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



Just incase you are interested I have a like new ST forsale. I posted it
forsale
one the ST webite. Its in Los Angeles, but thats not that far for the bay
area.

Thanks,
John Stossel
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Misha Monder" <misha.monder@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <ST@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, January 28, 2000 11:52 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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