Advice for a new buyer

[IanInTheUsa]

How are the stock saddles on the ST? I've been flicking through a lot of threads and haven't seen too much about them.

The stock saddles on my V-Strom and C14 were torture devices, which made anything more than 2 hours almost unbearable!

 

[Scoobynut]

How are the stock saddles on the ST? I've been flicking through a lot of threads and haven't seen too much about them.

The stock saddles on my V-Strom and C14 were torture devices, which made anything more than 2 hours almost unbearable!

The stock saddles are ok for about 150-200 miles max for me. I just find them too squishy like most stock seats. I've run a Corbin on both the STs I've owned; while not perfect they are huge improvement over stock IMHO. Have done 950+ miles on the Corbin in one day. Which makes me want to get a Russel, lol...

 

[AVGeek]

How are the stock saddles on the ST? I've been flicking through a lot of threads and haven't seen too much about them.

The stock saddles on my V-Strom and C14 were torture devices, which made anything more than 2 hours almost unbearable!

Saddles are a very personal thing...many here have been fine with leveling out the stock seat, while there are many posts here about trading out the stock for Corbin, Russell, Laam, etc. Personally, I did my SS1000 on the stock seat that had been leveled.

 

[rider33]

How are the stock saddles on the ST? I've been flicking through a lot of threads and haven't seen too much about them.

The stock saddles on my V-Strom and C14 were torture devices, which made anything more than 2 hours almost unbearable!

I'm an insensitive ass (so I've been told) so I didn't change the stock seat for a year or so including a 3-4 thousand mile trip out to the west coast with just a sheep skin over the stocker- no worries. It occurred to me this year tho that the only bike I have with a stock seat (4 at the moment) is my touring bike (the S10) so maybe I should do something about that. I've had good luck with Seat Concepts seats on other bikes so I popped for it. 'Don't recall the exact cost but it was about half of what the alternatives were because you keep the pan and install the new foam and cover yourself. I think it looks better and for sure it feels better. It also is a half inch or more higher which was welcome too (they make a 'low' as well).

By the way, I had a Strom for a bit and I hated that seat (WAY too dished) tho I think the buffeting bothered me more, 'why I didn't own it for long. The S10 IMHO is a much better bike, sort of 1150 generation GS-like to my mind, a bike I liked a lot more than the 1200 variants.

 

[holligl]

I looked for months before buying, 1st gen and 2nd gen, ES and Non ES. Once used 2nd gens started becoming available, I found I could get a used ES, well farkled, with YES, for the same price as a new NonES 2nd gen (plus sales tax savings). Good deal and it will depreciate less. Good ones are out there, but you may have to go a ways to bring them home. Fly and ride, or Uhaul cycle trailers are ~$35/day.

 

[eemsreno]

By the way, I had a Strom for a bit and I hated that seat (WAY too dished) tho I think the buffeting bothered me more, 'why I didn't own it for long. The S10 IMHO is a much better bike,

Rider33
You got that right!
I ride a wee to work everyday, what a cheep bike.

 

[markbxr400]

I was able to pick up a new leftover 2013 last week, with skid plate, engine guards, OEM side panniers and Akropovic exhaust for $11K out the door, so I jumped in it. I have ridden my Victory Cross Country over 7,000 miles in the past 2 months, and I can count on zero fingers how many times I used the cruise control. My wife doesn't ride with me, so the ES was not important to me. I've put about 1500 miles on it this past week. It has plenty of power, runs great.

One reason I bought this bike is that I can throw it in the back of my pickup and take it places. Not so with my Victory, thus 7,000 miles in 2 months. So cruise control becomes even less important.

Maybe one day I'll upgrade to a newer model, but this one was good enough in 2013 and is good enough now for me. No regrets.

 

[Millman]

Thanks everyone!

I'm leaning towards a clearance 2014 or newer for the improvements. The ES would be nice, but not a deal breaker (I'll be riding mostly solo, but the quick change between firm and soft for paved roads and off-road is enticing!). It looks like the only other difference between ES and non-ES models are the grip heaters. Easily remedied with something from the aftermarket.

Thanks again!

Check the price of the Y.E.S. Warranty from the dealer. Tell him that you can buy it from a dealer on the forum for around $390. I went back to my dealer and let him know and offered him $400 and he went for it. Good luck and I have a 14 non Es. And wish I had the Es with the electronic suspension.


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[Jeff Milleman]

You all are lucky you live outside Florida as per Y.E.S. from Yamaha, 400 is cheep , I can't by it out side FL as per Law .. 690.00 for 4 years. The minute I say Florida they say no deal. Researching all this I found( R.P.M. ONE ) warranty company that is nation wide and covers more with less problems , so I think that's the ticket . The s10 is about what fits you and your needs ,for me I can't go backwards so my 15 ES is where I want to be . Good luck and ride safe .