Re: Replacement for the Honda ST1300 in 2014?
Interesting. Can you name any other motorcycle worldwide that has a robust, well mannered, stable, and well attended forum like ST-Owners.com?
I agree that there are flashier motorcycles that are updated more regularly. Those machines are purchased mostly by motorcycle owners, not motorcycle riders. A good indicator/tell are the emotionally driven comments on other forums.
Motorcycle riders will own a ST1100 or ST1300 eventually.
I think you've missed my point. I wasn't speaking of this forum but of the riding segment we call sport-tourers. Isn't it obvious that Honda doesn't think this niche is growing at a rate to justify bringing out a new model. This isn't a new idea given that the ST hasn't been updated in 11 years. Just look at how many people on this site have jumped ship and purchased other brands or models. It's all good though. The site is why we come here and the people are what makes it great.
For all of you new ST dreamers:
Someone please tell me why a publicly traded company would sink millions to design and develop a new model of motorcycle in order to sell a couple thousand models, most of which are not sold in the current model year produced but at a later year at a deep discount. Those that don't think the sport-touring niche is small to begin with and probably shrinking really need to wake up. We've never represented a very large segment of riding, especially in the US, aka the land of the cruisers.
Obviously, the adventure niche is growing and riders in this segment are given bikes like the GS/A, Super Tenerre, Tiger Explorer, etc... Honda produced a half-hearted effort to mimic the adventure style with the NC 700. I own one and like the bike but not because it is an adventure bike. I bought it for what it is.....a small city bike that is cheap and economical.
What frustrates me the most about Honda is their inability to bring bikes already in production in other parts of the world to the US. I concede that the cruiser market is where the money is and don't blame them for following the money trail that this group brings to their bottom line. Why in the world do we not have the Crosstourer as an option for purchase in this country? The motor has already been approved by the EPA because it is in the VFR. To me they are leaving money on the table as US riders are hungry for a viable Honda adventure bike. I'd sell both bikes I own if Honda could bring a true competitor to the GS to the US and not a half-arse attempt either Ma Honda.....we are watching you!
Mike