Re: Replacement for the Honda ST1300 in 2014? A short article with responses.
If Honda wants to compete with the other brands, they need to offer what the other models do, such as cruise, power outlets, upgraded suspension, and better instrument cluster that can actually be seen in daylight. Then come up with something revolutionary the others don't have...and watch the sales numbers climb.
Not me. I happen to think there is a good market for a true replacement for the ST though. Currently BMW has most of that market. How many others get approached by people who think our STs are BMWs? I don't have numbers, and really don't care enough to go look for some, but if I had to guess I think BMW has half to 3/4 of the Sport Touring sales. The rest get divided up mostly between Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki. The other European brands make up the fraction that is left. I feel the sales numbers exist, Honda just needs to come up with something to grab buyer's attentions. Being a follower and not a leader isn't going to cut it if they want to make money.I don't think there's any market for a true replacement for the ST. What I think Honda will do is make a T version of the VFR with a larger fairing, full bags, higher bars, adjustable tall windscreen, softer seat, etc., etc.
I'm not interested. Anyone else interested?
THIS. I watch my MPG drop like a rock as the revs come up on the highway. No need for that on a sport TOURING bike. Adding a 6th gear would keep the good acceleration of the current 5-speed, with the economy of the 6th gear. I know higher speeds equal lower MPG anyway, but every engine has a "sweet spot" where it just loves to run at, having adequate power and good economy at the same time. Unfortunately the ST is well above the sweet spot at highway speeds. Its happiest running 45-55mph. Good for around town, not the highway.Are you nuts ? I loved my ST but was always trying to shift up, it really needs a 6 speed (just like all the other sport touring bikes).
I just switched to stock pipes and I keep hitting the rev limiter now because I simply can not hear the engine...at all...at higher speeds, and I have very good hearing. I have also found myself in 4th gear on the highway several times because I simply can't hear anything except wind noise and a tiny bit of ST whine now. I loved the sound of the Two Brothers pipes when they were on. They sounded good, but not loud, and I could hear the engine at all times. Unfortunately I want to keep peace with the neighbors very close to my shop when I'm warming my bike up late at night.8krpm Suprasaber ! Why ? I made a badshift once at around 6000 and I still remember the sound of the transmission when it stops to %$?&*$$...
It seems like you are contradicting yourself. Personally I think the current style, although 10 years old, is still modern enough to keep up with the competition. I haven't seen anything offered by the competition that makes me think the style of my ST is outdated, or makes me say "wow, that is nice!". And going through engineering to change the style WILL drive the price up. In theory the newest St1300s are WAY overpriced, since the tooling & engineering should have been paid for long ago. If all Honda does is making some changes to the plastic, I'll keep my ST until it stops moving, then find a clean, low mileage 1300 to replace it with. I'm not going to spend extra money on something with some different plastic without some real changes to go with it.I don't need anything that would just drive the price up - just give me the essentials: larger tank, more upright seating, new styling. I'll just put off adventure bikes until the prices come down.
If Honda wants to compete with the other brands, they need to offer what the other models do, such as cruise, power outlets, upgraded suspension, and better instrument cluster that can actually be seen in daylight. Then come up with something revolutionary the others don't have...and watch the sales numbers climb.