ST1300 and FJR1300 Comparison

number1barber said:
I ride a 2008 st1300. Last year the alternator failed and this year the coolant hoses were brittle so i changed them all. Now i have a oil leak from the water pump and its burning oil when i accelerate. So its time for a new bike as its my daily vehicle and i cant be without one due to work.
Im tempted by another ST1300 as i have worked on them plenty and can swap the mods to the new bike with ease one cheaper than the FJR
Im tempted by the 2013 gen 3 FJR1300 for the cruise control and less heat no idea how hard they are to work on though
Day to day use is in town 20 minutes each way monthly use is rallies around 200-300 miles away
...

So if the panniers will hold my Nolan i will go with the FJR1300 run it faster daily with topbox only and then monthly with full luggage using cruise control. My Broken St1300 will get time to be fixed and will become my backup bike
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The reason I have owned five ST1300s, was because I was commuting 125 a day.

After putting on 140K miles on my first ST1300 (2005), around 2012, I decide that I needed a ST1300 with less miles for long trips and just continue using the 05 for commuting and have the 04, also as a back up.

But then a year later (2013) I stumbled on a 2010 with 1,500 miles that was wrecked, but not totaled. And a year later (2014) yet another wrecked ST1300 came into my grasps.

Like you, I became very familiar with working on the ST1300s and I started accumulating extra parts and then some more extra bikes (three of which I had to get rid of).

My suggestion, IF the ST1300 satisfies your needs, and you already have one that you wouldn't get money for anyway, why not look for a low mileage ST1300 (you might have to replace a few things on), and stick with them.

Good luck on what you decide.

BTW, I don't remember seeing how many miles you have on your 2008 ST1300?
 
number1barber said:
I ride a 2008 st1300. Last year the alternator failed and this year the coolant hoses were brittle so i changed them all. Now i have a oil leak from the water pump and its burning oil when i accelerate. So its time for a new bike as its my daily vehicle and i cant be without one due to work.
Im tempted by another ST1300 as i have worked on them plenty and can swap the mods to the new bike with ease one cheaper than the FJR
Im tempted by the 2013 gen 3 FJR1300 for the cruise control and less heat no idea how hard they are to work on though
Day to day use is in town 20 minutes each way monthly use is rallies around 200-300 miles away

Storage:
St1300 panniers just take my 2xl nolan n87 helmet the topbox takes 2 helmets the rear rack is stupid strong and without the topbox can carry heavy loads.
front left pocket is very deep front right pocket holds a bulky 8077 disc lock under front right pocket is space for a denali soundbomb horn. bike looks awful without the panniers on.
FJR1300 Bike looks great without the panniers and is faster without. Front left pocket is too shallow for 6inch phone most phones are bigger. No front right pocket no space for soundbomb horn. The panniers look smaller the rear rack is weaker and can crack i think there is a upgraded rack to address this.

Fairings:
St1300 crash wings save the panniers. great wind protection but large heat buildup. Front mirror cowls are expensive to replace. when fitted with switchbacks the bike looks a lot more visible. If running without panniers mirrors cant be folded to filter. Rear tail light is ugly and impossible to get a clear version
FJR1300 crash bungs can be added later but doubtfull it will save the panniers. Less wind protection no heat buildup. Mirrors are cheap to replace but switchbacks if possible will not look as good. Mirrors can be folded to filter without the bags. Tail light looks a lot better but also impossible to get a clear version. Sat nav cannot be mounted above dash like the st1300
Sound:
St1300 quirky or not the bike does not sound how a rider wants a bike to sound the whistle is weird.
FJR1300 nice and quiet on idle but a good sound on acceleration

Conclusion
St1300 more storage and more solidly built heavy but thats no bad thing with good crash protection
FJR1300 looks nice with luggage looks great without. Feels more fun to ride with 3 different modes and a modern dash. Engine sounds like a bike should. Oil changes are simple

So if the panniers will hold my Nolan i will go with the FJR1300 run it faster daily with topbox only and then monthly with full luggage using cruise control. My Broken St1300 will get time to be fixed and will become my backup bike
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Compared to most riders I am overly sensitive to noise and wind turbulence. I thought the FJR would be a much sportier choice than an ST1300.
I managed to pry an FJR from a dealer for a test ride, took it down the highway. For me the wind management was terrible, the exciting sound of the engine winding up quickly became an annoying drone at speed made worse by reflecting back off the windshield, other than power it didn’t feel sporty.
Plenty of FJR riders are happy.
Be sure to test ride it on the highway.
Upgraded fork springs, cartridges, and Penske shock, raising rear just a bit made the ST feel a hundred pounds lighter in the turns.
 
