I had a big smile on my face today and it wasn?t because of the ST.
I spent the day at ?Thunder in the Valley? in Johnstown, PA. A number of bike manufacturers were there (not Honda), and I test drove two large cruisers and then the Yamaha FJR1300.
The large touring cruisers were the Kawasaki Vulcan and the Suzuki Boulevard. These cruisers have a very low center of gravity and are extremely easy to ride, but if you like fast speeds and twisty roads, these won?t do it for you. If I didn?t already own an ST1300 and had never rode a sport touring bike, I probably would have thought these bikes were great, and would be proud to own one. But, once you experience the power and fun of a sport touring bike, these bikes just don?t cut it.
My third test ride of the day was the Yamaha FJR1300. I wanted to ride this bike since I seriously considered this bike before buying the ST1300. I never had the opportunity to test ride either bike before making my purchase of the 2004 ST1300a.
I?ve mentioned before that the ST puts a big smile on my face. Well, the FJR does too. I had a great time riding this bike. The Demo leader said we will give you a chance to see the capabilities of this machine, but if anyone asks, ?the speed limit is 55mph, and I obey the speed limit?
The demo ride was about 25 miles, and twice I was able to reach 90 mph. This was a fun machine to ride. The acceleration from 55 to 90 was fantastic.
What I liked: The light feel of the FJR, no top heavy sensation at slow speeds. The mirror positions (Higher), making it easy to look at the road ahead and see the rear view at the same time. The seat height ( I have a Corbin and have are hard time standing flat footed, but on the FJR it was easy. Slow speed hard turns were easier than the ST
Others have said that the FJR is more on the sport side, and they are right. I believe if you take the same person, on a track, and have them run hard for best times on both bikes, the FJR will beat the ST. I was impressed.
But, the ST is more comfortable on long rides, and I do lots of long rides.
So, I am glad I bought the ST1300. It still puts a smile on my face, but if I had bought the FJR, I would also have a big smile.
So, you FJR guys and gals, you?ve got a great bike!
BTY - I took the tour route home, and in the area where I hit 90 on the FJR, I rolled on the trottle and hit 110 on the ST. That is the fastest I've ever gone on the ST, and it was as smooth and easy as ever. I think I could have cruised at 110 easily for many miles, but, this was a test and as soon as I reached 110, I backed it down to 70MPH to at least be reasonable.
Gosh - these bikes are fun!
I still have a big smile, but you FJR guys............ you've also got a great bike.
I spent the day at ?Thunder in the Valley? in Johnstown, PA. A number of bike manufacturers were there (not Honda), and I test drove two large cruisers and then the Yamaha FJR1300.
The large touring cruisers were the Kawasaki Vulcan and the Suzuki Boulevard. These cruisers have a very low center of gravity and are extremely easy to ride, but if you like fast speeds and twisty roads, these won?t do it for you. If I didn?t already own an ST1300 and had never rode a sport touring bike, I probably would have thought these bikes were great, and would be proud to own one. But, once you experience the power and fun of a sport touring bike, these bikes just don?t cut it.
My third test ride of the day was the Yamaha FJR1300. I wanted to ride this bike since I seriously considered this bike before buying the ST1300. I never had the opportunity to test ride either bike before making my purchase of the 2004 ST1300a.
I?ve mentioned before that the ST puts a big smile on my face. Well, the FJR does too. I had a great time riding this bike. The Demo leader said we will give you a chance to see the capabilities of this machine, but if anyone asks, ?the speed limit is 55mph, and I obey the speed limit?
The demo ride was about 25 miles, and twice I was able to reach 90 mph. This was a fun machine to ride. The acceleration from 55 to 90 was fantastic.
What I liked: The light feel of the FJR, no top heavy sensation at slow speeds. The mirror positions (Higher), making it easy to look at the road ahead and see the rear view at the same time. The seat height ( I have a Corbin and have are hard time standing flat footed, but on the FJR it was easy. Slow speed hard turns were easier than the ST
Others have said that the FJR is more on the sport side, and they are right. I believe if you take the same person, on a track, and have them run hard for best times on both bikes, the FJR will beat the ST. I was impressed.
But, the ST is more comfortable on long rides, and I do lots of long rides.
So, I am glad I bought the ST1300. It still puts a smile on my face, but if I had bought the FJR, I would also have a big smile.
So, you FJR guys and gals, you?ve got a great bike!
BTY - I took the tour route home, and in the area where I hit 90 on the FJR, I rolled on the trottle and hit 110 on the ST. That is the fastest I've ever gone on the ST, and it was as smooth and easy as ever. I think I could have cruised at 110 easily for many miles, but, this was a test and as soon as I reached 110, I backed it down to 70MPH to at least be reasonable.
Gosh - these bikes are fun!
I still have a big smile, but you FJR guys............ you've also got a great bike.
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