Motorcycling

In January 2001, I purchased my fourth motorcylce, a 1998 Honda ST1100. This sport-touring bike goes far too fast (top speed around 145, based on first-hand reports from Michael Moore, who's put his ST1100 through its paces on the Autobahn), but it's comfortable, maneuverable, and gets great mileage (50 mpg on my last trip). I began motorcycling in 1981, while I was a member of VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America -- a sort of domestic Peace Corps). At that time, I was making $80 per week and couldn't afford a car. I bought my younger brother's motorcycle (a 1976 Yamaha RD400) and fell in love with touring. My second bike was a 1980 Kawasaki LTD 550. My third bike, which I owned for 12 years, was a 1982 Suzuki 850G that was fully set up as a touring bike. It was a reliable bike, but a bit too loud for my tastes. I considered getting a Goldwing, but decided I didn't want to give up the sportier side of touring. The ST1100 is a great compromise between comfort and speed. In fact, there's not much compromise.

• A Photo of my 1998 Honda ST1100
• A Review of the 1998 ST1100
• ST1100 Organization Site
• ST1100 Archive of Wisdom

Photos of My ST1100

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