Rode An ST1300 Today!!!

[nusman68]

@snowmonkey

I'm 6' 2" and I have no problem with legroom on FJR. And that includes when I pack the ol lady which is most of the time

So, I guess she has enough ass-room on the bike then eh?

 

[afterburn]

I am 6'2" with a 36" inseam, and no problems with legroom on the FJR.

 

[Claymore]

[ In Canada the FJR goes with a 3 year warranty included in the price.....New for 05 they told me.

I just picked up my Canadian '05 - page 9-5 in the manual states it comes with a one-year warranty.... :erm:

 

[markjenn]

This comparison has been done hundreds of times, both in forums like this and in the press. It always comes out with the FJR coming out as a much better sport bike and a slightly-less capable touring bike.

But if you can stand the extra weight and don't care about the loss of 15 hp or so, the ST is an appealing package for long-distance riding. It has a relaxed, lopey, I-can-do-this-all-day feel that the FJR lacks at times. The FJR really has the character of a heavy, overgrown inline-four sportbike with all the good and bad that entails, whereas the ST has a relaxed BMW-ish touring bike feel. Some folks characterize this as a "numbness" or a "lack of character" but it's all in your POV. The difference is quite dramatic.

Also, based on the ST1100, I don't think you could ask for a more stone-axe reliable bike to do really big miles. If you truly were going to do 200K miles on a bike, I'd probably prefer to be on the ST.

But you do give up a lot of performance, especially in the twisties.

- Mark

 

[rogerfjrfaster]

I have to say the same thing I've got an 02 wing in the garage and right along side my FJR 04ABS wing 99,000 FJR 46,000 bought Fjr in sept 03. Enough said FJR is the one, I rode the ST1300 and 1100 the 1300 is a vast improvement over the 1100 but I would'nt get the ST.

rogerfjrfaster

 

[mooner]

I think that the responses so far are somewhat correct, but the FJR is a sportbike? Come on! Compared to a Goldwing maybe. I suppose it's all your point of view. The whole SPORT-touring VS sport-TOURING thing I think is a little overworked as well. To me, what you guys are describing by emphasising sport is a VFR, Sprint, Duc ST, or GT bike, NOT an FJR.

 

[spine60]

We are comparing the FJR to the ST.

 

[brazos parker]

Preeeezactly my delimma...ST or FJR? FJR or ST? Looked at an ST in the local dealer's showroom...seemed "overweight-looking" to me. Did not ride it. Then, went to the EOM last year and looked over a few FJR's...BINGO...that's the bike for me. The price & good looks sold me. PDP'd in Dec, '04, received bike in May, '05. Love this bike and am now beginning to look forward to some LD rides.

But, at the end of the day, it remains a personal decision...whatever floats your boat!

Oh yeah...6'2" w/ 34" inseam.

 

[fastersilverfjr]

Whenever I talk with an ST owner, I ask them why they went with the ST over the FJR. Everyone and I mean everyone has stated because they think having to put down $500 to order an FJR was nuts and the ST was at the dealer. They got an ST because it was more convenient. Each ST owner does enjoy their ST, but each one also would love to get a chance to take an FJR out.

BTW...6'3" with 34 inseam. Plenty of comfort on the FJR. I added Lenkadapters to raise the handlebars 1" and moved them out about 5 degrees.

 

[Bounce]

Scooter hit it right on the head. What I can add is, if you are coming from a sport bike the FJR is for you. If you are coming from a Wing then the ST is for you. The added weight sold me on the FJR WITHOUT a test ride.

I can't agree with you here. It would depend on what you want to go *to* not where you're coming from. Like I posted previously, I came from 10 years on Wings. Yet I still consider the FJR the better bike (for me) when compared to the ST.

 

[yanktar]

I had a Venture Royale. Then I got an FZ1. Then they announced the FJR1300 and I saw it at the NY Bike show in Dec '02

The ST1100 then ST1300 were around. They never interested me at all. But the FJR tickled my fancy. That July I got one. I rode the Venture one time after that--and sold it.

 

[ohiofjr]

The St is a 5 to 6 hour bike and the FJR is a 3 to 4 hour bike. But around town and on back roads the FJR is sooo much nimbler and quicker that even thru traffic to work there really is no comparison.

 

[zorkler]

are you guys lucky TEST RIDE what a joke i live in staten island, new york there is no such thing as a TEST RIDE . the closest i came to rideing a st or fjr was sitting on them . reasone for purchasing the fjr was the forums and mags.

 

[Bounce]

the FJR is a 3 to 4 hour bike

Hmmm... that differs with my experience.

 

[zorkler]

so in the new york city area you have been able to ride bikes off the dealers floor ?

 

[Centerline]

I test drove an ST 1300 today too. 2005 model with ABS, about 800 miles.
Someone else said it sounded like a sewing machine, and they were right. Doubtless, it is refined, handsome, well made and would do what you wanted for hours on end. For lack of a better word, though, it seemed a little dull.

I do know this, I have an FZ1 and I know it is a different breed of cat. However, I was suprised at how long and slow the ST's roll on was by comparison.

It was a big day for me. After taking the ST for a spin, I found and bought a brand spanking new 05 FJR 1300 with ABS at a dealership about 150 miles distant from me. Bought her over the phone and fax this afternoon, and she will be in my garage come Monday.

Cannot believe my good fortune.

The ST1300 sounds like a sewing machine.....well I would say my Feejer does too...albeit a nuclear powered one. B)

 

[yanktar]

so in the new york city area you have been able to ride bikes off the dealers floor ?

Only at night and at GREAT risk of jail time!