|
Reviews: The reviews are quite different. The first reviews in Dutch magazines were really raving. More a sports bike then touring, swift, easy to control and so on. Recently a major German magazine did the largest test in their history with in total 20 bikes, from all categories. This test was in the mountains from Italy and Germany and called "The big Alp test". In the category sport touring the ST'05. Their biggest complaint about the ST was the suspension. But its up to everybody to think whether they are right or not. The engine is, as they named it already in a previous test, "playing in a higher league". BTW a VFR was last in the sport-tour category. Mainly because the lack of power specially on low revs.
Heat: I hate it at hot days, and love it at cold rainy days 1:1
Front brake: Outstanding brake performance, some extra play in the lever when not used for some time, bit mushy. Can live with that but still next thing to improve.
Missing parts: Exactly what Iceman wrote, only I never miss a helmet lock. Skidmarx carbon hugger is waiting in my garage till the Sprint is back from suspension upgrading.
Tuono: My Son owns one. We are very often making long trips together to the German or French twisties. If the Tuono had the torque curve from the ST it would be quite unbeatable. But it hasn't! Its not an easy ride in the twisties. When opening the throttle too much she keeps on whee-lying. Specially in the rain, in slippery conditions, hard to ride. Outstanding front brake, rear brake has on some bikes "air problems", suspension top. Over all something very special
V-Strom: Had a 650 before. Looks like ??? but very easy to ride and real fast in the twisties, despite the lack of HP. Winner from the "Big Alp test"!!
ST'05: If another bike offered more for me, I would buy that bike. The engine is just as I want an engine. Enough power and very controllable. Seemed to be somewhat flat but thats because of the flat torque curve I guess. There is nu sudden boost as it pulls hard already from low revs. Comfort is somewhat confusing. When I start for a long ride I always have the feeling that I have to lean too much forward. Wish I had longer risers on it But when riding and riding it feels more comfy the longer I ride and wish I could remove the risers when riding. Sounds funny but it is as it is. Do easy a 600km trip in twisty areas. And that sound! Standard can will not be changed. Seat: OK, ride only 1 up.
Handling: There have been trips that I was totally happy with my ST and trips that I was worrying because of struggling in corners on bumpy roads. In the 9000km I rode from begin June till now I have changed my mind several times about handling!! From complete satisfied to really worrying sometimes. And I didn't know why! Finally I was quit sure it has something to do with cornering on bumpy roads. Thats the reason that I was looking for a suspension upgrade. But many riders, may be the majority, have no problems with handling.
|
