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Real World Handling of the ST?

I only have 150+ miles so far on my ST, (had ball joint replacement from delivery) and I think it is handling pretty well.
 
First off I purchased my ST-Limited in Missouri...I live in Texas.....fly up rode around for 700 miles back to dealership...PitBull Powersports...had oil changed...and rode home....PitBull Powersports worked really hard changing out the ball joints and alignment and I also had Elka shocks installed before I left PitBull...Len said he thought my ST was the first to have Elka's...I rode on some fairly nice curvy roads...rode in nasty rain...cold...misty slick roads....the ST performed perfectly...I have about 2k and know I have made an excellent purchase...so diffferent from RS....mainly the ST is tighter....sharper....quicker in handling...
 
We've had our ST-S SE-5 for a month or so, just took it in today for the 600 checkup. The ball joints were replaced before they sold it to us. My wife and I each have about 300 on it, it is actually hers but I steal a ride every now and then. So far it has been very good but neither of us has anything to compare to. She is a new rider and I have only experienced two wheels for my riding career. She took the basic MSF course on a Wing 1500 trike but that is her only other riding experience. I've had it up to 75 mph plus on the freeway and done some curvy hill riding (Yarnell hill in AZ for those that know the area) I think it is a little more work on turns than a two wheeler, otherwise very enjoyable. The wife loves it. No regrets and I think it handles fine. I would like adjustable suspension but my GL1800 Wing has notoriously weak OEM suspension with minimal adjustments so can't really complain about the Spyder.

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First off I purchased my ST-Limited in Missouri...I live in Texas.....fly up rode around for 700 miles back to dealership...PitBull Powersports...had oil changed...and rode home....PitBull Powersports worked really hard changing out the ball joints and alignment and I also had Elka shocks installed before I left PitBull...Len said he thought my ST was the first to have Elka's...I rode on some fairly nice curvy roads...rode in nasty rain...cold...misty slick roads....the ST performed perfectly...I have about 2k and know I have made an excellent purchase...so diffferent from RS....mainly the ST is tighter....sharper....quicker in handling...
It's good to hear that.

I made the move from a 2009 GS to a 2013 STS with the fox shocks and sway bar upgrade... and I'm not exactly thrilled with the handling. It's stiffer, in quick, slower speed turns and at higher speeds, 40 to 60mph or so, it's unpredictable and twitchy. It requires significantly more effort to start a turn, but then seems to give unexpectedly.

In a straight line at any speed it seems stable.

The lower ball joints were new according to BRP/VIN (I called) and the basics (alignment, tire pressure) have been done. But something is definitely not right. It certainly doesn't handle better than my aging GS.

So it's good to hear that it's something fixable.
 
I would double check again to make sure the ball joints were actually done, mine was about the same as you desribe. I would never had believed ball joints could be so tight as to affect the steering effort to such a degree, even with power steering. Glad it was only the lowers and not all four.
 
Any easy way to tell?

I called BRP and gave them my VIN and they said it's not part of the recall.
 
I have a little over 300 miles on my STS and have hit 87mph with it. No issues. The handling is better than my stock 2012 RSS. It just rides smoother and handles corners better. It has to be the best vehicle swap I've ever done. Long live the STS!! :clap::ohyea::clap:
 
I just asked and the ball joints were done. Never heard the word VIN

Doing 800 miles to SD and back next 2 days. Should be great
 
I just asked and the ball joints were done. Never heard the word VIN

Doing 800 miles to SD and back next 2 days. Should be great

I ran 104 mph today on a back road in NMex (with crosswinds )and "My Precious" :spyder2: handling was perfect!! No steering issues.:yes: My avg speed was 75mph which is legal. I just couldn't resist that 4mile stretch with no traffic. 48 degrees, grip warmer, no problem.:ohyea:
Btw: I'm avg 29 mpg but after my odometer turned 2100miles, my new mpg is 34. Go figure?:dontknow:
 
Ran 75 - 80 all day thru IA and SD. Cross winds hammered my body a bit but the ST ran rock solid and straight. No way I would have done this many miles on my GS. The ST was super comfortable seating and leg position. Love the cruise control!
 
ST Handling ...

I wanted to bump this thread back up for further discussion as we get more ST owners out there. I am intrigued by the responses so far.

Should the 2014 ST come out with a RS-S like Suspension and adjustable shocks? I'm just throwing these questions out, I have no expertise.

Part of the fun of owning a Spyder is modifying it to fit your needs. The ST's shocks are not adjustable, but are designed for a load range of XXX pounds. Some people are saying it seems softer than the RS-S and not as tight. Others are saying it's snappier. This should make for a spirited discussion. Keep it objective. :chat: :thumbup:
 
1200 Miles on my ST Limited

I traded my 2009 GS with 2012 RT shocks, BajaRon Bar, 4" risers, and Rivco floor boards on a
new ST Limited. My ball joints and alignment were upgraded at the factory per BRP. In a straight line or sweeping curves the ST is fine. When riding more aggressively, the bike feels like it wants to float to the outside. It's very difficult to hold a smooth line or change lines if the turn tightens up. I have attempted to purchase the adjustable Fox shocks and sway bar, but they have been on back order since I bought the bike with no date of when they will be available. I really can't swing a set of Elkas $$ at this time so I guess I'm stuck with Grandma's rocking chair for the time being, unless someone has a suggestion. The distortion in the windshield drives me nuts. dealer gave me a great deal on the ultra sport shield and it is better but still has a lot of distortion. I love the look of the bike and really love the brakes. If I can just get rid of the loose floppy feeling I will be a very happy camper.
 
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