ST1300 vs FJR1300

[ChucksKLRST]

I owned a 1992 ST1100 std for 10 years and 80000 miles, traded it in for a new 2003 ST1300, 12 years and 130000 miles on it. Traded it in on a new 2014 FJR 9 years now and closing on 60000 miles on it. IMHO the FJR has all the good traits of both the ST11 and the ST13 with none of the bad. Of course one needs to set the bike up for their Ergos. Goes for any bike. FJR is easier to maintain and trouble free. 60000 mile and only had to replace fork seals (and that is berceuse of the crappy Colorado roads). Yes, go ride them both in the mountains and see which fits you best. ST1300 = sport TOURING, FJR= SPORT touring. Both will do the long haul.

 

[diferg]

The strongest argument for the ST-1300 is "It's Paid For", and is still highly functional. If I ever buy another bike it will most likely be an FJR!

 

[the Ferret]

I also owned both, an 06 ST 1300 for 110,000 miles and 2018 FJR for 38,500 miles before I traded it in on a 21 NC 750X DCT because my wife quit riding and I didn't feel like I needed a 145 hp 600 pound bike for riding solo. I've put 35,000 miles on the NC.

Really enjoyed both bikes, and miss them both, but I'm in a different place now motorcycling wise, and the NC is doing everything I am asking of it while weighing under 500 pounds and getting an average of 70 mpg.

Both the ST and FJR were 4 cyl, liquid cooled, shaft drive, electric shield, full fairing and saddlebag, triple disc brake equipped reliable sport touring motorcycles

The FJR is where the ST 1300 should have been had Honda kept updating it, instead of letting it stagnate for what 8 years, before being discontinued altogether.

The FJR has lighter weight, more power, 6 speed trans, cruise control, heated grips, ABS, TC, uses regular gas, and 26,000 mile valve adjustments.... plus it looks good with the saddlebags off for everyday riding. Changing the oil and filter on the FJR is a revelation in easy next to the ST 1300.

Either will take a rider, their passenger and touring gear as far and as fast as they want to go in comfort. Trouble is the newest ST you can buy is 10 years old. You can still (for another year) buy a new FJR.

Honda really needs to bring the NT 1100 stateside imo.

 

[Donk]

Speedo on FJR reads close to correct the ST1300 is wildly optimistic even by sport bike standards! Other than that they are both good but obsolete bikes. One is just more obsolete than the other.

 

[rtbmrgl]

Does the FJR and ST have a similar lean angle towards the handlebar. Even with Heli bars on my ST1300, I wish it was back just a little bit more.

 

[Duporth]

Both fabulous bikes, legends in the sport-touring world.

Police and Highway Patrol riders are still on the FJR's here.

 

[Chris09]

I don't really believe there's that much [16 vs 21] difference of distance to leg, call it a hunch, call it a stretch, guess over the last while that would have caught my attention; however, there was a really nice FJR 2023 I think for sale for about 22 grand which in my opinion is underpriced.

 

[NVDucati]

I just did a solo X-country ride, California / Cape Cod and back. Left home on a ST1300P came back on a FJR1300.
As is obvious, both bikes are more than capable. The FJR is a mile-eating appliance. The ST1300 has more soul.

 

[W0QNX]

Funny how most here have decided to compare the 2016 plus FJR A or ES to the 2002 designed and released ST1300.

2002 FJR didn't have stock CC, stock ABS, stock TCS, 6 speed transmission. Did the 2002 FJR have an electric windscreen? Yes Honda should have kept up but apples to apples.

 

[dduelin]

Funny how most here have decided to compare the 2016 plus FJR A or ES to the 2002 designed and released ST1300.

2002 FJR didn't have stock CC, stock ABS, stock TCS, 6 speed transmission. Did the 2002 FJR have an electric windscreen? Yes Honda should have kept up but apples to apples.

It's because Honda did not update the ST that we can compare FJR's features that are lacking in the ST. That in itself is an important part of the comparison.

 

[Mellow]

You can compare the last year model ST w/that year model FJR..

In the end, it doesn't matter... you either like one bike or not.

I like that Yamaha kept updating the FJR and it's got some nice features. I've sat on one and immediately didn't like it... I know, never rode it, just didn't like the ergos immediately.... However, the ST was always good for me.. I'm sure I'm biased because I had 2 and liked them.

But, both are heavy and for me the FJR felt heavier... seems odd but then you sit on a Wing and it feels lighter than both... until you start dong some 20/15/10 mph twisties and then the Wing got heavy - to me...

Sure, the FJR Owners will call the ST old and missing features... I have a new RT and I can say the same about the FJR lol... who cares... find what you like and works for you and ride it 'til you want something else.

I read bike reviews when I think about something different but they all tend to mimic the ones before with the same nit picks... I go ride one and see what I think because in the end that's all that matters, MY OPINION on the bike I'M INTERESTED in... not what others think...

drop the mic mouse.... LOL

 

[the Ferret]

Funny how most here have decided to compare the 2016 plus FJR A or ES to the 2002 designed and released ST1300.

2002 FJR didn't have stock CC, stock ABS, stock TCS, 6 speed transmission. Did the 2002 FJR have an electric windscreen? Yes Honda should have kept up but apples to apples.

I just compared the two motorcycles I owned. I can't compare something I didn't own. I test rode an FJR before buying my ST 1300 in 2006 and preferred the ST at the time. There was no new ST 1300 to test ride in 2018. Had there been an updated ST I may have very well stuck with the Honda, but Honda gave me no choice.

