Need Advice

[campernh]

Hi All,
I haven't ridden for a long time (15 years). I used to ride dirt and street bikes (GS750).
I am a faithful reader on the GL1800 boards and was convinced to get a GL1800, however, for the first year I want to do very little two-up riding. Now I am leaning to the ST1300.
What are your thoughts? Should I go for the GL1800 or get back into riding on the ST1300.
I plan on doing some long trips next summer in Canada and the Carolinas. I will be riding one-up 95% of the time.
Thanks in advance,
Brian
PS. What's the deal with only one color per year?
:confused:

[ssls6]

Hi All,
I haven't ridden for a long time (15 years). I used to ride dirt and street bikes (GS750).
I am a faithful reader on the GL1800 boards and was convinced to get a GL1800, however, for the first year I want to do very little two-up riding. Now I am leaning to the ST1300.
What are your thoughts? Should I go for the GL1800 or get back into riding on the ST1300.
I plan on doing some long trips next summer in Canada and the Carolinas. I will be riding one-up 95% of the time.
Thanks in advance,
Brian
PS. What's the deal with only one color per year?
:confused:

I don't like to carry a passenger either.

I always advise the same thing on bikes. Buy the one that makes you the happiest.

[crazykz]

I think there would be two things to consider. Your pocketbook is one but I'm guessing you're figuring that out on your own.

The second would probably be the riding position difference between the two bikes. You might spend a good part of the riding season getting the right handlbar risers, seat, backrest, etc. and then end up with the Wing the next year.

Now if you can except doing that you'll have a lot of fun on twisty roads with this bike. I went from a GL1200A to a Harley Ultra to the ST and the ST has been the most fun of them all, the Harley was more comfortable and the GL was more comfortable too.

The biggest issue for me is getting comfortable on the ST for long distances.

Curt

[campernh]

Hi Guys,
I've read that by replacing the seat on the ST with a corbin and maybe installing risers, the ST is one sweet ride. Can you go 600 miles in a day on the ST?
What mods would you make.
Thanks for all your experience and knowledge,
Brian

[AgSTreak]

Sweet it is. Ride one and see how it feels for a while. Some people get along fine with the stock seat. I modified my seat per the directions on the link below and find the ride to be very comfortable. Handlebar risers help on long rides and heated handgrips help in colder temps. You will also need a electrical outlet or two for electronic stuff, the ST produces plenty of electricity. I would have gone with a GL if my wife wanted to be a passenger. I have nearly 9000 miles on mine and can't wait until the weather warms a little. http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Seats.html#Seats

*edited by Rocket_Cowboy to correct the [url] tag*

[crazykz]

I've put on the riser plate but haven't gotten a different seat yet. I have a neck pain that's aggrevated by the seat/handlebar position but the riser plate did make a big difference. A lot of people are able to do long days on the ST without issue. It just takes me a little more adjusting to get to the same distance. Didn't have a problem with the Wing or the Ultra doing 1000+ miles a day.

Curt

[campernh]

Hi AgSTreak,
Do have another link. The one you posted doesn't work.
Thanks, Brian
PS. Does anyone have cruise sontrol on their ST?
;)

[crazykz]

Hi AgSTreak,
Do have another link. The one you posted doesn't work.
Thanks, Brian
PS. Does anyone have cruise sontrol on their ST?
;)

Thanks for asking this. I know lots have throttle locks and a few have the MCCruise or another generic one but I forget the name.

I haven't bought one yet but I'm hoping to get the MCCruise before spring. They are taking $100 off until X-Mas but I don't think I'll make the special so I'll have to wait until I get the $600 to get one.

Curt

[Mellow]

Brian,

I had a GL1800 prior to getting the ST1300.

