New ST1300 Colour Which We Won't Get

[alans1100]

It seems Honda has a new colour for the 1300 which also makes this one a 2014 model at least for the UK

http://www.my-mc-phoenix.com/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=13652#p178029

"Popped into a STealer today to see a few Pans and noticed this new colour.

The salesman says that they ordered a new pan and this is what arrived.

They have no idea of it's official colour and they are not expecting a brochure for two weeks"

[BigTed]

Interesting. It's kinda got a two-tone thing going with a splash of purple depending on the light... or maybe it's just my failing eyes.

[jwm]

The salesman says that they ordered a new pan and this is what arrived.

I thought the St's were out of production???????

[Marcus]

In Australia they are

[Biggles]

Interesting. It's kinda got a two-tone thing going with a splash of purple depending on the light... or maybe it's just my failing eyes.

I think it's the metal-flake effect on a titanium-blue colour.  Interesting!

Also interesting that they decided the Brits can have them but we can't!!

£14,499 is about AU$27,113 today.  Far from cheap!

[alans1100]

Also interesting that they decided the Brits can have them but we can't!!

More likely a Honda Australia decision rather than Japan.

[Biggles]

Also interesting that they decided the Brits can have them but we can't!!

More likely a Honda Australia decision rather than Japan.

Could be based on competitive pricing.  With the Chinese in the market now, and the huge number of other makes and models, Honda decided to leave this sector alone.  If that's the case, it's a pity, because I think they've left a gap.  The Kwaka 1400s and Feejers pretty much have it on their own now, unless you get exotic and go Moto Guzzi Norge.

[alans1100]

  The Kwaka 1400s and Feejers pretty much have it on their own now, unless you get exotic and go Moto Guzzi Norge.

I'm more inclined towards the BMW or the 'wing before going that way. Still plenty of kms left in mine yet so not an issue at the moment.

[Biggles]

I'm more inclined towards the BMW or the 'wing before going that way. Still plenty of kms left in mine yet so not an issue at the moment.

True, and I forgot the Triumph Trophy which saaz will be reporting on, I'm sure.
I'll leave the Beemer to you.  The Wing is def on the list,but it's a different ball game.

[BigTed]

Japanese for me - something reliable. The 1400GTR was 2nd in my list behind the ST. It would only be a consideration now if my baby was stolen or written off as I expect to ride it into the ground. Unless I won the lottery in which case just one wouldn't do. :-)

[Streak]

I am simply lucky, i have an ST1100 to wear out before i think about an ST1300, then i would have to then think about a bike after that, but i might be in the ground by then! 

[Biggles]

I am simply lucky, i have an ST1100 to wear out before i think about an ST1300, then i would have to then think about a bike after that, but i might be in the ground by then! 

You might need to put an ST13 in mothballs, because we're wearing them out as fast as we can!   

[saaz]

It could be that an Australian batch would not have been price competitive. The FJR and GTR just have more standard gear than the ST1300 (Honda's fault), the Triumph Trophy, BMW1600 and Wing are steps up in price and specifications.  If Honda bought in more ST1300 at the $16000 price I am sure they would shift heaps as with a  few extras (if needed) they would match most other bikes.

[Couch]

Obviously STs are not entirely out of production after all!  

I'm a great believer in the strength of the written word so I'm "just wondering" if there would be any value in a letter/request to Honda Japan from OzSToc, together with associated group photographs of OzSToc club members and bikes, and outlining just how many club members there are within OzSToc, with a request to perhaps re-consider their decision not to export any more ST1300s into Australia.  Of course it would need to be formulated by our moderators, and on our official letterhead, and directed to the General Manager, etc. etc.

I figure if you don't ask, you don't get!!  What do you think moderators, could it perhaps be worth the effort??

[StinkyPete]

Obviously STs are not entirely out of production after all!  

