ST1300

[the_undecider_imp]

I now work for a powersports dealer and we have a used ST. Also, we have a Concours 14 and a couple FJRs. I rode the FJR and C14 back to back around the parking lot today and they both felt similar at slow speeds where you are going to feel the weight of these bikes the most. I will have to jump on the ST and see how well it hides it's weight compared to the other two. It's been almost 9 years since I was aboard an ST, so I'm a bit foggy, but I don't recall it feeling heavier than my FJR which I had at the time. I suspect the extra 100 lbs is only noticed when you are pushing the bike around in the garage or trying to back it up sitting on the bike.

I actually got to take our used ST home for the weekend due to my V-strom going in for recall work. I've put about 50 miles on it.

It's a nice bike and typical Honda quality. This particular bike is a 2008 with 60k miles. Other than some clutch shudder, it runs and rides like a champ. I have forgotten how much I missed big power and awesome wind protection. Riding home from work, I kept creeping up 90 MPH without realizing it. These bikes were built to eat up the miles.

Whether poking around the parking lot or pitching it into a sweeper, the ST is well balanced and feels lighter through the bars than my FJR. I like the way it handles, despite its extra heft. Suspension is very plush without wallowing.

There are some flaws worth mentioning. The bike is hot which is a known character. Early models were really bad, but this one still has a bit of heat radiating onto my legs. The gas tank gets pretty warm, too. I also find the digital gauges hard to read in full sunlight. Those wouldn't be deal breakers, but the ergonomic just don't suit me. With the seat all the way in its tallest setting, the bars are too low and I feel like I'm sitting on it rather than in it. My wrists got sore after 15 minutes. I lowered it to the mid position which ended up being the best overall. I'd like the pegs lower and back a bit.

Good bike, but the ADV bikes just fit me better. I may be doomed if a used Super Tenere gets traded in...

[Lord Popgun]

You gotta put Helibar risers on it. Makes it pretty nice. I agree about the heat, but since I wear ATGATT it's not a problem for me anyway. But the tank does get hot and so do the fairing compartments. Gotta love the electric windshield though

[redbirds_imp]

You gotta put Helibar risers on it. Makes it pretty nice. I agree about the heat, but since I wear ATGATT it's not a problem for me anyway. But the tank does get hot and so do the fairing compartments. Gotta love the electric windshield though

The Helibars are the first mod made to the '05 ST 1300 I had and they made a huge difference in comfort, allowing me to sit in a more upright position. The heat was more than I could deal with on a hot, south Georgia day thus it was sold in short order.

[Jeff the CB CBX guy_imp]

Thanks Cormanus. I appreciate everyone's thoughts and opinions, that's what makes this forum great. I just thought it was funny that the ST forum had a place to log tip-overs. It really didn't feel that heavy taking it of the stand or leaning it left and right a few degrees standing still. I'm still seriously considering the bike. I wonder what I should name her ?

I sold my original 2003 ST that I rode 99,000 miles to buy my new CB standard just 3 weeks ago. The heat issue was quickly dissolved by applying the hard rubber tank pads from Honda. The person who bought my ST had the very same bike....except his had 253,000 miles on it. No kidding. It was completely sun faded and had a blown rear shock, fading clutch and paper thin brake rotors. If you are just out cruzeing around, it will still heat up but if you are wearing proper gear, it's not noticeable. I tipped mine over 3 times in 13 years and each time it was in the garage. Read Rider magazine's shootout in 2007, the ST was a clear winner. I called mine the Road Warrior because I took it to 40 states without a whimper.

[Olyrider]

Quick comment regarding the display.

Undecider mentioned it is hard to read in the sun. I agree. In fact, I just had the LEDs on my dash replaced with brighter blue ones. Much easier now. But.......I noticed the "real" problem is the height of the rider. Undecider and I are both tall. If I lower my head to the level of a shorter rider, the dash is much easier to see. Much easier. I wish Honda had installed a tilting dash to adjust it. Or change the headlight adjustment button to "Dash Adjustment".

[the Ferret]

Wow I wonder now if that is why I never understood people complaining about the display, as I have never had an issue seeing mine and wondered what in the heck they were talking about. As a munchkin, I must be in the right viewing height that Honda designed it for. Interesting.

[redbirds_imp]

Wow I wonder now if that is why I never understood people complaining about the display, as I have never had an issue seeing mine and wondered what in the heck they were talking about. As a munchkin, I must be in the right viewing height that Honda designed it for. Interesting.

Just one of the many advantages of being a man of average height ferret.

[the Ferret]

LOL I'm average height now? Maybe in Asia

[Olyrider]

Here is a photo of my "new" display.


Not really sure "why" this Smugmug address won't open. I've tries a dozen different ways! I mean…the URL appears here, and the link will "work", but I'm trying unsuccessfully to get the photo to show in this post. I've re-sized it over and over!

https://olyrider.smugmug.com/Honda-ST130...2579-M.jpg

[Cormanus]

Here is a photo of my "new" display.


Not really sure "why" this Smugmug address won't open. I've tries a dozen different ways! I mean…the URL appears here, and the link will "work", but I'm trying unsuccessfully to get the photo to show in this post. I've re-sized it over and over!

https://olyrider.smugmug.com/Honda-ST130...2579-M.jpg

Nope. Couldn't get the link to work either.