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Re: new guy, looking for a sport-tourer (longish... )



Misha, Hi I'm 1.88mt (6'2") and find the 99 ST very comfortable. I've just
done 2200 kilometres in 4 days with temps up to 37C (98F), no problem with
bogging down. The gearbox frees up after a couple 000 K's.
Long periods of travelling at 150Km/h+ give me a sore neck, although I found
this worse on VFR when I swapped bikes with an 800 rider for a couple of
hours. This ride also highlighted the inadequate midrange power delivery of
the Honda. A sheepskin seat cover doesn't go astray once the padding in the
seat compresses.
I'm still waiting for my updated fuel gauge sender, but what's this I'm
reading about faulty engine bolts, can somebody fill me in.
Thanx Andy.
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Misha Monder" <misha.monder@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <ST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, January 29, 2000 6:52 AM
Subject: new guy, looking for a sport-tourer (longish... )


> hey there people
>
> the name's misha monder. live and work in the sf bay area. currently ride
a
> bmw f650 that i bought new in may '99. a couple of hundred over 10k on it
> now. love it but would like something bigger and with more wind protection
> as i plan to take a couple of cross country trips per year. i'm 6' 1" with
> disproportionately long legs.
>
> it's down to the vfr800 and the sprint st now. love both. what to do ?!
> test rode both a couple of days ago.
> impressions from a 50 mile ride through traffic, on freeway and the hills
on
> both bikes (different routes though):
>
> sprint st:
> - loverly torque band from down low.
> - seating is a big change from the f650. seemed fairly comfortable though.
> - wind protection is ok except for the fact that the wind seems to hit the
> helmet at a level which threatens to pull the helmet off my head!
> - changing direction is almost effortless (if you've ridden the f650, you
> know what effortless turning is!)
> - the suspension seemed fine but then i'm not a very aggressive rider
(plus
> i wasnt interested in exploring the limits of this bike on my ride on it)
> - the tires seemed a slippery in the twisties though. i hear the stock
tires
> are not the best sport-touring tires you can get ...
> - smoooth motor. wonderful snarl.
> - all in all a friendly bike that's fun to ride.
>
> vfr800:
> - again a very accessible powerband. a little higher revving than the
sprint
> and less torque at low rpm (2000 - 4500)
> - riding position definitely more aggressive than the sprint's. not
> uncomfortable however.
> - wind protection is similar with some of the same helmet lifting effect.
no
> buffeting though.
> - turning takes more effort. not excessive effort but you have to be very
> clear in your intentions. subtle hints dont work like they do on the f650
> (and to a lesser extent on the sprint). hold a line very well.
> - suspension if firmer than the sprint's. but not uncomfortable (even on
> paved goat trails :-)
> - tires seem to have more grip than the sprint's.
> - nice growly motor. smooth too but transitions are a little too crisp,
more
> engine braking and a sudden jump when rolling on and off the throttle.
they
> say the 2000 model has that sorted out though ...
> - nice bike that seems to require better riding skills.
>
> back to back (literally)
> - legs and back definitely to be stretched after riding the vfr. higher
bars
> would help. the sprint was easier on me.
> - the vfr has a prettier cockpit by far, digital trip meters and temp
guages
> and clearly laid out. the sprint's is not bad, the clock is ridiculous
> though.
> - cleaner lines and better finish on the honda.
> - the vfr doesnt have optional hard bags. would have to go with soft bags
> and/or ventura rack.
>
> questions:
>
> - how do the taller folk on this list like the st? can you compare it to
the
> vfr or other bikes that you've had? i'm interested in comfort (both long
> distance and commuting), wind protection, leg room, carrying capacity,
etc.
>
> - how about reliability? i hear there havent been any major problems,
> anything that annoys you ...
>
> - the sport rider (?) test said they had problems with the motor bogging
and
> almost dying in hot weather. any of you from warmer climes experience
this?
> why would it happen? problems with the efi ?
>
> - the bike i rode was hard to get into neutral. does this improve or do
you
> just get used to it and call it character ;-) ?
>
> - has anybody taken cross-courty (or timezone) trips on the sprint? can
you
> point me to some write-ups on the web?
>
> any inputs would be greatly appreciated.
> thank you very much for your time.
>
> ride long and safe
> misha
>
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