Advice for rider back after 30 years

[BluStreak]

Looking for advice.  Owned 3 bikes in my 20's.  Last one was a Honda 500/4, cafe style.  I'm interested in larger sport touring bikes - Honda VT1300, Yamaha FJR1300, BMW R1200.....  Two issues;

 1.  Any thoughts on this is too big, too soon after 30 years.  FYI I drive a Mazda Speed3 daily.

 2.  Wife is absolutely apoplectic about the whole subject.  Don't wish to make her miserable about this, but have a growing appetite for a bike, and as my friend Bryant sez, "hey we could die soon, gotta do it now!"  Any suggestions to lessen the fear factor for her?  

Location: Lunenburg, MA
Posts: 3


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Re: Advice for rider back after 30 years
« Reply #14 on: Today at 07:15:12 pm »
   
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First of all, thanks to you all (y'all to those who appreciate that) for your informed and interesting responses.  You got me thinking.  My real interest is in touring, maybe the US someday.  Another issue is weather here in New England.  Always thought a fairing would allow for a longer, more enjoyable bike season.  I had a cafe'd Honda 500 4 w/ clip on handle-bars, borrani pipes and cool tires for the time.  One conclusion that experience left me with is how uncomfortable that sport-bike position gets to be on your wrists and back for any period of time.  Also, one of the reasons I sold it was, it was way too fun to drive way too fast........ so, what I'm really looking for is a more comfortable, longer distance riding bike that's still fun to ride.  I have wrapped my legs around a 1300 FJH and a Honda VT1300 and liked the fit, but was aware of how heavy they were.  Dropping such a gorgeous machine would SUCK!!

When I got married, I'd been downhill skiing since I was about 7.  Since I got married at 35, I had to explain that skiing was an improtant part of my life, and that although she might not be interested, I would continue to ski,
 and I have.  I kind of look at riding like skiing....that release that comes with that total focus that you have to maintain to do either.  I'm also interested in racing and am well aware of things like apexes, trail braking, heel and toe shifting, etc.  So although I haven't ridden in a while, I'm not naive about many issues with riding.  I think with my Wife, the only hope is that she'll soften enough to let me take her for an ice cream cone months after I buy one.  That's an answer to the question about who is going to be on the bike.  Basically me!    

So........I really want something I won't outgrow too quickly, and it needs to be touring capable - including panniers, a fairing and maybe handwarmers.  I'm happily at a point in life that I can afford what I want.  Any thoughts on a BMW 800GT?

Thanks,
Scott

[Jeff N]

Welcome back!  

Bikes have changed during the past 30 years. Tires and brakes are so superior when compared to the bikes of yesteryear that I doubt you'd hardly recognize 'em.

Your car experience means nothing.

I'll bet your wife is frightened because you're suggesting some rather large capacity motorcycles. Most non-motorcyclists equate engine size with danger.

How about a nice used Suzuki SV 650. It's an amazingly capable V-Twin. Or you could go for its sister ship, and perfectly capable Wee-Strom 650. If you must go new, Kawasaki has a 650 twin that I, as a rider for 29 years, would readily consider.

Looking into an MSF course might be a good idea, too.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Welcome back!  

Bikes have changed during the past 30 years. Tires and brakes are so superior when compared to the bikes of yesteryear that I doubt you'd hardly recognize 'em.

Looking into an MSF course might be a good idea, too.

Good points. I especially recommend the MSF course. Simple and basic, but a great way to get your feet wet. And I suspect that you'll be amazed at the bikes that are in the course, and those are usually just 250s! The bike you're looking for will depend a lot on what kind of riding you're interested in. One up? Two up? Distance? Luggage? Twisties? Tell us more!

[motospeed9058]

You might also suggest that your wife goes through the MSF course with you.    Even if she is not going to ride with you, she at least has a taste of the training you are going through, and the concepts as you will later describe them to her.  Just makes her feel a little more at ease about your abilities when she sees them in action.    Welcome back!!

[Yankee Dog]

Not to doubt your ability but after a thirty year layoff it will be like starting over. Take your time a start small. At least for the first year.  

I would advise you get something relativly small and used. This will save you much heartache because you WILL drop it. At parking lot speed if nothing else. So buy something with a ding or two already on it and pay a price accordingly. Let someone else take the hit for a beginners damage.  

If you take your time and look for a used bike at a good price you will not lose money. Ride it for a year then sell it for the same or close to the same price as you paid. Or if you went cheap enought in the beginning keep it for a backup. One can never have too many motorcycles you know.  

Yankee Dog

[Zerosum]

+1 for the 650 twin suggestion.  Plenty of power, wide power bands, and a linear, easy to use power delivery.  No sudden, surprising surges of power like you'll see with a multi.  And the light weight will help keep the thing off the pavement while you're re-learning.

Between Suzuki and Kawasaki, you have a very wide range from which to choose:  SV, V-Strom, Ninja 650R, Versys.  

I ride a V-Strom 650.  Basically the same engine as the SV650.  It puts out close to 70hp, but you really have to rev the thing to get it, so IMO, it's a good 1st bike.  If you keep the RPMs below 6K, it's pretty tame.  From what I've heard, the SV is noticably faster than the V-Strom.  The trade-off being that the Strom has a stock luggage rack, more ground clearance and better wind protection.  Personally, I'm happy with that trade.

The Strom is very easy to ride, IMO.  It continues to surprise me with how well it handles.  The wide handlebars give you tons of leverage.  It's also very roomy... if you're a big guy, you'll appreciate the leg room.

I also really like the Ninja 650R.  I've never ridden one, but I love how light and narrow it feels when I sit on one.

[doodah man]

Get something smaller.  A friend of mine "re-entered" after a 15 year layoff on a BMW R1150R.  Wasn't interested in any smaller bikes.  Was going to take the course but wanted to buy the bike first.  Crashed and totaled it on a decreasing radius exit ramp almost 24 hours to the minute after picking it up from the dealer.   YMMV

[lakota]

i came back 2 years ago after a 34 year layoff.  took the MSF basic course then bought the bike i wanted to ride, a R1150RT. you'll be happier on something you want rather than a starter bike.  just use the common sense you have gained over the past 30 years and ride carefully until the skill set comes back.

[Baz]

I took some time off and when I got back into the saddle I bought a 1200 Bandit.

I am a pretty cautious person, and the larger bike did not cause me too much grief, I still managed to drop it once in a parking lot, and had a couple of close calls. In hindsight, I should have bought an SV 650 as I realized I would have got my skill level up much faster with one of those. (In fact, I would love to have one of these for short hops, as a 2nd bike).

I now have an FJR 1300 after spending a couple of years on the Bandit.

I do believe that all the bikes you mention are going to be a handfull just starting out again, especially around town. My FJR still throws me the odd suprise now and then due to it's weight. (The other bikes you mention are all in the same ball park)

Can you get by the next couple of years without killing yourself on a large ST bike?

