coffee_brake wrote:It definately sounds like you've just forgotten some basic stuff.
Heck at 5'6" I can ride the ST1300 (and I have) and it is effortless to steer, and very well-mannered at parking lot speeds too. I work out but I'm still not very strong in my upper body. Pushups are very hard for me (but I'm getting better, better than when I rode a ST1300).
I'm guessing if the top-heavy issue is affecting you then you are having trouble at slower speeds. You probably know know better than me that the basics still apply. You know in a tight tight turn going slow, to weight the outside peg, slide your butt to the outside, slip the clutch, and lightly ride the back brake to get it to lean in better. Try it in second gear, it may be easier depending on the bike's gearing. Most of all, look up, not down, and look all the way through the turn, even if that means swivelling your head around like an owl.
Sounds like you just need to talk yourself through the basics and then go practice them, in a safe emptly lot wearing all your gear.
You can do it! That's a smooth beautiful bike and worth the effort!
A couple of confessions. Since I grew up with a bunch of boys and I'm just bigger than most of my lady friends, I've become sort of spoiled about just "doing" things that most women find hard to do physically. Also, since I never had any problem riding a Harley, I just got used to them at the expence of other bikes. So a lot of this was the cryings of a spoilt kid who wanted things all her own way.
I think you hit it on the head. Because of my size, I didn't have to use a lot of tricks to ride my bikes around. I knew them because that is how I learned to handle motorcycles. I just wanted to get on the ST1300 and just to ride it without any adjustment on my part. But I got scared of all the plastic it was encased in and I was so afraid I would drop it and have a large repair bill. not to mention what it would do to me. Yes, I'm having to go back to the basics and it's a let down but I think it will make me a safer rider all around in the end.
BTW, I do work out quite a bit because my job requires me to handle and lift other people's bodies as part of my work. And even though you have all those wonderful muscular Firemen who act as first responders in our system, if you don't use good body mechanics, you're going to end up with a real short career. Yes, pushups are still a b*tch and i get tired of the snide little comments I get from the guys who are afraid that they might get shown up by a "GURL".
As for the ST1300P, I'm going to have it just a day or two. There was a guy who has more money than sense and really wants a police bike. When I get it, the bike will have a civilian regestration. It seems that in his state, he can't own a for governmental use vehicle at all. So this is like the chance of a lifetime. He offered me a price that I couldn't refuse and he's going to pick it up as soon as I get it. I've already gotten half of the price as a down payment. Sometimes you wish your bed was already made.
However, I'm getting a 2009 ST1300A for a unbelievable price because the dealer thinks he can't sell it. It's a brilliant red and I'm already excited about it. I'm putting new higher bars on it and modifying the seat a bit in the front so I can put my feet down comfortably. It's what I always wanted so I can't wait.
The best part is that my partner is excited about it too. she said that once I get settled in, she wants to do a few runs. I may make the AMA Women's conference yet
