2004 Honda ST1300 ABS

I walked into a Honda dealer, looking to buy an oil filter for my Concours. Saw they had another ST-1300 on the floor. Asked about it. Learned it had 5,700 miles. And so I bought it, then and there.

After the first test ride my comment was: "It's all Honda." What did that mean? ... Well, here we have a bike I rode away from the dealership and within fifteen minutes I was not only comfortable, but confident, on it. Some describe this as "generic," or "lacking soul." I will have none of it. I describe it as "doing it right."

If you're looking for a "street fighter" the ST is not the one. If you really want a Harley/Gold Wing, the ST is not for you. If you want to go off road, there are many better choices. And so on.

If you are an adult who wants a machine that will do everything, here it is.

This bike is "sneaky fast." It's a big, gentle bear of a bike with a motor that feels huge, which is to say the power band is as wide as the sky. The overall effect is deception. You're going faster - lots faster - than you think. And maybe that's why the ST is different; maybe if you felt like you were going as fast as you are going the bike would be scary, like so many others.

As things are, it's just plain fun.

The bike is well balanced, lacking the "top heaviness" of other machines that can carry a lot of fuel. The gas rides low - not in the classic motorcycle tank configuration.

Both the pedal and the lever activate both front and rear brakes. The 1300a sports an anti-lock braking system. Before I rode the bike I did NOT like either of those ideas. I thought not being able to select the brake to use and/or choose the amount of braking force to be assigned to both ends of the bike would be tantamount to losing control, and maybe it is. Now I am obliged to admit the ABS system does that as well, and perhaps better than I can. My apprehension was completely false. Never - not even once - have I had a negative reaction to the braking of the ST-400.

I can't see behind the bike very well. The mirrors don't work for taller folk. I have been obliged to add mounts and mirrors that work in the standard manner.

This is a large, and relatively heavy machine. The rake and trail incorporated into the steering geometry make the big bike feel smaller at the expense of stability at speed and in windy conditions. I simply accelerate away from big trucks and other vehicles that cut up the air, causing me to be uncomfortable. There's plenty of motor to ride anywhere I like :)

Tomorrow is not real. Tomorrow never comes. It is always today. Likewise, perfection is not real. There is no person, thing or concept that can not be improved.

Until true perfection arrives, I'll ride my ST-1300 Honda.

I have owned a 3 year old 2004 (sold new in 2006) ST1300 ABS and driven 3,000 miles in that time. The bike is a big disappointment. Facts: front forks are not compliant at all (terrible front forks for any kind of bike)the bike rides way too hard, the bike is so heavy that a long ride through the ... twisties leaves you with sore arms due to the muscle required to counter steer, the bike pulls to the right (very slightly, but it pulls)and the tires wear unevenly no matter the alignment, the seat is worthless and provides maybe an hours ride before agony, wind noise is excessive (must use ear protection), but quiet with a fully raised windshield (however, with the shield up the front end is light),the electronic part of the dash display is unreadable in 90% of daylight (worthless),if you want to pack a duffel on the rear seat there is no place to attach bungies or straps without damaging the paint (This Is A Touring Bike!)and to top off this is a $15,000 plus motorcycle and does not come with heated grips, accessory outlets or a reason for being. Buy the R1200RT and be happy. The Beemer handles like a ballerina and reeks of quality and personality. Owners have convinced themselves that their money was well spent. Bull.