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[ST] New '05 update




A few more running in miles on the clock of the new ST and I'm able to use a 
little more of the rev range, so I went for a quick fang on a local twisty 
stretch of road. (McCars Creek Road for anyone that knows The Northern Beaches of 
Sydney).

I think of this as a technical ride. The road is about 12kms long, narrow, 
bumby in sections, a few short straights, mostly nice tight corners sign posted 
as 25 or 35kmph, with a couple of open sweepers. 

Firstly, this bike has a lot more torque and a lot more urge to go forward 
than my '99.

Secondly, it handles noticeably more like a sports bike. I always had a great 
ride on the '99 on my favourite corners, but I always felt that it required a 
bit of muscle to get it to change direction quickly, especially in a left, 
right etc combination. The '05 requires a lot less effort and steers quite a bit 
quicker. The suspension is also an improvement, if a little harder. The bumpy 
corners that would see me slow down or choose a less that perfect line on my 
'99 were no problem on this bike. It just soaked it up and felt quite 
"planted".

The throttle action is very light so its just as well that the bigger engine 
has such a broad spread of usuable torque. This makes for a less tiring and 
confidence inspiring ride. In short I had a ball today.

My partner and I also had our first short trip two up. Once again the whole 
package is an improvement. I wound on the throttle on a longish up hill 
section. The engine hardly seemed fussed. It just kept on accelerating.
The pillion seat is quite a bit higher and a different shape. We she got off 
Sharyns first words were "Its not the same as the other one". A two up trip to 
Brisbane is not being planned anytime soon.

The shape of the mirrors still annoys the hell out of me. I would really like 
to know who designed them and who decided that they were worth going into 
production.

Cheers,
Brett
Sydney


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