ST1300.us.com http://www.st1300.us.com en Fri, 18 May 2012 17:43:52 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.st1300.us.com/images/misc/rss.jpg ST1300.us.com http://www.st1300.us.com REVIEW: Peaklife Motorcycle GPS http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2590&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 12:03:25 GMT
Review: Peaklife Motorcycle GPS


Ever since I got my ST in 2003, there have been exactly two items that I've really, really wanted, but just couldn't justify spending the money on. Two expensive items: 1) Sargent seat; 2) GPS.

About item #1... well, I went on a 10,000km trip last summer with my gal, and my as$ still hurts... and no, it had nothing to do with her!

Item #2, the GPS... I still refuse to part with $600+ on a gadget that I've nicely managed to do without for 9 years. However, last month I stumbled upon an ad for that cheapy 'Peaklife' motorcycle GPS from China.

I have one. It works.

But, am I the only one?

There were a few things to work out: 1) Installing Software & maps (not included); 2) Mounting the unit; and 3) Pairing (bluetooth) with my SENA SMH10 stereo intercom.

The unit comes with two mounts: a handlebar clamp with ball-mount - obviously for a bike, and a car-windshield mount (suction cup). The handlebar clamp is robust enough, but in a useless configuration for an ST. So I scavenged the ball-mount, then designed and CNC-machined a custom little mount for the ST. It screws down firmly into existing threads, centered between the handlebars, directly below the speedo. If I was riding by instrument, in clouds at 30,000 ft, I might prefer to have it on the dash - but I'm not. And I didn't want to spoil the clean look of the bike, either. It is perfectly functional where it is and it looks fantastic - like it was meant to be there!

Before I ordered the unit, I had already read about people having apparent difficulty pairing the Peaklife with their intercoms - including the SENA. Considering the price, I was willing to live without the voice guidance feature, and I already use my iPhone for a music source. As it turned out, I actually got the bluetooth thing sorted out quite quickly.

Bluetooth Limitations

There are a couple of limitations that I discovered with the bluetooth. First, the Peaklife only supports the 'A2DP' profile, which is normally used for high-fidelity stereo sound. This is how you would wirelessly connect with your MP3 player, for example. The Peaklife does have an integrated music player; but, what is missing from the unit is the 'sister' profile, called 'AVRCP'. It's a separate 'channel' that is used exclusively for playback control. It's what allows you to remotely play/pause/skip - features that the SENA supports.

The sound quality from the GPS is fine - both for navigation guidance and music; but, I've been spoiled with the elegant way that the SENA stereo-intercom handles music playback-control functions with the iPhone. Bad enough that I'm taking my eyes off the road to glance at the GPS; I don't need to be fiddling with a touch-screen to skip over a song that I've already heard 40 times! Once you've paired up with the Peaklife GPS, the only function that you do retain at the helmet is volume control.

So, you might ask, why not pair up the SENA intercom with both - the Peaklife (for GPS-only), and the iPhone (for music)? Simply, you can't. Impossible. The SENA (and likely the other brands, too) will only pair up with one A2DP device at a time. It handles multiple 'HFP' profiles (low fidelity intercom, hands-free phone, etc) devices, but only one A2DP connection.

And there's one last little bluetooth annoyance. When the unit is powered off, it doesn't automatically re-establish the bluetooth connection when it's turned on again. The bluetooth pairing procedure is simple enough, but is not accessible from within the mapping software (iGO, in my case); rather, you must exit the software and enter the setup menu. It's no big deal. It's an annoyance.

Summary

Pros: It's waterproof; it comes with pretty much everything you'd need to install it, mechanically and electrically; The touch-screen is resistive (not capacitive), which means that it senses pressure - it's glove-friendly. And, of course, it's cheap!

Cons: The bluetooth is reliable, but quirky. Once you're connected to it, you must also use it as your wireless music source, forfeiting the remote playback functions you might be accustomed to with other devices. Also, the smallish (3 1/2") screen is bright, but not bright enough to compete with sun at your back. It does, however, come with a little hood. Lastly, remember that the Peaklife does not come with mapping software or maps. It's not rocket science, but it is an extra step after you purchase the unit.

For the price, it's a great little product.

I know it's not a Garmin... but for $125.00, it doesn't need to be. I'll put the money I saved toward that Sargent seat! ]]> GPS Model reviews rocketvfx http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2590 STOC gatherings? http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2589&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 05:42:03 GMT I started wondering about WeSTOC, ESTOC, ArkanSTOC, whatever. Is this something that the "Other forum" does, is this organized by some other group entirely, where do these things originate and how does one get involved? I would love to meet other ST riders, perhaps even some of you (NOT you Echo).

