IMO the leveling links made the bike too responsive to steering inputs during straight line cruising. On twisty roads it was great, almost like a sport tourer, but I have a sport tourer for that type of riding. This bike is for long distance touring with my wife on the pillion seat, I wanted something more relaxed. I've ridden the bike less than 50 miles since I changed the shock and the links but so far it feels and handles more like I think a heavy tourer should.