Sorry Honda !

[bdalameda]

I completely disagree about the Africa Twin. I own a 2019 DCT Africa Twin. Yes it does not have the raw power as say the KTM but it has it where it works the best. It's faster than my ST., Handles fantastic, smooth comfortable and the 270 crank gives it a nice growl. It can cruise a triple digits and then take you out on trails offroad to really explore. The power band is so good that even the higher HP bikes like the KTM's do not have an edge unless you find a long straight road somewhere. In the twisties and the dirt it has no problems keeping up and it is easier to ride a a spirited pace. I think Honda did a fantastic job on the Africa Twin. The 2020 model has cruise control and tubeless tires and I can get an electronic cruise control for mine that utilizes the throttle by wire for fully functionality. I get 45-50 mpg consistently. I do agree that Honda is not listening when it comes to some other models. They have done a great job on some of their smaller bikes like the CB500x though.

 

[Mophead]

After owning Hondas since 1974 I ended my loyalty. Now retired and looking for something lighter and easier to move around I originally looks at the NC Honda 750X It seem like something I might enjoy but just couldn't Get over the fact that it only put out 54hp and had some serious cost cutting in many areas Well now I own a 2020 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT. Quite a machine and loaded with options like ABS, cruise control .traction control ,3 riding modes heated grips and even a quick shifter, Nice removable bags, although they wont hold a full face helmet like the ST.It is a full 200lbs less than ST about the same HP and Torque. The triple is a beast with great low in torque. The cruise is a true blessing. Needless to say I really like it Hated to loose the ST1300. But couldn't pass up the deal. I liken it of going from a Cadillac to a Camaro SS. Still look forward to staying on the STOC sight and conversing. Got to say their sight does not even compare !

MIKE

Mike,
Please continue to hang around. Anxious to hear your take on chain versus shaft drive six months down the road. Always been a shaft drive guy myself so looking forward to a maintenance report and extra hassles if any.

 

[Oldbikefixr]

I'm finding some older Hondas work well..... but you didn't get the CBF1000 there, so sad. FJR great alternative, but if you want lighter........ Tracer was on my list.....
If you want larger capacity bags, either retrofit (rivet on) with FJR saddlebag lids or complete FJR saddlebags (30 litres vs. Tracer's 22L). Find some scratched up ones and paint to suit, be patient for them to come along.

That's why I bought my first 1978 GL1000 in 1991. After a bit of refurbishment, my wife and I rode it some 68,000 miles with a belt failure ending it's service. 'New' timing belt failed after just 2000 miles, I think it was....no telling how long it had been hanging on some distributor's wall. Sold this one, a nearly restored one, and a real project and bought the 1991 ST1100 in 2015...although I was looking for an acceptable CBX. Refurbished it as well, mostly for peace of mind as it turns out. Ended up 'inheriting' a 2006 1300. Mileage is 20,000 and 16,000 respectively so I'm fixed with 'old' bikes for quite a while.

 

[Silver Bullet]

Glad you're happy with it!!

I looked at one and noticed how tiny the saddle bags were. The only way I could see it working for me was with different bags and top case. I thought the gas tank was kinda small also. They wanted $16K out the door.

Wow I got mine for 13,028 0ut the door the bags are plenty big for me .although they wont fit a full face helmet . The gas tank is 4,8 gal I just got 53 mile per gal .on my last fill so you can go 200 mile with a good cushion. Pluss when you remove the bags it looks bad ass. cant say that for the ST It was god awful ugly .

 

[Silver Bullet]

Mike,
Congrats on the new ride! I have a '15 FJ-09 (along with my ST1100) and really enjoy the lighter weight, snappy response and great handling of the "Fudge". Would love to have the electronic cruise (working on an alternative) but it's not a deal breaker for me. I've upgraded the rear shock, and had the ECU flashed (top speed Nanny gone!) which has smoothed out the "snatchy-ness" of the throttle. I hope they improved the stock seat, cause mine seems to have come from the Spanish Inquisition! Terry Adcox took care of that!

Enjoy it!!

Hi and thanks ,liking better each day Just filled up today ,got 52 + mpg so you can push tank to 200 miles with a good cushion.The seat has definitely been improve .A lot better than the stock seat on the ST1300.I hated that thing .Went with a seargent on that and the GT feels about the same as that one .

