ST or FJR I need your help

[billwilsonnow]

I'm looking to update my 2004 Multistrada to more of a sport touring ride. I've looked on this site to see what the problems are with the ST and I also have looked at the FJR sites to see their problems, likes and dislikes. I really like the look of the ST's better than the FJR. My last big bike was a 2002 Goldwing which I sold after the constant overheating, Frame cracks, Luggage that would not open, 3 sets of O2 sensors that went bad, etc.I'm not burned on Mother Honda after the Goldwing but it has keep me away from looking at Hondas lately. Maybe some of you old FJR people can enlighten me on the pros of the ST over the FJR. I also have been looking at the BMW K1200GT but at 22000 plus I may choose to stay away. Any insight will help.

Thanks in advance

[patentcad]

I'm looking to update my 2004 Multistrada to more of a sport touring ride. I've looked on this site to see what the problems are with the ST and I also have looked at the FJR sites to see their problems, likes and dislikes. I really like the look of the ST's better than the FJR. My last big bike was a 2002 Goldwing which I sold after the constant overheating, Frame cracks, Luggage that would not open, 3 sets of O2 sensors that went bad, etc.I'm not burned on Mother Honda after the Goldwing but it has keep me away from looking at Hondas lately. Maybe some of you old FJR people can enlighten me on the pros of the ST over the FJR. I also have been looking at the BMW K1200GT but at 22000 plus I may choose to stay away. Any insight will help.

Thanks in advance

ST: more rider comfort (seating), better bags, better build quality, Honda reliability. No major maintenance issues (two relatively benign recalls so far) that I know of. I've had my ST for 2 full years/7500 miles - one problem, a busted headlamp alignment motor that was replaced under the THREE YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE warranty (another plus, on the Yamaha this would have been out of my pocket, shorter warranty period).

Yamaha: faster, sportier, lighter, better looking (subjective), perhaps better handling. Shorter warranty (one year vs. three years on the Honda).

In my opinion the ST is the ticket if you're planning on any hard core touring. The FJR might be better for a guy like myself who mainly does shorter rides and one day trips at most. But very happy with the ST. The FJR is the coolest looking Sport Touring rig out there in my opinion however. But that's on paper. The ST is in my garage.

Oh yes, be sure to research the dreaded alleged FJR 'engine tick' which is where the valves develop a ticking noise - persistent problem for some FJR's, but the scope of the matter is hard to determine. I've heard varying versions of the severity of this issue.

Hard to imagine how you'd go wrong with either bike, but that being said if there IS a slight chance of that, it might be with the FJR. I'd say the ST will give you a near 100% chance of being a happy camper. From everything I've read about the FJR - from valve tick issues to rider comfort concerns - maybe that falls to 80-90% with that bike. I think that's a fair 'pull it out of your ***' assessment of the two motorcycles. Based on a ton of magazine reviews and Forum post reading and two years of ST ownership however.

[ckhkjh]

I dont know how many 2006 FJR's are on the road yet or how much feedback there may be about them but according to their website Yamaha has made several changes to the '06 based on owner input. If you surf around in it you will find a listing of all the changes for 2006 under the features tab.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/180/0/home.aspx

Not that I have followed it real closely but as best as I can tell Honda hasnt made much in the way of changes to the ST13 since it first came out. ST13 owners can provide more accurate information about that.

Unfortunately I am not in the position to be able to contrast the ST13 vs. the FJR since I am still riding my trusty ST11. (I did get to ride an ST13 on one occassion and immediately fell in love with the adjustable windshield) However, I do agree with the general concensus based on all my observations that you really cant go wrong with either one. It just depends on which one suits you best based on your criteria.

[UNTMatt]

Both are good bikes but the ST resides in my garage. The PDP program on the Yamaha pushed me to mother Honda.

IMHO, Honda is better built with long term PROVEN reliability. Yamaha has only been in the ST game for a few years. Yamaha just fixed the heat issue with the 06 model and some write-ups complain of handling issues at the higher speeds. There is the supposed 'dreaded valve ticking' but, honestly, I think that may be way overblown. The FJR is lighter and has a SLIGHTLY more powerful engine.

If you're into more long haul ST work, the Honda might be a better choice. For short haul, day tripping, either would be great. However, if it were me, for day tripping I'd rather have the VFR, FZ 1, Sprint ST, or the DL1k.

Go sit on both and talk to the owners. See which bike fits YOU best.

As for me, to only have one bike right now, the ST1300 is, hands down, the best ST on the market.

[scrmpyjack]

I was Dead set on getting the FJR until I read more and more about it.
There were way to many problems and things that needed to be adjusted to make the rider one with the bike.

After riding the FJR before I signed for the ST. I was glad that I did.
Having put 1000 miles on my ST in two weeks and most of them in the COLD RAIN. I never give the FJR a thought. Unless someone tells me that they want a FJR.

