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

["Lance LaCerte, Psy.D." <LACPSYD@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Andy,

Check Eric's website.  There should be a recall notice that went out months
and months ago about incorrect engine/case bolts that should be replaced
under warranty as they invariably lead to oil leaks.

Hope that helps.

Lance
- -----Original Message-----
From: Andy Coley <jjanda@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: ST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx <ST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Saturday, January 29, 2000 5:28 PM
Subject: 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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>
>     *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *
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