Perhaps.

Can you get by the next couple of years without dropping that nice new ST bike a few times, and doing lots of damage to it?

Probably not.

[2WheelTiger]

Unfortunate statistic:  The largest increase in motorcycle fatalities over the last few years has come from older riders returning to the sport.

I'm not saying "Don't do it."  I'm saying, "Take the MSF course and realize (every moment) you're not 20 any more."

Your local MSF might let your wife audit the course.  No, she won't be able to ride during the audit, but she might be able to sit in the classroom.  I've never seen an MSF facility that prohibited spectators from parking outside the range.

[traveler]

My story is somewhat similar, as I had a m/c layoff of twenty years. Decided I wanted another one, researched bikes for several months, and made a decision. Bought a brand new VFR 750.

Took it very easy for several months, feeling my way back cautiously. Sure, I made some mistakes, did some stupid things (only now, in retrospect), but survived.

After several years of riding again, I took the STAR experienced rider course here in Idaho. Found out how much I didn't know about riding.

One thing in my favor helping me to survive those early re-entry years was my experiences sportscar roadracing (SCCA). Knowing about proper and safe lines through corners, a healthy respect for speed and a comfort level with vehicles at speed in close proximity eased the learning curve. Racing took the place of motorcycling for the twenty years I was without a bike, and I am grateful for the lessons learned.

As to the OP  and advice for him, I suggest the following:

Ask yourself why you want to ride?

What type of riding do you plan to do?

Is it something you can afford easily?

Can you handle it if your wife remains firmly against it?

Are you willing to put the effort into learning how to ride properly and avoid becoming a statistic?
 
Are you mature enough to exercise self control while learning to ride again?

Do you really want to spend many thousands of dollars on a bike to learn on?

Would an un-faired, small to mid-sized bike be more easily handled while learning, and be less expensive to repair after the inevitable drop?

Do you really need a big sport/touring bike, without even having ridden for so many years?

Do you plan to take proper m/c rider training prior to buying a bike?

Will you be an ATGATT rider?

Best of luck and many happy miles and smiles

[BobW]

Congrats! A bunch of good advice. In addition to proper safety gear I also recommend the rider course. It will help in safety, expedite/ease the DMV process and likely help with the cost to insure your bike (in most places).

There are no bad bikes out there. Get one that fits you and the type of riding you will most often use it for. Practice, practice, practice.

Start slow, have fun riding, repeat often.

Cheers
Bob



  

[StacyT]

...

 2.  Wife is absolutely apoplectic about the whole subject.  Don't wish to make her miserable about this, but have a growing appetite for a bike, and as my friend Bryant sez, "hey we could die soon, gotta do it now!"  Any suggestions to lessen the fear factor for her?  

Ask her to take the course with you.

[mygala]

I'd take the MSF course ...before you start riding again. That way you'll not start up with old habits that might not serve you well. You'll refresh your good skills, and your bad habits can stay forgotten.

Everyone has suggested some good bikes. I like the Wee-strom 650, but if you are inseam challenged like me, it might not be the best bike to start off with. You want to make sure you get one that fits. You might also think about some of the 650 cruisers. Bikes like the Yamaha V-Star for instance, are relatively inexpensive bikes with low saddles and comfortable seating. This might be a little more like the riding you remember. Once you've gotten back into skills of riding, you can trade up without much (if any) financial loss.

You might include your wife in your research, especially on gear decisions. Educating her aspects of safety and risk, and what you are doing to make yourself safer and reducing your risk, might help her come to terms with you riding again.

JMO

Bob

[BluStreak]

First of all, thanks to you all (y'all to those who appreciate that) for your informed and interesting responses.  You got me thinking.  My real interest is in touring, maybe the US someday.  Another issue is weather here in New England.  Always thought a fairing would allow for a longer, more enjoyable bike season.  I had a cafe'd Honda 500 4 w/ clip on handle-bars, borrani pipes and cool tires for the time.  One conclusion that experience left me with is how uncomfortable that sport-bike position gets to be on your wrists and back for any period of time.  Also, one of the reasons I sold it was, it was way too fun to drive way too fast........ so, what I'm really looking for is a more comfortable, longer distance riding bike that's still fun to ride.  I have wrapped my legs around a 1300 FJH and a Honda VT1300 and liked the fit, but was aware of how heavy they were.  Dropping such a gorgeous machine would SUCK!!

When I got married, I'd been downhill skiing since I was about 7.  Since I got married at 35, I had to explain that skiing was an improtant part of my life, and that although she might not be interested, I would continue to ski,
 and I have.  I kind of look at riding like skiing....that release that comes with that total focus that you have to maintain to do either.  I'm also interested in racing and am well aware of things like apexes, trail braking, heel and toe shifting, etc.  So although I haven't ridden in a while, I'm not naive about many issues with riding.  I think with my Wife, the only hope is that she'll soften enough to let me take her for an ice cream cone months after I buy one.  That's an answer to the question about who is going to be on the bike.  Basically me!    

So........I really want something I won't outgrow too quickly, and it needs to be touring capable - including panniers, a fairing and maybe handwarmers.  I'm happily at a point in life that I can afford what I want.  Any thoughts on a BMW 800GT?

Thanks,
Scott

[Windblown]

1) MSF course to knock off a bit of rust is good advice.

2) Tis easier to ask forgiveness (if needede) than permission. If you're spending your own money spend it as you choose.

3) As to what to buy.  No clue. Heck, I'm still looking for the perfect bike and haven't found it.  So I settle on having more than one instead.  
(and currently shopping for yet another addition)  

[Zerosum]

My real interest is in touring, maybe the US someday.  Another issue is weather here in New England.  Always thought a fairing would allow for a longer, more enjoyable bike season. ...

...One conclusion that experience left me with is how uncomfortable that sport-bike position gets to be on your wrists and back for any period of time.  Also, one of the reasons I sold it was, it was way too fun to drive way too fast........ so, what I'm really looking for is a more comfortable, longer distance riding bike that's still fun to ride.  I have wrapped my legs around a 1300 FJH and a Honda VT1300 and liked the fit, but was aware of how heavy they were.  Dropping such a gorgeous machine would SUCK!!...

...So........I really want something I won't outgrow too quickly, and it needs to be touring capable - including panniers, a fairing and maybe handwarmers.  I'm happily at a point in life that I can afford what I want.  Any thoughts on a BMW 800GT?

Thanks,
Scott

So you want a bike that's fun to ride, has good touring capability, wind protection, an upright seating position, and you also want to keep the weight down... sounds like V-Strom 650.

Here's how I have mine set up.  The main farkles are Givi luggage, a GPS, and handguards.  The handguards are very nice in the winter.



