ST & FJR Test Ride (IMHO)

Test Ride ST1300 (4/12/10)

I had a good ride on a used ST (05 with 11,000 miles) at my Honda dealer today. I was allowed to take it about 15 miles. I found it rode better than my Valkyrie, obviously handled better & slicker and was easier to do a crawl speed in the parking lot and a real slow u-turn, smoothly with feet up.
It was "Fast", I goosed it a couple times on my run and hit 100 really quick and then backed down, brakes excellent (non ABS). I know I'm not telling you guys anything new, just the first impression of a ST newbie.
As some have said here: I did notice the slap in the drive line after a quick throttle close, I'll have to learn close the throttle more slowly.
Now I've got to set up a Demo somewhere on the FJR. I think I'll email a couple of Yamaha dealers my request for a test ride.

2nd Test Ride ST1300 (4/24/10)

Had a second test ride today at Green River Honda, went approximately 20 miles, small roads & highway. Enjoyed much more than my first test ride because I was more familiar with the “ST” and also enjoyed it more than my FJR1300 test ride.
Rode very well, handled fine, even with a spurt to 100 or so. I lowered the seat to the lowest position and my feet were down flat. Engine has a better sound and is smoother (to me) than the FJR. Overall I found the ST demo ride more pleasurable.
I bought a brand new Red 09 ST1300A, dealer ordered from Honda, should be here in about two weeks.

Test Ride FJR1300 (4/20/10)

Test rode a 06 FJR1300 at a dealer today. Now I'm more confused than ever, after my ST test ride & the FJR test ride. I like specific features on each of them.
Can't fault the dealer, he let me take it about 40 miles, back roads & highway.
FJR ran good, powerful, fast, tried some slow parking lot turns - went good, my feet were flat on the ground when stopped. Hit 100+ a couple of times for second or two, felt good, stable & solid. I'd like to sit up more relaxed, more pulled back if I bought the FJR, probably get Heli bar risers.
Motor "vibs" came through (more noticeable than on the ST) I wouldn't let the "vibs" alone be a show stopper but they were a bit annoying, I did not find the vibs strongly focused in the handle bars or pegs, just kind of lightly all over.
Overall the ride & motor NOT AS SMOOTH as on the "ST". Wind protection is better on the ST too.

I was surprised that wind gusts or turbulence from passing trailers gave so much rock to the FJR, more than I was experiencing on my Valkyrie while going to & coming from the test ride.
Even though others here have said just the opposite: I feel that the ST took the turbulence & wind gusts "better" than the FJR. (some motorcycle magazines agree with them - they say the FJR is more stable in gusts). Sounds goofy but now I want to ride the ST1300 again. I wish these test rides were easier to come by.