12-03-2018, 01:39 PM
Cant speak to the Triumph although I have a friend that ownes one and has nothing but good things to say about it.
I can speak to the ST 1300 which I owned for 10 years and 110,000 miles. Superb outdated sport tourer that has been left behind and Honda abandoned (hence the new FJR in my garage) but that doesn't mean it doesn't deserve consideration. I loved my ST 1300 and when I ruined mine, I was really upset and considered buying a used one, but generally I'm not a used bike guy. Then there's the issue with the secondary master cylinders. The ONLY way I would own a used ST 1300 is if I bought one and had the SMC replaced before I even road it anywhere. Might run a couple hundred parts and labor ( with a good brake bleed that no mechanic knows how to do right lol). The good thing is at that price point, if the issues you are having end up turning against you in the end, you won't be out much. BTW the one you are considering I consider priced about $1200 high.
If you are actually going to ride long distance for couple week trips the ST might be a better option than the Triumph, although if you are just going to do day rides and the ocassional overnighter I would probably lean toward the Triumph. Nearly as capable, much lighter weight, newer technology, warranty etc. less chance of a rarely used, maybe neglected 14 year old part giving up the ghost in the middle of nowhere, and leaving you walking. ST's have an excellent reliability record but they are starting to get some years on them. Sitting around isn't good for a motorcycle and 14 years 3 owners and 1100 miles a year might not be good.
Tough call but those are all points I would consider in your shoes,
Another alternative would be the Yamaha FJ09 Tracer, a sort of combo of your two considerations, that cost a lot less than the Triumph.
I can speak to the ST 1300 which I owned for 10 years and 110,000 miles. Superb outdated sport tourer that has been left behind and Honda abandoned (hence the new FJR in my garage) but that doesn't mean it doesn't deserve consideration. I loved my ST 1300 and when I ruined mine, I was really upset and considered buying a used one, but generally I'm not a used bike guy. Then there's the issue with the secondary master cylinders. The ONLY way I would own a used ST 1300 is if I bought one and had the SMC replaced before I even road it anywhere. Might run a couple hundred parts and labor ( with a good brake bleed that no mechanic knows how to do right lol). The good thing is at that price point, if the issues you are having end up turning against you in the end, you won't be out much. BTW the one you are considering I consider priced about $1200 high.
If you are actually going to ride long distance for couple week trips the ST might be a better option than the Triumph, although if you are just going to do day rides and the ocassional overnighter I would probably lean toward the Triumph. Nearly as capable, much lighter weight, newer technology, warranty etc. less chance of a rarely used, maybe neglected 14 year old part giving up the ghost in the middle of nowhere, and leaving you walking. ST's have an excellent reliability record but they are starting to get some years on them. Sitting around isn't good for a motorcycle and 14 years 3 owners and 1100 miles a year might not be good.
Tough call but those are all points I would consider in your shoes,
Another alternative would be the Yamaha FJ09 Tracer, a sort of combo of your two considerations, that cost a lot less than the Triumph.