Why get a GL1800:
- Instant comfort for 1 or 2-up riding
- Built in Intercom, Radio
- Built in controls for CB and CD player
- Front Speakers
- Incredible rear lighting
- Illuminated Controls
- Cruise Control
- Reverse! (Very Nice!)
- Very quiet
- Single sided swingarm (fast tire changes)
- Tons of luggage space
- Tons of power
- Handles great
- 180 to 240 mile range (YMMV)
- 1,000 mile days, no problem
- "The epitome of Comfort"

Why get an ST1300:
- Great comfort (after adding seat and Heli-bars)
- Electric Windshield
- Even more power
- Handles even better
- 280 to 320 mile range (YMMV)
- 1,000 mile days, no problem
- "The epitome of Fun"

If I had to choose from both bikes, it would be a very difficult decision.

The Goldwing comes with so much built in functionality, at a price. It's a bike you can just jump on it straight from the dealership and go do an ironbutt ride. It handles like a dream for such a big bike. I did 50,000 miles on mine before finding someone with and ST that wanted to trade.

The ST is much more fun than the Wing, only because you 'feel' like you're on a sport bike. The Seat and the bars are the first things that must be addressed but with those two things taken care of you can easily do 1000 mile days. The electric shield is great, never thought I'd use it much but now that I have it I love it.

It's a rough decision. If you can, take them both out for a test spin. On real long trips I wouldn't mind having the wing but when the road gets twisty, I'm glad I have the ST...

Guess I didn't help much.. they are both great bikes...

[campernh]

the one thing I like about the wing is it is visble.
Have you guys dome anything to increase the visibility of the ST?
Such as added lights?
Thanks again,
Brian :amflag:

[Mellow]

the one thing I like about the wing is it is visble.
Have you guys dome anything to increase the visibility of the ST?
Such as added lights?
Thanks again,
Brian :amflag:

Brian, I had a Pearl Yellow Wing and I loved the visibility of that color. I wish the ST came in that color...

Other than that, I've upgrated the headlights which provide a little brighter visibility. I've added some reflective tape to the rear and the saddlebags and I've added hyperlights to the rear, you can see them (Here (http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1030)).

I'm planning on added the Electrical Connection turn signal conversion for some more lighting. I have a Yellow/Black/Silver HJC Helmet with some black reflective tape as well.

That's about all I've done so far...

[Horst]

That IS the question, eh ?

I owned a GL1500 for 4 years, and know that the GL1800 is even better. From a comfort point of view, the Wing is the best, and smoothest. But in my case, it worked out to 20% of the time that I was actually touring. I even bought an old CB650 for around town, and had a blast until I hit some gravel one day - hence a 180 and here I am with a 2002 ST11A, after trying a Beemer R1150R for one year.

So if it's comfort you want, get the GL ... if you have a sporting element in you the ST13 may be it ... but my advice is absolutely RIDE BOTH ... then you'll know for sure. Never buy a bike without riding it !

Have fun !

[sandman]

Brian,

You and I have done much of the same research. In fact you and I are in the same boat when it comes to time out of the saddle. I sold my last motorcycle in the late 80's and hadn't been on a bike since. I didn't even test ride the ST1300 because of all the valuable info I got on the websites; I knew it was the bike for me to get my feet wet...so to speak.

I have a wife that I care very much about and plan to be very ready before I take her on extended rides. My 2 year plan puts me on a Wing by 2007 but after a month on the ST I most likely will be adding a wing instead of replacing the ST.

To put it simply the ST puts the sport in touring and the wing puts the luxury in touring. Just ask yourself where you would prefer to start.

The difference in weight is only about 150lbs but the quicker handling of the ST would make your reentry much less nerve racking.

Gordon

[beastie]

Did anyone answer your question about 1 color per year? I think they have more than one color per year in the Pan Eropean, but Honda doesn't sell that many STs in the USA, maybe 2000 or so.

If I were going to ride 95% 1up, I would only consider the ST. Since I ride 95% 2up I considered the Wing. My wife said, it's so big, we might as well take the car.

We love our beaST and I know when our Christmas present to each other, our Russell Day-Long saddle, gets here we will love it even more.