My 2 cents (probably discounted).
I had a 2005 ST and decided it needed a companion so I got a 2005 FJR. I think the comparison is more appropriate if the model years are close!
For me the FJR seemed a little more agile (more "sport" than "touring").
Since I am newer to the motorcycle game I am a bit more reserved in my riding but definitely noticed the FJR seemed more responsive to the throttle.
Other things I noticed about the FJR:
- the factory windshield was smaller and drove me crazy because every time I turned the ignition off it reset to it's lowest position, so every startup required adjusting it again.
- the shape of the engine/fairing made it hard to use highway pegs (I am short.)
- there were vents on the side of the fairing for airflow. I never really noticed them to be of much value.
- yup, the panniers were not quite the same shape/capacity as the ST's
- it was easier to change the oil!
- AND... apparently it had a subtle impact on my riding style because after riding it exclusively for about a month, the first ride of the ST had me touching the ST's foot pegs to the road on a couple corners, something I have never done before.
- oh yeah, after selling it to my brother-in-law it fell over on the trailer and broke a $500 piece of plastic.

Scott
 
SupraSabre said:
The reason I have owned five ST1300s, was because I was commuting 125 a day.

After putting on 140K miles on my first ST1300 (2005), around 2012, I decide that I needed a ST1300 with less miles for long trips and just continue using the 05 for commuting and have the 04, also as a back up.

But then a year later (2013) I stumbled on a 2010 with 1,500 miles that was wrecked, but not totaled. And a year later (2014) yet another wrecked ST1300 came into my grasps.

Like you, I became very familiar with working on the ST1300s and I started accumulating extra parts and then some more extra bikes (three of which I had to get rid of).

My suggestion, IF the ST1300 satisfies your needs, and you already have one that you wouldn't get money for anyway, why not look for a low mileage ST1300 (you might have to replace a few things on), and stick with them.

Good luck on what you decide.

BTW, I don't remember seeing how many miles you have on your 2008 ST1300?
Click to expand...
From the smaller storage weaker rear frame and much better drop protection im thinking the FJR isnt worth it although it looks nice.

My bike is confusing. The dash says 50k The headstock has a sticker that says 40k because the engine was changed at 40k by the ambulance service. However I dont know if the new engine had the 40k or the bike had the 40k i assume the bike. the clocks were very low when i got it meaning they either replaced the clocks for a new set or got a very low mileage bike with clocks and swapped both to mine. I cant find any exact info what the new engine mileage is.
 
sah48 said:
My 2 cents (probably discounted).
I had a 2005 ST and decided it needed a companion so I got a 2005 FJR. I think the comparison is more appropriate if the model years are close!
For me the FJR seemed a little more agile (more "sport" than "touring").
Since I am newer to the motorcycle game I am a bit more reserved in my riding but definitely noticed the FJR seemed more responsive to the throttle.
Other things I noticed about the FJR:
- the factory windshield was smaller and drove me crazy because every time I turned the ignition off it reset to it's lowest position, so every startup required adjusting it again.
- the shape of the engine/fairing made it hard to use highway pegs (I am short.)
- there were vents on the side of the fairing for airflow. I never really noticed them to be of much value.
- yup, the panniers were not quite the same shape/capacity as the ST's
- it was easier to change the oil!
- AND... apparently it had a subtle impact on my riding style because after riding it exclusively for about a month, the first ride of the ST had me touching the ST's foot pegs to the road on a couple corners, something I have never done before.
- oh yeah, after selling it to my brother-in-law it fell over on the trailer and broke a $500 piece of plastic.

