View Full Version : New rider with too much time
royws
05-16-2005, 08:45 AM
I've had my '05 since the middle of March, and since the Spring weather, here, in the Northeast, has been so poor, I'm finding myself with too much time to think about how I want to spend my hard earned dollars on improving my bike. I'm thinking about going with a Rick Mayer seat, a small CalSci windshield, Heli risers, a Shoei X-11 helmet, and possibly Staintune pipes. I said I had too much time on my hands. Anyone have any feelings about the changes I'm thinking about ? I'm 44, five eleven and 215 pounds. Just looking to make a great bike even more comfortable on longer trips. This site has proved to be a great source of information, and everyone seems so pleasant and willing to help. I'm addicted.
Royws
royws... welcome to the madness :rolleyes:
I'm with ya on the seat and risers... but consider the med sheild from Mark, you might find the little xtra coverage towards the ends of the season helpful. I'm about an hour north of Concord, and ride until mid-Nov. :o4:
I would encourage you to consider lighting upgrades as a more constructive use of the $$$ spent on pipes... if $$$ are no issue, do both! You say you're in the Northeast... where? I'm hanging PIAA 910's below my mirrors, and eventually, soon, mounting fork lights as well. Critters are a big factor everywhere I lived in the Northeast, parts of NY, PA, and now NH. Be safe first, sound cool later! JMHO man, good luck & have a blast :D
...................... :04biker:
Killtimer
05-16-2005, 09:21 AM
I've had my '05 since the middle of March, and since the Spring weather, here, in the Northeast, has been so poor, I'm finding myself with too much time to think about how I want to spend my hard earned dollars on improving my bike. I'm thinking about going with a Rick Mayer seat, a small CalSci windshield, Heli risers, a Shoei X-11 helmet, and possibly Staintune pipes. I said I had too much time on my hands. Anyone have any feelings about the changes I'm thinking about ? I'm 44, five eleven and 215 pounds. Just looking to make a great bike even more comfortable on longer trips. This site has proved to be a great source of information, and everyone seems so pleasant and willing to help. I'm addicted.
Royws
Well........ You asked ;)
Saddles are very subjective, do a ride-in and make sure it's right before you leave. Is your stock shield in it's lowest position? There's an additional 2 inches of mechanical adjustment as well as the power range. In my mind, for longer trips any additional noise is a drain on my stamina. All the aftermarket pipes do is draw attention to the bike....... another questionable benefit. Many people throw a lot of money at a bike right off the bat, trying to change it into what they feel is the right ride for them.. nothing wrong with that, I'd just rather buy gas and tires. :) Put some miles on the bike before you spend a lot of money changing it. Many people end up (me as well) with a garage wall covered with stuff that didn't quite quite live up to the hype.
Steve W
Hi Royws, and welcome to the forum!
I'm going to reply to this one since we have some things in common - similar ages, new ST's, both from the northeast, and both noodling how to deplete our mod budget on these amazing bikes! And since I'm at work and feeling completely unmotivated, I also have too much time on my hands :rolleyes:
So far, I've been able to put in 700 miles on my ST. Yesterday I really stretched it out (well for me that is, no ironbutt rider here!) putting in over 250 miles on my longest ride to date. It was a bit windy and brisk here, but I wanted to give my new risers a good test. The stock setup had my wrists and shoulders sore, so I researched the Heli's, MCL's, and Genmar's. I chose the MCL's (http://www.motorcyclelarry.com/ST1300.asp) because of the reach change - 1" up and 2" back, because MCL came highly recommended, and because the price was decent (especially with a free RAM ball thrown in!). I've found my posture to be much more comfortable with the risers and my wrist and should discomfort is gone entirely. Best mod purchase to date.
Other things I've already added are entirely for function, and not form - saddlebag protectors (http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/stores/product.asp?pid=2419&str=10&ID=942439248), side and rear tank protectors (http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/stores/product.asp?pid=2418&str=10&ID=942439248), and fenda extenda (http://www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=14004&Category_Code=fendxtnd). Also have mirror and fairing deflectors (http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/stores/product.asp?pid=2421&str=10&ID=942439248) and find these to be very beneficial for cold morning commutes. The fairing protectors in particular are very helpful in keeping my legs comfortable. At the request of kids and wife, I've purchased and installed a Pirate's Lair stealth passenger backrest (http://piratesk12site.net/ST13Stealth.htm). They are pricey but fit and look great - like it's part of the original bike, and comes off in less than 30 seconds. Last up are some Hondaline saddlebag liners (http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/stores/product.asp?pid=2412&str=10&ID=942439248) so I can organize all the stuff I have in there - little things especially.
