07ST Honda ST13 V. 07 FJR1300

[Louie Louie]

As some of you know, my bike retired in Colorado. I am now looking for a replacement. I see the Honda ST will be as follows:

http://hondanews.com/CatID7014?mid=2006090652537&mime=asc

The color on the 03 was Tower Silver Metallic and The 07's is somewhat different. Anyone have a picture that is more visible than the Honda website? I happen to like silver as it looks classy and faST IMHO.


Also, I have a crush on a silver or blue FJR but dont know its a practical decision for me. The FJR's look cool but I am 6'2 and 46 years old...Also, the comraderie of the ST groups are unparalelled IMHO. I feel like I have an extended family for sure.

Feedback Welcomed

[Medicine Bear]

Well, Louie, I guess you'll have to ride the FJR and decide if it's more what you are looking for. You already have the ST experience - just don't put a Crampbuster on yout new one. :D

I have a friend in Durango who has the '05 FJR and loves it. He has always owned Yamahas. When we went riding last June, he was hard put to top my '03 ST in any category and actually liked several things about the ST (like windshield travel) better than his FJR. YMMV.

The biggest drawback I see is the way Yamaha markets the FJR. They may have changed but it used to be that they didn't keep any demo stock and you had to put down a deposit and wait (sometimes months) for delivery.

Having said all that, you know that no matter what you buy, you'll always be welcome here.

Fred :03biker:

[Bones]

'03 was Metallic Dark Silver.
'07 is Light Metallic Silver.
Only visual cue that looks different to me, other than the shade of silver, is the rims, which were black on the '03 and appear to be silver on the '07.

I also like the look of the FJR but I found the one I sat on (in a showroom) had too forward a riding position for my back and shoulders. You've got three years on me, Louie Louie, and we don't get any younger. Any performance benefit of the FJR over the ST is negligable, but the comfort advantage of the ST over the FJR is substantial. My $.02.

[sherob]

You looked pretty tall too LL... don't know how comfy folding yourself into the bike would be :rolleyes:

[Louie Louie]

'03 was Metallic Dark Silver.
'07 is Light Metallic Silver.
Only visual cue that looks different to me, other than the shade of silver, is the rims, which were black on the '03 and appear to be silver on the '07.

I also like the look of the FJR but I found the one I sat on (in a showroom) had too forward a riding position for my back and shoulders. You've got three years on me, Louie Louie, and we don't get any younger. Any performance benefit of the FJR over the ST is negligable, but the comfort advantage of the ST over the FJR is substantial. My $.02.
I tried to get a press pass to see the 07's in more detail but they didnt buy it!
Are you also getting an 07 Bones? Are you gonna name it STeakespeare?
Louie

[Bacon]

Louie,

I can see you are starting to get excited about getting a new bike and that my friend is a good thing as shopping is all part of the fun. I am going to post a few pics here of my Digital Silver Pan which have appeared on this site already along with Keith's but for some reason, appear to get missed in all the excitement :) I have seen the 'other' silver as Honda tried to Pan (forgive the pun) one off on me calling it a 2004 and it is way darker than the Digital Silver. If you would like me to send you the larger file pics in a PM, just ask me please. You will see my Pan in different lighting and different settings and yes it does change in brightness depending on the light. Our Irish Dok will probably have several more I'm sure.

Enjoy the shopping my friend. I came from a V-Max to the Pan and all though it is a completely different bike and I do miss that Max, the Pan has enough power for me so the FJR power advantage is nothing special in my book.

I should qualify all this by saying that this is of course the UK Digital Silver but there has been some speculation that the new 2007 Silver in the US is similar.

I couldn't resist the last pic of the Pan in front of the pack as I wanted to asure you that it was quick enough.

[Fred D]

Louie, as there are at least four of us, that I know of, who are getting 07s, maybe we could get a group buy...:D

[ST13Fred]

I am 58, 6', 220# and stand by my own 'Real World' comparrison of the 2 bikes. The ST sits taller, has a softer road feel and transitions turns with less effort. In my post, my FJ friend called the ST a 'Fleetwood' (cadillac) ride, with more low rev grunt.

Fred:04biker: ;)

[Louie Louie]

Louie,

I should qualify all this by saying that this is of course the UK Digital Silver but there has been some speculation that the new 2007 Silver in the US is similar.
I couldn't resist the last pic of the Pan in front of the pack as I wanted to asure you that it was quick enough.