Plus, it's cheap, so you can spend a bunch of money on aftermarket gadgets like heated grips, a better seat, taller windshield, etc.  The aftermarket for this bike is HUGE.  You'll never be done buying crap to bolt onto it.

[lionlady]

i came back 2 years ago after a 34 year layoff.  took the MSF basic course then bought the bike i wanted to ride, a R1150RT. you'll be happier on something you want rather than a starter bike.  just use the common sense you have gained over the past 30 years and ride carefully until the skill set comes back.

An SV650 isn't really a "starter bike" - they're loads of fun. A used one could be had for not much cash as a 're-entry bike,' ridden for a couple months to re-tune long ago skills and then sold for the same money (unless it gets trashed in the re-entry process).

If nothing else, getting something a little below the "dream machine" level that seems to be send his wife into fits, will help ease her into the idea of hubby riding again.

P

[BluStreak]

So you want a bike that's fun to ride, has good touring capability, wind protection, an upright seating position, and you also want to keep the weight down... sounds like V-Strom 650.

Here's how I have mine set up.  The main farkles are Givi luggage, a GPS, and handguards.  The handguards are very nice in the winter.



Plus, it's cheap, so you can spend a bunch of money on aftermarket gadgets like heated grips, a better seat, taller windshield, etc.  The aftermarket for this bike is HUGE.  You'll never be done buying crap to bolt onto it.

Thanks Zerosum for the photo and thoughts.  Looks like what I was thinkin about.  For the Lionlady, my Wife doesn't know anything about them, or what I'm looking at.  What she knows was she was on one in high school for a moment and the guy scared the crap out of her, her Brother broke and permenantly (with the help of some piss poor doctors) damaged his ankle and she loves to share newpaper pieces about people who died in bike accidents.  One of the writers suggested that there's some wisdom in not asking for permission.  By the way my Wife actually skis once in a while now.  When I buy something next year, I'll share more w/ you guys.    

[BobW]

Test ride! Every bike I have owned over the last 40+ years of riding has required some getting used to. There are some obvious extreme examples of +/- power, weight, ergonamics, etc., but almost any of these bikes today will go way past any speed limit and handle reasonably well. Take time to select a bike that fits your body and how you will use it, regardless of 600 or 1600 cc's. Practice good riding and wear good gear. If you had a friend starting back to skiing, you likely would make suggestions on proper gear and starting back slow VS jumping out on a triple black diamond for their return to the sport. Take the training, get your mind geared up, allow time to let those reflexes come back on line and ENJOY your ride.

Cheers

Bob

[Sailariel]

I  started riding in 1958 and stopped in 1984--started again in 2008. Bought a Kawasaki Ninja ex250R.. It is all the bike I wanted. Check it out. It`s a great machine.

[Ridin Again]

I came back to riding in my mid fifities, after a long hiatus.  Best advise I got was to take the MSF course.  I picked up a used but reliable Suzuki 805.  Nice bike, quiet, very inexpensive and predictable.  I rode that until I was fully comfortable then sold it for almost what I paid (2 drops later).  That got me back in the groove.  Since then I've had bikes up to GoldWing size and as small as a Suzuki GS500.  Now I'm riding a Kawi Concours 1400, and I love it.

Most important is MSF, then just feel your way along and stay in your comfort zone.  I'm really glad I came back......!  You'll have "the grin" back in no time.

[ragtoplvr]

I reentered riding after a 20 year break.  I had been bicycle riding and it was a big help in many ways, the increase in coordination and leg, core strength was very useful.  When you drop yours the core strength will come in handy.  Also gets you used to riding defensively.   I did not do the training, no courses open where I live.  If I ever get to go to a rally that offers the ERC I am signing up.  Read all you can, you can down load lots of good stuff from the MSF sight, and there are books,  Find a parking lot.

Get good gear.  I bought used, and yes I dropped it several times.  Never while moving, just more education as to how much a bike weighs.  Heck 2 drops were in the garage, once getting on the center stand, must be in neutral, and once off.  First ride take cell phone and trailer bike to rural area for first rides.

Get ABS brakes, when (not if) you have to make evasive maneuvers that include braking, you will appreciate them.  There is so much stuff on the streets, painted lines, manhole covers, patches, tar snakes, tar patches, you do not need to worry about when dodging someone.

2+ years, 20+K miles, no drops at speed or crashes yet.  The lack of cage drivers skill is appalling, much worse than I remember.

I restarted  on a used big bike a very clean R1150RS.  Would do it again.  

HAVE FUN!

Rod

[jadziadax8]

Any thoughts on a BMW 800GT?

Cool bikes.  However, it will be very expensive to fix when you drop it, as it is a new model.  Seriously, try out a smaller, cheaper used bike first.  You will not take much of a hit on depreciation if you buy it, get un-rusty, and then sell it after 6 happy months of riding.

[DaveG]

i rode since i was 12
from 16 to 23 on the road
last bike was a honda cb450

returned at 52 to a Bandit 1200
6 years later and still love it.


my logic was this;
it was affordable
it was a do it all type. bike were not so specialized back then, you had to mod it into a whatever. the standard is a good place to start

just use restraint with your right wrist. i likely did not use more that half throttle for the first season.


the bad stats are for new riders 45 to 50
it is like riding a bicycle. it will come back quickly.

just like when you first started, the most dangerous time is after the first couple of months when you think you have all of your skills back, BUT do not be fooled, take it easy for a couple of seasons before you fully trust you abilities.

[phoenix]

An SV650 isn't really a "starter bike" - they're loads of fun. A used one could be had for not much cash as a 're-entry bike,' ridden for a couple months to re-tune long ago skills and then sold for the same money (unless it gets trashed in the re-entry process).

I just have to say the SV650 sure the hell should not be considered as a starter bike or something that's just a stepping stone. There are many people who take an SV650 to the track, and in the right hands, they can smoke larger bikes.

I really want something I won't outgrow too quickly,

There's no way to outgrow 95% or more of all the streetbikes in current production while riding on the street. You may want more power or you might think you have mastered a bike, but you probably haven't.

Like many people are suggesting, consider a partially faired or naked bike for that re-entry bike. Used bike sales were pretty strong last year with the high gas prices, and I suspect that trend will continue for the next few years at least. Don't feel like you'll be locked into any particular bike, unless you get a bad deal on it and are upside down on payments.

And IMO this bears repeating:

Unfortunate statistic:  The largest increase in motorcycle fatalities over the last few years has come from older riders returning to the sport.

Edit to add:
The original poster said something like he didn't want a bike that would make him want to ride fast. From what Iv'e seen, the FJR and other sport tourers are so nice and smooth, you're riding at 90MPH without even knowing it. And they will probably do 120MPH all day long if you asked them to.

[Jeff N]

So........I really want something I won't outgrow too quickly...

