I posted this recently concerning my 07 (ECU recall completed):
"My experience from a just completed 3200 mile trip:
1. MPG figures from approx 1200 miles riding in a geographic location where altitude averaged 5000-7000 ft resulted in an average of 51-53 mpg. This included many twisties and straight line interstate travel at about 10% above posted speed zone.
2. MPG figures from approx 2000 miles riding in a geographic location near sea level resulted in an average of 45-47 mpg. Again this included many twisties and interstate travel at same speeds.
These mpg figures represent a fully loaded bike with single rider, topcase, tankbag, and aftermarket large windscreen (no PCIII installed). These mpg figures are almost identical to what I received from my old ST1100 and much better than my VStrom DL1000, under same conditions."
What is interesting is that this trip was to attend the annual ST Owners Western Rally (WeSTOC) that I have been attending since my original ownership of the ST1100. An excellent group of folks. This trip was especially notable in that more than a few ST1300 owners cornered me with serious questions concerning fuel mileage, horsepower, bike weight, and price. The concensus from those discussions confirmed that the ST usually got several miles less per gallon than what I had experienced. Many of the riders were very vocal discussing the FJR advantage of greater horsepower, less weight, and better bang for the buck than the ST, especially when it came to the standard ABS on the FJR. Also noted was that I was only one of more than a few FJRs in attendance.
I have to give the ST1300 its due however. It is an excellent machine that sits closer to the touring side than the FJR. It is great we have a choice.
"My experience from a just completed 3200 mile trip:
1. MPG figures from approx 1200 miles riding in a geographic location where altitude averaged 5000-7000 ft resulted in an average of 51-53 mpg. This included many twisties and straight line interstate travel at about 10% above posted speed zone.
2. MPG figures from approx 2000 miles riding in a geographic location near sea level resulted in an average of 45-47 mpg. Again this included many twisties and interstate travel at same speeds.
These mpg figures represent a fully loaded bike with single rider, topcase, tankbag, and aftermarket large windscreen (no PCIII installed). These mpg figures are almost identical to what I received from my old ST1100 and much better than my VStrom DL1000, under same conditions."
What is interesting is that this trip was to attend the annual ST Owners Western Rally (WeSTOC) that I have been attending since my original ownership of the ST1100. An excellent group of folks. This trip was especially notable in that more than a few ST1300 owners cornered me with serious questions concerning fuel mileage, horsepower, bike weight, and price. The concensus from those discussions confirmed that the ST usually got several miles less per gallon than what I had experienced. Many of the riders were very vocal discussing the FJR advantage of greater horsepower, less weight, and better bang for the buck than the ST, especially when it came to the standard ABS on the FJR. Also noted was that I was only one of more than a few FJRs in attendance.
I have to give the ST1300 its due however. It is an excellent machine that sits closer to the touring side than the FJR. It is great we have a choice.