I've had my '04 ST for five years and love it. It has been very steady. The only repair it needed (which I did myself) was replacement of the fork seals. Nice video with lots of useful, logical information.
That is a really thoughtful review that answers many of the questions most of us face with a purchase of this type. I am currently riding a Shadow Sabre VT1100 and am seriously considering the ST1300. This has a good mixture of Sport and Touring features.
Really nice story; very much reflects my research late last year for a Kawasaki Concours to tour the American Southwest. Ended up with a 2004 ST1300 with 49k odometer and very, very happy with it. Performing a major safety and reliability inspection this winter....cooling system almost completed, then moving on to cleaning the multitude of electrical connectors, pausing to inspect adjunct metal, nuts and bolts, pivot points including hinge joints and all else. Starting a new maintenance log (zero history) as if it were day one. Budgeted same amount paid, for bringing it up to fully roadworthy or better, not spending all of that in 2022. Just seemed like a good guess for costs this year. Liked your comment on suspension as I have already started minor research for options, in the event of not finding anything amiss during inspection. Thanks for the fine review!
Good review! I have an '09 ST1300 and I agree with all of the points you mention here. Dealer network and support is such a big consideration. I like the sound my bike makes: though some dislike that Jetson's saucer whine, to me it is the sound of power. I also like how the bike has so few faults, you can forget about it and concentrate on the scenery and your own thoughts. Some riders may judge that to be a fault in itself, saying a bike must let you know about its personality at all times. That's fine for a short ride, but not all day long! I will be riding my ST a lot this season, and hope to be posting many videos of those rides here. Happy riding! -Jeff
Great review. The ST1300 is by far the best bike I have ever purchased. It great for touring, commuting and dancing the twisty mountain roads. I will check out the site you mentioned.
ST1300 is a fantastic bike even now in 2022 - but it just doesn't have the gear to match up to Beamers and Triumphs. I am replacing my ST1300 with a Triumph Trophy 1200 SE and will keep you posted on how that pans out 🙂Nice work on the review.
Great Great review! Really enjoyed it! I'm in the exzact spot you were with your Vstrom. I have one now I bought new and want to find a bigger cruiser to do longer trips. I have nothing bad to say about the Vstrom, actually it was an awesome bike to get back into riding on. At 57 I wanted to feel comfortable riding once again. Been a looong time since my Penton and Husky days so...I've done a ton of researching too, and since your review I can't wait to ride one. Looks like the price is right and as for dealers and reliability Hondas are up there. I know they have plenty of dealers throughout the US etc. as I want to make sure I can get it serviced no matter where I end up..Thank you for an enjoyable, honest review! Maybe see you out and about!
I have the Grey 2007. Had it from brand new, less than one mile on it. 2014 now, 37,000 miles later and still absolutely love it. Added the top case from Givi and throttle lock. Ram G.P.S. holder on the left side. Only trouble was leaky water pump around 35,000. Not a extremely large issue.
I notice you talk about fitting a throttle lock to the ST. I'm not sure about your country, but electronic cruise is and has been standard equipment here in Australia for a number of years. Peace Bro.
Thanks for your review. I'm currently riding a V-Strom 1000 and love it, but am looking for the "next" bike. The ST is high on the list after I had a look at BMW prices for normal wear items like brake pads. It was also nice to see the ride up Guelph Line, I've done it a billion times. Thanks.
Great video and commentary. Because over here it got bad reviews for a wobble after owning two ST1100's I avoided the 1300 version. when it came out. But as time as moved on I have altered my opinion and may when I get the green light from my wife trade in my Tiger 1050 for one. Thanks again.