These are words I dread reading from new riders or those coming back.

Unless you're a riding God, nobody is going to be able to push a modern bike to its limits. Any contemporary Japanese bike at 250cc and above will serve you well. They're designed that way.

I talked an inexperienced co-worker out of a 'busa and got him on a Katana 750. His 883 Sportster riding mother laughed at my advice until she had a go on it. She couldn't believe how capable it was.

[BluStreak]

Dave;

Appreciate the advice.........  Done alot of reading, talking to folks, mounting different bikes at different dealers and looked at about a billion classifieds since I wrote this.  Although I love BMW's, the big Yamaha and Honda ST1300, I'm taking to heart people's advice about something smaller to get back in, the risk of dropping it, etc.  Also, will have 2 kids in college for the next 2 years and we don't need to talk about the economy..... Being I'm in cold, wet New England (makes a fairing very attractive) and being that I'm really aesthetically concious, it needs to look decent to.  In the last few days, discovered a great deal on a very pretty bike that looks like a great compromise and very attractively priced.  I think it's related to your bike - a Suzuki Katana 750.  Local dealer has one 2006 listed for $4,999.  A good friend of mine is very close to the dealer (runs races for them).  I can probably by it for $4k or less.  I think I'm gonna go try it on this weekend and then see what my buddy can do for me.

That way, when I have more cash, and I'm back in the saddle, can buy up- but at 90+ HP and with a great reputation as a sport touring machine, I'm thinking it's a smart move.  

I do ride a road bicycle and am an avid skiier so I appreciate your comments about balance, etc.  I'm also into my winter ski workout routine and think it would be smart to continue it for biking, as it's pretty core oriented.

You didn't tell me if you fully spin your wrist yet........Where do you ride?

Scott    

[Stixx]

not sure if this thread is still alive but here goes advice from one who has just been back on a few months after a LONG sabatical as well.

No One, buy large as you can comfortable manage and buy used model of the brand you THINK you want.

You just saved thousands. Send your check of appreciation to me BR 549. LOL

Secondly, if you were not a hot shoe in your day by all means take the course. I took private myself from a good friend and rode about two thousand miles a month to get my butt and brain back in shape which is hard to do if my business wasn't so bad.

Then I bought my new bike based on my used experience and had a warranty and all that


IF YOU must buy new and you wan't to stay in a small displacement bike and love beemers my favorite bike currently is the smaller twin cylinder beemer 650 GS.  It has all the qualities you love for under ten grand new and some used examples of similar bikes are out there for about half that.

Good luck.

Remember , learn defensive driving and handling soon enough you just might live to talk about it. The stats are NOT in our favor so vigilent is the word ,

blessings

[jsanford]

Your wife might feel better if you did get something small and used, preferably under 60hp.  All the crash stories are about two sets of people:  soldiers on sports bikes, and middle-aged men on liter bikes, "new" to the sport.

I started out on a very "ugly" BMW single.  First of all, as I accomplished more and more on it, the bike became better looking.  Secondly, BMWs don't have a "squid" reputation.  Third, it was cheap, fun to farkle (heated grips were stock on it, btw), and I sold it for a lot more than I paid for it after three years and 10,000 miles' experience.

Now I have the bike I dreamed about before I started riding--a Monster--and the bike I discovered I wanted while learning on my first bike--an F800ST.  I'm very, very glad I waited until I could ride these bigger bikes properly (especially the Monster, whose speed likes to drift north of 80 on the freeway--even exposed on a November Sunday).  Insurance is cheaper after a few years' experience, too.

[steveindenmark]

I have just found this site and this is my first post. I will write an introduction this evening.

I am 50 years old and returned to motorcycling 2 years ago, after a 17 year lay off. In the first year I had a Suzuki Intruder 800, I rode 18000km on it, including a 2 week trip to Sweden from Denmark with my girlfriend. I then changed to a Yamaha FZ6 for this season.  Lesson number 1. Make sure you really know what bike you want from the beginning. Lesson number 2. Get your partner involved right from the start.

We have done about 16000km this season and rode down to Normandy from Denmark. Again, Jannie my partner was on the back of me.  It was a great trip and the FZ6 managed without any problems at all. Lots of power and easy to manoevre, mainly because it is small and light. Lesson 3. Ask yourself do you really need a 1300 motocycle when a 600cc motorcycle will do exactly the same job.

I think the most important thing is to at least get the OK from your partner to have a bike. I am lucky because Jannie loves bikes and touring as much as I do but other people are not as lucky.

Steve

[BluStreak]

Steve;

Thanks for your thoughts.  Sounds like you and Janine have a love affair with the bike and touring.  You're lucky to share that in common.  My Wife is quite fearful about the whole subject.  She's a nurse and has treated crash victims, had a shitty ride with some High School yahoo in her teens and finally - her Brothers ankle is permenantly messed up from an incident avoiding a kitty and bad doctors.  We don't discuss what his alcohol intake was that evening.  I've learned with her just to do what I do and treat her with respect and invite her to share.  It's worked in a small way with skiing, she comes once or twice a winter.  She refers to me as a "risk taker."  Can't say she's wrong, but that's not how I look at fun.  I'll invite her to go for an evening ride on a perfect night and take her out for an ice cream cone.  We'll see.  Look, I got married at 35, I'm 59 now.  We're OK with that we don't share all interests.  We do have 3 great kids, 16, 18 & 20.  Now she's scared to death that my sons might be inspired by my bike example.  Youngest is mildly retarded and Mom is attached to her at the hip.....so I'm not sure she could handle being away on bike trips at any rate, but I do appreciate your sentiment and your relationship with Janine.  So the hobby likely will be mine and I'll find buddies to ride with.

I wrestle with the mid-size, large displacement issue, but am convinced I should get back into it on something less than a liter bike.  I do like the the smoothness of 4 cyl. motors, but have also had my eye on a BMW F800ST.  Came real close to buying a 2006 Suzuki Katana 750 this weekend, but decided to wait till spring when I have some money and the weather isn't so fierce as it is here in the Winter.    

Thanks,
Scott  

[Kool shades]

Take the course. Take the course. Take the course.

You have no idea how much it will help... Both with the learning curve & your Significant other.

Also, there is always a great market for "smaller" displacement bikes. So, if you did get a 600/650cc bike you will be able to sell it and upgrade.

Take a look at the Suzuki Bandit - lots of farkles, hard luggage available. Great for around the corner, or around the country.

[Galo]

Take the course. Take the course. Take the course.

 

I came back to bikes in 2005 after a 19-year layoff, buying a lightly-used '01 Triumph ST.

I also took the 'Intermediate' level MSF which is what team Oregon recommends for 'returning riders' and I'm an  ATGATT guy.