GreatColor..!!!! Looks like a beemer sorta. Regards to the DoKtor please...
Thanks a lot for the pictures and feel free to email or PM me more!

[nm6r]

I am 58, 6', 220# and stand by my own 'Real World' comparrison of the 2 bikes. The ST sits taller, has a softer road feel and transitions turns with less effort. In my post, my FJ friend called the ST a 'Fleetwood' (cadillac) ride, with more low rev grunt.

Fred:04biker: ;)


I suppose your friend doesn't want to elaborate on what he calls the ST when it leaves him in the twisties. :cool:

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[ST13Fred]

I suppose your friend doesn't want to elaborate on what he calls the ST when it leaves him in the twisties. :cool:

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

A 'Fleetfooted Fleetwood'.

Fred:04biker: :rolleyes:

[BentAero]

Louie,

I've been contemplating for quite some time making the big switch to the FJR as well. In early August I had a chance to ride an '05 FJR. I was able to put almost 200 miles on it, riding twisty mountain roads that I have traveled dozens of times right near my home. Just two minutes into the "testing grounds" (photo image attached), I was hooked. I know several here have had a different experience, but that Feejer made my ST feel like a two-wheeled bus in comparison.

No, I don't think the FJR is anywhere near the ST as far as creature comforts, but I've learned that's not what I want in a motorcycle. I want to 'feel' the bike. Riding the FJR was more like 'riding a motor'. More raw if you will. Does that make any sense? The closest I'd come to that feeling prior was on a Ducati Monster S2R 1000. It's hard to put into words...

Since Honda didn't put the ST on a diet, (I didn't think they would -if ever) if no catastrophies happen in the next month, I'll be putting down the deposit for and '07 Feejer. When it shows up, then I'll put the ST up for sale -that's how I'll get around Yamaha's PDP program. (I hate this "give us a deposit, we'll call you when it shows up" thing) But if that's what it takes, I'll do it.

(Is it naughty to quote yourself?)
I posted the following on another FJR/ST thread back in August:

"If you are a rider who leans more to the conservative/easier riding style, regularly ride two-up, live where all the roads are straight and flat, or do a lot of freeway type riding (shame on you), stick with the ST.

If your heart yearns for a sport-tourer that is well suited for a more agressive approach, live where you can ride 1st class twisteez right outside your door, or usually ride solo, look at the FJR very, very close."

Of course, YMMV.

[ST13Fred]

The ST is heavy when the riding gets spirited. Although a little more to buy, I will demo a Duc ST3 one day, that is said to be very good, with a bit more 'character' than either ST or FJ. Food for thought.

Fred

[G-MAN]

As some of you know, my bike retired in Colorado. I am now looking for a replacement. I see the Honda ST will be as follows:

http://hondanews.com/CatID7014?mid=2006090652537&mime=asc

The color on the 03 was Tower Silver Metallic and The 07's is somewhat different. Anyone have a picture that is more visible than the Honda website? I happen to like silver as it looks classy and faST IMHO.


Also, I have a crush on a silver or blue FJR but dont know its a practical decision for me. The FJR's look cool but I am 6'2 and 46 years old...Also, the comraderie of the ST groups are unparalelled IMHO. I feel like I have an extended family for sure.

Feedback Welcomed

Check out the cost difference on insurance for both. I think you will find the FJR is about 3 times higher than the ST. Maybe it doesn't matter to you.

[ST090]

Louie:

I think you found out something in Golden about your "extended family". My own experience with similar situations is that family counts. From what I know of you, etc., I really think you belong in the ST family and would not be happy elsewhere. Go to one of the FJR web sites and have a look around.

There are pluses and minuses when comparing the ST 1300 and the FJR. Your decision should be based on the style of riding you want to do. As was said by others, no matter what your decision, once you have a STOC #, you are family.

[BentAero]

Check out the cost difference on insurance for both. I think you will find the FJR is about 3 times higher than the ST. Maybe it doesn't matter to you.

Actually, that was a big concern of mine. But like the ticker rumors (they all do it! Run!) this too proved to be false when you dig deep.

I pay $530 per year right now for my ST insurance here in NC. Progressive quoted me $1000.84 for an FJR! Certainly a deal killer. Obviously, they don't want to insure FJR's or anything like them.

