VFR to a ST1300 pan tourer, will i be ok?

I still have my mint pre cat VFR 800 but------- I`m getting older and back and ass ache is taking over me as well as mopeds.

I road tested a BMW R1200RT yesterday and despite it being 5k miles 4 years old it was like riding a tractor after my VFR.

Shaking , clonky gears , vibrating fingers , rust , and that was the later model.

Are there any guys out there that have a ST1300 or a ST1100 , they seem to be built as a VFR but more upright in seating for old farts like me.

Is the ST more refined than a Beemer and what`s it like on a run-

 

ST is a big VFR, I have ridden and worked on them, never owned one. I am not your age as I am not farting dust yet, but I would not go for one of them. Too much realestate to contend with. That does not mean you won't be as happy as a piglet in shite mind you. I am just "Mr. Subjective" looking back, they were 1300s and had an abrupt rev limiter that used to slide my nut sack into the petrol tank. I just did'nt care for that kind of pain. I am sure there are some doodes oot there that do tho.

What about Spiegler handle bar kit for your Viffer? Maybe Heli-Bars? Just asking. Rode with someone that had a Concours 1400 and was impressed with the amount of size it had, if it was me, I would have just gotten a ZX1400 and be done with it.

I respect my elders btw, but I have a sense of humour...Cheers, happy shopping for a new bike...

 

My thoughts while riding my friend's ST1300 a few years back.

-Wow, this thing is comfortable!
-Wow, this thing feels a lot smaller than it really is!
-Holy crap! 120 feels like 70!!!

*** I had a VTX1800F at the time.

 

+++++++1
I rode my friend ST and I got hook. It feel like riding on a Cadillac :thumb:
I Love it but it is a bit big for my size. I was very close to take one home :sad:

 

everything bigger than a 250 is big for your size Long.....

 

Last season ran into an older gentlemen with a mid 90's ST. The bike wasn't pretty but it had 130,000 miles on it. We were in stop / go traffic & it didn't make any unusual noise, wasn't blowing smoke. He said, "its as reliable as an anvil." When we made it to a highway he had no problem keeping up my Busa.

 

I'd buy me one, Very similar to a VFR, but more upright riding position. It is a bit big for lane-splitting and commuting, but that bike sure is sweet for touring. I am talking about the 1300, not the 1100.

 

Hunting Beach PD uses them, so do a lot of other police force motor units, so I would imagine that say something about the ruggedness and comfort level. It's also a V4, just transversely mounted, so you'd still be in the "V4 club"!

 

Just sat on a p/x in a local dealer , seemed I was back home on my VFR!:biggrin:

Looks and feels like a VFR that has been on too many beers and burgers.

I am going to have to get a low mileage early 1300 one !

 

I think when I am in the market I want one.... the 700 just aint big enough to carry two up...

 

Bitch
Crusty<:chairshot:>Long

 

Funny here in S. FL they burn up the clutches and basically refuse to ride them compared to the Harleys. Talk aboot bad karma, imagine buying a used police hd or beemer or st for that matter? :wacko: I did have an opportunity to work and ride a high mileage beemer hex head and must say it was one of the finest high mileage units I have encountered. Cheers and happy riding what ever you pick.

 

You will probably be happy with a ST1300, although it's a completely different animal than a VFR. I ride a VFR locally but usually take the ST for longer days. Recently completed a 6000 mile trip on the ST. I did get an aftermarket seat. At 5'7" and 145lbs I can still manage the ST with no problems.

 

Friend of mine has an ST, rides very nice. It has the get up and go of the vfr but heavier. There are things I could get away with doing on my vfr that wouldnt work out so well on an ST, but then again the ST is bigger. I thought about getting one for long trips, just couldnt think about leaving my vfr behind.

 

I bought an ST1300 last year with ABS and a few great mods...Traxxion Dynamics forks/valves and a quality rear shock.

Of the 9 V4 Hondas currently in my garage the ST is the only one my wife rides with me now. I have removed the rear pegs from my 800 (also helps to show off the Wolf undertail exhaust on it).

When we are on the ST I general a ride group of 4-5 VFRs (two of which are my sons) and within a mile or two of home drag pegs on the ST in a particular right hander onto a winding road that has slight crown. The ST is nothing but stable and confidence inspiring, it turns quickly and feels maybe 50lbs heavier than an 800VFR.

Part of the reason that it handles so well is the 170 rear, the bike just flicks over into turns almost by thinking about turning. I frequently feel a little vibration and try to snick it up into 6th gear. When I do I look down and see that I am going 90mph or so two up and the VFRs are a little smaller in my mirror.

You should really find a used one at a dealership and take a test ride. Great stable mate to a middle-weight VFR.

 

Don't do it

 

Lol :roll:

 

I have too--- a 57 year old body won`t take the low seat and bars any more ,so ill use it on short blasts.
I will get a ST1300 and park it next to my VFR-----

Will they mate- ?
what would they spawn ----:vtr2: ??

 

Done it ---too late now , paid for !
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251352277059?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

Wow, thats nice. I went with the FJR and ride the wheels off of it, love the thing. I think you will like that just as much.