Honda ST1300 (ST1300) reviews

Over the years I've ridden five different motorcycles (2 cruisers, 1 standard, a sports bike, and the ST) for long distance interstate riding or cold/wet weather commuting. Now, with my 2006 ST1300, I have my Goldilocks bike: it's just right. The difference between riding the ST or a cruiser 3500 miles in a week or on a driving rain freeway commute (no matter how accessorized, and I tried everything) is the difference between a 1976 VW Bug and a new Lexus SC430. Still, if you just gotta have a touring bike with a lotta chrome, loose front end, uncertain handling, sparking pegs, painful ergonomics, no rain protection, a steady gale-force wind, and soft suspension, buy a cruiser. (I like cruisers but let's be honest.) And if you want 21st century engineering, near-complete weather protection, flawless gearbox, a smooth 100 horses with lots of torque and a totally forgiving power curve, 300 miles between gas stops, and like to be able to walk after 600 miles in the saddle, consider the ST. Alas, the ST is not a sportbike, although it handles somewhat like one once you get used to throwing 700 pounds around. But if you need a sport bike--and you know who you are--look elsewhere--you ain't going X-country on it anyway. (Hey, I keep a 919 in the garage, too. But I sure ain't gonna take it down the highway.) Someone I trust recently told me the V-Strom 650 is the best all-around plus touring bike ever made. Maybe. If so, the Honda ST1300 comes in 2nd. Show less

Bought non-ABS 2006 model new in June '06. I've ridden in all weather and everything from gravel to interstate. Suspension is a little too soft for my weight and riding style. Have upgraded the suspension with aftermarket parts. Superior motor and brakes. Seat is ok. Could be a little firmer as it breaks down on long rides. By end of 400 mile day your sitting on the hard seat pan. Adjustable windshield is the bomb. I am very satified with this bike. Show less

What can I say? This bike makes me want to ride PERIOD. I've been through or to 13 states. I have ridden in 14 degree weather and 104 degree weather and have been fine. I have done 720 miles in a single stint. I am very happy with my purchase and would do it again in a heartbeat. I downgraded the comfort one level because I added handlbar risers and an aftermarket seat and windshield. Things I felt needed to make it tailored to me. Everything else has been great. Did I say this bike makes me want to ride..and ride..and ride? Show less

The ST1300 will really surprise everyone on the very first ride. The fuel injected V-4 is smooth and sure gives you a good reason to hang on tight. The ride is comfortable for most days without a custom saddle. I added an inexpensive VIP trunk for more room and to serve as a backrest. The bike has almost the industry largest gas tank and gets remarkable mileage to over 300 miles consistently before fill-up. It isn't a crotch rocket, it isn't a GOldwing, but it serves every need that arises with the electric windscreen and the ABS brakes. I love it!!! Show less

I have gone through a number of bikes looking for one that I want to have for the long term. Started with a Rebel 250 then a Shadow VLX600. Next a 750 ACE. Cruisers didn't cut it for long rides. Slow and stable yes, but power is lacking. Not so with the ST. Acceleration is available anywhere, any gear, just twist the wrist and go. I have added fairing flairs, heated grips and a good two-helmet Givi tail bag. Nice to have in the cold months in Pa. You can't carry too much cold weather gear here to ride out winter. Only quibbles I have are: It's slow to warm up and come to an idle, side bags are best left on, saddle in it's lowest position forces the rider to the front and on to the tank. Lower the back of the seat too please...Kick stand is too short. All together great bike, I love it and when I'm 80 I'll still put the key in it. Power, comfort, handling, storage space, can't beat it. Blows by the Beemer riders and sits while they gas up. Show less

I read about the heat off the bike. It is true and it is almost unrideable in 95 degree F for longer than an hour. This is with the Honda fairing deflectors and it is still a problem. Other than that, the bike is great. Just be aware of how heavy it is before you buy it. It is definitely more towards the touring than sport. Show less

I love this bike. I've put 2000 miles on it in a month and will take full advantage of the optional 6 year unlimited mileage warranty I bought, because I average about 20,000 miles per year. Who needs a car anyway? Riding in the rain is fun and cars are for girly men. I have been through two cruisers and a CBR954RR and loved them all, but the cruisers were too slow and clumsy for anything but a pleasant Sunday ride and the sport bike (I loved it most) was just too uncomfortable for rides over a couple of hours. After a 3300 mile ride in 5 days on my VTX, the lousy gas mileage and too frequent gas stops led me to trade it and the CBR in on the ST1300. I haven't been disappointed. Most of the fun and all of the comfort (after adding riser plate and heated grips). Add an incredible long term warranty and I have finally found the perfect bike for me. Show less

This bike has been a joy to own and ride. It is very top heavy for a new or non husky type to ride. I just needed a better pilon bike. The ST, to continue to be sucessful with it's competion, needs to lose some weight and gain some power and farkles while retaining price competitiveness. For me, it was more than adequate for power. You can easily spend thousands in farkles making the bike fit you. The seat is good for only 200 miles (upgrade/airhawk), handlebar risers are a must and you need a trunk. Parking lots are a challenge even for a strong and expierenced rider. It is still a Honda with great reliability and drivability. Sell private if possible. Show less

This is my second review on my ST1300. It's over two years old now and really can't complain about anything other than the seats. I have added two brothers exhaust which elimates around 20lbs and have a bike sound now. I also installed a throttlemeister to help on long tours to give my hands a rest. The factory tires lasted fairly well, the front went 16kmiles and the rear 10k. I replaced the rear brake shoes at 16k. I mounted the Z6's and so far have 6k on them and have no visibile wear and seem to be great tires in wet and dry traction. I recently purchased a K&N air filter and the reviews bost a 6hp increase. Other than normal wear and tear, this has been my best ride ever. So if anyone is thinking about a ST1300, you won't go wrong with this bike. Show less

Having owned a '02 ST1300, this bike seems better. It does of course have the button for the windshield THIS time. Smooth as glass, shifts cleanly, very nimble. Feels like a 750 cc sized bike. The blk. paint is flawless, craftsmanship is 110% - Just like from Honda. The best Sport-Tourer in it's class, I feel. Why spend $18,000 on a Brand-X, when this bike will do all of it for lots less? I'll have it for many years. Show less