PDA

View Full Version : Just got back from Lake Tahoe...


Jefro
09-09-2005, 08:12 PM
We took friday off and left Cajon Pass at 6am to head up Hwy 395 to the KOA Campsite at the South Shore of beautiful Lake Tahoe.
Denny on his Wing, Craig on his BMW, Dean on his FJR1300, and me on my Heritage Classic. Traffic was light as we took the Monitor Pass over the Sierra Nevadas at 8500 feet, and the Truckee River was flowing pretty well from all the snow pack over the snowy winter.
We set up camp, got the fire roaring, opened a few 6packs, and told road stories well into the chilly night.
Saturday morning we rode up to old Virginia City to poke around the gem shops and mining museums, and the street was filled with the sound of hundreds of Harleys coming into town for a visit.
Then we rode over the Mt. Rose Highway on our way to the north shore. The 9200 foot pass was chilly with an awesome view of the lake a few miles off in the distance.
After stopping for lunch at Kings Beach, we took a very leasurely putt around the California side of the lake, stopping at the lookout point above Emerald Bay to check out the little island with a tiny castle on it. The bay was filled with water skiiers, day cruisers and speed boats.
Man, it doesn't get any better than riding the Harley in 80 degree weather under gorgeous powder blue skys on a slow twisty two lane overlooking one of the prettiest lakes this country has to offer.
Back at camp we ate Tahoe Pizza with cold beer around a crackling fire while looking at more stars in the night sky than I have ever seen before.
After breaking camp sunday morning, we took one last ride past the Lake and the Casinos at Stateline before heading down Kingbury Grade to Hwy 395 and home. The 1100 miles we rode this weekend was a trip we all enjoyed, and will savor as we plan our next camping trip on two wheels.
Jefro.

Jefro
09-09-2005, 08:19 PM
I've got a couple of bikes, and was thinking of adding an ST to the mix. Seems like a good distance bike but not anywhere near as comfortable as my Heritage from what I gather from reading the posts on windshields, seats, heat problems, displays and the like (probably all minor complaints).
Still, it seems like a good bike to take when I ride with my Wing buddies on overnight rides.
Anyway, I didn't see a Topic area to introduce myself so I thought I'd post a bit here.
Jefro.

STeve1300
09-09-2005, 10:49 PM
Welcome! Alot of former Harley riders on this site seem happy with their ST. I would recommend looking up Crazykz (http://www.st-owners.com/forums/member.php?u=1822) on this board as he is one of them.

crazykz
09-09-2005, 11:13 PM
I've got a couple of bikes, and was thinking of adding an ST to the mix. Seems like a good distance bike but not anywhere near as comfortable as my Heritage from what I gather from reading the posts on windshields, seats, heat problems, displays and the like (probably all minor complaints).
Still, it seems like a good bike to take when I ride with my Wing buddies on overnight rides.
Anyway, I didn't see a Topic area to introduce myself so I thought I'd post a bit here.
Jefro.

Hey Jefro,

Not sure if you'll revisit this thread but I'll let you know that I came from an Ultra-Couch. You're right the HD is more comfortable but I've made the ST into my full time touring bike. Compared to the HD there are no heat issues on the ST. I've only felt heat on a 100 degree day in stop and go traffic but nothing compared to a rear cylinder on an HD jammed up in your crotch on an 80 degree day. The windshield is electrically adjustable on the ST which is far above the HD. Displays... well who looks at those things anyway. The seat is the sticking point. The HD just has a better seat and most who tour on the ST switch to something else but you're getting a far superior bike IMO for sport/touring. It's leagues more fun than the Ultra ever was and I'll bet it's more fun than the Heritage.

Curt

Jefro
09-10-2005, 12:42 PM
Thanks for the info.
I mostly have concerns about the ergonomics of the ST. My Heritage is so damn comfortable and I never sqirm around on long rides.

In your opinion as a former Harley owner, do you think any type of rider backrest is necessary. Typically with a cruiser, your legs are out in front a bit, so the back needs a bit of support.
On the sport touring models, the pegs are under your butt so you wind up in a more foward crouch. Is this riding position good for 500 mile days?
Jefro.

crazykz
09-11-2005, 01:15 PM
Thanks for the info.
I mostly have concerns about the ergonomics of the ST. My Heritage is so damn comfortable and I never sqirm around on long rides.

In your opinion as a former Harley owner, do you think any type of rider backrest is necessary. Typically with a cruiser, your legs are out in front a bit, so the back needs a bit of support.
On the sport touring models, the pegs are under your butt so you wind up in a more foward crouch. Is this riding position good for 500 mile days?
Jefro.

Hi Jeffro,

If you go with a better seat it is IMO. I haven't been a Corbin fan but they obviously have made others happy. I think I'm headed for a Russell at some point. The Sargent I have is a great seat but I need softer padding on top and/or more of a front lean to me seat to get me in the riding position I need to be in. You're right that the position you ride in is different between the two bikes. I don't think you need a backrest but a set of bar risers is probably in order. Helibar just redesigned theirs and I think I might change over to those from the Motorcycle Larry ones I have now. I changed my riding position to a very upright type style with my lower back arched to do the work of holding me upright so that my neck and shoulders aren't taking the brunt of it which causes my neck to light up a pinched nerve I have.

It's an adjustment if you're willing to adjust. If not then you might need to reconsider. There isn't a driver backrest that I've seen but I believe Russell may be able to accomodate that. I've seen one rider on here who did it them selves with the one piece corbin but I like the two piece seat. Corbin now has a two piece seat but you wouldn't be able to do the same backrest design without using the one piece version. You also lose the seat adjustment with the one piece version.

Curt

Jefro
09-12-2005, 07:40 AM
Thanks Curt,
I've also heard good things about the Russel seat.
Seats are such a subjective issue, I'll have to see what the stock seat and positions feel like before I order a Corbin (my usual favorite).
Jefro.