Firstly my profession is an electronics/communications engineer which may explain the extent of some of the changes. Where I have HINT just consider the statement following as advice coming from having tried alternate configurations, positions etc.
When I was researching the "most suitable" bike to buy, I needed to fulfil the following criteria shown in order of priority.
• Had to be comfortable for 2 up riding.
• Had to be smooth, both engine and road handling.
• Had to have a certain get up and go.
• Price
Now as we all know, no one bike will suit all, however the ST came closest. Did look at BMW, price killed it off.
Still the ST did not have everything to make the type of riding the best for both Margie as a passenger and me as the rider.
After much searching, reading and analysing, the following is my list of mods and add-ons (farkles if you must) that for us, has made an excellent machine more excellent for us.
We needed to talk to each other. So communications were needed. Tried Bluetooth, OK except for battery life and restricted connectivity.
Eventually, I accepted that wired systems were needed and settled on the Starcom Advance. It allowed music, phone and UHF connections.
As we like each others music styles, the digital version was not necessary. HINT, mount intercom in the tail of the bike away from the heat that develops under the seat. In most other respects the two models are the same. Music for us, comes in 2 forms, AM/FM radio in the form of a GME Marine (hence weatherproof) radio which is compact and sits neatly in the top of dash.
Attached to the radio is an MP3 player which is a unit from Jaycar. It has an FM transmitter built in and accepts an SD card. I use a 2G card which has enough music for any rides that we do. I have a second SD card on the bike which has another selection of music, in case we get suddenly sick of the first, has happened. HINT, if using an MP3 player with an FM transmitter, provide a way of switching it off if listening the broadcast stations as the FM transmitter will swamp or degrade the broadcast station reception.
For the mobile phone, the solution was relatively simple when using a Tom Tom Rider for Sat nav. The addition of the Starcom Bluetooth Interface completed the mobile phone connection and provides for voice directions from the Bluetooth. However, I do find voice directions annoying and now tend to use the screen directions only and that is not often.
For bike to bike communications, I use a GME TX670 UHF CB handheld radio directly connected to the Starcom. This is a light unit, simple to use, performs the purpose needed and inexpensive. The radio mounts on the left handlebar brake bolt using a standard radio mount bracket. I have left the radio battery powered and a set of rechargeable ones last for a 3 day trip. I do carry a spare set just in case. HINT When routing audio cabling from front to rear, run cables between the airbox and frame, preferably left side. Routing these with the bike loom takes you right past the ignition coil (either side). You will have some audio noise in this case.
The next addition was Cruise control. Tried throttle locks and apart from feeling uneasy about a semi locked throttle, roads do not stay the same slope for long, in my case not long enough to get the blood flowing properly in the right hand without slowing down (uphill) or the opposite. The latter is worse if set at 100KPH as the STead does want to go faster at the slightest downhill. I have used the Rostra electronic version as it is easier to install. I followed the advice of others to do the job properly and safely. Initially I used the supplied control unit, however it was a distraction to use with gloves on and I ended up fitting a Goldwing switch assembly for the controls. This, I consider, is a must. One thing missing though, I needed to know that it was engaged. Others have used the supplied LED light and put it in a variety of places, all of which required holes. I found the right electrical spot and connected the Cruise control “Engaged” wire to the Neutral light. If you think about, when is the neutral light used, when you are stopped. The cruise control is only used when underway. Now it performs two functions at different times and I call the neutral light the “N”gaged light while under cruise control.
Ever tried to find the ignition key hole in pitch black darkness. I installed white LEDs under the rim of the dash and switched with a toggle switch in the same place. It also switches LEDs for the intercom sockets for the helmets as well as lighting the panniers and top box. I have an LED bar on the top box for a higher brake light and phone/CB battery charging facilities under the carpet tray of the top box. The top box connections are via a waterproof multi pin connector for top box removal when necessary.
Tyres and tyre pressures are important. So on went a Tyre Pressure Monitoring Stem TPMS. I settled for the Doran unit as I do not see the sense in knowing tyre temps. The pressure readings are the most important and an understanding of tyre pressures and ambient temperature will give the required information.
Margie found that the passenger footpegs on a longer ride would give foot arch pain. Again listening to others small profile floorboards are now on the back. Problem solved.
Other changes in summary,
Radiator guard
Front wheel guard extension
Handle Bar risers, I am on the tall side, up and back.
Gear position indicator (Spent too much time in 4th while cruising)
Heat bar grips (Used Goldwing grips, longer and thicker, weight adaptors supplied)
Mini Floorboards attached forward of brake and gear change. These allow me to slide my feet forward to be between the boards and the pegs. Thought about the highway blades, legs too long. This for me is a reasonable compromise.
Charging point for when the STead is at home. I use a Merit, AKA Euro or Powerlet connected to a smart charge system. Helps extend battery life as well.
Nautilis air horns instead of the stock horn. Now I am heard. The air horn will fit in the same place as the standard horn with mods inc relay. Have some patience doing this one.
Fitted amber high brightness LED lights to the outside section of the mirrors and connected to respective indicators. Got this idea from our VW Golf which has tell tale indicators visible to the driver on the external rear view mirrors. As I am tall I cannot see the green indicator lights on the console. As I ride being aware of behind as well as in front, glancing at the mirrors reminds me when indicators haven’t been cancelled.
Finally the least expensive mod and thanks to who ever thought of this one. If you have been riding Hondas over the years, you will have suffered the “slide forward” feeling of Honda seats, in particular for the rider. The moving of the locating pegs for the riders seat using a hammer so that the rear of the seat is lower was a saviour of money and backside. I was contemplating a new seat when I saw this suggestion. No new seat. Not necessary.
Well this is how I have transformed an excellent bike into a more excellent bike for us. As I have said, I am sharing this information that suits us. None is better than any other change or Farkle. I am more than happy to share further details and more importantly listen to the suggestions of others. That is how I learn and is why we proudly own a Honda ST1300. Still, for everyone to each his or her own, including bike makes styles and model. The stories behind all motorcycles can be fascinating.
Trevor
