I had a few unoccupied hours in the middle of the day while vacationing in north India. I drove over to the local RE dealership where I was greeted by a very pleasing sight, two GT's , a couple of C5's and two green B5's. I asked if I could test ride the GT, and was allowed.
The GT is certainly a whole lot better than my CI bullet vis-a-vis fit and finish. Yes, the unsightly welds are there but things like that are the exception. The paint quality is much improved but less glossy than the picture of the pre production bike.
The fender extenders are an eye sore but can come off easily. The bar end mirrors are accessories....very well made....if I bought a GT I would certainly get the mirrors even before I trailer it home. The mickey mouse mirrors are horrendous.
The demo had the generic muffler but another one on the floor had the sports muffler. It sounds louder and with a deeper bass than the other but neither sounds like my CI (pre or post ACE mods), and for that matter mine sounds a lot different now after the ACE mods.....I think its the cams and the aluminum barrel....but I digress....The demo also had the dual seat with the cowl, also very well made.
I was only allowed a very brief test ride. It started on third kick....I was told I was not kicking it hard enough (I disagree if the strength of the kick makes a difference....but....)
Once started the idle was steady albeit set a little slow (typical Indian setup). The dealership staff kept referring to it as a sports bike....anyhow it accelerates very well in 1st gear. I was on a crowded road but i tried my best to rev it up and go through the gears weaving out of way from incoming traffic. The steering was heavier than my CI bike and it showed great straight line stability, cornering ability and leaning at curves. Braking was excellent. Suspension was firm but reliable and provided for confidence in leans and corners.