I'm forwarding this from the HSTA list which received it from the ST1100 list.....
Kevin Hawkins // Greensboro, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.kevinhawk.com Y2K Kawasaki ZRX1100 //'93 Yamaha GTS1000 //'85 FZ750 For the folks agonizing over the decision of FJR vs ST1300, here's more fuel for the fire from the ST1100 list: >Folks, >I emailed Mitch Boehm (editor in chief of Motorcyclist) and asked if they >could answer some more specifics about these two motorcycles after putting >some miles on them. Since my email was quite long and detailed, I'm >condensing the questions down here to save space, with a star by each >question. Marc Cook responded since he's been riding these bikes. > >Remember, this is one rider's opinion, so please don't flame Marc or >anything. >-- >Chris > >************ Begin forwarded message ************************ >Chris: > >Mitch handed this off to me, and here are my impressions. > > >* Fuel mileage and range under "normal" riding conditions. Can it do 250 >miles between stops? > >I think so. In more modest riding, I've been seeing 43 to 46 mpg. To go 250 >miles on the 5.5 gallons (before reserve), you'd need to hit 45. So if you >don't mind dipping a bit into the reserve--the fuel gauge is fairly >accurate--then I don't see 250 as a problem. > > >* Weather protection. > >I concur with the euro rags (for once!) The FJR's fairing isn't as big as >the ST13's, top or bottom, and, yes, both bikes transmit heat from the >engine room. The FJR does it through airflow and convection off the >cat-cons, while the ST does it entirely through convection from the frame. >(The engine is all but hermetically sealed in the fairing ahead of the >rider.) I would say the ST13 is marginally worse. > >* Handy stuff and features. Are the bags removeable? Is there little >pockets in the fairing to stow stuff? Does it have some type of bungee >hooks to strap on a tailbag? Does it have the "built-in" loops like an >ST1100 to install a tankbag? How accurate is the speedo? Are the lights >acceptable for serious night-time riding? Is there someplace to install >add-on electronics, specifically, GPS and radar detector? And finally, >what's it got for an alternator? Air or oil-cooled, and how big? Most of >these bikes will get wired for electric vests, etc.... > >The FJR's bags are easily removeable and the bike looks fine without them. >(An important consideration for those intending to commute on the bike.) >Also, Yamaha will offer a tail trunk while Honda says it will not, at least >initially. The Yamaha does not have fairing storage, the ST13 does. The FJR >has a small rack for attaching soft luggage or tail packs, and it works >fine. The ST13's bodywork back there is much smoother, with fewer options. >The FJR's headlights are very, very good, but you can't adjust them >remotely. The speedo is typically optimistic; the ST's moreso. I don't have >the FJR's specs in front of me, but I'm sure the ST13's air-cooled >alternator is bigger than the FJR's oil-cooled unit. > >* Drop testing. How much damage will it suffer? > >The FJR will fare worse in a tipover; getting the bags and fairing sides. A >win for the ST here. > >* Which one would you prefer for a long trip? > >This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on mindset and >route. Let's say this: If I were going to ride from here to Maryland on >major highways, taking minimum time off the route for sightseeing and >twisty-road antics, I would take the ST13. It's more the tourer, with a few >more amenities and slightly better wind protection. The multi-adjustable >seat extends my own endurance--and the seat itself is better, smoother and >firmer. BUT, if I were heading to Seattle on Highway 1, I would take the FJR >long before I'd grab the keys to the ST. It's much more fun on secondary >roads, much more lively and entertaining. (This can be good or bad, >depending upon your tolerance for motorcycle "personality" at the end of a >long day. Me, I'm pretty easy going.) My feeling right now is that the FJR >is perhaps 20 percent less capable as a full-rig, coast-to-coast touring rig >but 50 percent more fun and frolicky (more Levis 501s than Dockers). > >* Thanks for your time!!! >-- >Glad to help. Feel free to ask any more detailed questions. > >--Marc -- William C. Thalgott (Bill) 92 ST1100 STOC# 0011 84 VF500F 99 955i AMA 729706 HSTA# 6356 DoD# 1528 "We cater to the enthusiast. We don't attract a rider who buys a motorcycle for driveway jewelry." Ray Blank