Scott
Click to expand...
Yeah the lack of tip protection is a big one. The thing about the FJR feeling much faster could also be in part due to the less weather protection which is a minus not a plus. I have a short sports screen on my ST for the summer and if i put it low the bike feels super fast at any speed if i have the screen up i can sit at silly speeds and not notice at all. So if the FJR screen blows you about and the side fairings do the same its possible that is the reason the FJR1300 feels so much quicker also i see many FJR bikes without the top box which would make it noticeably quicker
 
I owned an '02 FJR for about 5 years, used it mainly for commuting in Central London. Great bike, unlimited power, easy to maintain except lower suspension linkage, foldable mirrors for filtering in dense traffic. Felt like a VFR on steroids. ST in comparison feels "royal", more relaxed and comfy not to mention cavernous luggage capacity. Not so easy filter on but much better for touring, oh and due to its age lacks electronic mod cons, which isn't such a bad thing as it makes it more reliable.
 
number1barber said:
From the smaller storage weaker rear frame and much better drop protection im thinking the FJR isnt worth it although it looks nice.

My bike is confusing. The dash says 50k The headstock has a sticker that says 40k because the engine was changed at 40k by the ambulance service. However I dont know if the new engine had the 40k or the bike had the 40k i assume the bike. the clocks were very low when i got it meaning they either replaced the clocks for a new set or got a very low mileage bike with clocks and swapped both to mine. I cant find any exact info what the new engine mileage is.
Click to expand...

Two of the bikes I bought that were wrecks, had no speedo/instruments. I put cop speedos on them, got them running and I pretty much worried about the miles I put on them, not what the bikes "might have had".
 
SupraSabre said:
Two of the bikes I bought that were wrecks, had no speedo/instruments. I put cop speedos on them, got them running and I pretty much worried about the miles I put on them, not what the bikes "might have had".
Click to expand...
The reason im thinking about the previous mileage is because of the amount of issues im having. When i went hunting for the coolant leak one hose just fell apart when i moved it. now i have the oil leak from the water pump and the bike is burning oil. If they stuck a old high mileage engine in before they sold it ok then its because of that if they chucked a very new low mileage in it then the bikes are not as reliable as i hoped. I do like the ST its just the cruise control and digital speedo that is appealing to me and how it look without panniers. But i think when i see one and my helmet doesnt fit in the pannier it will be swiftly back to the st1300. I know some companies do aftermarket dashes like koso if only i could make a surround to match the st1300 problem is even if i could i doubt i could make it weather proof unless i found one that fit in the space and just make a cover plate to hold it in place
 
Here's an old thread of when I got my FJR back in 2018 and did a lot of comparing to the ST

Ferret gets a new ride | Yamaha

Since the demise of the ST, been looking for a new 2 up sport tourer. There are only 2 that qualify IMO. The BMW R1200RT and the Yamaha FJR 1300. My local dealer that I've bought a bunch of bikes from Beechmont Yamaha is a Yammie dealer so this was a no brainer for me. TA DA! 2018 Yamaha FJR...
www.st-owners.com www.st-owners.com

ironically when my wife decided she was done riding 2 up in 2020 (due to 2 replacement hips and 2 replacement knees) I decided I didn't need 600 pounds and 150 hp anymore and after 38,500 miles on the FJR traded it in on a 2021 Honda NC 750X DCT. I now have 52,000 miles on it, and while IMO no replacement for a liter plus sport tourer, it is a great bike and doing everything I am asking of it. Makes a good solo "back roads" tourer for me while averaging 74 mpg. I miss shaft drive and cruise control (although a company called veridian just made a cruise for it for only $320 that early adopters are saying works well and takes about 2 hours to install.) Wet weight under 500 pounds feels like a super moto pushing it around the garage and the DCT trans is brilliant. At 74 YO I'm probably done with really long trips so my needs have changed. Looking at what's available today, I'm glad I don't need a full blown liter plus sport tourer anymore. Options are slim.
 
the Ferret said:
Here's an old thread of when I got my FJR back in 2018 and did a lot of comparing to the ST