What else? Well since I had that nice new RAM ball sitting atop my risers, I decided to finally take the plunge and get a GPS. I opted for the Garmin Quest (http://www.garmin.com/products/quest/) based on user reviews, functionality, and the need to have a unit that will run on internal rechargeable battery as well as AC power. It should be here this week and I can't wait to try and get lost :)
Last up for this year's budget is something for the seat - either a replacement or a pad. I'm very disappointed in the stock seat. I had the chance to get in on the Sargent group buy on this forum, but the ST was new and I wanted to give the stock saddle a chance. I'm sorry I did. After 30 minutes I'm squirming and after 60 minutes I'm numb and standing on the pegs every 5 minutes to get some circulation to my legs. I'm 5'9 with a 32" inseam, weighing in at 185. My guess is the stock seat is just to squishy. I'm not close to bottoming out on it, but something in there is killing my circulation and making it uncomfortable. I'm going to check out the pros and cons of a Sargent, Russell, etc versus having the stock seat reupholstered with memory foam or something that they recommend.
Well, I guess I should get back to work. But it's been fun documenting my mod adventures, and I hope my experience has given you something to do with all your spare time ;)
royws
05-16-2005, 09:46 AM
I can't believe how fast people reply on this site. It's great. And GRN, you are right, it is madness. When I'm not riding, I think about motorcycles or read about them constantly. It's worse now than when I was a teenager. Also, for GRN, I live in Amherst, New Hampshire. I'm, originally, from Northeast PA, near a little town called Carbondale. Thanks for the suggestions, and you are right, I see critters, both big and small, all the time when I'm riding.
royws
roy - critters bad :eek: , light good :D The farkling around here is almost as bad as the flyfishing habit... almost. Drop me an email and let's get together up north and do some breaking in man, got mine at the very end of last season so I have some left to do too. Maybe wanna hook up with me and the folks rolling over from NeSTock in Killington of june 5? No firm times yet, hoping early to get some miles north on 100, then back down this side of the river to Plymouth.
I know Carbondale... and you certainly know about critters. Check out info on Dick Sengs light mounts for PIAA's, he has the 910's for $290, shipped w/ brackets (which are a very slick design) for $375.
....................................... :04biker:
AgSTreak
05-16-2005, 11:19 AM
Aux lights, heated handgrips, throttle help/cruise control, saddle mod/upgrade, windshield and music/radio/CB etc. Probably in this order depending on your priorities and the season, these are probably the most useful mods. Fenda extenda and upgrading the headlights are relatively cheap, easy to do and worth the effort.
In the meantime don't let the ST's gentle demeaner fool you. When you open her up she turns into a snarling speed demon. Take your time, learn to ride well and safe.
Greg we'll probably show up fairly early, the roads in VT and NH just beg to be ridden. :bow1: :bow1:
If I have my Sargent, I'll let you try it for a short while. If not I'll let you try my heavily modified OEM saddle.- john
Kempo-STer
05-16-2005, 11:34 AM
Picking up my new ST hopefully this weekend....
My approach for farkles will be function over form...
Reason being is that it will never be newer or in better shape then when it is brand new..This is the time to add the all the body/paint protectors..
I will buy the Honda top box right out of the gate for the wife..
Looking into the headlight protector and a fender extender to keep the radiator area clean
As an Aside..
Look at Georgeorge's post on Connecticut Camping or ConStoc..we'd really love to have you down to Ct that weekend in Sept...I am a seasonal camper at his campground and will be right behind you where he reserved the sites..
So far we are 4...
Todd
I'll check out conSTock... trying to put together a trip to OR, dates yet to be nailed down, to do some flyfishing... if it doesn't cross over I'll probably be there.
I was also thinking about putting something together for end sept/early oct for a camping gatering in the White Mountains... fall color! Have to get the OR thing nailed down, then I'll post an idea and see who's interested.
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