the seat. Definitely quick off the mark. That torque is real.
- Top Speed Run: Found an even longer stretch, nailed it. Heart pounding watching that GPS number climb… hit 105 mph before I chickened out near the bend. Felt stable, no wobbles, but the wind was trying to rip me off!
- Handling Test: Took it through some winding sections. Tight corners. Counter-steering felt natural, leaned it way over. Honestly? Gripped the road like glue. Very confidence-inspiring. Did a few quick lane changes – felt nimble, not heavy.
- Brake Slam: Scary bit. Coming down hot from speed, squeezed both brakes HARD. Front dive was noticeable, stopped fast, didn’t lock up. But man, you feel that force pushing you forward!
- Long Haul Grind: Rode it about 50 miles later that day. Mixed roads: bumpy patches, smooth highway. Vibrations? Not bad. Seat got a bit stiff after an hour. Wind blast over 70 mph was tiring on the neck and arms.
Now, The So-Called “Expert” Opinions
Once I’d sweated it out myself, I finally peeked at what the big-name magazines and websites were spouting. Their track tests sounded fancy with gadgets I don’t own. Numbers?
- They claimed 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Mine felt crazy fast but I didn’t time it exactly. Maybe close? Yeah, probably.
- Top speed claims? Some said 110+ mph. Mine hit 105 and felt done. Maybe with more runway? Maybe.
- Braking distance? They had numbers down to the foot. All I know is mine stopped fast when I needed it to.
- Handling? Everyone raved about how precise it was. Totally agree here. Felt planted. Best part of the ride for me.
The Final Tally – My Gut vs. Their Gadgets
Okay, looking at their glossy charts? They mostly matched what my butt dyno and nerves told me. The speed, the grunt, the way it leans into corners? Spot on. The pros had cooler toys and tighter data, but the core? Same bike, same beast.
BUT. Where it got funny? The “everyday livability” scores. Some gave it high marks! Comfortable? Eh… after 50 miles, my shoulders were barking and my backside was numb. Wind protection? Nonexistent over 70. Great for tearing up the backroads? Hell yes. Practical commuter? Only if you enjoy getting beaten up by the wind daily. Expert ratings made the comfort sound okay. My spine disagreed violently.
So yeah. Performance numbers? The Motor 2023 absolutely delivers the goods the experts measure. It’s fast and handles amazing. Real-world everyday use? That’s a whole different headache they kinda glossed over. Glad I went out and found that out myself. Numbers on paper tell half the story. Your aching back tells the rest.
