2nd Hand ST1300 with 32k on clock

[Skip]

Sorry to hear about your early incident with the Steed. You really do have to have to plan the 'plan of attack'  when manoeuvring the beaST. I'm ok with seat height but I still assess the surrounds before before doing any manoeuvres on unsealed terrain. I hope this doesn't put you off Alf. Avoid parking nose down on a down hill decline, even the slightest decline. The weight on parking is the biggest challenge. And did I mention that damn seat? 

[Brock]

On a loose surface, dont use the hand brake or the front wheel will lock, skid and down you go.

[StinkyPete]

The ST is a big lump of a bike and it does take some getting used to.   The basic technique for slow speed riding is hold the clutch lever at the slip point, and control your speed with rear brake.  This takes all the "snap" out of the drive train that you will get as you go on and off the throttle, and prevents the bike jerking, and keeps it smooth.   It's also critical to look ahead to where you want to go.

Practice, Practice and then do some some more Practice.

Having said all that, I dropped my new ST when it was two days old, so you are no orphan, and she now carries a scar on the right muffler.

[Gadget]

curious1,

You are not alone coming to terms with the big bike.

I dropped mine in spectacular from just 13 days after buying and sliding it down the road at 80 km/h in the wet. That was in early December and didn't get the bike back until   the following April. 

The next time was up a slight rise in the driveway, when I backed off after taking off because my son's car was closer than I thought.  Pan stalled and down he went.

I paid dearly both times because the next day each time I was crippled with a Kidney stone which I am blaming on straining to get Pan back on his wheels.

As other have said though, practice, practice, practice.

I now barely notice the weight of the bike and throw it right where I want it. 

Most of all, have fun. 

[Biggles]

Yesterday I took Mrs Biggles for a ride.  She has a RH hip replacement which limits her leg movement.  When she gets off I have to lean the bike to the left.  We're going to have to find a better way (apart from always using a kerb where available), because I can't hold it at as great an angle as she would like. 
The key for me in these situations is to avoid any sort of loose surface- leaves, gravel, dirt, you name it.
As noted, always back into any parking spot.  If you can't push it in with your legs or someone pushing on the front, then you don't want to park there.  NEVER park with the sidestand uphill so the bike is near vertical.  Murphy will push it over, and the mirror cover, mirror, brake lever, pannier cover and muffler all suffer.  Carry a puck in the RH glovebox for when the ground is soft.  FPL will cheerfully push the sidestand into anything softer than concrete (including very hot bitumen) and fall to the left.  See above for what gets hurt on the LH side, except this time it's the clutch lever.
All minor inconveniences for riding the best Sports Tourer less than $20Gs can buy (and better than a lot of >$20Gs).      

[Brock]

Never Park with the nose pointing down hill ( down hill to the left as well). Murphy will make the bike pop out of gear, roll down hill and collapse the side stand. If parking on a hill, its always nose up.

[hobs]

Have been riding my ST1100 every day for about 18mths commuting back and forth to work in all weathers. Have been able to master very slow speed rolling. Main issue is to keep your feet on the pegs, balance clutch and brake to maintain forward momentum and you should become competent in slow travel. Sit on the seat and keep both feet on the pegs, this is most important to maintain stability.

[curious1]

Hi SAAZ
My problem is not slow speed but sloooooow speed or standing still. That's when a little bit off center is a problem. My bicycle I can control in any angle of lean but an ST a bit off from the vertical is a heavy beast and cant be held up. But the good news is I had a ride today and had no parking difficulties at all. I was alert to the problem of getting just a little of vertical is a NO NO when standing still unless the side stand is down and locked and the bike is leaning towards the stand.
Since you are in the ACT we may could meet sometime at your convenience.

Alf

[saaz]

No problems. I will be around Monday to Wednesday next week so could meet up someplace. I am in Kaleen but anywhere will do.

Hi SAAZ
My problem is not slow speed but sloooooow speed or standing still. That's when a little bit off center is a problem. My bicycle I can control in any angle of lean but an ST a bit off from the vertical is a heavy beast and cant be held up. But the good news is I had a ride today and had no parking difficulties at all. I was alert to the problem of getting just a little of vertical is a NO NO when standing still unless the side stand is down and locked and the bike is leaning towards the stand.
Since you are in the ACT we may could meet sometime at your convenience.

Alf

[curious1]

Kaleen is to close to warm up a motorbike. You are in bicycle range. I live in Flynn.
Arent you going to Ulalla near Armidale this weekend? I thought I read something like that you booked.
Regards
Alf

[saaz]

Yes, I am going to Uralla, leaving tomorrow to stay in Urunga beforehand. Hope the weather is better than today down here!

Kaleen is to close to warm up a motorbike. You are in bicycle range. I live in Flynn.
Arent you going to Ulalla near Armidale this weekend? I thought I read something like that you booked.
Regards
Alf