 

[catcher]

Gotta say I don't share the dissatisfaction expressed in this thread. I see my current stable as being just about perfect - '18 Wing, '16 VFR1200X, and '13 CB1100. I traded my '15 Wing for the new model, and although the older model is a great bike, the new one has a lot of features making it better. Yes, bags are smaller, but I can readily live with that. Less fuel capacity isn't an issue because improved fuel consumption results in similar range. Lighter weight, electric windscreen, great reverse/forward capability, and more!
The VFR performs! Although my previous ST1300 was excellent, I find the VFR just more fun. The DCT on both makes a good bike great! And the CB11 is always a cool conversation starter everywhere it goes...

 

[Silver Bullet]

Gotta say I don't share the dissatisfaction expressed in this thread. I see my current stable as being just about perfect - '18 Wing, '16 VFR1200X, and '13 CB1100. I traded my '15 Wing for the new model, and although the older model is a great bike, the new one has a lot of features making it better. Yes, bags are smaller, but I can readily live with that. Less fuel capacity isn't an issue because improved fuel consumption results in similar range. Lighter weight, electric windscreen, great reverse/forward capability, and more!
The VFR performs! Although my previous ST1300 was excellent, I find the VFR just more fun. The DCT on both makes a good bike great! And the CB11 is always a cool conversation starter everywhere it goes...

I agree then VFRs are nice ,almost pulled the trigger on one several times. Did own an 84 Sabre 700 loved it but traded it for the 07 ST 1300. All nice bikes !

 

[The Cheese]

Congarts on the new bike. Hope it serves you well. Everyone that has one loves it.

To @Mellow, pic doesn't work for me.

If I was to buy a new bike tomorrow I have no idea what it would be. I do know it would not be Honda tho. They don't make anything that competes with the other brands right now. Under powered, under featured and over priced. Other than the new Goldwing they don't have anything competitive.

 

[Shawn K]

I'll confess, I just purchased a 2016 Gold Wing last weekend (brand new... 1 mile on the odometer), and while it's not really a bike that inspires emotion, it has vastly superior heat management compared to my ST1300, and scoots along better than anything that big has a right to. I knew I'd like it because it's a genuinely competent motorcycle, but I'm liking it more than I thought I would.

 

[Silver Bullet]

I'll confess, I just purchased a 2016 Gold Wing last weekend (brand new... 1 mile on the odometer), and while it's not really a bike that inspires emotion, it has vastly superior heat management compared to my ST1300, and scoots along better than anything that big has a right to. I knew I'd like it because it's a genuinely competent motorcycle, but I'm liking it more than I thought I would.

I guess you never know till you try a different ride .There's plusses and minuses on every bike . You learn to adapt and enjoy the good ones !
MIKE

 

[Silver Bullet]

New Tracer update.
Got to say I,m loving the light weight and the ripping power this bike has . This thing brings back the fun in riding. I hate to say but I'm not missing the ST one bit. No it is not as smooth as the ST . Just enough vibe from the motor to let you know there is a rip roaring triple just waiting to be unleashed , but with surprising low end torque and easy low speed manners. It handles like its on rails even with the crappy 205 Dunlop's as original equipment . The cruise control works flawless . Yeah I like it !!!
MIKE

 

[Sheriff41]

New Tracer update.
Got to say I,m loving the light weight and the ripping power this bike has . This thing brings back the fun in riding. I hate to say but I'm not missing the ST one bit. No it is not as smooth as the ST . Just enough vibe from the motor to let you know there is a rip roaring triple just waiting to be unleashed , but with surprising low end torque and easy low speed manners. It handles like its on rails even with the crappy 205 Dunlop's as original equipment . The cruise control works flawless . Yeah I like it !!!
MIKE

And that's really what it's all about, right?

 

[Mellow]

New Tracer update.
Got to say I,m loving the light weight and the ripping power this bike has . This thing brings back the fun in riding. I hate to say but I'm not missing the ST one bit. No it is not as smooth as the ST . Just enough vibe from the motor to let you know there is a rip roaring triple just waiting to be unleashed , but with surprising low end torque and easy low speed manners. It handles like its on rails even with the crappy 205 Dunlop's as original equipment . The cruise control works flawless . Yeah I like it !!!
MIKE

Just wait 'til you get past the break in mileage point and you can really ring it out in the high rpm range... it's a wonderful song..

