Honda ST1300 reviews

I had been riding a Suzuki Bandit and figured I wanted something more Touring capable. This bike is definitely it! Great control layout, really agile and just plain FAST! I love passing trucks without a downshift. Just a roll on the right and it jumps on up. Very stable at (silly) high speeds. I also quit before it does. Only complaint is the seat, but I fixed that with a Corbin. Wish they still made a nice top box for it however. She is well worth what I paid for her. Show less

I bought my '06 ST1300 February 28th and have since ridden it approximately 7800 miles. Absolutely no complaints. Reliability, fit and finish are top shelf. I have made several modifications (Custom windscreen, Two Brothers exhausts, Sargents Backrest, Handlebar risers, Sirius Radio and a fork brace) None of these mods were necessary, I was simply "making it my own". Direct from the factory this bike is the most complete package offered by any manufacturer. The BMW is great and the Yamaha nice, but the best blend of "Sport & Touring" is the ST1300. This is my personal opinion, and believe me, I searched the market without bias. My only complaint is that there are not more accessories available in the US. You will probably have to shop the European marketplace for the best selection. With the internet this is not a problem. Show less

My previous bike was a Victory Vegas that I owned for 3 years. Great bike, but too many trade-offs with a cruiser. After doing the homework, I settled on either an FJR 1300 or this. After testing both, I bought the ST1300. What an awesome bike! The engine is smooth and strongly powerful. When you hit the sweet spot of the RPMs at say 6000, it just pulls like crazy and the engine makes this throaty growl. The weight is extremely well-placed, low and center. As such the bike handles very easily - very easy to balance at lights, move around the parking lot, and it corners like it's on rails. The adjustable windshield is one of those things that once you use it, you wonder how you ever lived without it. It does a great job at blocking 95% of the wind. Very nice feature. I've had mine just under 2 weeks and I'm almost at 1000 miles. I just can't wait to ride it. I liked my vegas but it was exhausting to ride, especially on the highway. I've made several 1 1/2 hour rides, covering about 80 miles, and I was completely fresh afterwards, and disappointed to be done riding. Possible minor cons - there is some heat from the engine by the knee/lower leg. Kenosha is not known for its warm weather, so I can't say how it would be on a 95' day, but for me, where most of my riding is in colder weather, I find it a plus. The legs are faired over, keeping rocks/bugs/water off, but also keeping cooler air off as well. If you think it might be an issue, take a test drive first. Also, the seat could be a bit harder - although it's NOTHING like the agony of a stock 2003 Vegas seat (butt would fall asleep in half an hour or less every time - horrible seat). The Vegas, with no bodywork, was very stable and unaffected by trucks or crosswinds. The St1300 does shake a little in a strong wind or truck wake. It's not bad, but for me it's different. These are all I can think of, and I bring them up only to be objective. The St 1300 is an amazing bike. The engine is is just awesome - no dead spots, and it pulls like a aircraft carrier catapult. 4000 RPM at 80 (redline 8500), crack the throttle just a hair and you're doing 95 the next instant. The motor is so smooth and quiet, and the fairing so good that speed really creeps up on you. The riding position is very comfortable. I was a little nervous about this because the Vegas had an extremely comfortable foot-forward design I liked a lot. But in several 1 1/2 hr rides, no leg problems at all. At 6 feet even, I get my feet flat on the ground at a stop. Any shorter, though, and you may want to test one because I think anyone 5' 10" would have to stand on their toes. I really, really like my new ST1300. It goes, turns, and stops like a dream. It's easy to maneuver in a parking lot. It carries a lot of stuff in the hard bags. I get compliments and questions every time I pull up somewhere - they are relatively uncommon, at least here in Harley country. I was looking for a fast, comfortable, versatile bike, and this is it. Extremely happy with it, and I would unequivocably say it's best bike I've ridden. If you're reading this, you are probably looking for the same things, and I would tell you, do your homework and compare, but at the end you'll find this is the best sport-touring bike. Show less

I went from a CBR1000R to a VTX1800N. I found the cruiser to be comfortable but rides longer then 200 miles in a day were not without rider fatigue. I rode the VTX for a year and rode the ST1300. One ride convinced me that this was the bike for me. My first ride was 321 miles in 90+ degree weather. The only draw back to comfort was the seat. The stock seats are too soft and known to restrict circulation. In my case I couldn't stay in the saddle much longer then 60 miles at a time. I had a custom seat built that fixed all this. The linked brake system is excellent as is the windshield. With a Garmin 2610 GPS and a cup holder (mounts from RAM mounts) I have the perfect touring machine! Show less

Having purchased an ST1300 ABS recently, I can add you will love the adjustable windshield, the adjustable seat positions and the Fuel Injection of this sport-tourer. Comfortable, long distance, and smooth, it is definitely worth a look for the best overall bike that does everything and then some! Show less

I waited for awhile to write this, to get a few miles under my belt and to let the thrill of the newness wear off. The title of this review says it all. "Excellence" is a relative term. This bike has exceeded my expectations, but it is not perfect. It handles well, accelerates and pulls hard through all rpms; there are just no flat spots. It will cruise all day at 90mph. It is rock solid at speeds up to 120+ (fastest I've gone so far). Its top end is higher than my top end. The only negative for me so far is the seat, and I can't say with certainty that its not my butt that needs breaking in. That said, it doesn't really get uncomfortable until a couple of consecutive hours in the saddle. I haven't noticed an excessive heat issue with the bike (even during the summer months in Texas), but the engine whine that some have observed is a fact of life with this engine. Final thought, knowing what I know now about the bike, I would buy it again. Show less

Awesome bike! Power is unbelievable. Comfort factor is great! Will be riding st's till I retire and then will go to the wing maybe. Show less

I was previously riding a 76 GL1000 and decided to upgrade. Although I only have a little over 1 week and 100 miles on the ST it already feels like an old friend. Handling is responsive and predictable, acceleration is QUICK, and the ABS works well with little noticable pulsing action. I use the ST mostly for work commuting but I can not wait to get her out on the open road and a day trip. I held back on the ratings so I have room to adjust. So far my only complaint, as with any factory seat is, It COULD BE BETTER. I hope to up-date this in a month or so. Until then, Stay alert, stay alive and let the good times roll. Show less

I ride this bike for a living. The bike performs flawlessly. I can move through a parking lot with ease, and go out on the backroads staying with the high speed performance bike. The only difference between this bike and a sport bike is that you can carry stuff and not worry about road debris getting in your face. It flat out moves and is so smooth it will lull you until you look down at the speedo. The seat is a little thin but workable. Again, I ride all day for a living. Show less

Hi, was on a ride back after 2,400 miles on my 1300 vtx retro and found a 2003 ST with 2,000 miles on it that was traded. Well to make a long story short I bought it and love it. I have ordered risers for it set me back a few inches and getting curse and a stereo than I should be set for the best ride I have ever been on. This is one mega sport touring bike and the faster you go the better! Show less