Own a 2010 with no abs, wish it had it, adjustable electronic windscreen is awesome, bike is silky smooth, plenty of passing power and torque, fuel range is just about 300miles per tank fillup. Handling is excellent, u can carve if u want to, bike is comfortable, I did install heli bars to lessen the forward lean, I have short arms, seat has 3 way adjustable positions, shaft drive, wish it had a 6th gear. Day trip, weekend trip, perfect bike, maintenance is minimum, honda reliability, with the sport tourers out there: kawee concours, yam fjr, moto guzzi norge, beema r1200rt, triumph trophy, I would take the honda, there all good bikes!
What i like about the st1300 is the torque at low rpm. I had a concours 1400 and that bike was great, faster then the st1300 at high revs and higher topspeed (ECU flash was running 285 kph on the autobahn) but the torque at low revs was worse then the st1300. I am not running topspeed at a daily basis so I like the st1300 better then the concours 1400 as a overall bike. Its comfy and fast enough and has a larger petrol tank. I also like the looks of the st1300.
I'm about to buy a ST1300: 2008, 1-owner, 47,900kms, FSH. There's some trepidation considering my last 'big' bike was a '81 GL1100 Gold Wing Interstate in '91, and I'm currently riding a PCX150. Oh, I forgot to mention, I did no riding between '94 and 2014.
Heh Frickin', John here from Toronto. Coming back to riding after a long hiatus and although toyed with the adventure bike idea (was looking at the V-Strom) also began to feel that I want a little more of the creature comforts. I too have a 29" inseam. My shortlist is very similar: the R1200RT and the ST1300 seem to be the only ones I have sat on that fit me pretty good. Don't like the the new CTX1300. Thanks for the great review. By mid-June I hope to be on a new (new to me) ST1300 or R1200RT. Maybe I'll see you on the road! Cheers!
Pretty good review but I wish you would have gone into the handling off the bike it is heavy I know it's comfortable but it seems like it's a long half day ride to get to the twisties which I thoroughly enjoy if you have done the dragons tail on the STI would love to know how that went. How is the cornering clearance I don't have to drag the pegs plenty of lean angle is a good thing and it is a wide motorcycle
There are lots of add farkles you can put on it. ST-Owners site is a terrific source. I found my 06 with Audiovox electronic cruise, J&M CB and audio controller, Rock Box radio as well as a bunch of mechanicals that makes it reeeeaally nice on 1200 km days.
Do you ended up buying part of the motorcycle that you were looking at earlier how do you buy part of a motorcycle or half whichever word you used and right away on the thing.? You did say the Esty is moratorium biased and the FJR is more sport biased I would tend to agree with you but why can't and white doesn't or why don't Honda not 40 or 50 lbs off of SD it is the heaviest one and give it 10 more horsepower or at least put a sixth gear on it and a gear indicator? A few extra ponies it's not a bad thing it does not have to change the comfort of the bike Andy 40 lb lighter st13 would improve the handling. Come on Honda make the improvements and the sales would increase on that bike style it a bit more sportbikeish
I speak my text and didn't catch the mistakes in the previous text my text should have said you did say the St is more touring biased not moratorium and a 40 lb lighter St would improve the handling how does the acceleration of the St compared to that of the Yamaha if you've ridden an FJR I know the St has a lot of torque
I've always rode a Honda....ST1300, then GL 1800 in the past decade. No regrets....currently have 138k miles on the GL, with zero issues. I only wish Honda would a produce a dual sport comparable to the BMW GS. I would stand in line for that.
Very nice review. Something that might help others who are shopping in this category of bike is that the ST1300 has a 6 speed transmission I believe. The FJR and Goldwing dont'. Maybe a non-issue for some but still something to consider. I've been reading up and watching videos on these bikes and hope to add a used one to the garage.
+Happy Trails All st 1300 have 5 speed cassette transmission, even with only a 5 speed it's possible to get over 320 miles out of tank of fuel( driving 1 up and conservatively) saddle bags and liners are removeable unlike the gold wing and the st has more horsepower than the wing, I picked up 2005 model with 24k miles for 6k had cruise control, raised bars, retractable highway pegs. Have 48k on it now with only replacing battery, brake pads, fork seals and tires.