No issues, scares or difficulties and I have run about 20k miles on the bike since I bought it. Down just once, a 1 mph fall when I stalled the engine starting off from a red light towards a climbing turn. A bit of touch-up paint on the left fairing = a small battle scar. And I am not a slouch on it, either...I'm just aware of my limits and ride my pace.

summary: take the course, use your head!

[bikerfish1100]

here's what tell all my students (MSF RiderCoach for 9+ years):
take the BRC BEFORE you buy a bike. (unless that awesome winter deal comes along!)
don't buy new for your first bike. drops at 1 mph will most likely happen - you and your wallet will cry less if it's not "my new bike!" with the economy doing what it is, it should be a buyer's market (especially on that awesome winter deal i mentioned above).
start with something in the 650cc range. when/if you're ready for something bigger in another year or 2, there WILL be an eager buyer for that bike. and you will have advanced your skills more on that 650 than you will have on the liter+ machine.
i rode for 25+ years in New England. good semi-faired bikes for your area are the SV650, the V-Strom 650, a KLR 650, BMW F650, Kawi EN500/600 (650?). i'd lean towards the dualies- KLR, F650GS, wee-Strom, etc. lotsa fun dirt up your way.. no reason to limit yourself to only pavement.

[BluStreak]

For anyone who's cared enough to offer advice, just put a deposit on a 2003 Honda Superhawk!  Very cool, relatively light and narrow, 996v-twin, sounds like a Ducati, with a nice even torque curve.  Got one or two mods in mind, but for short money think I have a very fun and easy to handle bike I can live with for a few years!

[traveler]

That's quite a bike for a re-entry rider. Hopefully you'll take things very seriously and really learn to ride the thing safely.

Enjoy it, but do watch that gas gauge, as they get notoriously bad mileage, and have a small tank.

Hope to see a few ride reports from you, once spring has sprung.

[BobW]

That is a great bike! Stay safe and enjoy.

Cheers

[TheLiveEye]

Read a book, it all starts in the brain after all....

I came back after almost 20+ years at age 54. I approached as a "new" rider, or taking a "mature" approach?

Reading "Proficient Motorcycling" by David Hough was my start, and it was excellent. The techniques and practice recommendations were excellent. Did take the MSF course, but it really is putting you through the exercises that I had done in the book. And understanding the "why" of the mechanics of riding well really helped me.

I started back on an 02 Triumph Bonneville, (a nostalgia choice). A lot of fun, but really got the bug to go longer distances, more comfort etc... So I got a 2005 Triumph Tiger 955i this spring...and lovin it....I feel like I got to make up for a lot of 'lost time', wonder why the hell it took so long for me to get back into

I am sure you are going love it too...

[Mrs. DantesDame]

For anyone who's cared enough to offer advice, just put a deposit on a 2003 Honda Superhawk!  

I don't know much about them other than they have a short fuel range. But until you're ready to really "tour", it shouldn't be a problem  

[BluStreak]

Thanks again for the advice and the good wishes, I am taking my "re-education" very seriously.  Have Hough's book and will reread and practice.  Also, today signed up for a 2 day MSL course in April.  Weather here is vicious at this point.  Another ice storm on the way for Wednesday!  Last time, we lost power for 5 days.

Bike is very pretty, I'll post photos once I get it here (a couple of weeks).  Yea, it does have a big appetite for gas and a relatively small tank, but for $3,700 with 5,500 miles on it, I think it'll be a real blast for a couple of years and something I will be able to roll at close to what I paid for it.  Nice thing about New England bikes - low mileage!!  Have a son in college and another one starting next year, so the budget for bikes is gonna be kind of thin for a while.  Luggage is a real issue with it as well, as there are no mounting points for hard bags, but the rear pegs, so I think I'm going to have to work something out with either a tail bag or soft side-bags.  Any suggestions?  Also, the bars are kinda low and forward for my taste, so I gotta see how much I can do with heli-bars and/ or risers without getting to the point that I have to cut into the fairing.  

Anyway, at the moment, I'm just excited to get it here and (for the first time in 30 years) want winter to be over!  

[Cricket1]

Congrats on the new-to-you bike! Also good to hear you are reading Hough, and taking the 2 day course. I have learned more about proper riding techniques, etc from his books than anywhere else.

Don't worry too much about the limited range of the Superchicken, it'll take time to build up to riding tank to tank. Plus with all the towns so close together in NE, it's not like you'll have trouble finding a gas station.

Hard bags could be a real challenge, but start off with a good set of soft bags, combined with a tail bag and tank bag, and you should be fine for up to a week trip maybe even longer. Tourmaster makes good stuff that is reasonably priced.

Try the bike for awhile with the bars stock, remember to use your core muscles to support your upper body, before going the Heli/ riser route. How tall are you, how long are your arms? Everything is a compromise, so if you go with risers, it won't steer as quickly as stock. I put them on my Sprint ST, and the slight reduction in handling/ front end feel is worth it for me, but my arms are short. YMMV.

Please remember to respect the throttle. That v twin sounds great, but is wicked fast and will spit your a#$ off   before you can blink if you are not very careful.

Have fun!!

[todao]

Take the course seems to be the common recommendation.

I was out of biking for about 8 years due to back issues.  When I came back, I was amazed at a couple of things:
1. motorcycles had gotten so much better and it was hard to buy a bad bike
2.  gear had improved tremendously and what you had found years ago for racers was not as good as a lot of the common equipment these days
3.  Riding has become a science...  No more mysteries about bike handling.  It's all down to technique, knowledge and understanding, not god given skill.

The latter is the really good news because it means every rider, particularly those coming back, can learn the techniques of truly proficient, skilled riding.   That means you can accelerate your skill learning.  After coming back, I would do some roads I found challenging, over and over, to improve my skills and push it just a little more each time in order to work on specific riding skills.

Better rider = less chance of accident

[squeezer]

Congrats on the new bike!  Those are pretty.

Apparently, there are a lot of us reentry geezers around here.  I'm almost 10 years into my second stint after a 12 year layoff.

I did everything wrong -- hopped on a bike 700 miles from home and rode it back.  I think the advice you've been given here is the way to go and it's cool to hear you're taking the reeducation seriously.  I finally went back and started taking the courses.  Understanding what you're doing makes it all much more fun.

Keep taking it seriously.  One of the things you'll read in Hough's book (my favorite, by the way) is that accidents go back up in the 4th year of riding -- you start to think you're getting good.  Remember -- you may be getting used to higher speeds and more acute lean angles, but the laws of physics don't change.  Being able to use more traction doesn't mean you're going to get more.  Stay cautious.  

As much as bikes changed while you were away, gear changed even more.  I wasn't gone as long as you were, but the tech in this area was a completely new universe to me.  Because I wasn't really aware of it, it actually took me longer to come to grips with what was available there than it did to get comfortable riding again.  I recommend spending on-line time during winter checking out sites like newenough.com.  Their real world descriptions and photos are really helpful for understanding 21st century choices.  You won't believe how much better protected we are now.

