Honda ST-1300 Extended Test Ride - Part 2

[falconaz]

For what its worth... the heat can be easily managed in summer months by removing the inner fairing. THere are 2 phillips screws and about 10 plastic screw button locks. Takes about 5 minutes to remove and 5 minutes to re-place the first time you do it. The second time takes 90 seconds. I put the inner fairing back during colder months... I like it.

[garryhopkins]

Hi Jim, Very useful to get your opinion on different bikes. Did you consider the Kawasaki Concours 14 before you bought your FJR. I would be interested in a comparison of the FJR with the Concours. Thanks

[JimNtexas]

@garryhopkins - This same day I test rode an FJR at the Dallas motorcycle show. I had a chance to test ride a Concours, the non-adjustable seat that was too tall for me, I declined the ride. I think the C14 is comparable to the FJR in many ways. Both are faster than the ST, both manage heat better. The ST is best for weather protection, and has the lowest seat. The FJR is often the cheapest. Pick one, you can't go wrong. Google FJRforum for lots of opinions. The C14 is ugly IMHO.

[TimClynes]

There are a number of Honda released images of the concept for the new pan european. The engine will be from the VFR 1200. Looks like it will be a complete overhaul in look, but designed as a pure tourer like the current PAN. Release date is suggested as 2012, I suspect this year into early next will be the last batch of the current model produced if the current data is correct. Couple of guys commented on wobble issues, 800 miles of French moteorway 120-140mph, no issues at all

[JimNtexas]

@TimClynes - thanks for the update, and thanks for watching!

[viggoM35]

Thanks for the video and review, but please try to hold the camera steady next time. ;)

[RainbowLogic]

Any word on a ST1200 as the replacement?

[JimNtexas]

@RainbowLogic - Lots of rumors, nothing from Honda AFAIK.

[martin51151]

@JimNtexas I have owned three of these motorcycles, a 2002, a 2005, and a 2007. After I had a small collition on a parking lot, I lost the 2005 st. But I went out and bought the same model, again, because to me it is a wonderful machine. I live in Miami, Fla, and it gets pretty hot all year around, but I still ride in perfect confort. I would not trade it for another, though I have the money to buy the most expensive BMW. I dont have a problem with the heat. However, it does run hot!

[JimNtexas]

@martin51151 - It's a great bike for sure, thanks for watching.

[martin51151]

@JimNtexas I have owned three of these motorcycles. After I had a small collition on a parking lot, I lost a 2005 st. But I went out and bought the same model, again, because to me it is a wonderful machine. I live in Miami, Fla, and it gets pretty hot all year around, but I still ride in perfect confort. I would not trade it for another, though I have the money to buy the most expensive BMW. However, it does run hot! A problem, though. At 140mph, it is a bit unsable. It does wable quite a bit.

[neelakiller]

Whomever bought the bike for the rental place didn't know where the tank protector pads go. They placed them--upside-down--on the cargo bags on the sides.

[sclyphe]

motorcyclelarry pegs are popular, would love to see a C14 review.

[dbauernf]

Looking forward to upcoming vids/reviews!

[woodenchairs]

IM definitely looking forward to seeing what you think about the 650R and FZ6R. Sure wish we had all these test rides available here but i have never seen that here. NEVER seen any place that would rent a bike either here!

[RedanWhiteRebel]

Thanks for this Jim I have been interested in one of these. We call them Pan Europeans. I heard because of the long wheel base they can be a bit wallowy at speed did you find this to be the case.

[JimNtexas]

I ran it up to 100mph briefly and it seemed very stable. At 70-80mph on the Interstate (i.e. 'Motorway') it was rock solid.

I have a good friend who has had an St-1300 for several years. He says his will start to

exhibit handlebar shake at about 125mph.

[RedanWhiteRebel]

Thanks Jim. I wont be going up to 125 but if its stable at 80 thats good enough for me.

[sunshineboy1983]

you get the biggest weave with the bike when the topbox is installed and that combined with heavy front wind. Otherwise no problem, especially when you don't use the topbox.

Also the weave (wallowy) decreases significantly when you hold the bike steady with your thighs, grip the bike with your legs and it will thank you ;-).

[TempFix]

I hear you about the Cruisers, Jim...

I definitely appreciate them just as much as any other motorcycle but I don't think I could ride one regularly.

[britex3186]

Good review, when I rode the st1300 at Deals Gap 2 years ago I found it to be a boat on the dragon but was very comfy for long distance, and the electric adjusting windscreen was cool too!

[theSMYRNAcowboy]

Good review Jim. Can't wait for the other reviews.

[ToastToGo]

Very cool. Nice review. Looking forward to the next video.