It's a lot of fun, and I'm finally getting the hang of the center stand (haven't tried the kick starter yet though).I notice that I seem to have a hard time not partially disengaging the clutch at speeds of 2-5 mph. I think I picked up this habit from when I used to ride a GS500, which tended to lug badly at anything below 7 or so mph. I'm not sure if it was just mine that was like that, though--probably.
How can I kill this habit? I know it's bad for the engine (causes it to overheat).
Also, are there any situations where it is appropriate to ride with the clutch partially engaged ("half in, half out"), if only for a few seconds (such as moving forward a few yards to a stop sign)? Or, is it always something to be avoided?
Extra question:
I notice that shifting is a bit "clunky" from 1st to 2nd gear, and 2nd to 1st. Is it just my Stella, or are they all like this? It feels like Neutral is its own "full click" between 1st and 2nd, and I seem to keep shifting into neutral when I want to remain in gear.
Overall my first few miles of riding were great fun. I like how the horn is loud enough to get a daydreaming driver's attention (unlike the comical duck quack of some small old bikes from yesteryear).
.... By the end of the week, I felt like I had been riding it for years.