[Sparkeysmall]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Quite a contrast in comparison to what is seen as an economy motorcycle in my country

Isnt it? My first motorcycle was a 2009 kawasaki ex500. I would average around 65-70 mpg on it. Awesome bike, but was just physically too small for me. Definitely a bike better suited for the 5'8" and under crowd.

On the st1100 the handlebars sit much higher and farther out. As well as a wider seat that i can move around on. My only complaint is the mid/rear set pegs. My knees get bound up after a while and all i want to do is get off. Another reason for ripping off the fairing is so i can fashion up some forward controls. Too bad the exhaust manifolds are right there. I like the "cruiser" seating style bike. But i really dont like the usual harley look they all have. (Dont get me started on h-d).

The other problem stripping it down is ive really come to like the windshield on it. A few years ago i said i would never have one on a bike. Then i rode an st1300 and fell in love. Found this st1100 for cheap and love it even more. Much softer ride than the st1300. And not as heavy. If i could (and anything is always possible if you put your mind to it.) set the pegs further forward without having to remove panels or just trim them out, and (maybe) make heat shields or a whole new exhaust routing i could set them further still. What i really need to do is some measuring to find the best spot. A few ticks over 90 degrees knee bend is the most comfortable bike i ever rode. If i remember right that was a honda vt1100.