ST1100 and ST1300 Comparison Ride

[Shillas]

As many know, Stinky Pete has gone to the darkside and bought himself a BMX 1200 and is now a 2 pot screamer. 

He’s decided to sell his much farkled 2008 ST1300 with 176K on the clock. I’ve expressed an interest in it and Pete invited me to take it for a ride to see what I thought. Sunday was glorious weather, a perfect day to take a ride.

I rode my ST1100 to Pete’s place, Pete showed me around the bike before I took it for a ride trying to get a good mix of conditions, through some bends, urban and higher speed freeway, taking pretty much the route shown – Eden Hills to Crafers, Bridgewater then back to Eden Hills via Tollgate, Mitcham and Belair.
 
It was good to ride both ST’s in a short time as it gave me time to get a feel for the differences. This is purely my own observations, others may have different experiences and opinions.

At low speed, the 1300 seemed lighter than the 1100. On the bendy bits, the 1300 seemed lighter to move around them. The adjustable, wider BikeQuip screen provided a bit more protection than my BikeQuip 22 inch screen. On the freeway, travelling at speed limit, I couldn’t really pick much difference.

Looking at the dimensions for both bikes, the 1300 is shorter, lower and lighter than the 1100.

I didn’t feel as protected by the 1300, it seemed more open and less solid than the 1100, and I seemed to be sitting closer to the handlebars, seeing less tank in front of me. The risers on Pete’s handlebars made for a more comfortable ride and less stress on my wrists.

The gearing on the 1300 seemed tighter and changes were a bit smoother. There is some freeplay in my box, whereas in the 1300 it was clear where top and bottom were. The gearing in the 1100 doesn’t complain if you’re in 4th and 3rd would be a better option, whereas the 1300 let you know when it preferred a lower gear.

Pete’s bike is set up perfectly for riding long distance with the risers, highway pegs, spot lights, GPS, RAM mount, power supply etc. and I immediately felt comfortable riding it. My first words to Pete when I returned the bike were “They’re both Honda’s, both ST’s, but that’s about where it stops”.

I rode back along initial part of the route to Bridgewater then on home. On the ride home I found myself questioning the impressions I’d just gained from Pete’s bike. Candy seemed lighter, handled the bends lightly and easily and gear changes were tight and smooth as silk. Perhaps a bit of automotive jealousy on her part?

Would I buy an ST1300 – definitely. I’d like to have the 1300 and 1100 side by side in the garage.

Going through my finances to see what is possible.

[alans1100]

Any difference in any area of the STs might just come down to the design locations.

1100 - Germany - designed as a light weight tourer to compete with BMW of the time (1990s). Can cruise all day at 180k/h (autobahn speeds) which might have given you the sense of being protected more.

1300 - Japan - asked 1100 owners how they could improve the 1100 but most kept their 1100's anyway. Slightly lighter improved the motor and got rid of the timing belt which somehow gained favour throughout the automotive industry back then. Not that much lighter but more sportier of the two probably down to the EFI and gearing though technically still a light weight tourer.

[Biggles]

I'm surprised you didn't find the ST13 to be sportier than the 1100.  I've owned both and found the extra 200cc to be noticeable and the cornering response sharper.  We might have to wait for yet another opinion- Johnny Whitehead has both in his shed, but I notice he's on the 13 more than the 11.  Maybe the extra range impresses him.

[johnnyYTED]

 

We might have to wait for yet another opinion- Johnny Whitehead has both in his shed, but I notice he's on the 13 more than the 11.  Maybe the extra range impresses him.

Bill I'm impressed by  more than just the extra range, I find the 1300 much more sure footed on the road be it straights or twisties, its feels lighter and much more nimble, its easier, and I'm more confident, in traffic, filtering, it has superior braking abilities over the non abs1100 I own. Its more impressive looking at the dash panel, and I love the extra range between refuels on FarRides. The 1st thing I was impressed by was the electric screen, just 1 or 2 centimetres changes the wind noise and buffering. I also think the  standard seat is far more comfortable than the stock solo or duel 1100 seat. I also love the stability at higher speeds. I also think I get more  looks from my family and friends on the 1300.
I intend to tow the coffin with STranger (1100) to see the difference there also. I think the fuel range towing it on the 1100 will be much less but the weight, in the bike, will make it feel more stable. I'll have to ride STranger again on a long ride to judge it against STrangler as its been 8 months since I've ridden the 1100 more than just down the road a little. 

[Totgas]

A very individual thing I'm thinking. After riding an ST1100 for over four years I too took a ride on a new ST1300 circa 2012. I found it to be lacking in so many ways compared to the 1100. Didn't like the steering, generated way too much heat and handling was down on the 1100. However the biggest disappointment was the level of equipment when compared to other brands at the same time.
I had a Honda 750/4 back when I was a teenager and it like the ST1300 was a great bike in it's day however in my opinion that day had long passed.

I pretty much used the same thought process when I recently upgraded from an FJR to the BMW RT, the FJR no longer was the best value for my money despite my love of the bike.

Anybody contemplating a change should go out and test ride everything in their price range before making up their mind and as always be open minded as I believe loyalty to a particular brand is crazy these days. If somebody had told me 10 years ago I'd be riding a BMW today - I would have laughed in their face.
A.