Honda ST1300 vs VFR

Hey, I saw the weave info earlier this year but I forgot about it. I am going to be checking a 2003 ST tomorrow and will be taking for a test ride. I am gonna as the Honda sales guy about the reported wave and see what he has to say about that.

 

Sounds like you need to test ride or at least ck out the '07 triumph Sprint ST :biggrin:

Handles better than the VFR, better non linked ABS, comes with Hard bags, gel seat option, bigger motor/more ponies than the VFR(128), sounds bitch'n, currently 5.9% interest rate zero down loan, just as good or better gas milage than the VFR.

I shopped for the '06 VFR & the ST1300 & luckily for me the dealer also sold triumphs. After cking the Triumph out in person, & looked up all the good & bad on it on the internet, I bought the '06 Triumph instead. I also bought the tail hard bag so my wife could have a back rest when she rode with me.

My Daughter, was given the VFR & can't wait for the Hand me down of the Triumph, because she even likes it better.
Differances of the '06 & '07 Triumph Sprint ST's is '07 has a little taller bars & taller windscreen.

I run 600 mile day trips on mine all the time no probs what so ever !

 

Thanx for the info on the Trimuph ST. I did consider checking out the Triumph ST (I also like the Ducati ST2), but there is just more support/repair and parts readily available for Honda bikes generally speaking (especially in remote areas in the south where I like to travel). It is also easier to find a mechanic who knows how to fix a Honda than a Triumph (generally speaking). I love Ducati bikes, and I sometimes refer to the VFR as a poor man's Ducati. The main reason why I did not get a Ducati is because I am too lazy to work on my bike (except to clean it - I keep my bike shiny), and I do not have the space to do a lot of work on a bike. Also, there are not many Ducati dealers locally and the maintenance is toooo expensive (and they take a lot of time to do routine maintenance). So it looks like I am gonna end up compromising again like I did with a VFR, instead of a Ducati (I love the 916, 999 and who doesn't like the 1098). I live on two wheels and have not driven my car so far this year at all. I want to keep at least two bikes in the stable so if one of them goes in the shop then I can still get to work and around town.

 

I have both the VFR and ST. I love both. Both have their own purpose for me.

The ST1300 is a beautifully confortable and competent ride. It's sport enough to keep up with the sport crew but comfortable enough to make long trips enjoyable. A couple of things that have been mentioned:

High speed wobble. Yes, it's there. On normal roads and in normal driving conditions, there is no wobble. On the highway I feel it, but it's not bad. I am putting a better shield on it which should eliminate 60% of the wobble issue which happens in about 20% of my driving.

Heat. There is a heat issue from the engine. I added the Honda fairing extensions and it removed the heat problem and gave me a larger "windless" pocket.

The bike performs beautifully. I added the Sargent seat like I have on the VFR. Makes a HUGE difference. Riding 2 up is nice and easy. You can preload the rear shocks with a simple trist of the tension gnob. I LOVE this bike.

On the other hand, I LOVE my VFR too. I can definitely go farhter longer with the ST1300. If I am going 2up, the ST is MUCH better. You have more "upright" stance on the ST and it is less tiring to ride long distances than the VFR.

Either way you go, you will have a nice ride.

 

That pretty much sums up my experience too. I replaced a Valkyrie with an ST1300, just under a year ago and just recently picked up a VFR. Both are great bikes and will have different niches in my garage and riding habits. I have experienced "the weave" at speeds much less than 90. FWIW, I always have the top bag on. With a passenger, it's much more solid. I've been over 3 digits, two up, with bone solid stability (though I likely won't do that again).

 

I own both (2009s and ABSs). I agree with pcohenchicago. IMHO if the VFR is an F1 car , Spartan in creature comfort but boy can it handle then the ST is like an NSX, lots more creature comfort and it still handles quiet well.
Now about the wobble: I disagree with pcohenchicago . Did a lot of research before I bought my ST and experimented after I bought my ST. The ST being a well handling machine is not forgiving to bad setup. Tire pressure, preload, tire tread, windshield angle, top box on the tail (no - is better), rider weight, luggage weight and position (remember the weight loading triangle – Tank Bags are awesome). With all these at the right settings I have had my ST upto 130 (statute miles per hour GPS calibrated) without any wobble. And yes I did test some of the above mentioned variable with bad settings and the result…. drum roll…. wobbles. To use a technology expression; GIGO (Garbage In, Garbage Out).

 

Well,
I had a feller pass me like I was sitting still, on an ST 1300, at Deals Gap last year.
I always thought that it would be the "we" bike my wife wants.
I have not earned the dollar that lets me choose, the "we" bike, yet

Mac

Before anybody asks, NO chicken strips, but I was 2-up at the time.

 

I highly recommend a BMW R1150RT or R1200RT. My brother owns an '04 1150. Check either of those models out. About the same power as the VFR, plenty quick, VERY comfortable, carves corners with the best of them, GREAT two up, and OODLES of character. Flat twin, corner carving heaven!

 

I did a group ride this summer and a couple of the guys were on Honda STs. They handle pretty well from what I could tell - and I'm not ashamed to say they were faster than me.

STs also look like they'd be terrific for long trips, better than VFRs for chewing up large chunks of miles for days on end.

The only critism I've heard is the heat some of them throw onto the rider's legs.

 

What's the issue with the 2-up riding? With my '91 I got an aftermarket exaust, clutch, and brake master cylinder with SS lines, and not only was it sportier, it was a better tourer. I got an aftermarket seat eventually as well. I've done a fair amount of 2-up riding and don't really have any complaints. They only issue I have had is with taller women get a little cramped.

So have you looked into modding you VFR to make it work better for you? Also, maybe the new VFR1200F is or up your ally?

 

That and the high speed weave with topbox, but they do handle twisties remarkably well for their size and intended function.