[chimera]

For anyone who's cared enough to offer advice, just put a deposit on a 2003 Honda Superhawk!  Very cool, relatively light and narrow, 996v-twin, sounds like a Ducati, with a nice even torque curve.  Got one or two mods in mind, but for short money think I have a very fun and easy to handle bike I can live with for a few years!

That's alot of bike for re-entry.  Be careful out there.  Squeezer's advice about gear is spot on, but judging by your choice of bike I doubt you will listen to that either.

[BobW]

 
The guys not a twelve year old and the bike is a very nice mid-size V twin. It's not like it's a super charged Busa. He doesn't need to listen to anyone, but sounds like he did and made a pretty good final choice.

Cheers

[STeve3b3]

Gileski,
Good for you on the bike choice, books, and MSF.  Is the course in West Boyleston?
I bought an ST1300 as my return bike after being away for ~20yrs, and couldn't be happier!
I did the MSF, books, and took it easy until I got the hang of things again.

Don't forget gear, as well.  Motomarket is on Rt.2A in Acton, 3-4 miles North of the Rotary, and they have a pretty good selection of gear.  Also, look at http://www.newenough.com for online gear.

Steve

[BluStreak]

Steve;

Thanks for the tips on the shop and the gear address.  Just got an unreal deal on a helmet at another website, but will definitely check out your Motomarket and www.newenough.com recommendations.  Love the ST1300, maybe someday!  Have a buddy I went skiing with this weekend who has a new Kawa Concours 1400, hope to do some touring with him this summer.  Yes, the course is in W. Boylston.  Where in MA do you live?

Yo Bob, as the girl sez "you don't know me!"  

Scott

[STeve3b3]

Scott,

I'm down in Oxford.

The ST wasn't bad at the ERC.  I take the Pike into work, and used the stop-and-go traffic as a game to see how slow I could go without putting my feet down.  Manhole covers were and are obstacales, as well.  When I got to the ERC, I'd already been practicing those particular drills, so I knew how the bike performed in that regime.

Depending on when your course is, you'll probably have a chance to shake out some of the rust, and get a bit familiar with the bike before the course.

And welcome back!

Steve

[BluStreak]

Steve;

Gear question..........in looking for a protective jacket, your suggestions about looking at the perforated vs. non-perforated jackets for use here in New England.  I'm pretty good with cold weather gear as a hard core skiier, but wonder about if the perforated variety is warm enough for spring and fall vs. non-perforated being too hot in the summer......

Thanks,
Scott

[squeezer]

I actually like convertibles like the Tourmaster Intake.  It's a mesh jacket that has two zip in liners -- one water and windproof (basically, a thin nylon windbreaker type liner) and one insulated.  From June to September here in PA, I really just need the mesh shell and the nylon liner for evenings.  I have a warmer jacket for early spring and late fall.

Don't wear the ski stuff riding, though the riding stuff is serviceable for skiing.

[bikerfish1100]

Steve;

Gear question..........  I'm pretty good with cold weather gear as a hard core skiier, but wonder about if the perforated variety is warm enough for spring and fall vs. non-perforated being too hot in the summer......

Thanks,
Scott

no. you do not use ski gear for riding a motorcycle. goose down will not protect a goose if it hits something hard, and it won't protect you either. plus, you'll look really freaking stoopid.

no single garment can really do it all, unless you only ride May-September. if it doesn't feel good temp wise you won't wear it in the summer, and nothing is good for nothing. so, get a mesh jacket for summer, and a 3 season vented jacket/pants with removable liners for the rest of the year. the best one is the one that fits you properly, that you like the look and feel of. biggest difference between brands models is the features. find the features you like, in a jacket that fits well, and go with it.

[BluStreak]

Guys, sorry I made the comment.  Please.............I'm not a total dick, I meant that I know how to stay warm.

[STeve3b3]

Scott,

I've got three jackets and 2 sets of overpants.  My summer jackets vary from a First Gear textile/leather jacket to a Joe Rocket mesh.  I bought the First-Gear as a closeout at Newenough.com, and it's done a pretty good job of keeping me cooled unless I'm stopped.   Plenty of vents.  My son had a VFR and crashed in the exact same jacket, and it protected him well.  The JR was inherited from my son, and is going to be replaced this year with something more up to date.  A lot of the ST-Owners are switching to an Olympia jacket which is Hi-viz, and I might take a look at that as well.  
My Fall/early spring jacket is a Rev-It 3/4 length that I purchased from Motomarket.  I used this from October till December this year.  I thought it was a bit "drafty", but with a sweat shirt underneath, I was warm enough.  My hands are the major problem below about 30 deg, even with heated grips.

FWIW, my son has Danaisi (sp?) pants, and jackets, and he's happy with them.  He has a perf jacket for when it's hot out in CA.

Since I use the ST to ride to work and back, I'm wearing First-Gear HT overpants.  I can zip out the liner and be comfortable up to the high 80's.  FWIW, I rode to a DR's appointment in jeans one summer day, and was hotter than if I'd worn the overpants.  I got some First-Gear HT-air overpants before an ST-owners.com ride to PA this past summer, and use them when it's HOT, after upgrading to CE armor.

Steve

[BluStreak]

So, to get something to get started with, sounds like a vented jacket, w/ a removeable liner, and a similar pair of pants.  I like the idea of overpants as it offers me options in terms of taking the bike to work.  I have a somewhat dressy job.  Already snapped a great deal on a full helmet and plan to pick up a set of leather gauntlet gloves.  Since I'm likely going to start riding in April on the few decent days we have, I'm thinkin I'm still going to need to be dressed for pretty chilly weather.  Sound sensible to you?

[bikerfish1100]

much better than goose down!  

best brand is the one that combo of features you like, and that fits correctly.
only brand i've really seen big negatives on is Icon. a fellow coach had a jacket from them. very poor quality manufacturing. perfect for the squid set that wants to look the part but not much else.

[squeezer]

So, to get something to get started with, sounds like a vented jacket, w/ a removeable liner, and a similar pair of pants.  I like the idea of overpants as it offers me options in terms of taking the bike to work.  I have a somewhat dressy job.  Already snapped a great deal on a full helmet and plan to pick up a set of leather gauntlet gloves.  Since I'm likely going to start riding in April on the few decent days we have, I'm thinkin I'm still going to need to be dressed for pretty chilly weather.  Sound sensible to you?

Yes, that makes perfect sense.  Ride in those until you find the type of weather where you're uncomfortable and then add more gear to deal with that.  We're a serious gear whore sport now.  

[STeve3b3]

Yes, that makes perfect sense.  Ride in those until you find the type of weather where you're uncomfortable and then add more gear to deal with that.  We're a serious gear whore sport now.  

