Another Arizona Lurker (Sierra Vista)

[advswede1981]

Hey guys

Sad to say but I'm just a lurker at the moment, but the good news is I won't be for too much longer. Been waiting to find out what the new 2013 models will look like and what changes, if any, they will bring... then I know what to get without regrets. I'm a relatively new rider but I'm absolutely hooked on it and the ADV touring bikes. I'm riding a 10' KLR 650 at the moment, which I like, but when I bought it wasn't exactly sure what I would like more... street or dirt... so a 50/50 type bike seemed like a good bet. Well, it turns out I'm more of a 80/20 road rider and started doing some research into larger ADV bikes for their obvious perks. I was really close to buying a GSA but decided to do some more research, which lead me to the ST. It seems to be the bike to have and I can hardly find any downsides to it other than some comments about the power output being a little bland (go easy on me... just repeating what I've heard so don't shoot the messenger) ;D.

Questions:

1. I'm 6'2, about 270lbs and plan on using the ST for commuting, 2-up day trips with the boss lady, and as many 1-up camping (dirt) and cross-state trips with gear as I can fit in my schedule. Reviews say no problem but is there anything I should be concerned about?
2. As with my my KLR, I plan to farkle the hell out of this thing when I get. What are the top vendors for quality/price? I really like Touratech's stuff but they seem a little pricey, which I am ok with if their quality is outstanding. Also looking for reviews on their panniers.
3. I've taken my KLR through some pretty narly trails and could never imagine taking something as big/heavy and expensive as an ST through similar stuff. I'm sure some of you guys go crazy on where you take your ST, but what kind of dirt do most ST drivers ride in?
4. Does anyone know of any organized groups in the Sierra Vista or Tucson area?

Thanks for all the great info on here and for any advice I might get! Hopefully soon I can start sharing my own experiences rather than being teased by your guys'

 

[AVGeek]

Welcome aboard. I'm up in Phoenix, and there's quite a few Zonies running around here on the board.

1. I'm 5'9", 30" inseam, about 225#. I commute and day trip so far, and have no issues with comfort. I did change my windscreen, and run the seat in the high position on the highway due to buffeting I was getting with the stock screen. I had tried the Madstad bracket with both screens, and never found a position I liked, so sold it here on the board.
2. My farkles have been limited so far, but I do have the GIvi crash bars (found them online for $144) and the AltRider skid plate (purchased from another board member).
3. I'm still figuring out what the ST can do. I did 7 Springs/Bloody Basin Road a couple weeks ago, and there were a few dry crossings that some good size sand berms built up, but the ST chugged right through.
4. Keep an eye here; while I don't know of any organized rides down your way, I usually post something up, or cross post from the FJR Forum (which usually gets cross posts from AZBeemers). There is also the Arizona Adventure Riders Group.

I am a Yamaha fan (all my motorcycles have come from them), but by far the ST is easily my favorite bike...

 

[barkingllizard]

just a simple hello, advswede1981.....

 

[PNWSuperbeast]

::004:: from the Pacifc Northwest. Enjoy your new bike, it will do things that will amaze you. You should seriously check out some of JaimeV's stuff on the forum because he is continuosly showing the nay sayers that this bike will indeed do and handle almost everything.