Not that I grew up in an interesting environment or anything. Nor am I particularly partial to speed as such - give me corners any day. It feels bigger and more sturdy, but the engine seems to be lacking a certain character. A bit of esoteric bullshit snuck in there. Good Points Comfortable Competent Easy and forgiving to ride Will wheel stand for abuse.
Engine lacks character.
I've done a couple of thousand kilometres on one of these things, and I always had a great time. I think there is something special about absolutely wringing the neck of a motorcycle, and the Across has the advantage of not being fast enough to have the threat of a jail term looming over you while your're doing it. You get to use 16000rpm in suburbia without breaking the speed limit. The fuel range is a bad joke. The seat is as comfortable as a brick.