ST1300 or FJR1300

[RLD]

To any of you that have purchased an ST1300 or FJR 1300; does its rear differential require the maintenance of the Valk? Lubeing splines, u-joints, propeller shaft, o-rings, washers, etc? I'm looking to add a second bike and I'm trying to decide between the FJR and the ST 1300. Any maintenece issues that you are aware of? I'm aware of the 2003-2005 FJR issues and would only be looking at 2006 and newer.

[Marcel]

Concours 1400 will squash them.

[T.P.]

WOW BIKE #2  Congrats Randy   

[Jess from VA]

It has often been said..... the ST is more TOURER than sport, and the FJR is more SPORT than tourer.  The ST (esp with riser spacers) has a bit more of a cruiser riding position than the FJR.  I'd  go sit on (and possibly ride) both before choosing.... and if a prospective seller doesn't let you ride it, have him ride it and follow in your car.  And you might want to look at the Kaw 1400 Connie too. 

I know several people who contemplated the same or similar choice, and all chose the ST.

[Chattanooga Mark]

Never owned one but I've always liked the ST1300. If I hadn't bought the Interstate last summer I'd be on an ST1300 by now. Partial to the 2007 silver with ABS.

Mark

[..]

Valve check on the ST is a pain in the butt. Bucket and shim.

HOWEVER

After 80,000 miles mine are still in spec.

[NITRO]

I've sat on each (includring the Concours14), but never ridden them. All of the reviews I've read have put the Connie in it's own class in terms of sport touring. The things the moto writers say about it, I think I would buy one today if I had the dough.

[TearlessTom]

The ST with handle bar risers to me was one of the most comfortable bike I have ever owned. I regret selling it.

That said as mentioned above The FJR is a tic faster as is the Connie.
0-60 in 3.9 is no slouch in any book,  But for riding position the ST was best for me. 

It has the same type rear end but I never had or heard of any issues, just changed out oil as specified or with each wheel change.

The newer Connie has changed up the drive train to make it more predictable and drivable.

If funds were no issue I would take a good hard look at the Connie before buying but the seat position was not as comfortable to me as the ST.

Tom

[highcountry]

I have a FJR Gen II and I believe that the maintenance of the shaft and hub are probably similar to the Valk except that the rear wheel is probably easier to remove/install.  Here's an article on said maintenance on the FJR:

http://www.fjr-tips.org/maint/spline/SkooterG/coupling101.html

Valve adjustment interval checks for the FJR are recommended every 26K miles and from what I read, an actual adjustment is rarely needed.  

The Concours is definitely a third contender but they have their own set of issues - heat, 15K valve adjustments, etc.  Here's a comparo between the Concours and the FJR:

http://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=108179&hl=%20concours%20%20versus%20%20fjr&st=0

Being an old fart, I moved handlebars up and back, lowered and moved forward the pegs, added hwy pegs and a Sargent seat.  That gives me an upright seating position with my feet slightly back.  Those modifications should be available on all three contenders.  I have no personal experience with either of the other two bikes.  I recommend that visit the forums and try to get some seat time on each bike then make an informed choice.

Good luck!

[Black Pearl's Captain]

To any of you that have purchased an ST1300 or FJR 1300; does its rear differential require the maintenance of the Valk? Lubeing splines, u-joints, propeller shaft, o-rings, washers, etc? I'm looking to add a second bike and I'm trying to decide between the FJR and the ST 1300. Any maintenece issues that you are aware of? I'm aware of the 2003-2005 FJR issues and would only be looking at 2006 and newer.

Yes there is maintenance on an ST1300, however it's less than on a Valk. They just go forever like most newer Honda's. the rear end is almost identical with one big exception. there is a third bearing inside the spline hub which also rides on the axle. It doesn't float free like the Valk spline hub does. Therefore there aren't many spline failures with the ST. Nobody normally pulls the drive shaft on an ST and they seem to hold up well.

From my reading experience I've not heard of 5 ST's with spline failures. ST tires usually last a little longer then FJR and especially longer then the Concours.

I love my ST and it's no slouch when it comes time GO. It's got plenty of speed, comfort, handling and gets me by on days up to 1200 some miles so far. I put 35,000 miles on my ST last year with no maintenance other then tires, headlight bulb and oil changes.

Like a Valk, add some risers and Russell Daylong and you'll stop for sleep before you get sore from riding. The gas mileage really sucks when you ride at 90 all day, drops down to 38-40 mpg. 275 miles per tank are the norm for me.

YMMV

Raymond

[torch1972]

The only problem I had with the st1300 is that heat that boils your nads,the fjr had the same issue but was fixed i think in the 07 model.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

The only problem I had with the st1300 is that heat that boils your nads,the fjr had the same issue but was fixed i think in the 07 model.

See my highway pegs? Actually it seems to be more bike to bike and personal "feelings". My Valk IS near the same to me just the heat is lower.

[valkmc]

I test rode all three and bought the Connie, You can get a great deal on an 09 right now if you look around. I chose the Connie for size mainly. It feels larger than the other two and the power is amazing. I am sure I will not be going dark side with this one like I did on my Valk. They look great in the garage next to each other and seem to becoming friends.......

[RLD]

Made my decision, decided to go another route. This just looks like too much fun and half the cost!!