Don

[eddiemack]

I'm thinking about doing the seat modification over the winter.. Anyone use the memory foam? Comments on foam density?.... Seems like there's some options regarding seat foams.


[QUOTE=AgSTreak]I modified my seat per the directions on the link below and find the ride to be very comfortable. http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Seats.html#Seats

[AgSTreak]

I just used a medium density foam purchased at a sewing store, cut and shaped it to fit in the area I cut out. This makes the seat dual density and takes the edge off the OEM seat. I went back later and added a 1/4" layer to the seat. You have to look real close to see the mod. :D

[campernh]

Thanks, for all the great advice.
I think I will follow Sandman53's lead. Get the St to get my skills back and then in a few years add a Wing to my stable.
The rear lights are a must for the safety, as well as more powerful front beams.
I know I will do some long runs through the White Mountains this year at night!
On another note, the quality of this board is great!
Thanks again,
Brian
If any of you come up this way, get a hold of me and I will put you up for the night. I will make dinner, but you will have to clean up afterwards!

[joeseedoo]

Thanks Cowboy.
I agree, get the St1300. Lighter in weight and alot easier to move around.
I also have a Valkyrie which is very close to the wing.
It is like driving a tank. But on the up side it is the best riding bike I have ever been on. I would sell it but then my other half would kill me.
If it were me. After 15 years you need some time to get reaquainted with the road and all the fools that love to pull out in front of us. The St1300 will get out of the way or stop.what ever it take to avoid the crash.
Good luck with it. Be safe. Joe

[STArnie13]

As far as comfort goes I am sure that the Wing is more comfortable. I have a K1200LT that is more comfortable than the ST's but I still prefer the ST's to the LT. Your comfort needs most likely differ from mine but I have put on over 600 miles one day on the 1300 and 900 the next day with it. I have the stock bars and seat on it and I wouldn't consider changing either. The cruise control on the LT works great but I like the Vista Cruise on the ST's just fine.
It is a whole lot cheaper and easier to fix if something goes wrong. I have not had a passenger on the LT or any of the ST's but I have heard that a larger windshield helps the ST passenger like it better than with the stock shield. :D

[Fireball18]

I road Gold Wings for years, and then went to the ST1300 after my wife declared she no longer wanted to be a passenger, that she wanted to ride her own bike exclusively--said it was way more fun. We now both ride ST1300's. My last Wing was an 1800. It's a great bike, good comfort, and purpose-built as a 2-up touring motorcycle. I felt that having a Wing for just my own riding was a bit like buying a motorhome for your sole means of transportation, instead of a car. I never regretted getting the ST for all the reasons shown above. And in a pinch, it's not a bad 2-up bike, either. However, if my wife ever decided she couldn't or didn't want to ride anymore, I'd go back to a Gold Wing in a heartbeat!

As for comfort, the stock seat is nothing to write home about. It either needs replacement or modification. I like the slightly forward-leaning riding position, but I did add the Heli bar riser plate to take some of the pressure off my wrists. Oddly, it seems to be as comfortable, or even more so, than the Wing!! But that's just me. I don't seem to be bothered with a sore back or knee cramping, either. I do think that comfort on a motorcycle is pretty much a subjective thing, and is different for each rider. Personally, I think it's fun to add modifications to my bike and experience it being transformed to what I want it to be and what works for me. After reading this and other boards, I think most of us feel that way.

My one bit of "advice," if you will is this: If 2-up riding and touring will be what you mostly do, the Wing is the obvious choice. The 1800 Wing combines the best of touring comfort and sportiness and is a great choice. If you do just solo riding, or your partner rides their own bike, then I'd go for the ST. (MHO) Ride both, though, before you make up your mind. Also, if you're a chrome-head, the Wing makes a great base for spending thousands of $$$$ on chrome stuff to sparkle it up. On the other hand, if you own an ST, then you farkle it up with functional stuff. GREAT FUN!!