I know this is 9 yrs old but damn man, you're a die hard.....I've been out a couple of times with snow still on the ground and even with warm gear, froze my butt off. Not to mention having to watch for black ice in the shadows. I was out on my nightster and had a good scare where I thought it was just wet...nope...ICE.... I have a vstar 1100 now and if I was on that, I would have dumped it and slid into the rhubarb.
Yea - I guess a good part of the fun is setting up the farkles. I prefer ear buds for tunes since I like the noise isolation but would love something integrated into the bike. How do you find the J&M gear, I looked at some stuff but it was bulk to me.
So far I am loving the bike, no snow here but there might as well be. A lot of rain and cold. I will ride in rain, I will ride in cold but cold rain - no thanks.
Great idea to do a video on your recent purchase. Guess what.. I purchased a new ST 2012 also! But here, it is still snowing outside. Québec, Sherbrooke.. Canada! The lady is still confortable sleeping in the garage with zero kilometer on the speedo! We could get to follow eachother on Facebook. Find me under Stéphane Lafrance. Great ride!
I've had my '04 ST for five years and love it. It has been very steady. The only repair it needed (which I did myself) was replacement of the fork seals. Nice video with lots of useful, logical information.
Great video and the best ST 1300 review I have seen so far on the ST 1300. thank you
Some good info there , i'm thinking of getting an ST 1300 and this helped .
That is a really thoughtful review that answers many of the questions most of us face with a purchase of this type. I am currently riding a Shadow Sabre VT1100 and am seriously considering the ST1300. This has a good mixture of Sport and Touring features.
Really nice story; very much reflects my research late last year for a Kawasaki Concours to tour the American Southwest. Ended up with a 2004 ST1300 with 49k odometer and very, very happy with it. Performing a major safety and reliability inspection this winter....cooling system almost completed, then moving on to cleaning the multitude of electrical connectors, pausing to inspect adjunct metal, nuts and bolts, pivot points including hinge joints and all else. Starting a new maintenance log (zero history) as if it were day one. Budgeted same amount paid, for bringing it up to fully roadworthy or better, not spending all of that in 2022. Just seemed like a good guess for costs this year. Liked your comment on suspension as I have already started minor research for options, in the event of not finding anything amiss during inspection. Thanks for the fine review!
I just bought an ST1300 about 6 months ago. It's my second one. When I wear this one out I'm pretty sure I'll buy another one.
How many miles before you wore the first one out?
Good review! I have an '09 ST1300 and I agree with all of the points you mention here. Dealer network and support is such a big consideration. I like the sound my bike makes: though some dislike that Jetson's saucer whine, to me it is the sound of power. I also like how the bike has so few faults, you can forget about it and concentrate on the scenery and your own thoughts. Some riders may judge that to be a fault in itself, saying a bike must let you know about its personality at all times. That's fine for a short ride, but not all day long! I will be riding my ST a lot this season, and hope to be posting many videos of those rides here. Happy riding! -Jeff
Just bought a Honda ST 1300A 2004 with only 33,000 km. I just love it.
Great review. The ST1300 is by far the best bike I have ever purchased. It great for touring, commuting and dancing the twisty mountain roads. I will check out the site you mentioned.
Great review. I'm almost sold on one of these.
Really enjoyed seeing some of your road journey over there. Best wishes from Northern Ireland. 🌌🌠👍.
I really liked your informative video, your process is likely how I will start my shopping experience.. Thanks for the example
Thanks for the video Noot! I did a lot of research before I purchased my ST1300 also. Your video was part of that. Well done!
ST1300 is a fantastic bike even now in 2022 - but it just doesn't have the gear to match up to Beamers and Triumphs. I am replacing my ST1300 with a Triumph Trophy 1200 SE and will keep you posted on how that pans out 🙂Nice work on the review.
