ST Review

Rev Fred · Post by **Rev Fred** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:31 pm

hjr1100s wrote:
I had one for a loaner for a week and agree with all your observations.... but then again if you compare it to R1100S it's not better: it is in the touring department (wind protection, comfy seat a.s.o.), but it definitely isn't in the sports department (but you could fix that).

Sure you can wear your kneepads, but if you cut the crap and stop hanging about like a monkey, you'll drag the footpegs every corner. The suspension for sure doesn't cope with that kind of riding style (but ...you could fix that).

This is what I was expecting to find. I was expecting a bike that could not really cope with really spirited riding. I thought it would pogo about, ground out, or otherwise protest too much.

But it just didn't. It held its line, it was steady on its springs, and it powered through. Maybe, my recent diet (16st to 12.5st), and my hanging off riding style, meant the bike simply wasn't troubled. If so, aren't I a lucky chap!

IMHO it is the same or better than my old R1100S. But not as good as the VFR in the handling stakes. (As sports tourers go I don't think anything has as much poise TBH).

BUT . . . I did not ride the ST in the dry, so I suppose I cannot be totally sure how it would handle under full pressure. I would definately take one out in the dry for some serious cornering action before I bought one. So, I guess I stand to be corrected.

dave2wheels · Post by **dave2wheels** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 10:30 am

decided to ride the ST this morning's extended ride (courtesy of wife requesting I delivered a cheque that had to be in today!)
I let a number of (narrower) bikes go passed me in the heavy traffic on the A3 to City this morning and then overtook them all again!! also great slow speed balance these boxers have, fab.

other things I forgot about the S that I don't miss
-the whirring of the fuel pump soon as the on/off switch is turned
-no "on" light switch, there on all the time!

oh yes I love the 1200st engine, smooth & powerfull,slick gearchange! love the digital display couple of trip meters, I testing the estimated fuel range at the mo, quite accurate.
D

big rob · Post by **big rob** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 12:29 pm

Good report Fred, having owned an ST for a wee while I agree with yours and dave2wheels comments.

BMW did do some bizzare paint schemes on the bikes

I would recommend a Z Technik dark screen makes the bike look much better

Rob

Archie · Post by **Archie** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:21 pm

Nice House !

andrew s · Post by **andrew s** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:41 pm

Being honest Rob, the ST likes all right in that colour and the screen does help.

It is a nice house, but isn't it cold without glass in the windows.

Andrew

big rob · Post by **big rob** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:23 pm

Sound familiar? Nagging wife forces reluctant sale

Yip! had to sell the ST to pay for new windows!!

BRIAN-63 · Post by **BRIAN-63** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 7:41 pm

Hi Rob would you have a web address for ztecnic ? that schreen looks good

cheers

big rob · Post by **big rob** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 6:03 am

Brian, try this link www.ztechnik.com

I bought the screen directly from America ($130) plus postage.

Rob

Vince · Post by **Vince** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 6:04 pm

I've just come back from a 2500 mile run around the cold and snowy roads of Clermont-Ferrand. I too had a VFR750 for 12 yrs and 90,000 miles (still have it in the garage but I won't be riding it again now as after fork seals and MOT I've sold it to my boss)

I have to say I took a little while to get used to riding it, I was fully loaded up with gear (full panniers and top box) and the extra weight was hard work but still fun. I've almost got the hang of slow roundabouts as well, just need to get into the correct gear earlier. I'm now back and still want to go out and do more miles, I say it's more comfy then the VFR as I feel fine. I did use one of those blow up cushions on the low seat mind.

So is that 4 St's here now?

Rev Fred · Post by **Rev Fred** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 7:32 pm

Not yet!!

I fear my ambitions were getting a little further ahead than my means. What money I had saved had to pay off the other half's overdraft last week, so no new bike for me this week.

I took the VFR in to have the rear wheel bearing replaced this week, and the fecking hub is welded to the swing arm, thanks to all the salting this winter. Dough Balls quoted me £940 for a full repair. It got me seriously thinking about buying a new bike instead. However, I managed to find a second hand swing arm from a breaker, so it'll only cost me £500 all in

Anyhow, see my recent thread for a new develpment!

Vince · Post by **Vince** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 7:47 pm

Holy Mosses, £900. Am I glad that I ACF50 my adjuster evry time I change the tyre or adjust the chain on my VFR. Oh and talking of that, the boss has backed out of the verbal agreement, so I'll be Ebaying the old girl now.

Fred, don't take to long to save up, I reckon the prices are going to start creeping up once all the ppl who want one, have one.

Just a comment on the looks, I park mine up at work in the workshop during the day, I've grown quite accustomed to the front end and now consider it to be a bike I don't mind looking at, dare I say it even attractive in it's own way. I still get a buzz when I know I'll be riding it back home at the end of the day

Rev Fred · Post by **Rev Fred** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:17 pm

Vince wrote: I still get a buzz when I know I'll be riding it back home at the end of the day

Its funny, but I still get excited every morning about riding to work, and at the end of the day about riding home.

And on a VFR.

I love my VFR. If only they would bring out a new one.

With regard to money, as I had none left I invested in some £7 rim tapes for my VFR instead of buying a new BMW. Looks ace.