[dannyk]

I'll add my $.02 here that hasn't been addressed yet, I have ridden 4 wings and 1 ST in the past 23 years, I don't think you would have a problem with the wing as a bike to get back into riding here's why. 1 lower seat height adds some confidence in the stop and start dept. 2. lower center of gravity with the entire fuel tank below the seat and the layout of the GL engine it actually feels lighter at a stop as far as balance goes. If you are getting along in years and planning on lots of 2 up the wing will offer you more, and if you don't put a lot of miles on the wing will last forever, you will want to replace it not have to replace it.
On the other hand the ST will give you the same kind of years of service. The center of gravity is higher due to fuel tank, and engine configuration, and the seat height is higher even when on the lowest position not much of a consideration for some, but it is an issue with others. The biggest thing is your SO, is she going to be happy on the back of the Wing or the ST that is the important question for two up. My wife doesn't care to ride anymore so I can go either way, if she rides there is only one choice for HER.

[campernh]

Thanks guys,
My mind is made up, a ST it is.
Mostly one up riding, fun in the twisties and all the great people on this board riding one!
Merry Christmas,
Brian

[Horst]

"...having a Wing for just my own riding was a bit like buying a motorhome for your sole means of transportation..."

HA HA HA HA !!!!! :p :p ;) :D :D :D

oh, and dannyk, the ST's tank is also under the seat :eek:

[dannyk]

Horst, I know the tank on the 1100 is under the seat, but is the tank on the 1300 there also, or is the main tank up high and the smaller one where the fuel pump is under the seat? I haven't looked at a 1300 closely yet and I am soon going to start getting some feel for pricing from the local dealerships, won't be able to ride until April probably anyway due to snow, and salt residue on the roads. Need to stop by and get a brochure soon.

[Mellow]

Horst, I know the tank on the 1100 is under the seat, but is the tank on the 1300 there also, or is the main tank up high and the smaller one where the fuel pump is under the seat? I haven't looked at a 1300 closely yet and I am soon going to start getting some feel for pricing from the local dealerships, won't be able to ride until April probably anyway due to snow, and salt residue on the roads. Need to stop by and get a brochure soon.

5.5 gallons in the upper section and 2.2 gallons in the lower section, under the seat.

I took this from Mark Lawrence's site (HERE (http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/ST1300_e.html#Info))

[dannyk]

Thank's Mellow. DannyK

[Mellow]

Thank's Mellow. DannyK
No problem, when you get a chance, check out Mark's site he's done an excellent job documenting tons of information and making it easy to get to.

[dannyk]

Already have it in my favorite places so I can check it out, darn snow, first year without a snowmobile and its driving me nuts. Hoped to other things with the 4 wheeler but we got so much snow right away that we have been limited to what we can do with them.

[sandman]

eddiemack,

This link may help you with some ideas for stock seat reconstruction.

http://www.sargentcycle.com/csfoam.htm

They also sell their Super CellFoam by the square foot in two different thicknesses.

http://www.sargentcycle.com/wsfaq.htm##16

Please keep us updated, this is the way I'd like to go. I'm allergic to paying $500. to $1,000. for a seat that may still need customizing to get it to fit me. Going this route you could rework your seat several times for minimal cost. And learn a lot about upholstery.

Gordon

[Horst]

... now we's edumacated ! ... RIDE ON !

[STSmitty]

I inserted a piece of 3" high density memory foam to the stock saddle, but I found that the transition area between the harder stock foam and the memory foam when compressed made too much of a "ridge" and was annoying. The part of me that was on the memory foam sure was comfortable, though. I reinserted the section of stock foam and also added a 1/4" piece of light foam shaped to the top of the seat. So far, this seems OK, but I'll find out on the first trip in the spring...

I'm sure that if one tried a lot of different combinations of thickness, density and area you could make it work. Probably better for me to just go to someone who knows what they are doing and that has done all the experimenting...

Smitty

[MacT66]

sargent seats are great