Hey all, I was creeping around here a few years ago, dreaming of the day I'd finally own either a ST1100 or ST1300. I just picked up a 2003 with 37k miles on her. First thing I noticed was it doesn't seem to like being thrown into a corner, seems to fight me and wanting to stay upright. Of course I've been playing in the dirt the last 6 years and I wasn't sure how it would compare to my old 94 VFR. Totally different bikes. Mine came with a pan European seat that fits like a glove and top box(a must so my 13yr old daughter could lean back. I drove it home in 33* temps yesterday morning and I have to add, I left the faceshield on my helmet open the entire 25 mile ride home. The fairing and wind screen do one heck of a job!!! Of course the engine heat that these earlier bikes were known for really helped with keeping the legs warm too. I have to figure out how to either lower or raise the windscreen as the top is right in my line of sight. This is the non abs/powered windscreen. I'm impressed with the brakes too.
I ran to the DMV this morning to get legal beagle and plan to take my daughter to school tomorrow on it. She's all excited that she's going to show up to school on the back of a cycle. lol So far the ST hasn't let me down on expectations. I look forward to putting a ton of miles on her. Since I'm in Michigan, I don't have much time left to ride, so I'm going to squeeze in as many miles as possible before storing it. I seem to buy my bikes at this time of year due to deals. It just sucks to only get to ride for such a short time and having to wait until Spring to ride it again.
Edit: After getting in about 100 miles of seat time now, I'm liking it better. That heavy front end, throwing into a corner or turn thing comes much easier now. It's just been a long time since I rode something more than 240#s and 50hp or wasn't standing half the time. It's pretty nimble for something that weighs a tad North of 700#s. Even at near idle speed it's very manageable. It's got my daughter's approval. She's the one that talked me into riding her to school twice this week....with frost on the ground both of those mornings. That fairing blocks a hell of a lot, only my fingertips were partially frozen by the time I got the office. I have a pair of Klim snowmobile gloves I might give a try. The original owner put an aftermarket seat on it, it has Pan European stitched into it and it's kind of like a saddle for the rider. You fit "into" it. The passenger seat is nice and wide and comfy, or so I hear. He also put those powerlet plugs in a couple of places, one is right in the middle of the bar mount, then two right by the shock dial. I just ordered an adapter that runs two 12v cig type out of one powerlet outlet. One for the radar detector, the other for the Nuvi. Just have to figure out where and how to mount each of those.
Next week looks like it's going to be yet another beautiful week to ride the ST to work before the temps finally dropped and the snow starts flying and the sea foam goes in and then the loooong wait for spring.