 

What squeezer said.  
You won't believe the amount of gloves, jackets, boots, etc you'll acquire over time.  Buy decent gear that you're comfortable in, and you can't go wrong.

Steve

[brianm767]

Well you have lots of advise, most of it right on the money,  I'm 45, I've been riding all my life, I recently switched to a  Honda ST1300 from two super sport bikes, a Hayabusa and a CBR1100XX Black bird,   I can tell you I absolutely love my ST, I chose the ST over the FJR because the FJR's buzz in the handle bars made my hands go numb, but to some the engine heat is too much to handle on the ST, I live where it's over 100 degrees almost every day in the summer, and it's not a problem for me, I guess it's all about what or if your sensitive to these? and I  have no, well almost no desire to ride sport bikes any more, but that being said, it is a heavy bike at parking lot speeds,  once you get it rolling, it's very light on it's feet, just as the FJR1300 is,  but it might  be a bit to handle if your not used to riding, and it's still capable of 140+MPH, for a tank of a bike, once you get it rolling, it's like a big sport bike.

But here's my advise, buy a used Suzuki V Strom, or maybe a Yamaha FZ6 to start off on, yah you probably don't want to have to buy a starter bike, but they are very capable bikes, hundreds of pounds lighter than a sport touring bike, an upright  riding position and  you can get them cheap and with all the aftermarket accessories all ready installed, and they make great little touring bikes, I couldn't believe how comfortable the V Strom was when I fist sat on it. if you go this route, and you pick up a used VStrom or FZ, you could probably ride it for a year or ? then sell it and get almost all of your money back to go plunk down on that ST or FJR, and if your worried about dropping the bigger bike, you might want to search that on the ST and FJR forums, one + on the ST is if you drop it, normally you only damage the bottom side of the plastic crash bar cover, and it's about $15 bucks to replace, normally no cowling, saddle bag or mirror damage, if you drop a FJR, it could be well over a thousand dollars to repair, but they both have their + and -'s, I love them both.

I'd take a serious look at steveindenmark's FZ and Zerosum's V Strom, those are some great little bikes, and very capable for touring for the beginner or the advanced riders

  My Baby!

[BluStreak]

Brian;

Love your bike.  If I had more recent experience and not about to have 2 kids in college, I'd likely be looking for your bike.  Would love to ride one some day.  I guess you didn't catch this, but I put a deposit on a 2003 Honda VTR1000 Superhawk (5,500 mis).  .Loved the way it looks, feels and sounds.  It is a stronger motor than a 650, but has a very flat torque curve and the bike only weighs 420 lbs. dry (my Honda 500-4 was 405).  Ergos need a little work to make it more sport-touring and less sport bike, but I'm already working on that and can do it for short money.  Like the bikes you mentioned, I could turn it for little or no loss in a year or two, but it has a ton of character, so maybe I'll hold it for a while, we'll see.  Just signed up for my 2 day course in April and am working on putting together protective clothing and boots.

Thanks for the tip on the superhawk forum Dan.  Been there researching for a while before I put a deposit on the bike.

Can't wait to be sharing rides and other less theoretical junk with you folks!

Scott

[brianm767]

[Yes I did miss that part about the Superhawk, well that's great, it's a pretty cool bike, it never really got the cult following as the Suzuki's twin SV's, but I love the Hawk and wanted one pretty badly at one time, it should serve you well.

I used to ride pretty much only sport bikes, like I mentioned, I toured on my Hayabusa for five years and over 25K miles, and although I hated the looks of the ST1300, and still do, I just decided it was time to slow down ( A little bit) and focus on function and comfort, since most of my rides were at least 300 miles and usually 500+ miles in a day, I felt it was time to buy, as I call it, a Grandpa bike, and I've never looked back, I sold the Hayabusa when I got my ST, but I kept one of our CBR1100XX's for my self, I figured I'd take it out on shorter rides, well that didn't happen either, I rode it only twice in a year for a total of about 50 miles, I just preferred the ST so much more, I had no more desire to ride a sport bike, I actually wanted the FJR but I just couldn't deal with the handle bar vibrations, but it is one fantastic bike.

When your ready, if you decide to move to a sport tourer, check them all out, they all have their strong points, and one will fit you perfectly.  

[BluStreak]

Brian, I gotta say when I think about sports touring bikes, a Busa does not come to mind.  The ergos must be a bitch compared to what you're riding now!  I think the whole cult thing is a little wierd.  I look at it more as a social issue than a technological one.  I think for people with more needy egos, it makes them feel better.  There's way too many cool machines out there to get that attached, though I can appreciate altering your bike to make it more what you want it to be.  It's like the logo thing..........I have no interest in paying for a product so I can wear your logo.  If you want me to do that, give it to me gratis!

I understand what you're saying about the looks of the ST1300, but I think it's pretty cool, and like women......looks eventually become a reflection of it's inner qualities (although ugly to the bone, is always ugly to the bone).  I really like the color of yours, and of course the black ones are awesome as well.  I know all kinds of people rave about the V-Strom, but in my opinion it is butt ugly.  

There must be a fairly simple way to reduce the handlebar vibes on the FJR.  Rubber handlebar mounts, different bar ends or something?  

Judging from the photo, you must live in or near CA.  Isn't that Yosemite?  Been skiing in the Sierra Nevada a couple of times and I have a cousin I'm close to who lives in Sebastopol (50 mis N of Frisco).  Seems like a great place to live.

Well, I'm on my way to a bike show, since it's 0 outside and I'm between skiing weekends.  

[StayinSafe]

Welcome back to the fold of riders! There has been a lot of good advice shared here. We see a great number of return riders in our Stayin' Safe on-street motorcycle training program and the majority have found great success in returning on a mid-size machine. Seeing that your prior experience had been on a mid-sized Honda, I would suggest starting on a similar-sized machine instead of taking on the additional stress of working with a larger machine than you've ever ridden. Also, today's mid-size bikes are absolutely terrific handling motorcycles with significantly more power delivery than the old machines. I agree with the folks who suggest a bike like the Suzuki V-Strom 650 or the SV650. I also highly agree that you should look into an MSF rider course. Then spend time on your own in a parking lot working on U-turns and figure 8s. Pick up some of the riding skills books that are available and study up. Authors like David Hough, Lee Parks, Ken Condon (his new book, "Riding in the Zone" is quite good) and Larry Grodsky come to mind for street-riding skills and strategies. Secure a copy of Jerry Paladino's "Ride Like a Pro" DVDs for low-speed tips while you're at it. Once on the road and accumulating some miles, I highly recommend that you take an advanced training course to help compensate for the years away from motorcycling. Some that come to mind are Lee Parks Total Control program, various track-oriented programs such as Reg Pridmore's CLASS school (not a racing school, but a street-oriented program conducted on race tracks), and you may consider a course like the Stayin' Safe program for actual on-street training. There are a number of excellent training program options available for riders. Research 'em all and pick what's right for you. Reaching out to the group of experienced riders in this forum before jumping in is a nice indication that you're being very thoughtful about how you approach re-entry riding. That's a great start toward enjoying riding and doing so safely. I hope his helps.

