[ST] Old vs. new

["Marc Van Est" <MarcVE@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I did a 500/ 600 odd kilometers ride over two days (and the Beaver rally) two weeks ago.

One of my mates had a problem with his 2001 RS - fast idle ring a bell anyone? 

The shop couldn't get his bike sorted in time, so they lent him a Demo '05 ST1050. [Very good service that: two thumbs up for Mike Hopkins in Cape Town! I don't think any of the local Hondayamizuki dealerships would have done that.]

We compared notes several times on the way there and back, and I've ridden that particular bike before.

Conclusions:
For the new one:
*Better power delivery, more grunt at the top end when you want it, with no loss of grunt in the mid range.
*Better wind protection
*Modern looking, gets lots of attention
*Seems to be more stable at high speed in cross winds

Against the new one
* back suspension too soft vs. the RS 
* plastic work seems a bit low budget, especially the dials
* Pillion seat is too high up, probably because of the exhaust set up
* stock exhaust note pathetic -doesn't do the motor justice.

No real difference
*fuel consumption very similar to mine

We discussed the back suspension set up with another mate who was there on an recent 05 ST1050. He rode the demo, and confirmed that it is way softer than his one, both preload and damping.

We think the damping is probably stuffed after one too many wheelies from the journo's who have test ridden that bike (>20 000 kms now). A shock rebuild would sort it out.

My mate started off saying he preferred his RS, but by the time we were home was admitting that he was sorry to have to give the new one back.

I think its an all round package that's hard to beat.


cheers


Marc
Cape Town, RSA 
'04 RS 

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