I picked up my ST1300PA a couple of months ago, and have been working on it to bring it up to snuff mechanically. Basic stuff, like changing all the fluids and other fun new owner tasks.
I also entered into my first police rodeo competiton with it, which was very fun. But I wanted to finally use the bike for what it was designed to do: eat miles.
I decided to visit a friend I LA. I wanted to explore routes inland, as Highway 1 had multiple closures along the coast because of slides - it's been a rainy winter here in California.
Here are some of the highlights/ best roads of the trip I encourage you to check out when you're in the area. A lot of these are well known - I know I'm not reinventing the wheel here. But here goes!
Angeles Crest/ Angeles National forest: 100% worth the trip.
I now understand the popularity of this road. Very twisty, some fast sweepers but a lot of tight direction changes back to back.
This is where the ST shines for me - for such a heavy bike, it actually changed directions very well and transitions flow very smoothly.
33, between Lockwood valley rd and Ojai: Spectacular
This road has a couple of caltrans lights, so budget extra time if you want to ride it. It's definitely still a great highlight of the trip - great road surface and not a lot of traffic.
58 was a total surprise to me. Great addition if you are going inland between LA-SF. Lots of grassy hills, very serene feeling, and cattle mooing calmly in the valley.
Finally ended the trip by snaking by Indian Valley Road, which had somewhat rough surface but very pretty scenery to look at.
The ST did the sport touring thing very well. It's the first bike of its kind I owned - before this, I owned naked and semi naked bikes. The ability to do 450 miles and not feel it is pretty tremendous and the large carrying capacity is extremely practical.
I love the engine - the low grunt is great when going through switchbacks and on uphills, and it's devoid of any "buzz" on the highway. Honda really engineered this thing for a purpose: to dispose of miles.
I'm already planning my next trip on the Steed - a big thanks to this forum for providing good advice when fixing up this bike.
I also entered into my first police rodeo competiton with it, which was very fun. But I wanted to finally use the bike for what it was designed to do: eat miles.
I decided to visit a friend I LA. I wanted to explore routes inland, as Highway 1 had multiple closures along the coast because of slides - it's been a rainy winter here in California.
Here are some of the highlights/ best roads of the trip I encourage you to check out when you're in the area. A lot of these are well known - I know I'm not reinventing the wheel here. But here goes!
Angeles Crest/ Angeles National forest: 100% worth the trip.
I now understand the popularity of this road. Very twisty, some fast sweepers but a lot of tight direction changes back to back.
This is where the ST shines for me - for such a heavy bike, it actually changed directions very well and transitions flow very smoothly.
33, between Lockwood valley rd and Ojai: Spectacular
This road has a couple of caltrans lights, so budget extra time if you want to ride it. It's definitely still a great highlight of the trip - great road surface and not a lot of traffic.
58 was a total surprise to me. Great addition if you are going inland between LA-SF. Lots of grassy hills, very serene feeling, and cattle mooing calmly in the valley.
Finally ended the trip by snaking by Indian Valley Road, which had somewhat rough surface but very pretty scenery to look at.
The ST did the sport touring thing very well. It's the first bike of its kind I owned - before this, I owned naked and semi naked bikes. The ability to do 450 miles and not feel it is pretty tremendous and the large carrying capacity is extremely practical.
I love the engine - the low grunt is great when going through switchbacks and on uphills, and it's devoid of any "buzz" on the highway. Honda really engineered this thing for a purpose: to dispose of miles.
I'm already planning my next trip on the Steed - a big thanks to this forum for providing good advice when fixing up this bike.
