Suzuki B-King

[edinsomd]

It's all about control.
You have the most with sport bikes feet tucked up, head forward to put you weight over the front wheel. Your body mass is compact and centralized so the least amount of movement yields the most response from the bike. They're made to turn quickly with high quality adjustable suspension components.
You get the least with cruisers. Feet forward, body slouched back riding position. Low end non-adjustable suspension and those big fat rear tires that resist any change in direction.
The B King, Versys and my V Strom are in between. My feet are directly under me, I slightly lean forward and my hands hit the bars a little above my waist.
Think of the Universal Japaneese Motorcycle of the 70'-80's. Very similar position. They called them that because if you wanted a sport bike, you swapped handlebars for clip-ons and changed to rear set pegs. Want a cruiser? High bars, extended forks, fordward controls, lose the front fender and add a tall skinny front wheel. Need a touring bike, just add a windshield or Vetter fairing and some saddle bage.

You miss my point, not surprising ‘cause I didn’t state one. My Blackbird is a "sport-tour" bike, leaning a bit more towards "sport". It’s big, smooth, and fast. Givi makes excellent bags for it, and it’s a favorite ride among the Iron Butt folks. Mine’s (mostly) stock, and I use it for a daily commuter, but 500 mile days are easily handled. Riding position is moderate and comfortable, and the bike handles impeccably at any speed. The “Sit-Up-And-Beg” remark was a jab at a certain segment of the riding community that places flash and noise over utility and performance.
Keep the shiny side up,
Ed

 

[aps45819]

I just had 4k service. everytime the yahoos at Atlantic cycle service it. it runs different.

they're idiots, I wouldn't let them service a baby buggy
What did they charge you for changing the oil and allegedly "checking" a few items, $100?

 

[aps45819]

You miss my point, not surprising ‘cause I didn’t state one,
Ed

thougt that sounded like something from the feet first, "If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand" crowd.

 

[garyt27]

charge

they're idiots, I wouldn't let them service a baby buggy
What did they charge you for changing the oil and allegedly "checking" a few items, $100?

I have a prepaid service contract. they still give you a bill, It was a shade over $300. YIKES

 

[aps45819]

I have a prepaid service contract. they still give you a bill, It was a shade over $300. YIKES

I bought the extended warranty on the Honda I traded in. They assured me they would cancel the contract and I'd get a refund on the balance.
No check from Honda
I call, told the manager will call back, he doesn't.
I visit, told the manager would have to review my records and will get back to me, he doesn't.
Multiple call, couple of visits every time assured they would take care of it.
No check from Honda
Went up to Crofton cycles for some event, and one of their guys canceled it in about 5 minutes.
Check from Honda

 

[itsbob]

You miss my point, not surprising ‘cause I didn’t state one. My Blackbird is a "sport-tour" bike, leaning a bit more towards "sport". It’s big, smooth, and fast. Givi makes excellent bags for it, and it’s a favorite ride among the Iron Butt folks. Mine’s (mostly) stock, and I use it for a daily commuter, but 500 mile days are easily handled. Riding position is moderate and comfortable, and the bike handles impeccably at any speed. The “Sit-Up-And-Beg” remark was a jab at a certain segment of the riding community that places flash and noise over utility and performance.
Keep the shiny side up,
Ed

I see the Honda mentioned here and there on the IBA site, but mostly the ST series, and it is still outnumbered by other makes and models.

I would not say Honda is a favorite by any means.

Personally I want to take the ST1300 out for a test ride see how it stacks up.

 

[edinsomd]

I see the Honda mentioned here and there on the IBA site, but mostly the ST series, and it is still outnumbered by other makes and models.

I would not say Honda is a favorite by any means.

Personally I want to take the ST1300 out for a test ride see how it stacks up.

OK, I had my Honda goggles on. I know some folks who have IB certs on a Blackbird, not that I plan to be one of them. As for the ST, I doubt you'll be disappointed. I'm toying with the idea of getting one, or just give it up and go Goldwing. After I get too old to ride my 'bird, of course.
Ed

 

[BadGirl]

OK, I had my Honda goggles on. I know some folks who have IB certs on a Blackbird, not that I plan to be one of them. As for the ST, I doubt you'll be disappointed. I'm toying with the idea of getting one, or just give it up and go Goldwing. After I get too old to ride my 'bird, of course.
Ed

THe K1200GT and RS (BMW) are making me drool. I won't take one out for a ride though, don't want the payment right now.