Save me from myself!!!

[2Fast4FatGuys]

Need help - selling my 1200RT BMW, figured I could get a lighter funner sport touring bike and put a bunch of money in my pocket. Was actually thinking about a leftover ST3s. The ABS & suspension upgrades seem to be worth every penny. as also considering a VTEC VFR as they can be had for a little more than 8 grand used with ABS. I can sell the BMW for about 17 grand which can buy a lot of other great bikes, plus put change in my pocket.

But some demon inside my head is telling me to get a Harley Street Glide - I already have a 999 so I guess I figure the ST3 would kinda cover some of the same ground - and of course the HD would be very different. I know HDs can be a huge pain in the ass, and obviously it is no sports tourer.....

So anybody have any thoughts about the ST3 being a redundant bike with a 999 in the garage? I think the ST3 could compare very favorably to the RT1200 in terms of handling and responsiveness, not sure about long distance comfort. How is the wind protection? Had a Multistrada and the wind protection totally sucked, which makes zero sense on a sport tourer, IMHO.

The HD will handle and accelerate like shit, but with a 999, the HD could be a nice contrast. I can't figure whether to sport tour or to get the cruiser - poor me, I know!!!!

Any feedback about the LD comfort of the ST3 would be appreciated, or any thoughts on the personality of the ST3 vs a 999 would be great also. Please save me from the demon who keeps saying "Harley.." in my ear!

[jasper]

I have a ST4 and I think the ergonomics are the same and it is a good long distance machine. I find it very comfortable. My female passenger said it was more compfy than my airhead beemer (RS). I like the wind protection as is, some guys go for taller windshields but I prefer the buffeting below the helmet. I sometimes wish for higher handlebars but am getting used to it. Bottom line is that you can make it fit you. Sorry I don't have a 999 to compare it to. Really sorry.

[2Fast4FatGuys]

Originally Posted by jasper

I have a ST4 and I think the ergonomics are the same and it is a good long distance machine. I find it very comfortable. My female passenger said it was more compfy than my airhead beemer (RS). I like the wind protection as is, some guys go for taller windshields but I prefer the buffeting below the helmet. I sometimes wish for higher handlebars but am getting used to it. Bottom line is that you can make it fit you. Sorry I don't have a 999 to compare it to. Really sorry.

Thanks man. This is very helpful. I guess I should have just asked people how they liked their ST3s in terms of ergos and wind protection instead of getting all confused!

I figure if I can get a good price on the ST3s, that's what I'll end up buying. The 999 is for occasional street rides and mostly track days (I hope.)

[mastermind]

Although I agree that in theory the Sport Tourer and a Superbike can kind of "overlap", in reality I feel they are very different bikes.

My ST4s is super comfy, has fairly good wind protection, bags, etc. I can ride it for hours with no pain, it feels super stable on the highway, etc.

The 749... is not nearly as comfy, no wind protection, and last year I rode it from Milwaukee up to Minneapolis and back in a weekend... I was pretty sore after that. Still, the 749 is tons of fun around town.

I suppose if I had to part with one the 749 would go... the ST4 has a bit more utility/comfort factor but is still plenty sporting... it would break my heart to see the 749 go tho....

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[C.H.Luke]

Jasper is steering you right. I just can't see someone with a 999 getting anywhere near the enjoyment out of an HD on a distance ride. Depends on your definition of sport touring too.

Last fall we did close to 4k on an ST4S in 11 days, mostly in the Rockies and some in the Black Hills. At home the ST4S is an extremely versatile bike - I can take off the luggage, pull the baffle core from my StainTunes, adjust the ride height for sharper steering and set the suspension for a lighter load when I want to go aggressively solo. Of course - you have the 999 for that so maybe the versatility isn't as valuable.

But - the "S" chassis on the 3S has the same suspension components and I gotta tell you they are outstanding! Having ridden a 999 last fall for 100 miles in the Rockies I would never tell you an ST-S is as good for hard core apexing but it had us smiling the whole trip.

HD's are typically extremely challenged in the handling category. Very little ground clearance, far less sophistication in the handling area. Those guys just can't be having fun wrestling them around on the twisties.

Here's what I think it would come down to. If you are going with a group and they have HD's you would probably have a better time getting in to that groove. If you are going solo or just with your passenger my thoughts are you would be be bored shitless.