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

[Misha Monder <misha.monder@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

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

     *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *
      The ST/RS Mailing list is sponsored by Jack Lilley Ltd.
          http://www.TriumphNet.com/st/lilley for more info
   http://www.TriumphNet.com/st for ST, RS and Mailing List info

=-=-=-= Next Message =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=