Not Really a New VFR Rider

It has been a while since I posted here. With great reluctance I sold my 5th Gen VFR800 about 18 months ago. It got to the point where my knees could no longer manage the riding position. As a result I was riding it less and less. So, what to do? I let it go.

I have always liked the ST1300 and have ridden a number of them while working for a Honda dealership. I had never owned one however. I found a 2006 w ABS, that had only 36,513 miles on the clock. The owner said it was started and ridden briefly a year an a half ago but the bike had been sitting for over 4 years. The seller was an older gentlemen who had been having progressive knee deterioration and the bike became too much for him. I was a Guzzi Mechanic back in the 80s and this bike reminds me of an old Moto Guzzi touring bike. It had rust on the fasteners, little lights, running lights and big lights all over it. In all fairness the ad on lights, they were probably the way to go 20 years ago but there are better LEDs on the market now and the quantity of lights is just too much for me. It's a motorcycle and not a carnival ride after all.

She is a big girl! We had a hell of a time getting her into the truck. After three weeks if work that included a new fuel pump, a new thermostat, a good used overflow tank, air cleaner check, oil change and lots of electrical clean up it is ready for the road. I my not be back on a VFR but I am back on a Honda V4. It makes that wonderful V4 whine and it handles like a dream. The only problem is it's not yellow!

 

Good to hear from you again, Jim!
You know the drill.....Photo? It may help us to be clear on what you view as a "carnival ride".

 

I tried to post an image but it didn't like the URL for some reason. The bike came with owner installed LED mood lighting under the fairing, under the bags and under every crevice it seems. I didn't even try it since the wiring was such a mess and a possible house fire waiting to happen. It will take all winter to get the glue off but it's free of the excess wiring now.

https://www.st-owners.com/forums/attachments/1000004817-jpg.341271/

 

The forum doesn't seem to like any photo-sharing programs. Never seem to have a problem with uploading a photo directly from my desktop/ laptop/ tablet using the "Upload a File" button.

 

OK Lets try this! She is not a VFR and she is not yellow but she sure is fun.