ST vs FJR

[Bob Hughes]

My basic thought as an owner of these two bikes is that they are not two makes of the same type bike, but two different bikes. The FJR’s lighter weight and lower center of gravity make it a different kind of ride than the ST. You need to think VFR, FJR, ST, then Goldwing to put the bikes in a hierarchal order.

More power to a lighter weight makes the FJR quicker and faster. The ST is no slouch but it is completely different being a heavier platform. Conversely on a long highway cruise the ST will take better care of you. Lack of wind protection on the FJR means ear plugs and a better helmet are needed, it’s louder to ride this bike. The ST offers far better wind protection especially with a larger than stock windshield.

One pet peeve on the ST is that the digital display is hard to read in the sun. It is better on the FJR and has a gear indicator (1-5) in the digital display as well as a fuel reserve odometer. You can see them in all conditions including direct sunlight.

Maintenance on the FJR is easier because it is less covered with Tupperware but this makes cleaning the bike a little harder. For instance the oil filter, drain plug, sight glass and filler are in a single exposed area for an easy 10 minute oil change. The air filter is accessible through the side of the bike. Also the valve adjustment intervals are 26,000 miles. Both bikes need very little maintenance so this is not much of an issue but the FJR has less scheduled maintenance.

I enjoy them both.

[BlaSTr]

+1 Bob

It's interesting that of the top 10 '07 IBR finishers 4 were FJR, 3-BMWs, 1-HD and in 10th place: ST1300. There was more than one comment concerning the weight of the ST. Perhaps Honda is listening....

Doug

[HankSTer]

I've looked closely at the FJR's also. Definately like them. But there is *no doubt*, they would be considered more aggressive re seating etc then the ST.

I've had 2 vfr's, and the FJR is between them and the ST in many ways.

There's a *chance* - probably not a good one, that there will be a new vfr1000 in a few days... not holding my breath though ;)

regards,

[bobclift]

Good luck with that VFR Hank. I'm sure you're missing the ride! Bob

[curmudgeon]

If you like the V4 don't ever look for the ST to be as light as an FJR or Concours 14. I just doubt the V4 could be made as light as an in-line 4. Frankly as smooth as the blackbird engine is they should use it in the ST1400. Use the blackbird engine and boost the cc's up to at least 1400. Oh, and have variable cam timing but a much better system then the VFR uses.

By the way Bob you stated VFR several times when I believe you meant FJR.

Phil

[Bob Hughes]

If you like the V4 don't ever look for the ST to be as light as an FJR or Concours 14. I just doubt the V4 could be made as light as an in-line 4. Frankly as smooth as the blackbird engine is they should use it in the ST1400. Use the blackbird engine and boost the cc's up to at least 1400. Oh, and have variable cam timing but a much better system then the VFR uses.

By the way Bob you stated VFR several times when I believe you meant FJR.

Phil

My wife Jeannette has a VFR in the garage next to my FJR and I work on both, we talk about both and I confuse both all the time, sorry about the confusion.

[gegundez]

Hmmm I like the FJR though it looks a little too agressive for me. So I would stick with the VFR and ST since it was a hard choice between to two for me.

[Irvineguy]

I heard that the ST1300 has the heat problem. Is it correct? If it is, did Honda fix that problem. Thanks all.

[Mean]

FJR = more comfortable VFR
ST = more sporty Goldwing.

Nuff said,
G

[NCrider]

I heard that the ST1300 has the heat problem. Is it correct? If it is, did Honda fix that problem. Thanks all.


I doesn't put out anymore(if as much) heat as my '03 VFR, at least the one's I have ridden.

YMMV

[ConqSoft]

Just wanted to point out that the ST has a fuel reserve odometer as well.