Let's see your HONDA ST1100/ST1300.

[dduelin]

Originally Posted by RussellH

Well, I'm thinking about selling mine - as much as I like it, it's just too big for me. I could've waited another 10 years for a big sport tourer like this. The engine is silky smooth, lots of power, good handling, great 2 up bike but it's a beast when it comes to parking lot and stop and go driving. A big part of it is my inexperience too because I see the moto cops flogging it in dense traffic better than I could my Ninja 250.

"A big part of it is my inexperience too because I see the moto cops flogging it in dense traffic better than I could my Ninja 250".

Well put. This is an easy bike to ride at parking lot speeds but it does take practice to gain the confidence.

[STBNE]

Originally Posted by dduelin

"A big part of it is my inexperience too because I see the moto cops flogging it in dense traffic better than I could my Ninja 250".

Well put. This is an easy bike to ride at parking lot speeds but it does take practice to gain the confidence.

yes its all about control over the bike...clutch,brake and throttle altogether. In my 1st year with an ST I dropped it 3 times in parking lots...2 of those were all by myself...try getting a 730 lb pig off the tarmac...LOL. In my 2nd and 3rd yrs with an ST I've managed a few more tipovers...one was in the city at an intersection...wheel turned and just lost my footing...4th and 5th yrs no tipovers to speak of. I have gotten alot better at keeping it balanced and vertical at low/no speed manuvers. I have learned to compensate for the overweight and topheavinss to the point where I hardly notice it anymore...with some practice you all can do much the same...

[RussellH]

I should mention that most of my ST1300 riding is 2up. With the bike being 750lb we're over 1000lbs of rolling mass and that ain't no joke especially for someone who only has 6k miles of total riding experience - granted 99.9% of those miles are canyon carving miles but still. I think a VFR800 or something similar would be more my size for sport touring and 2 up riding.

[STBNE]

Originally Posted by RussellH

I should mention that most of my ST1300 riding is 2up. With the bike being 750lb we're over 1000lbs of rolling mass and that ain't no joke especially for someone who only has 6k miles of total riding experience - granted 99.9% of those miles are canyon carving miles but still. I think a VFR800 or something similar would be more my size for sport touring and 2 up riding.

VFR falls way short on pillion comfort 2 up riding...she aint gonna like it compared to the ST...

[Ruan]

@ Serra da Estrela winter camping in Portugal



with -9ºC (17Fº) at 5 am

[WayneJ]

Somewhere in SE PA.

[Maverick75]

Good to see another ST off the tarmac. I've just upgraded from a R1200GS and I've been taking my ST on some of the tracks I used to frequent on that. It handles the rough stuff surprisingly well, low slung C of G helps there too. All I need now is some TKC80s in 17 and 18 inch.....

[Mellow]

I haven't posted mine since the transformation.

Before:


After:


only 55k miles on it so it's got lots of life left.

[photojojo]

I really like that!!

[Powershouse]

Originally Posted by Maverick75

Good to see another ST off the tarmac. I've just upgraded from a R1200GS and I've been taking my ST on some of the tracks I used to frequent on that. It handles the rough stuff surprisingly well, low slung C of G helps there too. All I need now is some TKC80s in 17 and 18 inch.....

Just remember that low slung aluminum oil pan hanging down there.

[Mellow]

Originally Posted by Powershouse

Just remember that low slung aluminum oil pan hanging down there.

LOL.. well, for the adventure stuff, this is my tool of choice.

[deej]

Picked up this 05 in Portland last year, and I absolutely love the bike! Rode to the Grand Canyon last August with my cousin. It was more fun than anyone deserved. 100 degrees all 8 days and not a cloud in the sky!.







Day before the Grand Canyon trip


Crater Lake Or.


At the store next to my neighbor's car.


Somewhere in Nevada....I think.



at work.


With the wife in the driveway getting ready for a ride. She loves the bike.


15 minutes from my house.


Goose Lake Cali

[STBNE]

Originally Posted by Mellow

I haven't posted mine since the transformation.

Before:


After:


only 55k miles on it so it's got lots of life left.

Nice Joe! That really is nice! I'd love to have an ST1100P myself.

[BalancePoint]

Originally Posted by Maverick75

Good to see another ST off the tarmac. I've just upgraded from a R1200GS and I've been taking my ST on some of the tracks I used to frequent on that. It handles the rough stuff surprisingly well, low slung C of G helps there too. All I need now is some TKC80s in 17 and 18 inch.....

It's interesting to read this post. I "upgraded" from an R12GS to an ST1300 in February of this year. I will be running it up and down a steep, gravelly North Carolina mountain road next month, a road that was modestly challenging on the R12GS. I'm hoping to avoid a drop, not only because of the potential scrapes and bangs on the bike, but for the logistical challenges that might ensue in getting up and righted from a roadside gulley. It ain't a lightweight when it's in a stubborn spot.

[Maverick75]

BalancePoint, I had a ST1100 before the GS, and dropped it a few times at low speed. I actually found it easier to pick back up than the GS (which I have dropped a few times too, mainly fully loaded in sand). The ST doesn't seem to drop as far as the GS and even though the ST is 100kg heavier than the GS it carries that mass very low. The 1300 should be similar. Dropping down into a gully with either bike is going to require help though, I think. Good luck, I'm loving dirt riding mine .