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In a bid to increase
the ST's touring range while allowing room for its new aluminium twin-spar
frame and adjustable seat, a new dual-element fuel tank was devised, which
places the largest portion of the fuel higher up in a new conventionally
positioned 20.8-litre fuel tank, and the remainder in an 8.2-litre
sub-tank located low in the chassis. This new system replaces the current
model's under-seat fuel tank for a 1-litre increase in fuel capacity and a
more even distribution of the fuel's volume and weight. A new,
flush-surface-mounted aircraft-style filler cap with a combination key
lock eases fill-ups, while a multi-segment LCD indicator on the ST's
stylish new instrument panel provides a clear readout of fuel levels.
With long-term touring comfort being the highest priority item in the new
ST's design, seating accommodations play an even more important role in
its overall balance of control and comfort. Determining the optimum
seating position on a motorcycle have always been a matter of compromise,
with no one position offering the best comfort for all rider sizes and
shapes. However, the new ST changes everything with an ingenious new
3-position seat design that allows the rider's section to be raised or
lowered by one 15mm step from its 790mm central seat height setting to
better conform with a wider range of rider sizes.
And not only does the seat move up and down, its position also moves
12.5mm farther forward and closer to the handlebars at its lowest setting,
and the same distance back at its top setting for the most effective
adjustment to varying body sizes. Adjustments are easily made by detaching
the pillion passenger seat, lifting out the rider's solo seat section and
fitting it smoothly and solidly into place in any of the three available
lock-in positions. The new ST's riding position is also a bit more upright
compared to its current iteration, with new forged aluminium handlebars
positioned to ensure long-term riding satisfaction for a broader
cross-section of touring and everyday riders.
The ST's new aero-look resin grab rails are designed to provide a
comfortable grip for pillion passengers, and feature locking levers
cleanly incorporated into their designs to release the ST's beautiful
integrated panniers.
In the cockpit area, the ST's integrated instrument panel features a large
centralized speedometer and smaller left-side rev counter, as well as a
large LCD readout of other operating parameters, including a dual-reading
temperature gauge that shows both coolant and ambient temperature
readouts. On the left-side of the instrument panel is a convenient dial to
adjust the height of headlight beam to compensate for differences in
carrying load.
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