If you want something BLACK Fast, DEPENDABLE,and CONFORTABLE needing very little if anything to be one with the bike. Get the ST.

And if you DO ride in the cold, the wind and the Rain get the ST.

And if you only ride on those perfact, sunny warm and breezy days to the local watering hole get the FJR

Like most of the owners here.

I love my :bow1: BLACK ST

[Blrfl]

The first time I went out with one of my co-workers (http://www.fjr1300.info/images/FrankClark.jpg), who owns the first FJR delivered in the US, we stopped for dinner and parked them together. It was only then, looking at them both from a distance, that I realized how big the size difference is between the two. They're both sport-tourers, but I think they're really at either end of the niche.

Frank's a lot shorter than me and finds his FJR a good fit. He can sit on my ST, but says he wouldn't be able to ride it. (Which I find interesting, becau his collection of 14 motorcycles included a 'Wing for a time.)

--Mark

[ST1300 Alicia]

I slid my ST1300 through an intersection on it's side, do to rider error. Slid about 15 feet with only minor damage to the tip-over wing cover. Nothing else touched down. Not Bags, Bars, Mirrors, Fairing, Pegs, Levers, Nothing, Nada! Good engineering I would say. Total cost of repairs Less Than $15 and 5 minutes to remove and install one bolt. When you consider a purchase as expensive as a new motorcycle is for most of us, these are things to consider. I think that an FJR1300 would have sustained several thousand dollars worth of damage and they are considerably more expensive to insure because of this. They are beautiful bikes, however when making a purchase of this size there are many hidden considerations.
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[2005c6]

I just sold an ST and bought an FJR. I think its mostly a matter of personal preference. The FJR is the sprotier of the two. But you have to decide how important that is to you. I honesly don't think you can go wrong with either one of them.

[12ride]

I just sold an 04 FJR that I put 26,700 miles on. I have just purchased an 05 ST1300 that I have put about 2.5k on (it had 5k on it when purchased).

The FJR is an excellent bike, not one problem in 26k. (it does like to eat rear tires - AV46s were the only tires I could get 6500 miles out of on the rear and they were worn out at that mileage). The 05s and older are hot, I made up some foam shields that I put between the fairing and diverted most of the engine heat on mine. The new 06s do not have the heat problem (close friend just bought one - sold his 05 FJR). There have been several modifications of the 06s. Get on the FJR list and read the information. It will accelerate much quicker than the ST and is more on the sport bike side than it is a touring bike. I did ride it to Hyder AK. two up with camping gear and last summer toured northern Calif. and down the coast then back to MO. (also two up with camping gear). If I were going to travel alone I would probably be riding an 06 FJR.

In the short time I have had the ST I believe that it will make a better touring bike and has good handling in the twisties(I ride a lot of southern MO and northen Ark. roads). I like the large tank capacity and the bike fits me better at 6'3" and a 34+ inseam especially two up.

The gas mileage is almost identical on bikes 42- 45 on the FJR , 43-45 on the ST. Valve adjustments on the FJR 26k (mine were in spec at the 26k service) and from what I read here I think the ST will do the same. The FJR appears to be a little easier to do oil changes on (haven't done my first oil change on the ST yet). Changing rear tires is a LOT easier on the FJR (just did my first tire change on the ST).

I think the key is how are you going to use the bike. (the longer warrenty is a + on the ST). The FJR will not hold its value as well as the ST. So if you go to sell it be prepared.

If you have any specific questions send them to me. jim

[2005c6]

I just sold an 04 FJR that I put 26,700 miles on. I have just purchased an 05 ST1300 that I have put about 2.5k on (it had 5k on it when purchased).

The FJR is an excellent bike, not one problem in 26k. (it does like to eat rear tires - AV46s were the only tires I could get 6500 miles out of on the rear and they were worn out at that mileage). The 05s and older are hot, I made up some foam shields that I put between the fairing and diverted most of the engine heat on mine. The new 06s do not have the heat problem (close friend just bought one - sold his 05 FJR). There have been several modifications of the 06s. Get on the FJR list and read the information. It will accelerate much quicker than the ST and is more on the sport bike side than it is a touring bike. I did ride it to Hyder AK. two up with camping gear and last summer toured northern Calif. and down the coast then back to MO. (also two up with camping gear). If I were going to travel alone I would probably be riding an 06 FJR.

In the short time I have had the ST I believe that it will make a better touring bike and has good handling in the twisties(I ride a lot of southern MO and northen Ark. roads). I like the large tank capacity and the bike fits me better at 6'3" and a 34+ inseam especially two up.

The gas mileage is almost identical on bikes 42- 45 on the FJR , 43-45 on the ST. Valve adjustments on the FJR 26k (mine were in spec at the 26k service) and from what I read here I think the ST will do the same. The FJR appears to be a little easier to do oil changes on (haven't done my first oil change on the ST yet). Changing rear tires is a LOT easier on the FJR (just did my first tire change on the ST).

