I spent thru and fri night in the local Canyon. 15 miles or perfect road, two lane, and reasonable safety. Big Cottonwood, they call it. Almost, no Ballast. I had to leave the bags on, but they had 15 lbs each in them. I went to stiffer settings on suspension from a British mag and was very happy with them. Great control.
So, I'm doing my thing when a 2011 Ninja 1000, a red one, shows up in the mirror. No prob, I'll let him by. So I do. I follow for a few minutes, then think...its on. I passed him on a straight and he was not able to catch me in the next 12 miles.
I know this bike is a tourer...really, look at it. Bags, cartoon size weight, and fearing. However, the bike does not know what it is and handled the canyon as well as I cared to.
I may add a Penske shock later as I feel the stock shock is the weak link. BUT, its not that weak. I have 40 years riding experience, but its RIDING experience. Not racing, canyon carving, or such. Lots of offroad miles in there.
To say I'm thrilled with the bike is an understatement. I'm running pr2 tires, pcv, and a leo vince slip on. Stock otherwise. The pcv and fuel moto map help in the twisties due to vastly improved low end performance, torque and smoothness.
My gas mileage dropped to 28 mpg ...lol
Anyway, if you're worried abotu this 700 lb beast dealing with canyons, throw away the spec sheet, forget abotu 700 lbs, and do it. The bike will do it.