Buying decision...

[Meltdown]

For me, the buying decison has been a long and complicated task. My requirements were as follows:

1) Fast / stable
2) Comfortable for long distances
3) Good wind protection
4) Reliability
5) ABS
6) Large community of people with a passion for the bike
7) Large selection of farkles

So...what did I look at?

My first stop was BMW. The K1200LT is a drop-dead beautiful bike as is the K1200GT.

Pros: Teleleveler front suspension. The lack of dive is amazing.
The local dealer is only 50 miles away (BMW of Orlando)
Power everything, smooth as silk, quick. HUGE group of people who are
passionate about the brand.
Cons: From reading the dedicated BMW forums, it seems that there are a percentage of people who are having the rear drivelines blow apart. Routine maintence is EXPENSIVE...and I don't posses the mechanical abilities to wrench myself. Limited dealer network.

Next

Yamaha FJR1300.

Pros: FAST. Good looking. Decent storage. Large group of enthusiastic riders.
Inexpensive.
Cons: Valve problems. No opportunity to test ride. Agressive riding position.

Next

Honda Goldwing.

Pros: The Gold standard in full touring bikes. Reliable as the sunrise. Comfortable as your favorite easy chair. Drive it through a hurricane. 'Nuff said. About 14 million different farkles available for it.
Cons: HEAVY. Not exactly a flickable sportbike...although I have seen the video of Yellow Wolf and Fuse...I wouldn't have the cajones to do that on a 850lb bike. I wouldn't be caught dead at a dairy queen. :D

Honda ST1300.

Pros: No systemic incidents of catastrophic failures. Honda Quality. Turbine smooth. Good protection. Comfortable. Reasonably priced. Lots of nice folks.
Cons: Ummmm....heat issue? Only one color for model year 06.

So...what's the verdict?

ST1300 or a Goldwing.

See...what I really need help with is being able to convince my lovely bride that I really need three seperate motorcycles. A Wing, a ST1300, and a VFR800 (all with ABS). If I have to have one...the ST1300 will win (I was really convinced on the Wing until I ran across this forum).

In my favor of the three bike argument is this: A couple we know just spent $45k on a boat. All three bikes could be purchased for less than that...and I have ZERO desire for a boat. Anyone else have some reasonable arguments I can use? ;)

[Tarheel_Rider]

Begin with buying all 3 as your starting bargaining position, then move to just the Wing and the VFR and "settle" for the ST1300. If you win at any position, you've earned miles of smiles.

[AZST]

I think the ST meets all 7 of your requirements.

Now, having said that, I have been through 2 recalls with my 04 ST and a coolant leak problem.

Overall, the dealer took care of these issues w/ minimum inconvenience. My 36 month unlimited warranty took care of the cost; and technical and moral support was gotten through this forum from other STers with the same issue(s). Heat is subjective. It is there, but does not bother me at all. Others have different opinions/experiences.

I like to think I saved some $ by not choosing the BMW of the GL1800. Great choices for others...but not for me.

FJR and VFR are great considerations but my personal preference is on the "tour" side as opposed to "sport". My riding is more commute to work, long distance sunday rides and sometimes multi day rides. ST1300 is a pleasure to ride in all three of my categories.

Finally, ABS is a must.

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[Ken]

You've left off one very important criteria Meltdown - community - and being part of this great forum should you decide to buy a ST! :)

[AZST]

You've left off one very important criteria Meltdown - community - and being part of this great forum should you decide to buy a ST! :)

Hey Ken,

I've been meaning to ask you....how was the landing on your ST in that avatar?? Looks like you are catching some serious air on that 650lb beaST

Inquiring minds...

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[Ken]

My bad - totally missed #6! Your list is really thorough and it's obvious you've given this a lot of thought. That said, no matter what you purchase you are sure to be happy with it if it meets your needs.

It's true about this little corner of the Internet though - you won't find a more friendly, knowledgeable, and generous group. The commorodity is a big benefit in this ST world of ours.

[AZST]

I did see some folks post about the recalls, but I don't recall seeing what they were for. Anything serious?

Thanks again.

:06biker:

Sorry, I seem to remember two recalls...but appears it was only one (for me anyway).

It was a main wire harness issue. Main wire harness had a connector which was improperly wired -- could have overheated causing some problems with lighting or engine power w/out warning. I never heard of anyone having any of these problems with the connector...but the problem was addressed quickly by Mother Honda and aside from a brief wait for the parts...it really was not a problem for me at all.

--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

[st_rider]

Sorry, I seem to remember two recalls...but appears it was only one (for me anyway).


--Bryan
04ST1300A
STOC# 5197
:04biker:

Wasn't there also a recall for the proportioning valve (part of the LBS). Same as the VFR and GL, IIRC.

[Towjam]

So...what's the verdict?

ST1300 or a Goldwing.


Quite simple really. At 35, you're too young for a 'Wing. :D

[joeseedoo]

Meltdown
I might be able to help you on the FJR1300 side.
I should be in Brevard County this Thurday or Friday get in touch.
1-407-690-2616 Joe

[Drew]

For me, I don't think I'd ever want a bike any heavier than the ST1300. I don't do Interstates if I can avoid them and the ST is a good compromise between heavy enough for super milage days, but not so heavy to be a pig in the twisties.

