Re: Replacement or Refinement for the Honda ST1300 in 2014?
When I wrote the short article I though it might stimulate some discussion- but I didn't expect 5,356 views and 129 comments. I dreamed of having the time to write a careful and considered response but job and kid pretty much stuffed that up.
The one issue that is of particular note is whether to use a variant of the VFR engine or not. It's seems that the majority would prefer an updated version of the ST 1300 longitudinally mounted V4 configuration, while a minority favour the use of the VFR power plant.
I think the latter position is disappointing. It would be like someone who loves the BMW RT reading on an RT forum that it would not matter if the boxer twin engine configuration was replaced with a V twin- after all it would still be a twin.
So let?s be clear. I guess what I really want to see is some serious R&D going into refining and upgrading the Honda ST1300, not replacing it with a VFR1200 T (or some other designation indicating more emphasis on touring than is the case with the current VFR1200).
Don?t get me wrong, although I haven?t ridden a VRF myself, I love the looks of the VRF800 and it has outstanding reviews and many loyal fans. The VFR1200 on the other hand is in my thoroughly subjective view one of the ugliest sport tourers on the market and has received mixed reviews at best. But, in any case, a VFR is a VFR- from all accounts a very different bike to the ST.
In view of how much Honda improved the ST when upgrading the ST1100 to the ST1300 :bow1:, it?s not hard to imagine just how much better the next generation ST (1400?) might be. I very much hope this is what they do. Of course, commerical realities in the midst of the deepest crisis of the world capitalist economy since the 1930s may prevent this from happening.
If they do decide to discontinue the ST line and just modify the VFR, there will be many loyal ST owners who will respond by happily holding on to their existing bikes. I?ll look forward to continuing sharing the joys of ST riding with you folks
, and bid farewell to those VFR bound...