ST

[Desmo Demon]

I always say whatever works for the rider/owner because that who has to be happy

Exactly, which is why I wanted to state a difference of opinion than yours and made it a poiint to state that I have never owned any other sport-touring bike. For the type of riding I do (solo, weekend trips, and mountain twisties), the ST2 is just about perfect. If I was superslabbing all the time or constantly doing 5+ day trips, I think I'd probably go wiuth an FJR or VFR.

[twolanefun]

Well I stumbled onto this discussion, so I'll give you a different perspective. As far as I'm concerned there is only one sport tourer out there better than my ST3 and that would be a MTS1200, except it's too tall for me, with a 30" inseam. All of the other so called sport tourer's need to go on a diet IMHO, that includes the FJR, which I've ridden on more than one occasion. My 04' ST3 has 43-44k+ miles on it, I bought it new, I've done plenty of 1,200 - 1,500 mile weekends on it with and without my GF on board. I tend to run on two lane back roads, twisty of course, and occasionally run on the interstate, such as going to the INDY GP, once I get to Columbus, Ohio from Virginia not much choice. The ST3 has all the power anyone needs and it's got the right torque. With stock gearing it's doing 86MPH in 6th gear at 5K, that is why I recommend going up 3 teeth on the rear sprocket. At Mid-Ohio my GF and I were doing 135+ on back straight with full luggage. My GF and I have never had an issue with packing for an extended trip, the 2 side case and top case hold more than enough. The only complaint I have with my ST3 is I wish it had ABS. If you want a great bike to run through the mountains all day say from No. Virginia down to Barber Motosports without getting on the interstate but know if you do the bike can handle it, the ST3 is up to the task. If you want to run all day on the interstate and with an occasional detour on some twistys get a BMW, FJ, or a Concours and work on your upper body muscles cause you'll need them to throw those bikes around. Just MHO - Gene

[muskrat]

Get a Roadstar.   . To me a tourer shouldn't need service every 6k miles.  I'm guessing they will bring something back but only if they increase the service intervals.  I personally like the ST line but for a tourer it doesn't fit the bill IMO. 

[kopfjäger]

My buddy is looking at two ST4S bikes. One is a red  05 with 36k the other is a grey 03 with 28k and ABS. Thoughts?

[ducatiz]

My buddy is looking at two ST4S bikes. One is a red  05 with 36k the other is a grey 03 with 28k and ABS. Thoughts?

Is he going to ride them like a circus performer -- standing on the pegs in the middle?

[kopfjäger]

Is he going to ride them like a circus performer -- standing on the pegs in the middle?

Only on every 3rd Tuesday.