[brianm767]

Brian, I gotta say when I think about sports touring bikes, a Busa does not come to mind.  The ergos must be a bitch compared to what you're riding now!  I think the whole cult thing is a little wierd.  I look at it more as a social issue than a technological one.  I think for people with more needy egos, it makes them feel better.  There's way too many cool machines out there to get that attached, though I can appreciate altering your bike to make it more what you want it to be.  It's like the logo thing..........I have no interest in paying for a product so I can wear your logo.  If you want me to do that, give it to me gratis!

I understand what you're saying about the looks of the ST1300, but I think it's pretty cool, and like women......looks eventually become a reflection of it's inner qualities (although ugly to the bone, is always ugly to the bone).  I really like the color of yours, and of course the black ones are awesome as well.  I know all kinds of people rave about the V-Strom, but in my opinion it is butt ugly.  

There must be a fairly simple way to reduce the handlebar vibes on the FJR.  Rubber handlebar mounts, different bar ends or something?  

Judging from the photo, you must live in or near CA.  Isn't that Yosemite?  Been skiing in the Sierra Nevada a couple of times and I have a cousin I'm close to who lives in Sebastopol (50 mis N of Frisco).  Seems like a great place to live.

Well, I'm on my way to a bike show, since it's 0 outside and I'm between skiing weekends.  

Actually the Hayabusa, with different foot pegs (Buell Lightning's) and bars (heli bars) is quite comfortable, it's nothing like the race replica's GSXR's, I also had a touring shield I put on it for the longer rides, Utah and such, and a tank bag , I could lean on my tank bag rest my elbows on my knees hold on with just one hand and I swear I could almost fall asleep, it was that comfortable,  but yes the St is much more comfy due to the leg room, but at times, after 700 miles or so, my back hurts on it since it is so upright and I slouch, I didn't have hat problem on my Hayabusa or Blackbirds

Yes I live in the Fresno area, Yosemite is only an hour away, as well as Kings Canyon and Sequoia National parks, I'm also only 2.5 hours away from the Ocean and about 4 hours away from the desert, these are the reasons I've never left Cali, the state does have it's problems, I mean huge ones, but for riding, to me it's the best, today it's supposed to be in the low 70's , I think my Father and I will probably ride over to Morro Bay for some BBQ and fish and Chips for the old man.

And as for the FJR's vibes, to most, it's a non issue, just as the so called heat issue is with the ST1300, there are some who notice it, and most who don't, I'm sensitive to bar vibrations, several complain about the Hayabusa having vibrations, and believe me, the FJR vibes way worse then my Busa ever did, on the Busa it was a transient vibe through a certain RPM range, and in 6th gear it came on at about 87MPH and only lasted for a few MPH, on the FJR, I felt them at pretty much all high way speeds.

 I've had numerous surgeries to repair a severely broken right hand, and vibes are a killer to me, I thought about buying the Feejer and putting Grip Puppy's and bigger bar end weights on it, that's what many do, just little foam grips slid over your other grips,   but I didn't want to take a chance and if it didn't work good enough, I would be stuck with a bike that I couldn't ride, and I'd have to sell it, and to me the Feejer always felt like it needed to be shifted in a 6th gear witch it didn't have.

As far as the ST1300 goes, I was very concerned about the heat issue, I've read some peoples post where they bought the ST and couldn't ride it because they felt as if their legs were about to burst into flames,  and in Fresno it's often over 100 degrees when I ride, I held off on buying either bike for three years, and I was so excited when the second gen FJR's came out, I heard they had raised the gearing , fixed the heat issue on it, and reduced Vibrations, I was sold!! I'm getting me one, off for a test ride, DAMMM!! vibes are unchanged and I still fill like it needs a 6th gear to smooth it out, I bit the bullet and bought the ST and I absolutely love it, yes it's ugly, no it's not as fast as a FJR, but I've only had a couple FJR riders leave me in the hills, and I've dispatched many more of them on my ST, in the hills, it's all rider, yes it gets hot in the summer, but no where near as hot as any V Twin I've ridden,  or my Blackbirds,  if you do get stuck in traffic and are just sitting there, is when it's at it's worst,but nothing that's not manageable to me.  

The things "I", and these are just my opinions and observations, are the ST has better wind protection, it has a bigger Fuel tank with a longer range, but on both bikes, the fuel range is going to out last your bladder range, so it's moot unless your going across the desert as I do when I go see my kids in Utah, also if you drop it, due to the built in crash bars, you normally only will damage a $15 dollar plastic cover, no fairing, mirror or saddle bag damage, if you drop a FJR, it could be well over a grand in damage , I've worked on both of them, I feel the ST is a bit easier to maintain, probably would be no difference if I had more experience removing the cowlings on the Feejer, the St has more leg room for both rider and passenger, and now I have Motorcycle Larry passenger extensions for the wife, they give her another 3-4" of leg room , the ST has a 3 year warranty , FJR1and to me it just feels more like a sport touring bike, but it does run too hot for some, for me, it's a non issue.

As far as the FJR, it looks way better, bags on or off, (don't even think about riding a ST with no bags) it's a tad bit lighter,  it may handle a bit better, if your riding it to the bikes limits, the FJR will out perform the St , if you are riding to your limits, and you are not an expert, their going to be pretty even, the FJR is faster in top end, but I always seem to pull my neighbor off the line, he has an 06  FJR, but hey these are not drag bikes so who cares, both of them have plenty of power, and more importantly torque to be fantastic mounts for sport touring,    the FJR sounds like a real mans motorcycle, the St sounds like George Jetsons space car, either way you go, they are both great bikes, oh and the FJR does come with standard ABS, my ST does not have it, I wish it did.

Funny you mentioned that about badging, when I buy a car, I make the dealership remove their logo license plate frame, I tell them if they are going to pay me to advertise for them, I'll leave it on, if not, take it off.

My Hayabusa in touring mode, this is with theZero Gravity sport touring shield for long rides in the cold, but it produce allot of head buffeting. I preferred the Puig Double Bubble for every day use.


With Puig shield


I have a HMW decal on my ST,  there's a guy on the ST owners forums that makes them up for all brands, it really chaps some of the BMW riders, one Beemr rider said you can put all the stickers on it you want, it will never be a BMW, I told him, well thank god!, I chose my Honda for a reason, , but my dream bike is a BMW K1200GT,   others think it's pretty funny