Folks. I've been a member for about 2 months, but have only been an actual ST owner for about two weeks. Because NO ABS was a deal breaker for me and I was on a very tight limited budget, it took some time to finally find a Silver 2003 with ABS. But I had to make the drive from Metro Phoenix to Orange County, CA to pick her up. Here are some thoughts about my buying experience, ownership, and riding so far in no particular order.
1.) I had not ridden a motorcycle at all since college, about 18 years ago. My friend, who rides a Kawasaki Voyager 1700, nearly convinced me that I would be skilled enough to make the 400 mile trek from Southern California to Gilbert, AZ since I had ridden fairly consistently for 7 years in my youth. Thank God I did not listen. It cost me $500 to rent a truck and trailer and buy gas. But the peace of mind that I got from the $500 expense was priceless!
2.) When I got the bike home, I, of course could not resist taking it out for a spin around the neighborhood. It felt heavy and it lurched and bucked violently in first and second gear. It was even a bit to handle in 3rd gear! I literally only rode it for about 3 miles and I was too intimidated and overwhelmed to continue riding. So I swallowed my pride and took the MSF course for beginners about three days later. Holy snicker doodle! I got back on the ST afterwards and it was as though 150 lbs had come off of it! Technique really is a HUGE factor in riding this thing! I have since taken it on about 60 mile trips with very little highway stints. I am still not completely comfortable on it, but I am not petrified to get on it like I was before the MSF course. That friction zone is your best friend.
3.) At 60 -70 mph, it feels "flighty", if that makes any sense to you guys. Almost like the tires want to come off the ground. Like it is floating. Maybe I'll get use to it, but it feels like I don't have enough traction, which is unnerving.
4.) Low speed maneuvers are a PITA. But this may be a "getting acquainted" issue. Plenty of friction zone practice is needed in these low speed maneuvers. Second gear seems to be less jerky when practicing these.
5.) Some days I feel like I have acquired a lot of skill and other days I feel like I am regressing. Today, for example, I had a really hard time coming to a smooth stop at red lights as I put my left foot down. I am 5'5" with a 27 ish inseam. But I am actually surprised that it doesn't feel heavier when I am holding up its weight with my left foot.
6.) If you're patient and you're willing to travel a bit, you can get a good deal on an ST. I picked this one up for $3800 + $500 or so to get her home. She has 89200 or so miles on her. She came with a top box, handlebar risers, and a cramp buster thingy-mabob that I have no idea how to use. The guy I purchased it from was super nice and actually texted me the next day to make sure I had gotten home safely. I ensured that the title was clean and in his name before I made the trip. He even posted Youtube videos of a walk around of the bike for me. If he represents the attitude of all ST owners, then they are a stand up bunch.
7.) My clutch hand hurts and cramps up. I don't remember having that problem when I use to ride in my twenties. And I have to let the clutch out quite a bit before it starts to engage.
8.) I want to get into the ATGATT habit, but having bought the bike first, I am still accruing the funds to buy the rest of the gear. So far I have purchased a Kabuto helmet, which the salesmen convinced me that it is directly below Shoei for quality--SNELL and DOT stamped, a pair of Wolverine work boots that cover my ankles but are not steal toed, a pair of motorcycle leather gloves that are armored. I still need to buy an armored jacket and pants. I am thinking Tourmaster or Olympia.
9.) Overall I am ecstatic about the purchase. I love the camaraderie of other motorcyclist who wave as they pass. I even had a motorcycle policeman on an ST1300P wave.
That's all folks. Any advice, comments, wisdom is greatly appreciated.
Terson
1.) I had not ridden a motorcycle at all since college, about 18 years ago. My friend, who rides a Kawasaki Voyager 1700, nearly convinced me that I would be skilled enough to make the 400 mile trek from Southern California to Gilbert, AZ since I had ridden fairly consistently for 7 years in my youth. Thank God I did not listen. It cost me $500 to rent a truck and trailer and buy gas. But the peace of mind that I got from the $500 expense was priceless!
2.) When I got the bike home, I, of course could not resist taking it out for a spin around the neighborhood. It felt heavy and it lurched and bucked violently in first and second gear. It was even a bit to handle in 3rd gear! I literally only rode it for about 3 miles and I was too intimidated and overwhelmed to continue riding. So I swallowed my pride and took the MSF course for beginners about three days later. Holy snicker doodle! I got back on the ST afterwards and it was as though 150 lbs had come off of it! Technique really is a HUGE factor in riding this thing! I have since taken it on about 60 mile trips with very little highway stints. I am still not completely comfortable on it, but I am not petrified to get on it like I was before the MSF course. That friction zone is your best friend.
3.) At 60 -70 mph, it feels "flighty", if that makes any sense to you guys. Almost like the tires want to come off the ground. Like it is floating. Maybe I'll get use to it, but it feels like I don't have enough traction, which is unnerving.
4.) Low speed maneuvers are a PITA. But this may be a "getting acquainted" issue. Plenty of friction zone practice is needed in these low speed maneuvers. Second gear seems to be less jerky when practicing these.
5.) Some days I feel like I have acquired a lot of skill and other days I feel like I am regressing. Today, for example, I had a really hard time coming to a smooth stop at red lights as I put my left foot down. I am 5'5" with a 27 ish inseam. But I am actually surprised that it doesn't feel heavier when I am holding up its weight with my left foot.
6.) If you're patient and you're willing to travel a bit, you can get a good deal on an ST. I picked this one up for $3800 + $500 or so to get her home. She has 89200 or so miles on her. She came with a top box, handlebar risers, and a cramp buster thingy-mabob that I have no idea how to use. The guy I purchased it from was super nice and actually texted me the next day to make sure I had gotten home safely. I ensured that the title was clean and in his name before I made the trip. He even posted Youtube videos of a walk around of the bike for me. If he represents the attitude of all ST owners, then they are a stand up bunch.
7.) My clutch hand hurts and cramps up. I don't remember having that problem when I use to ride in my twenties. And I have to let the clutch out quite a bit before it starts to engage.
8.) I want to get into the ATGATT habit, but having bought the bike first, I am still accruing the funds to buy the rest of the gear. So far I have purchased a Kabuto helmet, which the salesmen convinced me that it is directly below Shoei for quality--SNELL and DOT stamped, a pair of Wolverine work boots that cover my ankles but are not steal toed, a pair of motorcycle leather gloves that are armored. I still need to buy an armored jacket and pants. I am thinking Tourmaster or Olympia.
9.) Overall I am ecstatic about the purchase. I love the camaraderie of other motorcyclist who wave as they pass. I even had a motorcycle policeman on an ST1300P wave.
That's all folks. Any advice, comments, wisdom is greatly appreciated.
Terson
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. Enjoy and ride safe. See you on the roads.
