I started reading this board a month and a half ago, when I started shopping for a new bike. I'm coming off 7 years of a 95 Ninja 500 (EX500), and it was definitely time for something bigger. I took one look at the '03 636, and knew I was out $8,000. 
After doing plenty of reading on this board, and sitting on and pawing at the bike for about 2 hours, I rolled a silver 636 off the floor. Just wanted to thank you guys for this board, as the board is what you all have made it, and it kicks ass.
The gripes about the firm ride (seat and suspension) were right for the first two weeks, and I was considering tuning the suspension, but held out. Glad I did, as I wouldn't touch those adjustments for anything now; it hugs the road like it's on rails. Suspension is a little tall for me (I'm 5'6"/160 lbs), but that only matters at 0 mph, and I'm used to it now. Might get a steering damper, as I hate the shimmy when I land the front off of a 2nd gear wheelie (which, with my weight, happens often with hard acceleration).
At any rate, thanks again for the advice on this board. 2,000 miles later, I could simply not be happier.
L8R!
After doing plenty of reading on this board, and sitting on and pawing at the bike for about 2 hours, I rolled a silver 636 off the floor. Just wanted to thank you guys for this board, as the board is what you all have made it, and it kicks ass.
The gripes about the firm ride (seat and suspension) were right for the first two weeks, and I was considering tuning the suspension, but held out. Glad I did, as I wouldn't touch those adjustments for anything now; it hugs the road like it's on rails. Suspension is a little tall for me (I'm 5'6"/160 lbs), but that only matters at 0 mph, and I'm used to it now. Might get a steering damper, as I hate the shimmy when I land the front off of a 2nd gear wheelie (which, with my weight, happens often with hard acceleration).
At any rate, thanks again for the advice on this board. 2,000 miles later, I could simply not be happier.
L8R!