Another New ST1300A Owner

[Pred8tor]

I picked it up this morning - words cannot adequately explain my feelings - WHAT A WONDERFUL MACHINE!!! I love this bike!

I was nervous about riding it the first time - it's been 17 years since I sold my '82 Honda V45 Sabre, and this bike felt huge in comparison to the memory of that bike. But the first time I put it into gear, and raised both feet to the pegs, it all came back - and I knew this is going to be a wonderful relationship between man and machine!

Started with 9 miles on it, and now has almost 150 - my left hand is killing me because I'm not used to the clutch... but it's a wonderful pain! I absolutely love the electric windshield - that's amazing. The seat is okay for me, but I will probably get handlebar risers to raise it and bring it back a little.

Enough typing - just wanted to share my news - gotta get back to the ST - It's calling me.... :biker:

[Mellow]

Congrats!.. It's always great to hear the enthusiasm in a new owners post... kinda makes it all come back for the rest of us.

[STeve1300]

Yep, I bet there's soon to be another lawn in Greensboro that's gonna perpetually need mowing cuz the owners out riding his ST. Welcome to the club from another new member.

[creakyneck]

Congrats:

I was 15 years or so between my last bike, a CB-550F with a Windjammer. Felt like home easiing out of the dealer lot with me as well.
If you've been following the forum posts, I'm sure you've heard the cautions with the BeaSTies weight during very low speed manuvering, and be judicioius with throttle use at first as she has the power to move that weight VERY QUICKLY!

Ride Safe and welcome to the fold :D

[Ken]

Congrats Pred8tor, and welcome to the forum :)

[Kennedy]

Welcome. He you can almost feel the excitment in that post. Enjoy it and ride safe.

[AgSTreak]

Welcome noobies. As always be careful and enjoy the new ride. Believe me it keeps getting better.- john

[sherob]

Welcome and enjoy your new toy... be careful as has been advised. As the Tent City Manager said, it gets better and better... miles of smiles :D

[tccox]

Congrats Pred8tor

They were calling for rain and thunderstorms here in the Charlotte area this morning. I was glad to wake up and see one of the best riding days I've ever seen for you to pick up your new bike. Clear skies and 70 deg F. Enjoy the new bike.

[texxter]

Hey Pred8tor, congratulations!!! I am glad you're enjoying your new toy, I will be next!

[Pred8tor]

Thanks guys!

NC has this interesting "Motorcycle Learner Permit" license that allows people to ride for up to 18 months, with the only limitation being that you aren't allowed to carry passengers. I picked one up (permit, not passenger) last week in preparation for my return to two wheels. I had let my previous endorsement lapse when I sold my last bike.

I wasn't sure about taking the DMV riding test on the ST... at least not until yesterday and today. I was afraid the bike would be too awkward in a narrow riding course. But I went out today and set up my own "cones" and did some weaving in and out, very slow and very tight. For a bigger bike, it will handle slow, too. I'm not worried about the DMV test anymore!

I'm going to DMV Tuesday to take the "road" portion of the test for the full license endorsement - This "learner permit" thing is gnawing at me... I've ridden too long to be carrying around one of these in my wallet. :rolleyes:

What a great bike - and this is a great site. When I bought my last Honda in '82 there was nothing like this...ya gotta love how things advance sometimes! :cool:


Now, without further ado...back to ---------> :biker:

[GBN732]

If you take the MSF course you won't have to take the couse at DMV, you will get a certificate and gain a lot of good, useful practical practice and possible a reduction in insurance premium. :03biker:

[intruderjohn]

Yep, I bet there's soon to be another lawn in Greensboro that's gonna perpetually need mowing cuz the owners out riding his ST. Welcome to the club from another new member.
Amen Steve got a lawn here in Vista that's getting ignored also.
Congrats Pred8tor good choice.

[tccox]

Forgot to ask , Did the folks at Charlotte Honda treat you ok ????

And another thing , check your wheels carefully for any blemishes. About 4 months after I got mine while wasking the bike I noticed about a 2" long "flaw" in the finish on my front wheel right next to one of the wheel weights. Someone had attempted to touch it up with paint that did'nt quite match. And make sure thay give you the tank knee pads that come with the bike.

[Pred8tor]

If you take the MSF course you won't have to take the couse at DMV, you will get a certificate and gain a lot of good, useful practical practice and possible a reduction in insurance premium. :03biker:

Yeah, that's my fallback plan. I've taken the course before, about 25 years ago, and it was fun. But they charge $100 for it here, and I can use that cash for other things right now. I may be wrong, but I can't imagine the DMV asking me to do more than I can already do on this bike.


Forgot to ask , Did the folks at Charlotte Honda treat you ok ????


Yes they did. Typical sales stuff, though. He tried to tell me how good a deal I was getting, until I told him the Asheville dealer had beaten his price. Tried to sell me the Honda extended warranty and another tire/wheel warranty. I was aware to check for the tank pads thanks to this site... and they had already put them on.

He had to show me the inspection sticker, because I was looking on the fork legs for it. It was on the inside of the fairing on the left side. You have to get down on your knees to see it - hope the local police don't mind that position - it's better than gunking up the fork tube!

I'll do a close inspection of my wheels tonight - thanks for the heads up.

As far as my lawn is concerned... that's what my 18 year old son is for!! A resident lawn care specialist. :D

Now I'm in the market for a good headset setup for rider - passenger, cell phone usage, and radio/mp3. Also looking for a good rainsuit. I'm open to suggestions. :confused: