Fatjock
STOC #8872
My problem with the ST1100, is that it is too easy to ride it too fast. Having regularly found myself at highway speeds on four lane roads with a 45mph limit before realizing it, I decided a change of pace was necessary.
So a few months ago, I sold my 91 ST (kept the 01), and a scooter, and searched for a suitable replacement. I wanted something that could do the mileage, would be comfortable, and would make me want to take things a bit easier. After a good bit of searching, and a deal that fell through (stealership sold the bike out from under me, when I had thought we had a deal set), I eventually settled on getting a NOS 2016 Vaquero.
Of course, it needed a few additions (taller screen, lights, 12V outlet, ECU flash, GPS etc.) and with the limited carrying, we added a hitch, and a California Sidecar trailer to get it to where I wanted it to be. Now have a great touring rig, that my wife enjoys riding more than the ST (I still prefer the ST), and which helps to keep me in check.
I have to say that with the rear air suspension, I find this to be one of the most comfortable bikes I've ridden, and with the factory cruise and sounds, it ticks all the boxes but economy.
The stock machine had an unusual throttle response from the ride-by-wire system under certain conditions, and ran really hot. Getting the Ivan's ECU flash brought the throttle back to a linear response, cooled things down considerably, and improved the MPG a bit. If you have, or get, a Vaquero or Voyager, I cannot recommend the Ivan's ECU flash highly enough. It transforms the bike into what Kawasaki should have made it.
Make no mistake, this is a heavy lump, with limited ground clearance, but still handles very well considering. Once you've hauled it up off the stand, the weight is a lot less noticeable. There is plenty of torque low down, with peak hitting at 2,750rpm, so getting her up to road speed is not an issue, and with the trailer on there is no difference, so you hardly notice it's there. Economy could be better, with the 1700cc twin lump returning 40-45mpg around town when ridden judiciously, but that can drop to the high thirties when you get on it, and that's with premium gas.
The "Kawasaki positive neutral finder" takes a bit of getting used to, but the K-ACT linked brakes don't. Only time ABS engaged is when I deliberately forced it. Otherwise braking is smooth and efficient, with the linked brakes unobtrusive.
Overall, I'm really pleased with my purchase. The value for money can't be beat. The comfort is excellent, performance is exactly where I needed to be, the amenities are all there (Audiophiles could pick holes in the sound system, but it does what I need it to do, letting me hear the music clearly, and cleanly, at highway speeds.......after fitting a taller screen. The aux input adapter could be better, but it does the job.), and it looks and sounds good. Even it could run on regular gas, or get over 50mpg on the premium, I'd be delighted. But you can't have everything in this world.
This may not be for everyone, but it suits the needs of my wife and myself admirably. I'm very glad I still have one ST, though.
Here's a few pics to illustrate.
To show the removable hitch receiver,
And one to show how she was completely stock.
So a few months ago, I sold my 91 ST (kept the 01), and a scooter, and searched for a suitable replacement. I wanted something that could do the mileage, would be comfortable, and would make me want to take things a bit easier. After a good bit of searching, and a deal that fell through (stealership sold the bike out from under me, when I had thought we had a deal set), I eventually settled on getting a NOS 2016 Vaquero.
Of course, it needed a few additions (taller screen, lights, 12V outlet, ECU flash, GPS etc.) and with the limited carrying, we added a hitch, and a California Sidecar trailer to get it to where I wanted it to be. Now have a great touring rig, that my wife enjoys riding more than the ST (I still prefer the ST), and which helps to keep me in check.
I have to say that with the rear air suspension, I find this to be one of the most comfortable bikes I've ridden, and with the factory cruise and sounds, it ticks all the boxes but economy.
The stock machine had an unusual throttle response from the ride-by-wire system under certain conditions, and ran really hot. Getting the Ivan's ECU flash brought the throttle back to a linear response, cooled things down considerably, and improved the MPG a bit. If you have, or get, a Vaquero or Voyager, I cannot recommend the Ivan's ECU flash highly enough. It transforms the bike into what Kawasaki should have made it.
Make no mistake, this is a heavy lump, with limited ground clearance, but still handles very well considering. Once you've hauled it up off the stand, the weight is a lot less noticeable. There is plenty of torque low down, with peak hitting at 2,750rpm, so getting her up to road speed is not an issue, and with the trailer on there is no difference, so you hardly notice it's there. Economy could be better, with the 1700cc twin lump returning 40-45mpg around town when ridden judiciously, but that can drop to the high thirties when you get on it, and that's with premium gas.
The "Kawasaki positive neutral finder" takes a bit of getting used to, but the K-ACT linked brakes don't. Only time ABS engaged is when I deliberately forced it. Otherwise braking is smooth and efficient, with the linked brakes unobtrusive.
Overall, I'm really pleased with my purchase. The value for money can't be beat. The comfort is excellent, performance is exactly where I needed to be, the amenities are all there (Audiophiles could pick holes in the sound system, but it does what I need it to do, letting me hear the music clearly, and cleanly, at highway speeds.......after fitting a taller screen. The aux input adapter could be better, but it does the job.), and it looks and sounds good. Even it could run on regular gas, or get over 50mpg on the premium, I'd be delighted. But you can't have everything in this world.
This may not be for everyone, but it suits the needs of my wife and myself admirably. I'm very glad I still have one ST, though.
Here's a few pics to illustrate.
To show the removable hitch receiver,
And one to show how she was completely stock.
Did I mention I really like it?