Heck by not bringing in the NT 1100, Honda is not giving me a choice on a new Sport Tourer even today. I'd have to go with another FJR, a Suzuki GT1000 or a Kawasaki 1000SX

 

[ChucksKLRST]

I just compared the two motorcycles I owned. I can't compare something I didn't own. I test rode an FJR before buying my ST 1300 in 2006 and preferred the ST at the time. There was no new ST 1300 to test ride in 2018. Had there been an updated ST I may have very well stuck with the Honda, but Honda gave me no choice.

Heck by not bringing in the NT 1100, Honda is not giving me a choice on a new Sport Tourer even today. I'd have to go with another FJR, a Suzuki GT1000 or a Kawasaki 1000SX

Same here I test rode a brand new 2003 FJR before I put my money down on my 2003 ST13. Thought I would kill myself, as it was very fast. Rode my ST13 for 12 years, my riding buddy bought the FJR and we alway were comparing bikes and switching off. If Honda had continued to upgrade the ST, I would be riding one to day, however....... they did not so I decided to go with a new FJR back in 2014. Something a bit different with the upgrades and color I wanted. It is all personal choice. As far as egros go, I have to adjust all my bikes for my comfort level. Some more some less. As you all can see from my sig block I have branched out a bit to try other types of machines. The big Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE is a great machine also. A bit tall but makes a great Sport Touring machine and mile muncher even though it has a drive chain. But my favourite bike that fits me like an old comfortable pair of boots in my Suzuki V-Strom 650. Minimal amount of Tech, great fuel economy and very easy and inexpensive to maintain. For ME living in Colorado, at my stage of life, family situation, and present riding enthusiasm, the V-Strom is is my favorite for now. Motorcycle variety is the spice of life. Ride what you like and want but most important be safe and have fun. Life is short enough as it is.

 

[Sadlsor]

I have to smile a little when I hear folks talk about "lack of power" on the ST1300.
Having owned a CBR1100XX, a CBR600, and later a KTM 950, I feel I have experienced "power." I've never found my 1300 "down on power", but as Chuck, Joe and others have already stated... ride and buy what moves ya.
The ST moves me quickly through traffic when I've the need, I don't do any "mine's bigger than yours" comparos from traffic lights or on the highway with bikes or with cars.
As @STRider mentions, virtually any option we lack can be added, whether cruise, heated grips or seat, adjustable shocks, etc., with the exception of the electronics like traction control and ride modes, but I can use my right wrist for those. The low price point for entry into the 1300 world (moreso the 1100) leaves plenty of change left over for add-ons.
Perhaps I'm too easy, but I've never felt the need for bar risers on any bike I've owned, or peg lowering gizmos, but I'll admit some highway pegs would be nice on occasion, yet I've ridden all my life without them, too.
I don't usually bash other bikes (with the exception of Harley, but heck, everyone does, just because we can), so I've nothing against the Yamaha offerings. The FJR has proven itself through the years.
But I'll agree Honda did themselves and the riding community a grave disservice by not updating, and then discontinuing the ST lineup, with no similar replacement for our riding styles and preferences.

 

[Andrew Shadow]

But I'll agree Honda did themselves and the riding community a grave disservice by not updating, and then discontinuing the ST lineup, with no similar replacement for our riding styles and preferences.

I would hazard to guess that that was most likely because the target that they were servicing was profits, not the public.

 

[MidLife]

Not owning a FJR, but from the specs on eSuspension on latest models, would have expected a comfort advantage?

 

[mortenk]

Not owning a FJR, but from the specs on eSuspension on latest models, would have expected a comfort advantage?

I can ride longer on my FJR than my ST before I get tired. However, that could easily be due to my choice in seats. My ST came with an aftermarket/custom seat when I bought it used, and I have no idea what it was. But it wasn't very comfortable. I had risers on both bikes - I feel that's a must. The FJR stock screen is laughable but plenty of options for better wind protection. As far as the electronic suspension goes, it's definitely a nice feature if you ride varying road conditions (like city and twisties) as you can change damping on the fly. It may also be nice if you switch between 2UP and 1UP often as the pre-load adjustment is easily done prior to your ride.

 

[mortenk]

Funny how most here have decided to compare the 2016 plus FJR A or ES to the 2002 designed and released ST1300.

2002 FJR didn't have stock CC, stock ABS, stock TCS, 6 speed transmission. Did the 2002 FJR have an electric windscreen? Yes Honda should have kept up but apples to apples.

If someone is trying to decide on FJR vs ST, they are very likely going to consider a newer FJR - I mean, one of the benefits of going with the Yamaha is that you can still get a newer one. When I switched from my 2007 ST to my FJR, I definitely wanted an "almost new" FJR. I liked the 2016 color, so I bought a two year old bike and that's what I will compare my 2007 ST ride with. I expected to like the newer and more advanced bike - and I do. Otherwise I would have sold it and gone back to the ST. That's not going to happen though - mostly due to the age.

 

[Jeff F]

Does the FJR and ST have a similar lean angle towards the handlebar. Even with Heli bars on my ST1300, I wish it was back just a little bit more.

Check out this site to see how you fit on pretty much any bike.

https://cycle-ergo.com/

 

[MidLife]

I can ride longer on my FJR than my ST before I get tired.

Was also wondering about parts interchangeability. Many parts are common over all the ST years, maybe not quite so with the Yam?