Many thanks to Ian B for letting me loose on his ST13.
His 2005 has done about 123,000 but I was still VERY impressed.
Never given a written critique before but here goes in dot points.
THE GOOD
- like a Rolls Royce compared to bikes I have ridden
- VERY smooth motor, driveline, gearbox
- VERY smooth on road - it felt like I could feel the road surface through the tyres)
- very comfy (but after some of my bikes anything is comfy)
- VERY quiet especially with screen up (just did 800 kms on my R1200GSA on Fri & Sat and I would rate the GSA as VERY noisy and the ST the quietest bike I have ridden)
- The "extra weight" - It did not feel particularly weighty, even though I am aware it is about 60-70kg heavier than the R1200GSA
- handles pretty dam good (though I am not used to front end dive under brakes)
- LOVED the motor - LOVED the motor - LOVED the motor - LOVED the motor
THE NOT SO GOOD
- Throttle was a bit on/off down low - but usage would resolve this
- Brakes - nothing really wrong - its just that I am used to a bit more instant bite - again, just a mater of getting used to how they take up
- Pressure on back with screen at full height - this was just strange rather than a dislike - I think I would need to spend more time on the bike to really see how I feel about this - it sort of made me sit up straighter which I presume is good??.
Real world R1200GSA advantages
(1) ESA - electronic suspension adjustment (ESA is good stuff, especially being able to flick from comfy touring to sport mode.)
(2) heated grips
(3) dirt abilities
(4) brakes
I WANT ONE NOW - time to be especially nice to SWMBO (she who must be obeyed)
(Actually snuck in a test ride in Southport this arvo)
