There may be a few of you considering a second bike, or thinking about selling the ST for something smaller. I sold my 03' ST and purchased a mint 03Blackbird about 18 months ago. Just thought I would provide a longer-term report on the Bird:
1. Up to 24k miles, now, from about 9k when purchased. Runs flawlessly, requires little maintenance, is easy to work on. Runs a bit hot in the NC summers, but so did my ST.
2. Tires changed twice because the thing can eat rear tires of you like quick throttle openings. Also, the linked brake system is really very good. I suspect, though I do not know for sure, that on two occasions when I entered corners way too hot, the linked brakes saved me.
3. Really is too fast, too much torque, too much temptation to lose license. All of the above are great reasons to keep it! So very intoxicating. If you have little self-discipline, then this bike is not for you.
4. I am 48 years old and have been on motorcycles since my mini-bike at age five. I have acquired a few skills riding and racing in deserts, mountains, and on tracks. I have used those skills on the Bird. It is absolutely not a bike for the beginner or novice. The suspension cannot keep up with the motor.
5. COMFORT: The big issue. I have modified my seat, the rear shock, the front forks, the screen, and installed a comfort kit just so I can ride the bike for long distances. In stock form, the reach to the bars is long and low. I tolerated this for awhile. But had to make a drastic change when my back and knees started to protest. With the mods, I can ride all day, in comfort, and at speed. In stock form, the Bird is in its own above 100MPH. It really starts to click doing triple-digit speeds. But who gets to do that for long? I don't, so on went the comfort kit.
6. Weather is an experience. If you like the bubble you can ride in on the ST, you may not like the Bird for long. I am far more exposed to weather on the Bird than on my ST. I have invested in heated clothing and rain gear to the hilt.
7. The Bird has street clout. It is not as fast as a Busa, but will out maneuver one any day of the week. It gets respect from riders who know what it is and what it can do. The ST looks like a big scooter. Admit it!! I know it's a shallow approach to the sport, but I like a bike that has a little street credibility.
8. My wife and kids refuse to ride with me now. They loved the ST. That's a good and bad thing. Like Bamarider, I like the solo touring experience best of all.
1. Up to 24k miles, now, from about 9k when purchased. Runs flawlessly, requires little maintenance, is easy to work on. Runs a bit hot in the NC summers, but so did my ST.
2. Tires changed twice because the thing can eat rear tires of you like quick throttle openings. Also, the linked brake system is really very good. I suspect, though I do not know for sure, that on two occasions when I entered corners way too hot, the linked brakes saved me.
3. Really is too fast, too much torque, too much temptation to lose license. All of the above are great reasons to keep it! So very intoxicating. If you have little self-discipline, then this bike is not for you.
4. I am 48 years old and have been on motorcycles since my mini-bike at age five. I have acquired a few skills riding and racing in deserts, mountains, and on tracks. I have used those skills on the Bird. It is absolutely not a bike for the beginner or novice. The suspension cannot keep up with the motor.
5. COMFORT: The big issue. I have modified my seat, the rear shock, the front forks, the screen, and installed a comfort kit just so I can ride the bike for long distances. In stock form, the reach to the bars is long and low. I tolerated this for awhile. But had to make a drastic change when my back and knees started to protest. With the mods, I can ride all day, in comfort, and at speed. In stock form, the Bird is in its own above 100MPH. It really starts to click doing triple-digit speeds. But who gets to do that for long? I don't, so on went the comfort kit.
6. Weather is an experience. If you like the bubble you can ride in on the ST, you may not like the Bird for long. I am far more exposed to weather on the Bird than on my ST. I have invested in heated clothing and rain gear to the hilt.
7. The Bird has street clout. It is not as fast as a Busa, but will out maneuver one any day of the week. It gets respect from riders who know what it is and what it can do. The ST looks like a big scooter. Admit it!! I know it's a shallow approach to the sport, but I like a bike that has a little street credibility.
8. My wife and kids refuse to ride with me now. They loved the ST. That's a good and bad thing. Like Bamarider, I like the solo touring experience best of all.
