From Bandit to ST1300 - Maybe

[StinkyPete]

This thread might provide some useful information.    http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=7435.msg85401#msg85401

[Gadget]

Imstat,

Mine and StinkyPete's bikes have just clocked over 100,000 km and Mine feels like it did when I got it with 42,000 km on the clock.  In fact it feels better because I've got better rubber on it. 

Hope you find what you are looking for soon, and don't feel you have to leave the forum if you do choose the FJR.  A few of our members also own an FJR.

[winston66]

Hi Imstat,
I have enjoyed following your introduction and then all of the subsequent posts and replies,
In my honest opinion,(imho) After riding motorcycles for over 55 years, I have only one real comment to make about the Honda ST1300
I HAVE TWO OF THEM.
i  am now getting a little bit older and some say also a little bit slower, so last year I converted my third ride, a Yamaha XVZ Royal Star 1300 into a trike,
I dont do a great mileage on any of these rides, but I do not hesitate to jump on any of them and do a shopping trip to the nearest center 60 kilometers away for a coffee or some other small purchase.
I can only say, that if you want a comfortable ride and what I like to think of as akin to a Rolls Royce type of experience I do not think that there could be much else from which to choose from.
Any of the so called handling problems that have been mentioned I believe can be easily overcome by honing your own riding skills and your attitude to the machine.
I very regularly head out to a local sports ground with a marked out parking lot and practice low speed maneuvers , doing figure eights , circles, emergency braking, and counter steering , etc, etc,
 I am only 5'6' and 91 kilos  but I do not find the ride at all hard to handle, But I do agree That a little bit of foresight as to where you want to go and then park is needed, however that is no different even if you should be driving a car or even a 50 ton semi.
I love my bikes and can only suggest that at our time of life one should if possible follow your dream.
Cheers,
Winston66, Northampton ,Western Australia

[Brock]

On an ST, anything south 0f 80000Ks is low milage.

[Imstat]

To all: Thank you very much for responding to my query. I had a hunch the replies may be as they are. The ST does seem a remarkable machine. I want a bike I can tour on, clean, service, admire, spoil, personalise, and stick with for some time. I am nearing decision point. I must be! I can't take much more research! - Not really, it has been fun - a great learning - and I appreciate once again the knowledge and friendly advice given on the forum.
Cheers, Imstat. 

[Candles]

 
Hi Imstat,

I had a 1200 Bandit pre ST. Took me ages to find the right bike to replace the Bandit.

I love the Bandits and had many good reliable rides on it. The ST is the next generation of tourer from the Bandit. You won't regret the move or the ride.

Cheers

Candles

[Old Steve]

I have a narrow garage and have to turn the ST1100 around, so I bought an Ezi2wheel (www.ezi2wheel.com.au) - you put it under the side stand and then have a 3 point balance to move the bike around on.

The c of g of the STs is low because of the longitudinal Vee 4 and under seat tank.  I'm only 1.70 m and only the balls of my feet touch the ground, but it's quite manageable.  Do walk it backwards into a parking space, that way you ride out up the slope.

[Imstat]

I feel like I have let the side down here fellows. My final decision is the FJR1300.

I would like both machines (FJR and ST) but alas it must be one only. Somehow, I feel that for one-up the FJR was a slightly better choice for me, bit slimmer. Other silly matters like I couldn't find a recent ST in other than black and I was looking for a change after a black Bandit. The power delivered by both is more than I can use, and is no issue in the choice. I know this translates into effortless touring.

I became a bit anxious! No bike in my shed! So I have done it. Am I sure about my choice? No way. What I do know is I will give the FJR my best shot, and hope it is good for me. If not, believe me, I'll be back here without any more research.

This forum alone is enough to make a person buy an ST. You are a great bunch of fellows. If you see a solo Silver FJR travelling the New England and around, give it a wave. It may well be me. I will be smiling at all the STs I see.

Many thanks again ST' ers, and happy ST' ing. Also a  very happy Christmas and a happy few quiet hours tending the ST.

Regards, Imstat

[Abe]

Thanks for the update Imstat 

You are always more then welcome to attend any of the OZSTOC events.

I hope you get many years of enjoyment from the FJR

[Shiney]

Good luck with your FJR, I'm sure it'll serve you well (the FJR is one of the few bikes that are almost as good as an ST )
Have fun

[Biggles]

I can understand your settling for second best when you can't get what you want.
The Feejer is a great bike.  It tends towards more sporty than the ST but not quite as good weather protection.  They are a reliable workhorse with a great track record in the long distance riding community.  They're 30 kg lighter which is a bonus, but the tank is 4 litres smaller, so you won't get the legendary ST range.
Silver is a nice colour.
I'm sure you'll be happy with your new toy.

[Old Steve]

Good choice, if you didn't get an ST then the FJR is probably the only choice outside BMW.  Someone I knew had one and was really amazed at it's performance on a track day.  As Biggles said, it seems to be slightly on the sporty side of the ST1300.

[StinkyPete]

Both the FJR and ST are great bikes.   The Bear wrote a few years ago when he compared them, "..... you'd marry an ST, but have an affair with the FJR ...."

We have Beemers, FJRs, Triumphs and even a couple of Harleys turn up at some of our events.   As one who appreciates the ST, you'd be most welcome to come along and meet some of us in person

[saaz]

Not to put you off STs, but there is a great FJR for sale by Brookster http://www.bikesales.com.au/private/SSE-AD-3147991/2002-Yamaha-FJR1300
just to be helpful

[Imstat]

I am saying many thank you's and here I go again, thank you!

Such a great forum, and very good of all ST 'ers to help me with advice.

Regards, Imstat