Old Man Yam's ST3s

Hi folks,
Here is my ST3s that I acquired last month - a one owner machine that I travelled around 220miles (each way) to collect & purchase.



Well worth the effort - picture taken this afternoon after a shortish (50-60 mile) run.
Yes I had washed most of the crap of it (been on plenty of wet and dirty rural roads).
I got this bike after the 'incident' with my CBR in September - that has since been sold and the ST3 was a bike I'd always fancied - so this was a chance to get one. The 3-valve heads are unique to this engine, and it pulls well low down & in mid range (i.e. the bit you use most often out on the road). Not an out and out super fast bike, but very characterful & pleasant to ride, with uncanny sure-footed feel & great handling. I wanted an 's' model as it has uprated suspension, & it really does seem to have been worth searching out an 's' model (only made 2006-2007). This is also the first bike I've owned (rather than ridden) with ABS .... which so far has been unobtrusive. Originally I really wanted a 'red' one .... but that is too obvious, & I've grown to like this bland grey colour as it makes the bike understated ...... the bright red wheels with the grey painted bodywork are mimicking the 'Senna' versions of the 916 sports bike. The bike is deceptive on the motorway ... the engine aint revving that high at legal speeds in top gear, but quickly gains speed if you are not paying attention ! .... I will have to be careful in that respect.
I know this is not a cruiser - but the rider comfort is good (an important factor to me when I consider bikes now as I realise I'm not as young as I was !!!!). Not everyone's cup of tea - I know - but worth a look if you want a sports tourer with a difference.
 Yam

That looks a very nice example Yam! 

A great bike Yam that you can ride through the winter bit still have fun on in the summer. I love twin piped machines, they look 'balanced'. The colour is spot on and you have the best version with upgraded suspension. Has good instruments too including I believe a fuel range which I find useful. Sat on one in a local dealer a while back - nice and comfy. Enjoy this iconic all rounder.

Hi John,
Yes it has the same multifunction display as the early Multistrada. It has a clock, fuel guage, engine temperature, ambient temperature (i.e. weather), MPG average, MPG instantaneous, trip meter - how many miles left in the tank (that varies whilst you ride it) how much fuel you've used etc ... typical stuff for a tourer. More info than I really need - but the range bit is handy !
This is the first bike (or car) I've owned that has a digital speedo .... & I wasn't sure I would like it - but it is fine and clear & easy to read. The dash is supplemented with a conventional rev counter - which I think looks right (I watch that as often as the speedo).
I had my eye on the ST range since the ST2 came out back in the late 90's (& they can now be had on a modest budget). After much research I decided the 3-valve motor would suit my needs best, and having done a few miles on it, I'm pleased with my choice. As mentioned - I also decided to go for the 's' model with the uprated suspension .... there aren't many about as ST3s - but are worth routing out. I was really lucky in spotting this one early ... all I needed to do was a reasonably journey to 'secure' it .... but it shows what you can find after doing a bit of homework and patiently searching the classifieds. This was on MCN on-line classifieds .... & you can get free 7 day insurance through bikes advertised on the MCN classifieds (Something worth knowing about, as you can ring on the day you go to view to set it all up for your journey home !)
You are spot on in saying it is an under-rated comfy all rounder machine, and its a twin (I love twins) ... & it has character .... hope to have it on  the fleet for a good while ! 
BUT - I still love riding the VX as well !
  Yam

Great looking bike.

Ooo looks like a nice one, good buy me thinks