Ma, oh man. I really like the SM. Its got a great vibe, handles good, and rides good (with a full progressive suspension upgrade). It's a bit underpowered, but you get used to that. What I can;t seem to get past is the way it torques my back. I've got 3 bulging discs and a cracked vertebra. I've tried the stock drag bars, some bent bars with a little rise (like T100 bars), buckhorns, and now a set 8" mini apes. I've not been out with latest mini apes, but just sitting in the garage it doesn't look good for the home team. The low bars feel the best on my back and neck where the bulging discs are but with the feet forward as they are it kills my lower back where the cracked little bugger is. The taller bars feel good on the lower, but the vertical loading kills the bulging discs. I've ridden the new ST and a Tiger for about a half hour each, and that riding position was really nice. My dealer has his demo coming up for sale. It is an 07 St in red with ABS, a can and programming, and a taller shield. He said I could have it for $9. It's a great deal- especially with the 3.9%, but I just don't know...
I'd have to trade the SM in. I really want to put a hack on it and take the kids out in a couple years. I think that would be big fun with them. Someone talk me out of getting the ST. I really don;t need to go into more debt.