On the FJRforum they have FJRowners meetings which I think amount to the same thing.

Thoughts? ]]> Redfish http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2589 Opinions on throttle locks http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2588&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 02:38:17 GMT I have looked through all the old posts on the various throttle locks and cruise controls. I have tried to sort out the good from the bad and I... I have looked through all the old posts on the various throttle locks and cruise controls. I have tried to sort out the good from the bad and I realized most of what I found was very old. I decided to see if any of you have installed something recently that you were happy/unhappy with. I would like to know your opinions on what is best. I would like to know about installation difficulty levels and I would appreciate pictures if possible. Thanks in advance, I look forward to what I am sure will be very different answers. ]]> Redfish http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2588 Thinking about IBA Cert. http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2587&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 21:50:23 GMT I noticed on the FJR forum that alot of the guys have IBA#s in their signature lines. I never ever considered the possibility of doing any of that... I noticed on the FJR forum that alot of the guys have IBA#s in their signature lines. I never ever considered the possibility of doing any of that kind of riding until very recently. Replacing the seat and installing bar risers has made me think it could be possible. There is not much LD discussion on this forum anymore, JOE Z. are you listening? ]]> Long Distance Riding Redfish http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2587 Non Key Gas Cap http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2586&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 16:29:45 GMT Here is what I would like but it doesnt fit an ST13. Are there any that will? Thanks! http://www.slingshotracing.net/catal...-cap-p-15.html... Here is what I would like but it doesnt fit an ST13.

Are there any that will?

Thanks!

http://www.slingshotracing.net/catal...-cap-p-15.html ]]> General echo http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2586 Maintenance Manual http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2585&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 07:33:10 GMT Does anyone know where to download a pdf version of the owner's manual or a maintenance manual? ]]> General jarhead255 http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2585 Cooling down the engine... http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2584&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 02:41:09 GMT Hi everyone, Here is something I read on a spanish bike magazine the other day. they said that when possible it would be a good practice to let... Hi everyone,

Here is something I read on a spanish bike magazine the other day.

they said that when possible it would be a good practice to let the electric fan go off before stopping the engine, even advised to accelerate the bike to some 2000 RPM whilw the fan was on.

Do you also recomend doing so?

Cheers and V's, ]]> General Luiggi ST http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2584 Bike Nites http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2583&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 22:19:08 GMT Does anybody here frequent these things? I have always felt that we ST riders are not exactly Bike Nite types. I have attended two of these things... Does anybody here frequent these things? I have always felt that we ST riders are not exactly Bike Nite types. I have attended two of these things in my entire life and did not exactly fit in at either one. Thoughts? Opinions? Personal Experiences? ]]> General Redfish http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2583 Chicken Strips http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2582&goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 23:29:29 GMT Hi,

Noticed an interesting phenom this weekend. While i'm proud to report that the chicken strips on my rear tire are only about 1/2 inch across per side, those on the front tire are almost twice that size. How can that be?

Also, I'm more comfortable cornering to the right than the left. Do others favor one side over another too? ]]> thomasacombs http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2582 Givi E215 rack http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2581&goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 17:58:38 GMT
Will the Givi E215 Top case rack fit with either the PCA or the Pirate's Lair Backrest. If so is there a need to drill any additional holes in the rack or will it fit directly onto the backrest plate. I'm not interested in getting a top case.
]]> tnrider http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2581 Disappointed in the quality of manufacture http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2580&goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 17:17:47 GMT I have had my ST1300 for just over a year and 11000 miles. I have covered over 550,000 road miles on a wide range of makes and models so I have a... I have had my ST1300 for just over a year and 11000 miles. I have covered over 550,000 road miles on a wide range of makes and models so I have a lot of comparative experience. I have to say I am very disappointed to find that the much trumpeted quality and finish of Honda products is a myth as far as my Pan is concerned.

Sure, I love the huge tank, the fuel economy, the engine, the luggage and the comfort but these specifications are at odds with the general finish and design of some aspects of the bike. To specifics....

The loss of travel in the rear pre-load adjuster. I've lost a quarter of my travel and made a claim under warranty. Honda's reply was "Yeah, they all do that - take a hike" (I paraphrase a bit here!).
All the light metal fittings like brackets holding the hydraulic piping front and rear, even the pipe banjo's themselves are rusting. I look after the bike and keep it clean. I even cover some obvious parts with silicone protective. I did a few miles in the British winter (salted roads) but washed it down after every outing. They look as though they have had just a light cosmetic blow over with black paint like very cheap imported accessories. Result - instant rust. Same with many of the black painted bolts and screws. Many of the cad/zinc plated bolts are going the same way. The drain plug on the diff was rusty within 6 months. My shaft drive Yamahas took five years to reach the same state. I recently had to change the rear pads. All three caliper pistons were severely rusty - worryingly so.

