VStarRider
03-21-2021, 05:31 PM
150 miles on the STS SM5 today. Last ride was December 11. Fired right up after coming off the tender last week. Aired up the tires, and off I went. Had the tunes playing through my Cardo and had no planned destination. Turned when I felt like it, kept going straight if that was I wanted.
Future thought #1:
I have the '15 STS and a '16 Wing. I feel more relaxed while on the Spyder. I can look around and be more at ease, knowing I am on a stable platform with ABS, stability control, etc. However, I still like the technical aspect of two-wheeling. Carving up the curves still tickles my fancy.
Future thought #2:
I can see myself selling/trading the STS in a year or two for a previously enjoyed RT, while keeping the Wing. I will then have two capable and comfortable touring machines, each very different from one another. My wife and I will take three wheels a few times per year, and I have even been hinting that she should learn to ride it (future RT) herself and head over to a friend's, and take her out.
Thing is, I really like the twin in the STS. It took me an entire season to learn how to rev the V to get it to where it shows what a sweetheart it is. It is fun to ring it out and it seems that the more rpm, the sweeter she becomes. Man, it has long legs and a wiiiiiddde RPM range. It is going to be hard to let it go for the more relaxed triple. Also, the STS is a very nimble Spyder. Most times, I will defer to the more "mature" handling characteristics of the RT, but it is fun to dip the STS into those curves and turns.
By the way - any new Spyder owners - especially those adding a third wheel after years of just two - give yourself plenty of time to get a feel for steering inputs and response...I think I just acquired the fine motor skills needed to push this machine smoothly and elegantly through the curves, where I previously was giving the bars too much and getting too much response. Much more linear when inputs are reserved.
Future thought #1:
I have the '15 STS and a '16 Wing. I feel more relaxed while on the Spyder. I can look around and be more at ease, knowing I am on a stable platform with ABS, stability control, etc. However, I still like the technical aspect of two-wheeling. Carving up the curves still tickles my fancy.
Future thought #2:
I can see myself selling/trading the STS in a year or two for a previously enjoyed RT, while keeping the Wing. I will then have two capable and comfortable touring machines, each very different from one another. My wife and I will take three wheels a few times per year, and I have even been hinting that she should learn to ride it (future RT) herself and head over to a friend's, and take her out.
Thing is, I really like the twin in the STS. It took me an entire season to learn how to rev the V to get it to where it shows what a sweetheart it is. It is fun to ring it out and it seems that the more rpm, the sweeter she becomes. Man, it has long legs and a wiiiiiddde RPM range. It is going to be hard to let it go for the more relaxed triple. Also, the STS is a very nimble Spyder. Most times, I will defer to the more "mature" handling characteristics of the RT, but it is fun to dip the STS into those curves and turns.
By the way - any new Spyder owners - especially those adding a third wheel after years of just two - give yourself plenty of time to get a feel for steering inputs and response...I think I just acquired the fine motor skills needed to push this machine smoothly and elegantly through the curves, where I previously was giving the bars too much and getting too much response. Much more linear when inputs are reserved.