06-25-2023, 02:19 AM
I had a 2006 ST 1300 bought new as a left over in 2008. Wife and I rode it all over country. Put 110,000 miles on it. In that time I had 2 issues. A thermostat went bad which didnt cause any issues, and a failed Secondary Master Cylinder which locked up the rear wheel while my wife and I were riding, giving us quite the scare. Both are known ST issues. So I sold it, as is, and bought a 2018 FJR new. It was subject to the second gear recall in which the whole motor had to come out of frame and taken apart. I had put about 38,500 miles on it, and had no other issues but in 2020 due to medical issues which prevented her from mounting and dismounting, my wife decided she no longer wanted to ride two up and I didnt think I needed 630 pounds and 145 hp for solo local rides,.Traded the FJR in on an NC 750x dct that I have put 30,000 miles on. I have also put almost 71,000 miles on my CB 1100. I go thru a lot of tires lol.
As far as comparing the ST 1300 and FJR 1300, you sat IN the ST and ON the FJR. The STs windshield was better. The FJR was lighter by about 80 pounds, had ammenties like cruise control, heated grips, ABS, TC, and looked better with the bags off. The ST was slightly smoother.The ST held more gas, but like you said required premium, whereas the FJR used regular. Gas mileage was about the same at 40- 45 mpg, but range was longer on the ST. Both were boats to hand push around in the garage or driveway, but neither felt heavy once under power, and the weight made them stable at speed.I liked them both. Both were great for fast, long days in the saddle, especially 2 up with gear, but overkill for solo rides on secondary roads at 45-60 mph.
My NC 750 shines in that area, while weighing under 500 pounds and averaging 75 mpg on regular. A pleasure to push around in the garage. I wish the NC had cruise control, and unfortunately Go-Cruise doesnt get it lol. I added heated grips and a bigger shield for better wind protection while travelling, and between the frunk and a tailbag I can carry everything I need for an unlimited time on the road. Although it will travel at freeway speeds I don't feel that's a good all day element for it.
If I were considering lots of cross country travel with lots of high speed freeway involved I would choose the FJR.
As far as comparing the ST 1300 and FJR 1300, you sat IN the ST and ON the FJR. The STs windshield was better. The FJR was lighter by about 80 pounds, had ammenties like cruise control, heated grips, ABS, TC, and looked better with the bags off. The ST was slightly smoother.The ST held more gas, but like you said required premium, whereas the FJR used regular. Gas mileage was about the same at 40- 45 mpg, but range was longer on the ST. Both were boats to hand push around in the garage or driveway, but neither felt heavy once under power, and the weight made them stable at speed.I liked them both. Both were great for fast, long days in the saddle, especially 2 up with gear, but overkill for solo rides on secondary roads at 45-60 mph.
My NC 750 shines in that area, while weighing under 500 pounds and averaging 75 mpg on regular. A pleasure to push around in the garage. I wish the NC had cruise control, and unfortunately Go-Cruise doesnt get it lol. I added heated grips and a bigger shield for better wind protection while travelling, and between the frunk and a tailbag I can carry everything I need for an unlimited time on the road. Although it will travel at freeway speeds I don't feel that's a good all day element for it.
If I were considering lots of cross country travel with lots of high speed freeway involved I would choose the FJR.