go from a ST1100 to FJR1300- pros and cons?

 

I have a '02 ST1100 with 17k miles, clearview tinted shield, dash, Givi
50L trunk, throtlemeister. I like the bike, fit/finish, power, etc...

I am thinking of upgrading to a FJR1300 for something different, more
power, etc. Here is are some pros and cons that I can think of. The
dealer is sitting on an '05 abs model and wants to move it out the door
for $12.3k (tax, title, etc). I should be able to get it for $12k.

Please add any that I may have missed-

ST1100 pro- rock solid, long distance confort, great build quality,
vibration is minimal until you get over 80MPH and only gets to the bars
(bar snake?), decent torque, good weather protection in cold weather,
bags can be left unlocked/have two latches, good looking for a 10+ year
old design.

ST1100 con- sort of bland overall, gets a little hot behind windshield
in warm weather, a tad heavy, bags are a a little clunky to remove,
bike looks like crap without bags, mirrors a little low.

FJR1300 pro- 145HP, a little more sporty, looks good without bags,
adjustable shield, mirrors in normal spot (a litte small).

FJR1300 cons- I4 buzzy?, pegs further back not comfortable?, bags are a
little cheezier in the lock/latch area (yet easy to remove), fit/finish
not up to honda par, shield much further from rider, not as much
weather protection

What do you guys think? I think the price is decent even though I don't
really want the ABS. I have not been able to ride a FJR, so I don't
have any way to compare the two.

Kirb

 

kirbseepe@yahoo.com wrote:


Do you happen to be in the Seattle area?

 


Jerry Houston wrote:

midwest

kirb

 

kirbseepe@yahoo.com wrote in


 It's been five years since my last bike (Honda Shadow)and I was determined
to wait to get back in the saddle until I could get my BMW or maybe the
Honda ST...........until I saw the FJR. Last Monday I took the leap and
found one near me. A 2005 with 145 miles on it. Rolled off the show room
floor in August. I got it for 10,500.Completely stock.I've had it a
week....here are my thoughts.Mind you, I've also been reading everything I
could concerning this bike.So first off.....HOLY CRAP DOES THIS MOTHER
MOVE!!!! I put 450 miles on it in the last two days. I'm 5'10 so my torso's
angle to the grips has me leaning forward a bit. Even if I'm hugging the
tank. This made my hands a bit numb and uncomfortable on a 200 mile trip
but I just installed 1 1 10 degree risers that have eliminated all
pressure on the palms. I'm sitting straight up. I was very comfortable with
the peg position.I will definitely get a better\taller windshield.

 I couldnt be happier right now and I cant keep my ass off this thing.
 I have never ridden the ST so I dont know how they compare but I'm lovin
life on my FJR.

Bean

 

Beandout wrote:

Interesting!  I rode an 1100 Shadow Spirit for several years before I got my
FJR.  (I didn't trade the Shadow for the FJR ... I traded it in later when I
bought my R6.  The FJR had completely eliminated any need for the cruiser.)


Small world.  I bought mine in August of '04, and it had about 150 miles on
it.  Someone had bought it, cranked open the throttle, and got scared.


I bought bar risers too, and I think it was BECAUSE I'd spent the last few
years on a cruiser.  I expected more of a Laz-Y-Boy experience, whereas the
FJR was a bit more sporty than that.  I even checked into taller and wider
screens from Cee Bailey, and nearly ordered one.  Eventually, I came to my
senses, started riding with the stock screen in the fully DOWN position and
removed the risers.  (I'd wondered why the aforementioned R6 was so much
smoother in that respect than my FJR, when the R6 has virtually no
windscreen, and the FJR's was always fully up when I rode it.)

If you ride with the screen fully down, there is zero buffeting from
turbulence behind it.  The airflow comes very smoothly off the top of the
screen, and supports your upper body, making the slightly-forward position
actually more comfortable than sitting straight up.  I still put the screen
up all the way when we're riding and hit rain, because it helps make the
water run down off my faceshield.  As soon as we're past the rain, though,
the screen goes down all the way again.  It's simply the most comfortable
way to ride an FJR.  With the screen fully up, it feels like someone's
pressing gently on my back, and I can't wait for it to stop.


Same kinda feeling here.  As I mentioned, I did eventually buy an R6 for
commuting to work and carving up the mountains on the weekends (I live near
the Cascades), but then, my idea of a family car is a supercharged 2-seat
roadster.  But for two-up touring with my wife on back, I can't imagine
anything better than an FJR.  And if a law were ever passed saying that we
could own only one motorcycle, we both know which one I'd keep.

Ride safe!