This past year has been met with certain realizations of aging. Due to arthritis, I no longer can do 8 hours in the saddle, or even half that. Since most of my rides are local, I find the ST a bit heavy at the stop lights, while trying to balance the bike on a raised foot. In August I tipped my bike over and injured my left hand using improper technique to raise 670 lbs to an upright position. Yet even with the bad news, I still loved my ST. Over the past few months, I've been riding less and wondering if this is all coming to an end. It did not.
On Saturday, South Sound Honda of Olympia took my 2003 ST in trade for a 2014 V-Strom 650. I test rode it briefly in the cold rain and was amazed how much I enjoyed the experience, to the extent that I didn't want the test ride to end. The 650 has all the power I need, and the engine range is amazing. I dropped the rpms to 2,000 in second gear, then accelerated and it never hesitated. I kept riding and grinning; finally I had to return the bike to the dealer. I have not played in the rain like that since first grade! The Honda dealer told me many ST riders switched to a V-Strom, based on its durability and great reputation. Sounds familiar.
I am ordering a long list of farkles, and will waste no time in customizing my hobby (bike). I'm not leaving this forum, it is so much more than just about STs.
Thanks all for your advice and support, I look forward to many more years with ST-owners.
Jon Auster, aka STreaker
On Saturday, South Sound Honda of Olympia took my 2003 ST in trade for a 2014 V-Strom 650. I test rode it briefly in the cold rain and was amazed how much I enjoyed the experience, to the extent that I didn't want the test ride to end. The 650 has all the power I need, and the engine range is amazing. I dropped the rpms to 2,000 in second gear, then accelerated and it never hesitated. I kept riding and grinning; finally I had to return the bike to the dealer. I have not played in the rain like that since first grade! The Honda dealer told me many ST riders switched to a V-Strom, based on its durability and great reputation. Sounds familiar.
I am ordering a long list of farkles, and will waste no time in customizing my hobby (bike). I'm not leaving this forum, it is so much more than just about STs.
Thanks all for your advice and support, I look forward to many more years with ST-owners.
Jon Auster, aka STreaker
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