1st ride on ST; 1st time poster

Hi all,

Currently in the market for a bike that can take a 100 mile commute a day; after being quite dissapointed with test driving the BMW RT, I just test drove a 2000 Sprint ST... WOW!

What a bike!! the smoothness of the power delivery is absolutely amazing - especially in comparison to my 620 monster.

A couple of questions though... My legs felt engine heat pretty quickly... is that normal?
Also, would you recommend any other motorcycle for my purpose (which is: high commute, but love powerful engine and need a comfortable seat for a passenger).

Thanks... I hope to be part of the club soon...

[SpiderTex]

On 2004-05-21 16:08, Francois wrote:
Hi all,

Currently in the market for a bike that can take a 100 mile commute a day; after being quite disappointed with test driving the BMW RT, I just test drove a 2000 Sprint ST... WOW!

What a bike!! the smoothness of the power delivery is absolutely amazing - especially in comparison to my 620 monster.

A couple of questions though... My legs felt engine heat pretty quickly... is that normal?
Also, would you recommend any other motorcycle for my purpose (which is: high commute, but love powerful engine and need a comfortable seat for a passenger).

Thanks... I hope to be part of the club soon...

First and for all welcome...

I can't imagine you commuting 100miles (that's 160 km to commute on a monster!!)

I've driven on a regulars basis not that long ago a commute of 150 km (so 300 aday) on my sprint ST.
True, it is not the salon like drive you have on a Beemer RT but if it is the mix you want the ST is you bike...
I've commuted daily Belgium - Germany on my Sprint (one got it up to 250km/h) it is THE sport tourer of choice.

if you seek "smoking cigar" behind the steering, go for the beemer...

[dolson]

Welcome Francois,

Though I don't commute that far I've ridden 200 miles, stopped to fill the tank and went another 200 without getting off. So I'm pretty comfortable on mine. Look at wind screen options though. You don't need the big windjammer ones but something that will smooth the air flow. I have MRA's on mine and for me they fit the bill perfectly.

Good luck in getting what you want.

Don

[shedds]

consumers news did a side by side report on the st and honda vfr800 and claims it was so close in every catagory the only reason honda came on top was a.b.s brakes but given the fact the st was the better commuter becaus of the hard bags stock

[Sport]

Although it has good american style, the VFR 800 is not nearly as quick and does not feel as strong as the ST's.

Almost bought one.

Also too, I didn't like the power kick at 7k due to the other four valves kickin-in.

ST's do not have the fit-in-finish of Honda either.

Give and take I guess.

ST's do not have the fit-in-finish of Honda either.

Several years ago when I was examining the Sprint ST contemplating it's purchase, I was riding a '95 VFR. I have to admit to considering the Sprint's fit and finish rather crude next to the Honda. I bought it despite this and in an odd way this lack of polish, if you will, has added to the appeal of the bike, for me, at least. Go figure.

[ This message was edited by: TxRider on 2004-05-25 09:28 ]

I bought a brand new at the time 02 sprint ST after doing back to back tests of the RT, VFR-VTEC.

I agree that the fit and finish isn't as great as the BM or Honda, however that is the only downside.

The power is significantly greater than the BM and much better in terms of delivery than the VFR.

I found the BM way over braked on the rear to the point that my pillion was headbutting me every time I used the rear brake.

The VFR's ergonomics were a little off for me as there was a lot of pressure on my wrists.

I've done 400 miles in a day from London to Champagne and both pillion and rider got off without argument and quickly went on to sample the delights of the region.

Also having the union jack means a lot of people come and talk to you about when they used to ride!