I'm back from the ride to Hill City, South Dakota, to attend an annual BMW centric rally held by another MC forum I belong to and would like to post some pics and a ride report on my ST experience.
Even though I've owned the ST for about three years I've only done day rides, i.e., 100 to 250 mile days in CO so my experiential reference is limited. The one way trip was about 430 miles of which about half was slab and half 2 lane/back country riding. The ride up was relatively uneventful with only some rather nasty wind to contend with in wonderful Wyoming.
For those of you who've never ridden in Wyoming, here's a good weather guide:
Taken somewhere close to Lusk, WY:
Like the 907IE I owned before the ST, weight worked against my steed while out on the open road. At 450+ pounds one would think a motorcycle WITH luggage AND rider would handle the elements well. The ST did but it/we also got tossed around like a cork in the ocean. I arrived at the rally destination tired from fighting the elements but in good spirits. It also helped to have a bourbon on the rocks or three after unpacking, showering, and changing into street clothes.
More to follow.....