Ken
06-04-2005, 07:28 PM
Just finished reading the June issue of Sport Rider. One of the cover stories features a comparison between the Honda ST1300 ABS, Kawasaki ZZR1200, and the Yamaha FJR1300 ABS. Thought I'd share some excerpts for those interested, and for some discussion.
Test Notes: Honda ST1300
Positive:
- Handles well for its weight
- Best weather protection
Negative:
- Could use more power
- Seat could be softer and better shaped
- Looks funky without the bags
Suggested Suspension Changes:
Rear - Spring preload: STD position
Rebound damping: 1 turn out from full stiff
Test Notes: Kawasaki ZZR1200
Positive:
- Monster engine
- Sporty chassis great on high speed roads
Negative:
- Suspension a bit dated
- 3000 RPM flat spot
- No lane spliting with those bags
Test Notes: Yamaha FJR1300
Positive:
- Great sport/tourer compromise
- Good handling and ergonomics
- Looks like a real bike without the bags
Negative:
- Springs are way too soft, especially the rear
- Power and brakes could be better
Suggested Suspension Changes:
- Spring preload: 2 lines showing
- Rebound damping: 3 clicks from full stiff
THE LONG HAUL
Comfort is the key for any stretch of freeway, and the ST1300 has that in spades. The bars at almost the perfect height, and the seating position reminds of us the ergonomically correct way to sit at your computer. The V4 engine, solidly mounted in the frame, has two counter balancers to reduce vibration (and this also seems to minimize roll associated with most longitudinally mounted engines), and the handlebar is rubber mounted; the ST is easily the smoothest bike here. The ST's only limiting factor is the seat. Even though it's adjustable, roomy and comfortable, it's a bit hard and flat compared to the FJR's saddle. Still, you can easly ride the Honda for several hours (and you will go the farthest with the 7.7 gallon tank), before needing fuel or a rest.
ON TO THE TWISTIES
A decided step back from the FJR, the ST1300 can still get the job done and is perfectly capable of humbling riders in all-out sportbikes. The bars are slightly closer-spaced than the Yamaha's, but even though they are rubber mounted they offer what feels to be better connection to the 18-inch front tire. The Honda changes line with ease in a corner, and has the best front-end feedback of the trio. Its suspension is also the best in this group, with both spring and damping rates being a good compromise; we didn't even notice the lack of adjustments on the front fork. And a long swingarm offsets some shift jacking, but it does come into play more than the Yamaha; the ST will pitch about on its suspension on tight, hilly, roads. More of a problem are the brakes, which - while offering outstanding power - have a significant lag due to the LBS setup. And the big Honda definitely lacks steam in both the midrange and top-end, coming off corners lazily compared to the Yamaha and especially the Kawasaki.
CONCLUSION
It's worth noting the price differential before making a decision, as there is a $3500 gap between the cheapest (ZZR1200) and most expensive (ST1300 ABS) bikes here. The Yamaha slots in the middle on price, though sans ABS it's just $600 more than the Kawasaki. It's clear that there is a defnite ranking in terms of sport versus touring, and that should certainly effect any buying decision. The ZZR1200 is decidedly sport, the ST1300 toury, and the FJR1300 somwhere in between. Of the three, we like the Yamaha best, for this reason: If the sport-touring spectrum was numbered with "sport" labelled one and "tour" 10, the Kawasaki would cover the range of, say, three to five. The Honda would slip in at around six to eight. The Yamaha fits in the middle, but covers a broader area: call it four to seven. Not quite the touring comfort of the Honda, a bit less sporty than the Kawasaki, but more capable overall than either.
*Note: The BMW K1200S was to be in the comparison but production delays prohibited delivery in time for the article.
Fire away! :)
Test Notes: Honda ST1300
Positive:
- Handles well for its weight
- Best weather protection
Negative:
- Could use more power
- Seat could be softer and better shaped
- Looks funky without the bags
Suggested Suspension Changes:
Rear - Spring preload: STD position
Rebound damping: 1 turn out from full stiff
Test Notes: Kawasaki ZZR1200
Positive:
- Monster engine
- Sporty chassis great on high speed roads
Negative:
- Suspension a bit dated
- 3000 RPM flat spot
- No lane spliting with those bags
Test Notes: Yamaha FJR1300
Positive:
- Great sport/tourer compromise
- Good handling and ergonomics
- Looks like a real bike without the bags
Negative:
- Springs are way too soft, especially the rear
- Power and brakes could be better
Suggested Suspension Changes:
- Spring preload: 2 lines showing
- Rebound damping: 3 clicks from full stiff
THE LONG HAUL
Comfort is the key for any stretch of freeway, and the ST1300 has that in spades. The bars at almost the perfect height, and the seating position reminds of us the ergonomically correct way to sit at your computer. The V4 engine, solidly mounted in the frame, has two counter balancers to reduce vibration (and this also seems to minimize roll associated with most longitudinally mounted engines), and the handlebar is rubber mounted; the ST is easily the smoothest bike here. The ST's only limiting factor is the seat. Even though it's adjustable, roomy and comfortable, it's a bit hard and flat compared to the FJR's saddle. Still, you can easly ride the Honda for several hours (and you will go the farthest with the 7.7 gallon tank), before needing fuel or a rest.
ON TO THE TWISTIES
A decided step back from the FJR, the ST1300 can still get the job done and is perfectly capable of humbling riders in all-out sportbikes. The bars are slightly closer-spaced than the Yamaha's, but even though they are rubber mounted they offer what feels to be better connection to the 18-inch front tire. The Honda changes line with ease in a corner, and has the best front-end feedback of the trio. Its suspension is also the best in this group, with both spring and damping rates being a good compromise; we didn't even notice the lack of adjustments on the front fork. And a long swingarm offsets some shift jacking, but it does come into play more than the Yamaha; the ST will pitch about on its suspension on tight, hilly, roads. More of a problem are the brakes, which - while offering outstanding power - have a significant lag due to the LBS setup. And the big Honda definitely lacks steam in both the midrange and top-end, coming off corners lazily compared to the Yamaha and especially the Kawasaki.
CONCLUSION
It's worth noting the price differential before making a decision, as there is a $3500 gap between the cheapest (ZZR1200) and most expensive (ST1300 ABS) bikes here. The Yamaha slots in the middle on price, though sans ABS it's just $600 more than the Kawasaki. It's clear that there is a defnite ranking in terms of sport versus touring, and that should certainly effect any buying decision. The ZZR1200 is decidedly sport, the ST1300 toury, and the FJR1300 somwhere in between. Of the three, we like the Yamaha best, for this reason: If the sport-touring spectrum was numbered with "sport" labelled one and "tour" 10, the Kawasaki would cover the range of, say, three to five. The Honda would slip in at around six to eight. The Yamaha fits in the middle, but covers a broader area: call it four to seven. Not quite the touring comfort of the Honda, a bit less sporty than the Kawasaki, but more capable overall than either.
*Note: The BMW K1200S was to be in the comparison but production delays prohibited delivery in time for the article.
Fire away! :)