Hi all - newbie here...

[joeniv]

Newbie - first time to post here...

I've been riding a small v-twin for several years, mostly summer time riding to and from work on a daily basis with a few longer trips thrown in for good measure. It's time to upgrade, my natural tendency is to head for a larger and newer cruiser. Then, a buddy of mine pointed me to the sport touring bikes, and I've been intruiged and interested at the thought.

My first question - how can I test ride the offerings when the dealers have no stock? I'm interested in either the Yamaha FJR and the Honda ST - and I know one will fit my taste and personality and physique better than the other, but the local dealers have none in stock.

Next question - are there any known defects / issues with any of the older models - I'm not committed to buying brand new, willing to shop and find a good deal. Plus, I'm in no hurry - I need to sell my Virago and I'm waiting on cash to show up...

I've browsed the forum for a couple weeks, lots of good info and good folks posting / sharing...

tia

-joeniv

[Medicine Bear]

Welcome, Joeniv!

I can't answer your first question directly but you might find someone on the liST who lives near you and will let you test hop their bike.

As to the second question - if you're looking at the ST1300, the oldest model (in the USA) was built in 2003. There are minor recalls for the 2003 model but someone else will have to speak for the '04 and '05 models. Although you didn't ask about model differences, there are a few. All three years of ST1300's come in either standard braking or ABS models. In 2003, the only way to get a factory electric windshield was to buy the ABS version. It can be added with an aftermarket kit. It is standard on the '04 and '05. I think there is also some heat shielding on the '04 and '05 model that didn't come on the '03.

You will be told, ad nauseum, that there are also differences in top speed depending on the color. I won't lower myself to get into that except to say that it's easier to recognize an '03 from the back because that's all most people see of it. :D

Enjoy the forum and don't be shy about asking any questions. We may be biased (hell, we are biased) but you'll get lots of info. Do a search on the FJR onsite and you'll also get lots of opinions on it as well.

Fred :03biker:

[Low Flyer]

Newbie - first time to post here...

I've been riding a small v-twin for several years, mostly summer time riding to and from work on a daily basis with a few longer trips thrown in for good measure. It's time to upgrade, my natural tendency is to head for a larger and newer cruiser. Then, a buddy of mine pointed me to the sport touring bikes, and I've been intruiged and interested at the thought.

My first question - how can I test ride the offerings when the dealers have no stock? I'm interested in either the Yamaha FJR and the Honda ST - and I know one will fit my taste and personality and physique better than the other, but the local dealers have none in stock.

Next question - are there any known defects / issues with any of the older models - I'm not committed to buying brand new, willing to shop and find a good deal. Plus, I'm in no hurry - I need to sell my Virago and I'm waiting on cash to show up...

I've browsed the forum for a couple weeks, lots of good info and good folks posting / sharing...

tia

-joeniv

Joeniv,
Welcome to the site. You'll find that you'll have to look around at this site and also in local and regional papers for want ads for the ST used. There aren't that many and you CAN find one used if you're patient and be consistant in looking. I found mine('04,Blue, we go faster than the others(joke) in a local paper with 1,200 miles. Two days later it was mine(ours, no joke). The '03 doesn't have electric windshield is the only difference that I see. I've taken it to Nova Scotia last summer and we're already planning the camping trips to Maine this week. My best advise is to get your butt and sit on both, read everything that you can, interview both bike owners by e-mail. I love mine and will put 200K on it before I hang up my boots. Rubber side down, jim,Vermont

[nm6r]

Joeniv, here's the info for US models of the ST1300.

The 2003 model was available in Silver. There were a total of 3 recalls on it. A wire chafing, a ground connector and brake proportioning valve check. The ABS model came with the electric windshield. Many non-ABS owners have retrofitted theirs with the electric windshield.

The 2004 model was available in Pearl Dark Blue (the fastest of all the colors). There were a total of 2 recalls on it. The ground connector and the brake proportioning valve check. The electric windshield was standard on both ABS and non-ABS.

The 2005 model was available in Pearl Dark Red. There were no recalls on it. The electric windshield was standard on both ABS and non-ABS.

The 2006 model is (or will be) available in black. The electric windshield is standard on both ABS and non-ABS.

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

[bobcj0]

Jovnie, good luck at finding one either new or used they seem to be a rare creature. I love mine and found it in Omaha Ne on a ride last summer. They put it on the display floor that morning and I bought it within a hour of them parking it. Again I love mine so much more than my old VTX and good luck!:03biker:


Bob

[Asphalt]

Hey man...I posted some questions and received great feedback. I'm looking to pick up a ST1300 this season too.

Link as follows:
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8357


Also, the following link is a pretty good resource with lots of topics you can select in the left frame:
http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/ST1300.html

[STeve1300]

Your height may play an issue if you are short like me.... the ST1300 can be a little difficult to back up.... but the FJR sits 1-1/2 inches taller. Keep at that homework!!!

[CaST]

I looked at both the FJR and the ST and I felt that the ST had better technology starting with the V4 engine versus the FJR inline 4. I think test show the FJR produces more horsepower and its light so it can be said to be faster than the ST. I still think the ST is a better bike. IMHO.

Also, the FJR is a ***** to get because they require that you pay them a $500 down payment and then wait. You rarely see them at a Yamaha dealer.

When I saw a used FJR at a bike shop in Marin County, the owner had just bought the bike and then brought it back to be sold. Why? I think he said that it was too much like a sport bike than a Sport Touring bike.