Very good informative video just what I needed
Great Great review! Really enjoyed it! I'm in the exzact spot you were with your Vstrom. I have one now I bought new and want to find a bigger cruiser to do longer trips. I have nothing bad to say about the Vstrom, actually it was an awesome bike to get back into riding on. At 57 I wanted to feel comfortable riding once again. Been a looong time since my Penton and Husky days so...I've done a ton of researching too, and since your review I can't wait to ride one. Looks like the price is right and as for dealers and reliability Hondas are up there. I know they have plenty of dealers throughout the US etc. as I want to make sure I can get it serviced no matter where I end up..Thank you for an enjoyable, honest review! Maybe see you out and about!
Hi I have to say you have covered topics on bikes I also am considering but didn’t know about the final drive thing.
Thanks and happy driving
I have the Grey 2007. Had it from brand new, less than one mile on it. 2014 now, 37,000 miles later and still absolutely love it. Added the top case from Givi and throttle lock. Ram G.P.S. holder on the left side. Only trouble was leaky water pump around 35,000. Not a extremely large issue.
Nice clear explanation for choosing the bike. I also had traded in my VStrom for the ST1300. Hope you are enjoying it.
I also have a V-Strom and am considering the ST1300…maybe this year
I notice you talk about fitting a throttle lock to the ST. I'm not sure about your country, but electronic cruise is and has been standard equipment here in Australia for a number of years. Peace Bro.
Thanks for your review. I'm currently riding a V-Strom 1000 and love it, but am looking for the "next" bike. The ST is high on the list after I had a look at BMW prices for normal wear items like brake pads.
It was also nice to see the ride up Guelph Line, I've done it a billion times.
Thanks.
Great video and commentary. Because over here it got bad reviews for a wobble after owning two ST1100's I avoided the 1300 version. when it came out. But as time as moved on I have altered my opinion and may when I get the green light from my wife trade in my Tiger 1050 for one. Thanks again.
Own a 2010 with no abs, wish it had it, adjustable electronic windscreen is awesome, bike is silky smooth, plenty of passing power and torque, fuel range is just about 300miles per tank fillup. Handling is excellent, u can carve if u want to, bike is comfortable, I did install heli bars to lessen the forward lean, I have short arms, seat has 3 way adjustable positions, shaft drive, wish it had a 6th gear. Day trip, weekend trip, perfect bike, maintenance is minimum, honda reliability, with the sport tourers out there: kawee concours, yam fjr, moto guzzi norge, beema r1200rt, triumph trophy, I would take the honda, there all good bikes!
helpful review, thank-you.
What i like about the st1300 is the torque at low rpm. I had a concours 1400 and that bike was great, faster then the st1300 at high revs and higher topspeed (ECU flash was running 285 kph on the autobahn) but the torque at low revs was worse then the st1300. I am not running topspeed at a daily basis so I like the st1300 better then the concours 1400 as a overall bike. Its comfy and fast enough and has a larger petrol tank. I also like the looks of the st1300.
I'm about to buy a ST1300: 2008, 1-owner, 47,900kms, FSH. There's some trepidation considering my last 'big' bike was a '81 GL1100 Gold Wing Interstate in '91, and I'm currently riding a PCX150. Oh, I forgot to mention, I did no riding between '94 and 2014.
Heh Frickin',
John here from Toronto. Coming back to riding after a long hiatus and although toyed with the adventure bike idea (was looking at the V-Strom) also began to feel that I want a little more of the creature comforts. I too have a 29" inseam. My shortlist is very similar: the R1200RT and the ST1300 seem to be the only ones I have sat on that fit me pretty good. Don't like the the new CTX1300. Thanks for the great review. By mid-June I hope to be on a new (new to me) ST1300 or R1200RT. Maybe I'll see you on the road! Cheers!
I sold mine a bought a vtx 1300 now thinking bad mistake the st is the best long distance all weather bike out there .