I think the key is how are you going to use the bike. (the longer warrenty is a + on the ST). The FJR will not hold its value as well as the ST. So if you go to sell it be prepared.

If you have any specific questions send them to me. jim

I agree with you except on the resale value. I just sold a ST, so I know the resale on it. I have also seen FJRs for sale. One thing you might be overlooking is that the ST is quite a bit more money to begin with. List is $1500 more (thats comparing the 06 FJR which has ABS standard, and a ABS ST). I don't think the resale difference is any more than that.

[sport_tourer]

I slid my ST1300 through an intersection on it's side, do to rider error. Slid about 15 feet with only minor damage to the tip-over wing cover. Nothing else touched down. Not Bags, Bars, Mirrors, Fairing, Pegs, Levers, Nothing, Nada! Good engineering I would say. Total cost of repairs Less Than $15 and 5 minutes to remove and install one bolt. When you consider a purchase as expensive as a new motorcycle is for most of us, these are things to consider. I think that an FJR1300 would have sustained several thousand dollars worth of damage and they are considerably more expensive to insure because of this. They are beautiful bikes, however when making a purchase of this size there are many hidden considerations.
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My stealer told me that Honda added the tip over wing to get the ST1300 into a lower classification for insurance.

[dond]

Bill Wilson. You sound like a really nice fellow. I hope that if you wind up on an FJR you don't get the 'tude that seems to go with the bike. I don't care what you or anyone rides as long as you are happy and feel you spent your bux on what you want.
I'm going to go a bit off topic here but some things have been festering for a while now.
When C6 Jim got his FJR and posted on this board he got nothing but total respect and genuine interest in his new ride.
I often surf around to other MC forums and usually enjoy and learn. Earlier today I wandered over to an FJR forum and mention was made of Jims switch and there was some less than kind things said about STs and their riders. There's no reason for that but I've seen it over and over whenever the Honda ST is mentioned. I've experienced this in 3D where bikes are gathered for eats, tire kicking and such.
Not the end of my world but it is senseless and not what the mc brotherhood is about.
Even a well known former HUGE ST supporter turned FJR owner recently stated so well: "********s..F__k 'em". The only thing "we've" done to earn this lack of respect is ride a different brand of motorcycle.
I know that C6 Jim is bigger than this and the majority of the folks on this board are too.

Whatever you decide, keep us informed and above all...GO RIDE!!

[Ken]

Well said, Don. I've also noticed this difference in attitude online and in real life as well. Not that my sample is statistically significant, but there does seem to be a 'harder' attitiude amongst a greater percentage of the FJR riders. And I couldn't begin to tell you why. My best guess is because they are a slightly younger crowd. It may sound odd, but part of the reason I love the ST so much is because of the culture of the ST riders here and in person.

[2005c6]

Bill Wilson. You sound like a really nice fellow. I hope that if you wind up on an FJR you don't get the 'tude that seems to go with the bike. I don't care what you or anyone rides as long as you are happy and feel you spent your bux on what you want.
I'm going to go a bit off topic here but some things have been festering for a while now.
When C6 Jim got his FJR and posted on this board he got nothing but total respect and genuine interest in his new ride.
I often surf around to other MC forums and usually enjoy and learn. Earlier today I wandered over to an FJR forum and mention was made of Jims switch and there was some less than kind things said about STs and their riders. There's no reason for that but I've seen it over and over whenever the Honda ST is mentioned. I've experienced this in 3D where bikes are gathered for eats, tire kicking and such.
Not the end of my world but it is senseless and not what the mc brotherhood is about.
Even a well known former HUGE ST supporter turned FJR owner recently stated so well: "********s..F__k 'em". The only thing "we've" done to earn this lack of respect is ride a different brand of motorcycle.
I know that C6 Jim is bigger than this and the majority of the folks on this board are too.

Whatever you decide, keep us informed and above all...GO RIDE!!

I agree - and as you know, I responded to that thread on the FJR forum. The class of this forum is why I'm stilling looking at this board even though I sold the ST.

I'm very active on the Corvette forum. I can't believe how they berate anyone who has not drank the kool-aid. It's a shame people can't have more respect for other vehicles. Hell, even a day on a Harley is better than a day at the office:D

[Shinden]

The FJR seems "tailor made" for me.

I don't feel like touring but will ride on long distance day trips. My wife rides her own, a GL1800A so passenger comfort is not an issue.

I have a slight preference for the weight and general dimensions of the FJR.

However, for me and my uses, the ST1300 is a VERY close second. I have examined many of them in detail at shops and shows and have taken them out at demo rides.

Hypothetically, if, for some reason, I had to start over again and could not obtain another FJR, I would purchase an ST without hesitation.

I switched over from cruisers this season and have "discovered" sport tourers. Now at shows and demo rides, I find I pretty much spend my time looking at the ST's and FJR's.