Newbie

[Actionfigurejoe]

Signed the papers for a 2005 ST1300 today. Plan to pick it up next week. Snowmobiling had been my "drug" of choice for the last 15 years. Medical circumstances forces me to take a year off. After talking it over with many of old riding buds, I decided on a ST. Past bikes included a highly modified H2, Yamaha 650, and KX250. My old riding buds say I'll be amazed at the technological advancements built in to the ST. I hope I don't have my expecations set too high. Truely, I haven't been on a bike since I sold them in 1988 so I could return to school. Any suggestions or advice for an old veteran bike rider returning to the sport?

[sherob]

Welcome! :biker:

Please do the MSF thing. Since you bought a brand new gorgeous ST, you are given a year of HRCA free... one benefit is $75 reimbursment towards MSF :) . You'll also get a break on your insurance... these are side benefits compared to what you'll learn from the class... I hadn't ridden in over 20 years... all prior was dirt bikes... lot's of bad habits to get rid of :D

Ride safe,
Robert

[AgSTreak]

AF, you've come to the right place for advice on what is arguably the best sport-TOURING motorcycle made. The ST handles like a dream. Along with the great handling come some undeniable laws of physics. The ST is heavy, lean her over too far and you're going to drop her, especially in parking lots or at stop lights (tip over wings will take most of the force). Don't park where you're going to have to back the ST up a slight incline (see prior item and don't ask how I know :oops: ). The ST has great acceleration and great brakes, again beware of the weight. It's claimed the weight disappears after 5 mph. It's still there, juST verrrry well hidden. The ST is smooth and powerful, going over the speed limit without knowing is too easy. I came to the ST after giving up riding for 13 years to help raise my kids. The ST1300 is the biggest and most powerful motorcycle I have owned. I have to admit I was a little afraid when I picked her up from the dealer. I was careful and took some time to learn the ways of the beaST. It's an awesome machine. I can cruise all day, in comfort, with an ear to ear grin :D . Or I can go for a shorter more spirited ride and have that same stupid grin :D . I've come to love and respect my ST. Last year I put on 9000 miles. I hope to put on considerably more this year. I hope you find the ST as exciting and as much fun as I have. Ride safe.- john :bow1: :biker:

[AgSTreak]

By the way as a newbie, your homework assignment is a first ride report along with pictures of the new ride and prowd owner. Sorry I was so long winded, but it's so easy to get carried away. :03biker:

[CruisingDog]

My advice:

1) MSF Course. Absolute must. It'll all come back and you'll be amongst friends straight away. Good refresher eh ?

2) Go on a ride with some friends on a not too techical ride to start out with (just so that you get familiar with the bike and the roads)

3) Go on some twisties. You know the rest ...

4-10) Enjoy with a big cheesy grin .... :D

[sandman]

Congratulations on your new STeed.

I echo the sentiment about how top heavy the ST can be when coming to a stop or trying to walk the bike around...be careful.

One other thing you might want to be wary of is the on-off nature of the throttle/fuel injection. This takes some getting used to.

The best way to learn about the ride you've chosen is to spend quality time with her. RIDE...RIDE...RIDE! :biker: :biker: :biker:


Gordon :04biker:

[AgSTreak]

Gordon, have you adjusted the play in your throttle yet. I heard from a Honda rep that the company intentionally sets the play to the max specified (and sometimes more). :eek: Adjust it to minimum or just slightly less (~1/16" I think). :)

[NBA336]

Congratulations. Can't wait for some pictures. I too will be picking up my new :04biker: this Thursday, which happens to be my 60th birthday too. I have heard about the bike being top heavy and I am a little anxioius over that. I had a V45 750 Sabre before that, but hadn't ridden for over 5 years until last year when I got the V45 in riding shape. So, when I go and pick her up, I will be really nervous. But, I've heard of such good things about the bike, I thought, what the H...May take the refresher course here in Canada - we'll see. Anyway, I can't wait to hear your initial experience. I will be posting pictures and :D :D :D probably next week.

[Fireball18]

Newbie and NBA336---Congrats and welcome to the family here. You have made a wise choice of motorcycles and you should have miles of smiles with it. Aside from the above observations regarding weight and top-heaviness, I think you'll discover that the ST1300 is a great all-around motorcycle that's content doing whatever you require of it, short of dirt riding. A dual-sport bike it's not.

Unless you're very "inseam challenged," I don't think you'll have much to be concerned with regarding top heaviness. It is, to be sure, but it's not that bad. Swing a leg over a BMW R1150RT and you'll discover top heavy. Or a Honda GL1500 Gold Wing. Probably the worst example I ever owned, for being top heavy was a Suzuki Cavalcade. The ST is light-feeling and nimble, and inspires confidence in the rider.

You'll have fun farlking (accessorizing) your bikes. There's lots out there for it. Just don't chrome the ST!

Oh yes, ditto what's mentioned above--treat yourself to the motorcycle safety course for all the reasons given, as well as your own peace of mind. the ST is capable of so much and so should you.

Again, welcome and enjoy. :03biker: