TNST_Rider

Delete - decided not to sell

Deleted

I've done a few miles on an ST1300. Felt like an old friend (ST1100), but with a little more punch. Reportedly better brakes - my ride did not require really testing them out. Those who have done a lot more miles on both suggest the 13 turns in just a bit quicker, but is not quite as stable on the open highway. Tight twisties might be a bit easier on the 13, the longer wheel base of the 11 feels a bit more planted in long, open sweepers. Both make terrific long-distance mounts. Both play nicely in the curves when you get there. Both handle 2-up quite well. Some prefer the feel and lines of the 1100 better (one friend has 3 ST1100's and has NO intention of "upgrading" - and he has done thousands of miles on both). Some prefer the modestly punchier engine and sharper lines of the ST1300. Personally, the biggest advantage of the 13 over the 11 is the electrically adjustable windshield. Keep in mind, a 2003 ST1300 with standard brakes is the only model that does NOT included a power shield. It is adjustable, just manually. All other ST1300 models have the motorized shield. I am no racer, but I have ridden with friends on 1300's when I was on my ST1100 and they weren't pulling me much at all when I was romping the ST. The ST1100 is clearly an older bike, but even the ST1300 is getting long in the tooth when compared to the competition. A common lament on the other forums I frequent is the lack of a revised model from Honda. Having said that, both machines are still terrific mounts in the sport-touring line-up, with a stellar reputation for reliability and longevity. I know one gentleman running a late 90's ST1100 with over 200,000 miles on the clock - and he still rides it in the big IBR rally... -)

Arrived Thursday, thanks!!!! - kbt

Tough question. Keeping in mind I am not the most aggressive rider... In all honestly, the ST is quite a machine. I have scraped pegs on ST's a few times - even AFTER I learned to not lean out of the turn... :-) I have touched (not "scraped") toes and pegs on the open sweepers on Cherohala Skyway. Trust me, we were haulin' - not sure what the statute of limitations is so I won't be more specific and it was several yrs ago... :-) I have pulled away from less experienced riders on much sportier bikes on the Dragon, and had a very experienced sport bike rider commend me on how well I was pushing "that big ST along" on the Dragon - at the stop at the other end 'cause try as I might I lost sight of him in 6 curves! (He was trailing me for a bit before I could find a safe place to wave him around.) In all that, I've ridden with others on ST's that I could only watch disappear from view. So - more is in the rider than the machine, but... For MY skill level and experience, the 'Bird's 200 lb advantage coupled with firmer suspension and more confidence inspiring brakes, more neutral weight balance and more forward riding position make MY level of riding feel smoother and easier compared to the ST. I have almost 70k miles of riding on two ST's. Every time I get on one it feels like a well broken in glove. The bar spacing and upright riding position make even the relatively heavy ST very flickable to me. I say "relatively heavy", yes, the ST1100 is heavy at 740 lbs, but still not "porky" when compared to a full dress cruiser... I am still learning the 'Bird. At this point I would hazard a guess that for MY level of experience - and "every thing is relative" - the 'Bird is 25% easier to ride quickly on bent roads. Given more miles and a higher confidence level on the 'Bird I could see that estimated % drifting higher. Where I am now - a well ridden ST could likely leave me in the dust even on the 'Bird... in the twisties. I love the ST - but off the line and high end the 'Bird leaves it gasping. And the ST ain't no slouch there, either... :-) Don't mean to run on so, but - to me - that is an easy question to ask. Not so easy to answer.

Just in case someone might be looking for something a bit different... I have decided to sell my non-ABS 1996 ST1100. ---Edited Advertisement Post--- Edited... Funny thing happened the other day... I decided to NOT sell this bike. Not sure how to fully edit the thread away, so piece mealing it... :-) - kbt

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