2004 Honda ST1300 vs. 2018+ Triumph Tiger 800XC

[Bighonda14_imp]

So I sold my 2014 DLX a few months ago, largely due to a combination of family responsibilities and health concerns. Neither the responsibilities or concerns have gone away . . . But I have some major remorse about selling the bike, and feeling like I’m a happier and healthier guy with a motorcycle in the garage.

I gave serious thought to the 2017 CB1100 EX, but for now at least am leaning more toward a well-cared for low mileage Honda ST1300 (I owned a 2005 dark red one for 5 years and, other than a bit of a heat issue on my lower legs, loved it). I’m looking at a couple of 2004’s in that beautiful blue. It’s the color I always wished I owned. Found one in NJ with about 15,000 miles, mostly stock, looks well cared for, has had 3 owners, and he’s asking about $4,800. Was always a powerful, smooth, and elegant bike to own. Made going anywhere fast and effortless. Would also be a modest investment. At least initially!

The other bike I really love is again similar to one I owned before, for 2 years prior to owning my CB1100 DLX. I owned a 2012 Triumph Tiger 800XC, and it was a revelation — smooth, comfortable, go anywhere, flickable and fun. No heat issue that I ever noticed. I would get a brand new or barely used 2018 (or 2019 once they come out) Tiger 800XCA or XCX. Full price is 15,800 plus fees for the XCA. Right now Triumph is offering a sweet finance deal, and I bet they’d also knock close to $2,000 off the price. Here in NJ it feels like the prices will only drop on either bike over the next 2 or so months as winter hits.

Other than the advice that life is short, to follow my heart and get the bike I am most excited by, etc., . . . What I am really asking for is the more rational and objective feedback. Especially on the maintence costs of a 14 year old bike like the ST. I know they are bullet proof, and this one seems to have just had new tires put on and most of the other key services done. But I know myself and if I got it I would probably re-do some of that “routine” maintence just to be sure it was done. I would likely buy a sergeant seat like I had on my old one, I think it was about $600. Maybe some heli - risers. New grips. Larger foot pegs. I can easily see $1,000-1,500 of extra expenses in the first year. On the other hand the Triumph pretty much comes loaded with all I would ever want — heated seats and grips, fancy and larger foot pegs, LED lights all around, electronic suspension with special modes, TFT screen, adjustable seat and bars and windshield, and tons of other extras I can’t recall. Pretty sure there is nothing else I would need to buy.

Cost of the ST1300 would be 35-40 % of the Tiger . . . But I would have to cut the check all at once. No warranty. For the bike that is near me at least — 3 owners and the uncertainty that comes with that.

Truth be told I should probably sit tight for a year or so to let some other things in my life settle down a bit. But I am drawn to both of these bikes. A demo ride on each is probably an option and that might help me decide. They are incredibly different, but both bikes I have loved before and would love again.

Any thoughts on the above questions? (From a more rational point of view)

Any one own both bikes have story or perspective to share?

Many thanks for insights!

[LongRanger_imp]

These bikes are so dissimilar that it'd be tough to guide you either way. I think you already know the answer -- you just need validation and confirmation.

My only thought: With 3 prior owners, you can't be certain the ST has only 15,000 miles. Lord knows the history of that bike over the past 14 years!

[Bighonda14_imp]

LR was hoping you’d jump in with some thoughts. Thanks. Not sure if I know the answer . . .

But you’re right about looking for validation and confirmation!

[Roper_imp]

My $.02: If you're having major remorse about the CB11 then...For not much more than the 14 year old ST, and for less than half of a new Tiger, why not a new '14 CB11? Low cost, financing through Honda (if financing is what you're after) and you could farkle the snot out of it and still come in way less than a new stock Tiger. Or, better yet, watch this forum for the next several months and pick up a gently loved CB from a forum member who's selling. Of course, ride what speaks to your soul. But if you're asking for rational and objective, you really can't beat a CB11 in the bike/cost ratio. Alternately...forget all the other bikes, buy a Monkey, and re-live all the fun you had when you first started riding.

[Stichill_imp]

I suppose the main thing to ask, being honest with yourself, is why do I want a bike and what am I going to do with it?

If it's just a bike to take out on the occasional sunny Sunday afternoon, it can be almost any kind of bike you like riding and like to look at in the garage where it will spend most of its time.

If it's a bike for putting on lots of miles as a daily rider, ease of maintenance might be a consideration.

If it's a touring bike, then comfort and amenities might be at the top of the list.

Regarding the ST1300, [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=12614]ferret's experience with the secondary master cylinder will make your hair stand on end.

[Bighonda14_imp]

If DLX’s like the pristine one I sold were readily available I’d consider this option. The 2017 EX is still on my radar. No offense to the many happy riders who own them, but I’m not as drawn to the standard CB1100 in black or red.

Sold my DLX for just under $8,000. If I could rewind that decision I likely would, but I can’t. Feeling like I’[d be more excited by the ST or the Tiger right now.
Great question about why do I want a bike and what will I do with it. No question the answer is to ride it only once in a while, on nice days, maybe with my daughter if she would enjoy doing that with me (she’s 12 now), and enjoy taking care of it and looking at it in the garage.

1,000 miles a year at the most for the next 5-6 years while she’s at home.

[the Ferret]

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.

[Capo]

The Tiger 800 was the best all- around bike I’ve owned, and it will do anything. Far more versatile than the ST and CB. I’d own one as my only bike. Go talk to Chris at Metuchen and tell him I sent you!


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[VLJ_imp]

Besides the enormous difference in cost between the two bikes, along with the new vs old factor, the most important difference is size and weight. Do you want a heavy tourer, or a relatively light, nimble, comfortable, do-everything bike that will easily handle any of the minimal touring duties you'd ask of it? You're only talking about doing a thousand miles per year for the next five or six years, so you obviously aren't planning on doing any long-distance work or serious touring. Under those circumstances, the ST1300 seems like massive overkill, as you will never make use of the one thing it does better than most bikes, including the Triumph: long-distance, two-up touring. In the meantime, you will always be burdened by its excessive size and weight, plus the lower-legs heat issue, making it a far less enjoyable mount for around-town things and other short-hop pleasure rides.

If you don't mind spending (and losing) the money on the Triumph, jump on it. For how you intend to use the bike, this is an easy call. I will say, however, that it just seems like a lot of money to waste on something you will barely ever ride. That's the one argument in favor of the Honda. You won't spend nearly as much money on it, or lose nearly as much money on it five years later. Its depreciation has already occurred, so you'll likely sell it for close to what you paid for it once you're again ready to move on.

Purely on a bike-merits-only basis, however, excluding financial considerations, the Triumph is clearly a better fit for you right now. So is the Tracer 900GT, as mickey mentioned, but, like you, I suspect, I would much rather have the more nicely turned out, premium-piece Triumph.

The bottom line is that you seem to want the new Triumph more than you want the old Honda, which is entirely understandable. So, if you can afford to have such an expensive garage queen, by all means, follow your heart and get what you want. YOLO, and all that.

Go for it.

[Bighonda14_imp]

So appreciate everyone's helpful and wise comments. This forum is better than paying a therapist that's for sure! Will take it all to heart as I consider options for my next bike, and will likely sit tight for at least a little while instead of rushing. Thanks again!