 

[Upt' North]

If someone has already said this please don't shoot me . OK.
I read somewhere that the FJR lids will fit straight on to the Tracer pannier bodies, is that right. I'm guessing they're either riveted or screwed in place. It'd be good to know.
Upt'North.

 

[Mellow]

If someone has already said this please don't shoot me . OK.
I read somewhere that the FJR lids will fit straight on to the Tracer pannier bodies, is that right. I'm guessing they're either riveted or screwed in place. It'd be good to know.
Upt'North.

Yes they can, same mounts, I think the whike saddlebags will fit.

 

[Silver Bullet]

Just wait 'til you get past the break in mileage point and you can really ring it out in the high rpm range... it's a wonderful song..

Your right ,finally opened it up a little ! You had better have a grip on the bars and be ready to roll the shifter it is blazingly fast ! Thrilling ride!

 

[Walleye]

New Tracer update.
This thing brings back the fun in riding. I hate to say but I'm not missing the ST one bit.

I can certainly concur with the triples fun factor. Always wanted to try the Tracer, not willing to pay for it though. So about a month ago I picked up an 07 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST for a song. Fast, like its on rails on the road and has excellent cornering powers, but the short fairing offers much less wind protection while doing a good job at dispersing and equalizing the wind. I wasn't aware of the Honda ST short comings til I ride it after the Triumph. Long haul as in today's group ride upstate on the interstate in the heat, the the Honda is my choice, short and medium rides that triple keeps me smilin.

 

[Upt' North]

I can certainly concur with the triples fun factor. Always wanted to try the Tracer, not willing to pay for it though. So about a month ago I picked up an 07 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST for a song. Fast, like its on rails on the road and has excellent cornering powers, but the short fairing offers much less wind protection while doing a good job at dispersing and equalizing the wind. I wasn't aware of the Honda ST short comings til I ride it after the Triumph. Long haul as in today's group ride upstate on the interstate in the heat, the the Honda is my choice, short and medium rides that triple keeps me smilin.

Horses for Courses Walleye, Horses for Courses.
Interestingly some older Triumph Triples are good value here too with one or two exceptions.
I have ridden the Sprint ST, nice bike.
Enjoy.
Upt'North.

 

[ST1100Y]

I do agree that Honda is not listening when it comes to some other models. They have done a great job on some of their smaller bikes like the CB500x though.

I'd also rather compare bikes within the same class... the Honda VFR800X Crossrunner seems more within the (target)group and price range the Tracer 900 GT plays along...

 

[DaveWooster]

... I'd probably still have my ST1300 if it hadn't developed the unsolvable misfire. I bought the Super Tenere fully expecting it to be a complementary bike to the ST13, not as a replacement originally. I worked on the ST problem on and off for 2 years convinced I could fix her but eventually I was just over it. Now that I'd bought the Yamaha I didn't really have the budget to buy another ST or FJR so the Super Tenere indeed ended up as the replacement. It does a much better job of long distance riding than I expected. The more open and roomy ergos are nice too. Not as much weather protection as an ST, but so far that and the smaller fuel tank are the only places the ST really beats it for long distance touring.

I didn't want to leave the Honda family but the company left me no choice in discontinuing the ST and offering no comparable replacement. I looked hard at and tested the FJR, nice bike for sure. I can't explain it but it just doesn't push my checkbook response button for some reason. Honda didn't introduce the AT until after I'd already bought the Super T, but comparing the bikes, I would probably have gone for the Super anyway. I heard a rumor that the FJR and Concours are also being discontinued, I think the Kawasaki already has been? If Honda were to introduce a new V4 ST with modern features I would probably buy it immediately.

The new Gold Wing has also caught my eye but I don't see why Honda didn't just take it out to a full 2L in displacement or why they cut so far back on luggage capacity. I see now that Corbin sells color matched deeper lids for the side and top boxes that could solve that problem, assuming they don't look goofy or something. Solving the fuel capacity issue would not seem to be so easy, though at my age my bladder has lost some range too....

Jeff, I am surprised that your ST1300 engine was problematic. I'm sure it had anti-smog equipment on it when new. You didn't modify or remove some of that before the problem began, did you?