Interesting perspectives
Pretty good review but I wish you would have gone into the handling off the bike it is heavy I know it's comfortable but it seems like it's a long half day ride to get to the twisties which I thoroughly enjoy if you have done the dragons tail on the STI would love to know how that went. How is the cornering clearance I don't have to drag the pegs plenty of lean angle is a good thing and it is a wide motorcycle
Thanks. Very well thought out review.
Thanks - I am working on a 'semi-formal' review video now, that I have a few thousand km's on the bike.
Good review, leaning toward the ST next time round.
There are lots of add farkles you can put on it. ST-Owners site is a terrific source. I found my 06 with Audiovox electronic cruise, J&M CB and audio controller, Rock Box radio as well as a bunch of mechanicals that makes it reeeeaally nice on 1200 km days.
Do you ended up buying part of the motorcycle that you were looking at earlier how do you buy part of a motorcycle or half whichever word you used and right away on the thing.? You did say the Esty is moratorium biased and the FJR is more sport biased I would tend to agree with you but why can't and white doesn't or why don't Honda not 40 or 50 lbs off of SD it is the heaviest one and give it 10 more horsepower or at least put a sixth gear on it and a gear indicator? A few extra ponies it's not a bad thing it does not have to change the comfort of the bike Andy 40 lb lighter st13 would improve the handling. Come on Honda make the improvements and the sales would increase on that bike style it a bit more sportbikeish
I speak my text and didn't catch the mistakes in the previous text my text should have said you did say the St is more touring biased not moratorium and a 40 lb lighter St would improve the handling how does the acceleration of the St compared to that of the Yamaha if you've ridden an FJR I know the St has a lot of torque
I've always rode a Honda....ST1300, then GL 1800 in the past decade. No regrets....currently have 138k miles on the GL, with zero issues. I only wish Honda would a produce a dual sport comparable to the BMW GS. I would stand in line for that.
oops..."ridden"....grammar!
@@TheGeorgiaGent they do, it's called the vfr1200x crosstourer
There is = NEW Africa Twin 1000
Very nice review. Something that might help others who are shopping in this category of bike is that the ST1300 has a 6 speed transmission I believe. The FJR and Goldwing dont'. Maybe a non-issue for some but still something to consider. I've been reading up and watching videos on these bikes and hope to add a used one to the garage.
+Happy Trails All st 1300 have 5 speed cassette transmission, even with only a 5 speed it's possible to get over 320 miles out of tank of fuel( driving 1 up and conservatively) saddle bags and liners are removeable unlike the gold wing and the st has more horsepower than the wing, I picked up 2005 model with 24k miles for 6k had cruise control, raised bars, retractable highway pegs. Have 48k on it now with only replacing battery, brake pads, fork seals and tires.
I know this is 9 yrs old but damn man, you're a die hard.....I've been out a couple of times with snow still on the ground and even with warm gear, froze my butt off. Not to mention having to watch for black ice in the shadows. I was out on my nightster and had a good scare where I thought it was just wet...nope...ICE....
I have a vstar 1100 now and if I was on that, I would have dumped it and slid into the rhubarb.
Well done. im a subscriber now. thank you
Yea - I guess a good part of the fun is setting up the farkles. I prefer ear buds for tunes since I like the noise isolation but would love something integrated into the bike.
How do you find the J&M gear, I looked at some stuff but it was bulk to me.
The pan has a 29 litre tank, that's all the research I need.
So far I am loving the bike, no snow here but there might as well be. A lot of rain and cold. I will ride in rain, I will ride in cold but cold rain - no thanks.
I think that car wanted to pass you! PICK UP THE PACE MAN!!
Great idea to do a video on your recent purchase. Guess what.. I purchased a new ST 2012 also! But here, it is still snowing outside. Québec, Sherbrooke.. Canada! The lady is still confortable sleeping in the garage with zero kilometer on the speedo! We could get to follow eachother on Facebook. Find me under Stéphane Lafrance. Great ride!
Think I am sold ..going to by one