My own agent quoted me $726. 12 mo. FJR

I wasn't willing to give up, so I kept getting quotes. I have two from local agents: one for $573. yr., the other $580. year, with better coverages than I have now. I can live with these prices...

Yes, a little more than the ST, but I was getting quotes for an '06 FJR vs. what I'm paying now for my '04 ST.. i.e. two years newer, and rated at 20 or so more HP, so there is bound to be some difference.

I agree, there is no better board and community like the ST board.

[Blue STreak]

[QUOTE=nm6r]I suppose your friend doesn't want to elaborate on what he calls the ST when it leaves him in the twisties. :cool:

Ray


I don't guess you've ever ridden an FJR.....

[nm6r]

It doesn't have a great enough lean angle.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[Louie Louie]

Louie:

I think you found out something in Golden about your "extended family". My own experience with similar situations is that family counts. From what I know of you, etc., I really think you belong in the ST family and would not be happy elsewhere. Go to one of the FJR web sites and have a look around.
There are pluses and minuses when comparing the ST 1300 and the FJR. Your decision should be based on the style of riding you want to do. As was said by others, no matter what your decision, once you have a STOC #, you are family.

Appreciate it very much and thanks for the nice chat at the "business center". Its likely I will get the 07 ABS.
Regards
Louie

[Mac]

I had an 04 FJR before I got the 05 ST.
The FJR has a bit more HP, but not as much torque esp down low.
The FJR has a better suspension for sportier riding, but the ST is more comfortable for longer rides.
The FJR looks better with the bags off, but the ST looks better with them on. Bag size is about the same.
Heat was very similar. I've ridden both in 100+ deg F and it never been unbearable, just noticeable.
The ST has better weather/wind protection, The FJR has a bit more wind flow with the windsheild all the way down.
The FJR was far easier to work on, oil changes, removing farings, basic maint.
Once you get the tank/ farings off the ST is not as cramped and easier to work on.

[naturally wired]

:-) Splitting hairs on the FJR VS ST both are sport-TOURING!!!!!.........Jump on a ZZR, Black Bird, or a Sprint ST...and you will find SPORT-touring.....I would say the only one to watch for would be the GTR1400 if it comes out ....


back to your question ...its more like "Takes a Licking vs Big Smoothie":D

[The Doktor]

[QUOTE=Bacon]

Our Irish Dok will probably have several more I'm sure.

QUOTE]

But of course I do!!

13337

Isnt it BEAUTIFUL!! :bow1:

I knew I had made the right decision when a few weeks ago I was stopped at the side of the road in a town having a smoke, when 2 LOVELY girls walked past and said... "thats a really Gorgeous bike"....

Do what your heart is tellin ye and get the Pan :shout1: you know its by far the coolest tourer out there :headbang:
even the LOVLEY girls say so...

[BentAero]

The Doktor wrote:
[QUOTE
I knew I had made the right decision when a few weeks ago I was stopped at the side of the road in a town having a smoke, when 2 LOVELY girls walked past and said... "thats a really Gorgeous bike"....

Do what your heart is tellin ye and get the Pan :shout1: you know its by far the coolest tourer out there :headbang:
even the LOVLEY girls say so...[/QUOTE]

There's a theory about Girls, that there are two kinds of them. Those that you "date", and those that you "take home to mom".

Park an FJR and an ST side by side in that proverbial town. The girls that you date won't even notice the ST. Those that you would not be ashamed to take home to mom, wouldn't notice the FJR. ;)

[st_rider]

Appreciate it very much and thanks for the nice chat at the "business center". Its likely I will get the 07 ABS.
Regards
Louie

Louie,
Assuming you will get a new ST, did you keep your tool kit from your '03? Unless Honda has changed - your new tool kit will consist of an allen wrench............

[nm6r]

Louie, here's another picture of the 2007...

http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/ST1300 2007.jpg

This picture is from the 2007 accessories catalog. There seems to be something written on the front fender. It shows up in both of the pictures in the catalog. I just can't make out what it says.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[Louie Louie]

Louie, here's another picture of the 2007...
Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

Appraciate it it Ray..looks sweet and probably better for a desert town than a black one..

[The Doktor]

This picture is from the 2007 accessories catalog. There seems to be something written on the front fender. It shows up in both of the pictures in the catalog. I just can't make out what it says.



It says "ABS & Dual Combined Brake System"

And here`s mine looking particularly bright and shine at Torr Head in Antrim a couple of days ago

13455