I'm a great believer in the strength of the written word so I'm "just wondering" if there would be any value in a letter/request to Honda Japan from OzSToc, together with associatiated group photographs of OzSToc club members and bikes, and outlining just how club members there are within OzSToc, with a request to perhaps re-consider their decision not to export any more ST1300s into Australia.  Of course it would need to be formulated by our moderators, and on our official letterhead, and directed to the General Manager, etc. etc.

I figure if you don't ask, you don't get!!  What do you think moderators, could it perhaps be worth the effort??

I agree.  Certainly It's worth a letter, and the worst that can happen is that Honda Japan say "No".    It may also be worth suggesting heated grips, cruise control, and a decent seat as upgrades to the model.

[Sicman]

Great idea Couch  I am in the mood for an update 

[Streak]

Obviously STs are not entirely out of production after all!  

I'm a great believer in the strength of the written word so I'm "just wondering" if there would be any value in a letter/request to Honda Japan from OzSToc, together with associatiated group photographs of OzSToc club members and bikes, and outlining just how club members there are within OzSToc, with a request to perhaps re-consider their decision not to export any more ST1300s into Australia.  Of course it would need to be formulated by our moderators, and on our official letterhead, and directed to the General Manager, etc. etc.

I figure if you don't ask, you don't get!!  What do you think moderators, could it perhaps be worth the effort??

I agree.  Certainly It's worth a letter, and the worst that can happen is that Honda Japan say "No".    It may also be worth suggesting heated grips, cruise control, and a decent seat as upgrades to the model.

I had it pretty clear from Honda Australia Marketing this year that their interest in us is waning, hence why you are seeing CFMoto at the National Rally showing us bikes not Honda....Diesel will back me up that i spent many phone calls and emails trying to get the CTX700 and the new VFR to show us.....

[Sicman]

Couch was pushing bypassing them local Honda girly blokes and approaching Honda Japan HQ to let them know they indeed have a market here 

[Pezzz]

Streak, Would it be possible to get an email address for said marketing person in Aust and maybe his counterpart in Japan so we can send either a group letter or individual emails to express our distress at the move by Honda Aust to no longer import the ST?
With the recent climb in membership we can show that the ST STill has a following that is growing weekly.
Just a thought.

[Couch]

You're right Tony! 
Honda Australia only do what they're told to do, perhaps Honda Japan don't realise just how popular the ST still is, here in Australia, and with a few small modifications it could be a hell of a lot more popular. I've always believed if you want to get something done then you've got to start at the top, it's no good playing around with underlings, they only carry out other's directives. Streak, I'm sure you've done all you can in dealing with Honda Australia, but I still believe we wouldn't have anything to loose in giving Honda Japan a twirl!!  This isn't for me, at my age, and with only 28,000kls on my bike, I can't ever see myself upgrading to a newer model, but I'd love to see the ST stay around for those who are, and may be interested, in the future!  A look a how our club has grown in the past few short years is an indication that the interest is definately there in the "ST"

[Streak]

Couch was pushing bypassing them local Honda girly blokes and approaching Honda Japan HQ to let them know they indeed have a market here 

i will see what i can do 

[Couch]

Good on ya mate.......nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Couch was pushing bypassing them local Honda girly blokes and approaching Honda Japan HQ to let them know they indeed have a market here 

i will see what i can do 

[Biggles]

Over on FarRiders it was mentioned that one of the "must have" criteria for choosing a bike is a decent size tank.  The Sts have that- one of the biggest in the business.
So a few modernisations like heated grips and CC will make it even more attractive.
It would be worth mentioning the demographic that is choosing this bike.  It's a gradually increasing population, viz returning middle-aged "once were warriors" now looking for something better and cheaper than a Beemer or a Highly Distasteful.

[Couch]

A slightly re-designed seat wouldn't go astray, perhaps slightly sculptured to make it 25mm lower for us wee folk!

[Biggles]

A slightly re-designed seat wouldn't go astray, perhaps slightly sculptured to make it 25mm lower for us wee folk!

Adjustable to that for the wee ones- or I'll have my chin on my knees!