RE: MEZ4s

[Bruce McCurdy <bmccurdy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thomas

Over the course of the summer, I have traded rides with a few friends and so
have compared the ST in side-by-side riding with the following sportbikes:
Ducati 996, Honda VTR Superhawk, and Kawi ZX-11.  I've also ridden a Honda
Valkyrie, a Yam FJ1200 and a Honda CBR1000, but I'm sure you would probably
not describe these last few as sportbikes.  BTW, you all have got to ride a
Valky some day, the roll-ons are sure to induce wide-eyed giggling.  What a
motor!  ;-)

The riding position for the ST is a bit more upright than most sportbikes,
hence the "tourer" part of the ST designation, but I don't see this limiting
my ability to ride aggressively (as my peg-scratching post would
illustrate).  I have plenty of weight over the front end and find steering
to be light and neutral.  I often steer with just my feet and knees.  This
is truly a forgiving mount (although some might find the suspension a bit
soft). 

But to be honest, the ST doesn't have quite the same pop that a full-on
sportbike will deliver.  Just look at a comparo of HP and torque numbers for
an illustration of that.  If you're the kind of guy who really likes to wail
on the throttle, you might find the ST to be a bit mild.  Yes, throttle
response is crisp and responsive, but it does not "rip" like a top of the
line sportbike.  

Having said that, this bike is perfectly designed to be a sport-tourer (with
a bit more emphasis on the sport than the tourer, if you ask me).  So if you
want a bike that has great (but not awesome) power, superb handling, and
well-considered ergos, the ST is an excellent option.

*****************
Bruce McCurdy
'99 ST Black "Beauty"
www.1StopTools.com
SF Bay Area


======================================
Date: Wed, 20 Oct 1999 15:55:31 -0400
From: Thomas Emberson <thomas@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: MEZ4s

Got a comment and question.

First the comment, Bridgerock, as most of my fellow ZX'rs call them
are evil. Slow to warm up, not the best grip, and personally I find
that they have a harder ride. On my 6e I replaced the stock
Bridgerocks for a METz1 front and METz3 rear, and found better
traction, warmed up instantly (well almost) and were more comfortable
on the HWY. Never used MEZ4's but I would imagine they are comparable
to Dunlop 20[4|5], decent HWY and performance tyres. Stock on my
9r (205 OEM were as the 204 are consumer, very slight differences
AFAIK) Second set on the 9r where 207's, excellent, but only 4,000
miles (of course I often us all 135 RWHP). Now I have METz 3 front
and rear, very happy, and I will let you know how they stack up as
far as mileage. BTW about 5,000 miles on the 205 rear.

The question, more or less for those who have riden sports bikes.
How does the sprint, IYHO, compare to the handling of a sport bike.
I never really got the chance to ride the ST somewhat hard. But
then again I have never scraped a peg on my 9r, but thena again do
feet count?


Thomas

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