I was totally on the fence between the FJR and the ST. Truth be told, if the 'O6 FJR was available last year, it probably would have swung me over. Yamaha has been very good on repairing any valve issues, and the '06 is using different oil seals and valve guides, so it really wouldn't worry me. The FJR is pretty mushy-sprung, so suspension work is definatly needed to bring out it's potential. Ths ST is much better, but still could use stiffer front springs.

>>>>Although from reading through the posts here it seems that a lot of folks who have multiple bikes end up riding the ST1300 the most while the others are left to languish in the garage and collect dust.<<<<

Not for me....I love my FZ1 for the versatility of a "standard" bike, and the old R1 motor is a total blast. For commuting and general riding, the FZ is alot more nimble and fun. If I could only have one bike, it probably would be the FZ, not the ST.

I love the ST for touring, and I already did a coast to coast Seattle/Alaska/NYC last year. The bike is fantastic for high speed touring. I am lucky to have two bikes that cover a fairly wide spectrum of riding situations.

You can't go wrong with either the FJR, a bit sportier, or the ST, a bit more comfortable. If you frequently tour two up, get the Wing.

Drew

PS...One other thing, If I knew how horrible my local Honda dealers service was and general Honda parts availability, I would have bought the Yamaha, they treat me much better and have much better factory parts availability. Waiting 2 months for a left hand mirror cover. Not the bikes fault though...

[pdfruth]

Wife and I rode an 82 wing.... then we found the ST11 :D
Been riding 2-up on ST's since 91. No complaints.

Oh ya... other bike is an RC51.


Can't go wrong with the ST13. Best of both worlds (touring and sporting, that is).

Suggestion: You'll want a slightly wider than stock (and perhaps slightly taller) wind-screen for better wind protection for the wife.

[sandman]

Two recalls:

1st. Ground harness connector recall to inspect/replace a possible defective ground wiring harness connector.

2nd. Brake control valve O-ring leak - inspect/replace possible defective/leaking Proportional control valve O-ring. (also recalled the GoldWing for this problem)

Gordon

[st_rider]

Quite simple really. At 35, you're too young for a 'Wing. :D

I was 34 when I bought my first Wing. Didn't own one again until a little over 2 years ago when I picked up a used '02. I just sold my '05 about a week ago. For two-up LD riding, still VERY hard to beat the new Wing, comfort wise - IMHO.

[velomoto]

IMHO, the LT and GW are in a different class than the ST. The ST's main competition are the FJR and the BMW 12RT. Beteen these three I'd put the FJR as more sport, and the 12RT as more touring and peg the ST right in between. That said, there are plenty of people happily crossing the country on FJR's or ST's, and the 12RT's light weight and low CG make it an excellent bike in the twisties!

In terms of farcles availability, one should be able to find pretty much anything they'd want for either the 12RT or the ST. The FJR is new, so much (all?) of what is out there will be for the '05 and earlier models - no telling which will work on the '06.

In terms of reliability it's tough to find anything which will beat the ST. The 12RT is still very new and significantly different from it's predecessor the 1150RT to make a call on the 12RT's reliability. IMO it could be a mistake to use the reliability of the LT or 115oRT to judge the 12RT. The FJR, on the other hand, has proven quite reliable and from what I've read the '06 engine/tranny is pretty much unchanged.

In terms or routine maintenance (ie. what the manual tells ya to do), the 12RT is at the bottom with 6K valve adjustment intervals. The FJR and ST go about three times as long before needing this. Bottom line, expect to spend more on maintaining the 12RT, but don't confuse this with reliability.

As for comfort, stability and wind protection - try to find bikes to ride. Position on the three bikes are quite different - you (or you SO) may find as I did that the riding position on one or more of the bikes is unacceptable. Stock wind protection may be fine for you, but at 6'3" I didn't find a bike with a stock windshield which offered sufficient wind protection. The ST and 12RT have lots of options for aftermarket windshields, seats, etc.

Happy shopping! :)
Greg

[jacketsfan]

Quite simple really. At 35, you're too young for a 'Wing. :D
Thank you for having the courage to say what I could not. :bow1:

[Medicine Bear]

Quite simple really. At 35, you're too young for a 'Wing. :D

The flip side of that are all the people telling me I'm too old to have an ST! :eek:

Not my problem... :D

Fred :03biker:

[st_rider]

The flip side of that are all the people telling me I'm too old to have an ST! :eek:

Not my problem... :D

Fred :03biker:

You have a LONG way to go!!!! IIRC, we have a couple in their mid to late 70's.

[Medicine Bear]

You have a LONG way to go!!!! IIRC, we have a couple in their mid to late 70's.

Oh yeah, I know I'm not too old but they don't. To paraphrase: I'll quit riding my ST when they pry the grips from my cold, dead fingers (or until SWAMBO forces me to buy a Wing, whichever comes firST). :D :D :D

Fred :03biker:

[Mark]

Oh yeah, I know I'm not too old but they don't. To paraphrase: I'll quit riding my ST when they pry the grips from my cold, dead fingers (or until SWAMBO forces me to buy a Wing, whichever comes firST). :D :D :D

Fred :03biker:

STay on the ST let SWAMBO buy and ride her own wing!

Mark

[Medicine Bear]

STay on the ST let SWAMBO buy and ride her own wing!

Mark

She's 4' 10" and 95 pounds. She's already eyeing a Wing trike! :eek:

Fred :03biker: