Newby Question

[STRAT]

I just purchased a 2005 ST1300 to go with my VTX1800c and was wondering if anyone could tell me if the tank and knee pad options from Honda are good to have.

Thanks for any advice.

[STCPO]

Howdy Strat....Welcome to the site.

We are getting quite a collection of ST's here in the DFW area.

Pete

[EdsST]

Welcome - as far as the knee pads go from what I've read they don't do much good. I can't speak from experience since I don't have them, but I do have the side tanks pads (the ones that come with the bike) and the front tank pad and I would definitaly recommend them

[wjbertrand]

I just purchased a 2005 ST1300 to go with my VTX1800c and was wondering if anyone could tell me if the tank and knee pad options from Honda are good to have.

Thanks for any advice.

If you wear heavy cordura riding pants or a one-piece suit, the pads will help protect the paint nicely. I noticed some paint scuffing on the farings and tank when I got home from the dealer's after my first ride! Here's a shot of how they look:

[STRAT]

Thanks for the welcome and the comments. The pads I was talking about were the optional ones that fit down on the fairing and the middle tank pad. (Thanks for the tip on the side tank pads. They aren't mounted on the bike so now I know to ask about them!)

I guess the best benefit of the lower pads might be protection of the paint rather than comfort. Sounds like the middle tank pad is something I ought to have since my belly is definitely going to rub there!

[Mellow]

There's a Thursday gathering that's a www.twtex.com event for there are a few STs from here that show up.

Here are the details:

http://www.twtex.com/viewtopic.php?t=4737

[crazykz]

I went with the full set of louvers(sp?) and the magknight tank bra.

I like protecting as much of me and the bike as possible because I ride a lot of miles and the only thing that saves me on a trade in is the condition of the bike.

Curt

[Jeff F]

Instead of buying the Honda tank pad for $42 I picked one up from the dealers - a slightly different design but it works fine, for about $10. It's clear & undetectable unless you're up close. No Honda logo on it either, which I saw as a plus.