Chances are you've seen quite a number of reviews of this bike from various mags and clubs. I can't say I have read anything that I don't agree with within whatever context it was put. I must say, I have never read a thing negative, so if it's out there, I am not agreeing with it, but I'd like to...
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Chances are you've seen quite a number of reviews of this bike from various mags and clubs. I can't say I have read anything that I don't agree with within whatever context it was put. I must say, I have never read a thing negative, so if it's out there, I am not agreeing with it, but I'd like to read it. This is just a plain good motorcycle. The Yamaha FJR seems to be the standard, but in the same breath everyone says, "unless you prefer the touring bendt". One of my riding pals has an FJR. we each appreciate the other's bike. As I am not reviewing the FJR I will not argue for it here. I think I made the correct choice with the ST1300. If you bought this bike for a thirty minute hrill ride now and again, you are a fool, and should carefully study each word of the phrase, "a fool and his money are soon parted." There are many many 600 class entries that will give you butterflies in the belly way more than the ST. This is not to say the ST would keep right up to your 600, it just wouldn't feel like it was. Reasons for owning. Simply put, I have only space for 4 bikes in my garage. This is a tip top quality machine that equals BMW for longenity, beats all comers for build quality, and is only "not as sporty" as the FJR in paper theory, or if each is jockeyed by a 24 year old expert racer. I can say with confidence that comparing passenger comfort between the Yamaha and the Honda, my FJR buddies wife is not going to be as easy to get along with after an all day ride as mine! There is no indication beyond a slight "busy buzz" that the ST is going 65 mph in second gear. It gets everywhere so effortlessly (speed up or slow down) that it is easy to understand the car-like reference. In it's defence, it ain't a GL folks! Its a highly evolved sport tourer all the way to the bone! Two can travel in comfort and style, one can travel with a sore face from grinning all damned day long. I know! If you can keep this bike within the speed limits you are a better man, or have more points against your license than I! The headlight array says, attention, there is something coming (or perhaps better: "something wicked this way comes"). The tail light array is large and hard to miss. The controls are easy to read, and not too "foo-foo". I do not have the ABS model, so also don't have the electro-adjust window. Rear suspension can be adjusted on the fly, and seems best at the middle setting (two up, moderately aggresive driving, lots of twisties). There is a fair bit of gear sound below about 30 mph. Bothered me for the first few hours, now just sounds "right". FI seems very well mapped, no surges anywhere (a point acclaimed by my buddies with an FJR and a BMW R1150R who have ridden it). There is a naught deceleration if one does not roll off carefully, but so far every bike I have owned was tat way .. I can only assume there are a few not like that as the point seems to come up as a negative in reviews of every machine I've ever read through. It's a great bike. If you want a touring bike that turns heads (people - bikers and grockels alike - LOVE this bike!), and gets you there (way far away "there") quickly, reliably and safely, this is one of two options. If you prefer the FJR, it is the better bike for you. If you are trying to understand the slight difference in price, I would say you're simply paying for the build quality, and I think my FJR pal would agree. Again, not slamming the FJR, I almost bought one, but fit and finish are better on the honda. Have fun choosing. Ride safe.
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