Something new something black something touring focused

**Toaster** · 14th March 2011, 13:13

Originally Posted by Metastable

Very nice ride.... getting on and off should be pretty easy on the ST. BTW, I like the set-up with the double garage and that huge concrete pad in front.

Thanks! when we designed the house in 04 the one thing I demanded was a wide garage big enough to open the doors on the cars easily and park a bike.... and a beer fridge of course...

**Toaster** · 14th March 2011, 13:19

Originally Posted by Mully

Nice bike, Toaster....

The VFR1200 (*shudder*) is what Honda are claiming is the new Blackbird.

Thanks Mully. And yep, spot on. The VFR1200 replaced the Blackbird. Some are guessing that a T version will replace the ST in time too. Fair enough, but it may be just too expensive. Most of these touring bikes are getting close to $30k. The more budget versions in Suzuki and Triumph are either side of $20k but I didn't like either of them at all.

Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki are all nice bikes but the Honda was cheaper - as it should be for a fairly old design.

The BMW is very nice but ridiculously expensive. The goldwing, just too big and way out of my budget.

**Toaster** · 14th March 2011, 13:20

Originally Posted by Mom

Good stuff Cam! It looks fantastic. We MUST get together and perve at each others new wheels when I finally get mine home.

You betcha! When is your bike due?

**Maha** · 14th March 2011, 13:40

Originally Posted by Toaster

You betcha! When is your bike due?

Five months... its having a boy...

Great choice in bike there Cam, did ya get to test ride a Concours at all?

**Toaster** · 14th March 2011, 13:44

Originally Posted by Maha

Five months... its having a boy...

Great choice in bike there Cam, did ya get to test ride a Concours at all?

The issue I had with that bike and simlar where price and the height of the rear of the bike relative to the width of the panniers. The first test was could I get my leg over without kicking the panniers and not ending up in pain and cramping as a result - a problem I couldn't get around or ignore.

Only the Honda was shaped just right, low and narrow enough and at a better price. Happy to settle for the older design for the right price and fit.

**Toaster** · 15th March 2011, 09:18

Originally Posted by Spearfish

Nice, very, very, nice.

Its very touring focused so don't be shy with your blogs of experiences on it.

Yep, well I have done about 500km on it in the few days I have owned it so far, so yeah I am sure there could be a bit of blog material with a few road-trips in order.

My riding to work and back is fairly spirited... but at some point I should do a few fuel efficient rides to test the 29 litre fuel tank's legs.... and at $2.31 a litre for 98 fuel... ouch!

**nadroj** · 15th March 2011, 09:49

I have put 29.0 litres in mine after running out by a service station and only had to push it 10 metres onto the forecourt. Capable of over 500km per tank but expect around 400 of spirited riding.

**240** · 15th March 2011, 11:55

I rode tested the st1300 last year and really liked it,silky smooth and a real good ride. (and don't pretend that you don't play with the electric windshield non stop!)

**Spearfish** · 15th March 2011, 20:34

Originally Posted by Toaster

My riding to work and back is fairly spirited... but at some point I should do a few fuel efficient rides to test the 29 litre fuel tank's legs.... and at $2.31 a litre for 98 fuel... ouch!

Is 98 fuel by choice or requirement?

**Toaster** · 16th March 2011, 11:00

Originally Posted by Spearfish

Is 98 fuel by choice or requirement?

Both at times. Living out in the country limits my options especially at night.

I prefer 98 and tend to stay away from ethanol blends.

**Edbear** · 16th March 2011, 11:29

Originally Posted by Toaster

The issue I had with that bike and simlar where price and the height of the rear of the bike relative to the width of the panniers. The first test was could I get my leg over without kicking the panniers and not ending up in pain and cramping as a result - a problem I couldn't get around or ignore.

Only the Honda was shaped just right, low and narrow enough and at a better price. Happy to settle for the older design for the right price and fit.

If you ain't comfy and happy, you've got the wrong bike...