Some of the problem is the inaccessibility for cleaning of a lot of the bike under the copious bodywork. That may be alright for an automobile but I expect better of my motorcycles. I can't live with something that is rotting before my eyes. I planned on keeping it longterm but what's it going to be like in a few years? Am I alone in these experiences and views? ]]> General viewdvb http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2580 IBA in the Dallas Ft Worth area http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2579&goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 03:46:02 GMT Attention1 May 19 http://www.hardbuttride.com/ Attention1 Jun 02... Attention1 May 19 http://www.hardbuttride.com/
Attention1 Jun 02 http://bikermonkeyblog.com/2012/03/0...r-june-2-2012/ ]]> Texas nikonhonda http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2579 2006 ST1300 $7000.00 For Sale Ohio http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2578&goto=newpost Mon, 14 May 2012 02:58:13 GMT I am selling my 06 ST1300 (about 23,000 miles) I have not taken a major trip in 2 years and with my project list at home an my 2 year old little girl... I am selling my 06 ST1300 (about 23,000 miles) I have not taken a major trip in 2 years and with my project list at home an my 2 year old little girl I don't see any in the near future. I commute to work as often as possible but the ST is overkill (I live under 5 miles of back roads from work). I would like to downgrade to a smaller bike to commute on.

Included
Honda heated hand grips
Honda power outlet (in right glove box)
Corbin close dual heated saddle w/ oval back rest and trunkhttp://www.corbin.com/honda/st1300.shtml
Doran 360M tire pressure monitor mounted on LH Controls http://wingstuff.com/products/22885-...monitor-system
luggage rack (Cal Sci I think but I no longer see it on their site)
Cal Sci Medium windscreen and under mirror wind deflectorshttp://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/ST1300prod.html
Heli bar risers # HR01032 (2" taller x 2.5" rear ) http://www.helibars.com/product/g-ve...1300-2003-2009
front fender extender stuff stopper
GI Pro X-type gear indicator # GIPRO-X-RD + GPX H01 (installed in dash)http://www.healtech-electronics.com/
Tip over protection bars
LED turn signal reminders installed in top lip of dash
Garage door opener momentary button installed in RH handle bar control
Honda luggage bags fit for side bags
Honda tank scuff pad center and knee pads
Front tire less than 1,500 miles
Rear tire less than 1,000 miles (bought front and back together and then 500 miles later got a nail in the rear and had to buy another one I always replace in pairs that is why there is a 500 mile difference in the 2)
Honda ST1300 logo bike cover
Owners manual
Honda Service Manual
Honda Parts Manual
Honda Wiring diagrams



Other items available negotiable with sale or I will sell them later
-original front and rear seats less than 500 miles on them
-original windshield only 1 year ridden

Disclosure items
the engine guards (small ABS plastic covers on either front side) have scuffs and small sections removed from them where I had at one time installed highway pegs from Mick-o-Pegs. No longer on the bike.

The LH luggage had cracks in the outer painted cover. these don't leak and don't bother me but cosmetically look bad I have been quoted by Honda dealer $400 to replace the cover. I think a handy person and epoxy could get the job done but like I said these did not bother me.

I have always kept the bike in the garage and on a battery tender for long periods (over winter) I replaced the battery in early 2011 so it is in good shape. For someone looking for a very good well equipped ST1300 this is your bike, nothing beats Honda reliability in my book and this bike had treated me very well.

The bike is located in Wooster Ohio 44691
contact on the forum or sbuklad@yahoo.com
My cell# is (614) 288- five-four-eight-four

Thanks for looking
Scott ]]> For Sale ohioscott http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2578 New Motorcycle! http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2577&goto=newpost Sun, 13 May 2012 19:38:46 GMT Got this instead of a scooter to ride to work. Only 2 fuses. Got this instead of a scooter to ride to work.

Only 2 fuses.
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]]> General echo http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2577 Happy Mothers Day http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2576&goto=newpost Sun, 13 May 2012 18:44:01 GMT Remember say thanks to your mom for putting up with you or .... Remember say thanks to your mom for putting up with you or ....
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]]> General Blue One http://www.st1300.us.com/showthread.php?t=2576