07-04-2014, 12:48 AM
It may seem like a tough decision, but I have owned both. My CB1100 has less than 100 miles on it and I traded an ST1100 for it (along with some other bikes). I have owned both an ST 1100 and 1300. Selling my ST 1300 ranks right up there with "dumb things I have done".
I live in the north so the wind protection of the ST provides for a longer riding season. Shaft drive means no chain to mess with. Bags are always nice and convenient. The ST 1300 was/is more comfortable for me that the CB. However, the CB is far more comfortable that the ST 1100 was.
The 7.7 gallon gas tank on the ST provides a range most bikes can only dream about. This is significant if you ride distance for time. I am a member of the Iron Butt Association, so gas capacity is usually a consideration of mine. This may also be a consideration if you live out west and the CB is a 2013, with a smaller gas tank.
Mileage (mpg) will I think be a wash. I could get 50 mpg with my ST 1300 if I wasn't horsing it, even better with the ST 1100. From reports on Fuelly the CB should be right in there.
However, all said and done, the ST will never be turned into a sweet looking Cafe Racer and I don't think it will ever approach the personality of the CB1100. The ST 1300 is a ravenous, insatiable, mile eating machine. My ST, either of them was far happier at 70 mph than at 55.
Honestly, if you aren't going to do three hundred miles days or greater, either bike will be great. But, if you are going to do longer four, five hundred mile or greater days, go ST.
DISCLAIMER
Just my opinion, not to be acted on, or taken seriously, as personal riding experiences and riders may vary.
I live in the north so the wind protection of the ST provides for a longer riding season. Shaft drive means no chain to mess with. Bags are always nice and convenient. The ST 1300 was/is more comfortable for me that the CB. However, the CB is far more comfortable that the ST 1100 was.
The 7.7 gallon gas tank on the ST provides a range most bikes can only dream about. This is significant if you ride distance for time. I am a member of the Iron Butt Association, so gas capacity is usually a consideration of mine. This may also be a consideration if you live out west and the CB is a 2013, with a smaller gas tank.
Mileage (mpg) will I think be a wash. I could get 50 mpg with my ST 1300 if I wasn't horsing it, even better with the ST 1100. From reports on Fuelly the CB should be right in there.
However, all said and done, the ST will never be turned into a sweet looking Cafe Racer and I don't think it will ever approach the personality of the CB1100. The ST 1300 is a ravenous, insatiable, mile eating machine. My ST, either of them was far happier at 70 mph than at 55.
Honestly, if you aren't going to do three hundred miles days or greater, either bike will be great. But, if you are going to do longer four, five hundred mile or greater days, go ST.
DISCLAIMER
Just my opinion, not to be acted on, or taken seriously, as personal riding experiences and riders may vary.