Ferret gets a new ride | Yamaha

Since the demise of the ST, been looking for a new 2 up sport tourer. There are only 2 that qualify IMO. The BMW R1200RT and the Yamaha FJR 1300. My local dealer that I've bought a bunch of bikes from Beechmont Yamaha is a Yammie dealer so this was a no brainer for me. TA DA! 2018 Yamaha FJR...
www.st-owners.com www.st-owners.com

ironically when my wife decided she was done riding 2 up in 2020 (due to 2 replacement hips and 2 replacement knees) I decided I didn't need 600 pounds and 150 hp anymore and after 38,500 miles on the FJR traded it in on a 2021 Honda NC 750X DCT. I now have 52,000 miles on it, and while IMO no replacement for a liter plus sport tourer, it is a great bike and doing everything I am asking of it. Makes a good solo "back roads" tourer for me while averaging 74 mpg. I miss shaft drive and cruise control (although a company called veridian just made a cruise for it for only $320 that early adopters are saying works well and takes about 2 hours to install.) Wet weight under 500 pounds feels like a super moto pushing it around the garage and the DCT trans is brilliant. At 74 YO I'm probably done with really long trips so my needs have changed. Looking at what's available today, I'm glad I don't need a full blown liter plus sport tourer anymore. Options are slim.
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I bought that bike when you traded it in. It was to replace my 07 ST that met a deer on US 52. Loved it, except I was very disappointed at how fragile the matte paint was. Sadly, it met its demise on MLK near 71 due to the very surprising appearance of another deer. The bike and I were the talk of the CPD that day.
 
Belisaerio said:
I bought that bike when you traded it in. It was to replace my 07 ST that met a deer on US 52. Loved it, except I was very disappointed at how fragile the matte paint was. Sadly, it met its demise on MLK near 71 due to the very surprising appearance of another deer. The bike and I were the talk of the CPD that day.
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Oh no, dang deer. Hope you weren't hurt.

I have many times regretted not keeping it. I always thought I would see it running up and down 52, but never did.
 
Having owned both ST and FJR each bike has it own +/-. Still have the FJR. Miss the supertanker ST fuel tank. Always thought the ST had better rear brake vs FJR. You will have to bleed the rear brake on the FJR yearly. It goes soft. ST rear works better for me EXCEPT for the SMC. Not one of Honda's finer engineering moments. Present on ST's and Goldwings. Both give trouble and totally unnecessary.

If you are a top box person ST is clearly the winner. Too much weight will break FJR rear frame support. ST is solid.

I found comfort to be about the same on either bike. FJR stock windshield is horrible. Really horrible. Cee Bailey to the rescue (now defunct).
Had Sargent seats on both ST and FJR. They work for me.

Ease of maintenance goes to FJR. Easiest oil and filter change of anything I have ever owned.
FJR ES has adjustable suspension you can change on the fly. Cruise is nice and appreciated.

ST1300 with McCruise installed really transforms that bike into a plenty capable mile muncher combined with the big gas tank. Ask Uncle Phil about McCruise. He is an authority.

I sent my gauges to Blue Gauges for a revamp and it made a world of difference in reading the ST display. Highly recommend.

FJR is still supported. ST is not except here.

Really can't go wrong with either for any type riding you like to do.

Pretty sure the FJR will die out like the ST but so far still supported by Yamaha and many interchangeable parts from 2006+.
 
The FJR1300 has not been offered in Europe for 2 years, we can only compare the ST with the Gold-Wing, the R1250RT and the NT1100.
Although, the NT1100 has a chain and therefore falls out.
holm from germany
 
Comparison between the FJR and ST.....
They are both discontinued :(
 
I test rod2 FJR's (2006 and 2013) and although total weight is lower, they feel top/front heavy, so for me the weight goes to the ST.
Also, it was my impression that the bikes were not so eager to turn. So the handling goes to ST too.
Just my observation.

What FJR exceeds in is a straight line roll-on (not by day & night though) and highway stability at speed. Good plus.
 
Belisaerio said:
I bought that bike when you traded it in. It was to replace my 07 ST that met a deer on US 52. Loved it, except I was very disappointed at how fragile the matte paint was. Sadly, it met its demise on MLK near 71 due to the very surprising appearance of another deer. The bike and I were the talk of the CPD that day.
Click to expand...
the Ferret said:
Oh no, dang deer. Hope you weren't hurt.

I have many times regretted not keeping it. I always thought I would see it running up and down 52, but never did.
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I suspect I'm on some deer hit list. I had some internal bruising but my gear took the rest of the damage. Unfortunately, I didn't even get to ride it for a full season. I bought it a couple months after the ST damage and hit the second deer less than a year after the first. I'm not surprised you missed it.
 
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