Honda ST1300

NOT SO MUCH
- Low-mounted mirrors
- Styling needs a revamp
- Minimal suspension adjustment

Although its ancestral roots are obvious and the look is still similar, Honda's ST1300 tourer is a far different motorcycle to the ST1100 that it superseded, a model that was first introduced way back in 1990.

The ST1300 has been around since 2002, first hitting the market at $22,990 in non-ABS form and then in 2003 at $24,590 with ABS.

Very little has changed in that time, other than the 2008 model being Euro-3 compliant with a catalyser exhaust. Price has risen a mere $100 since 2003.

As would be expected as models evolve, the ST13's twin-spar aluminium frame, upgraded suspension and revised fuel-injected powerplant are leaps ahead of the original 1990 ST11.

The first-generation ST11's V-four engine copped a major makeover in 2002 rather than just a fuel-injection bolt-on for the ST1300, with the ST13's powerplant shorter with a lower crankshaft position than the ST1100. The ST13's 25,000km valve adjustment interval helps on service costs, too.

The ST1300's major competition in the big-bore touring sector comes from Yamaha's FJR1300, Kawasaki's 1400GTR and BMW's K 1300 GT.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
The ST's liquid-cooled 1261cc V-four engine produces 125hp (92kW) at 8000rpm and 115.11Nm of torque at 6000rpm, with Honda's PGM-FI looking after the engine management duties.

Large 31mm intake valves and 27mm exhaust valves feed a redesigned combustion chamber with a 10.8:1 compression ratio.

The crankshaft is lowered 20mm in the crankcase compared to the ST1100, lowering the ST1300's overall centre of gravity for improved handling.

Two gear-driven counter-balancer shafts take care of engine vibrations, with a silent-type cam-chain drive eliminating the previous model's wider belt-driven cam drive. Additionally, dampers on the transmission mainshaft, clutch and drive shaft reduce noise, vibration and driveline lash.

The cassette-type five-speed transmission has five percent lower gear ratios than the ST11's, which aids roll-on acceleration.

A redesigned U-shape aluminium radiator has 8.2 percent greater cooling capacity than the ST11's, and a new ring-type fan draws air through the radiator at low speeds to ensure stable operating temperatures for consistent performance and long engine life.

The ST13 gets an aluminium frame which is 1kg lighter and far stronger than the steel frame it replaces, with the V-four engine serving as a stressed frame member.

Front suspension is via a 45mm-diameter non-adjustable cartridge front fork, with a preload-adjustable single shock at the rear.

The ST1300 uses Honda's Linked Braking System, which uses a second master-cylinder and a proportional control valve to couple the three-piston calipers of the dual-disc front and single-disc rear brakes. There's also ABS.

Using the front brake lever activates the outer two pistons of the front calipers and the two outer pistons of the rear caliper. Rear pedal engagement activates the centre piston of the rear brake caliper and the centre pistons of the front calipers, with a delay valve slowing initial front brake response to minimise front-end dive.

There's plenty of adjustment on ST1300. A three-position seat provides an adjustment range of 28mm vertically and 25mm horizontally. Additionally, a motor-driven adjustable windscreen is operated by a switch on the left handlebar, with the headlight also electrically-adjustable.

The lockable and detachable saddlebags hold 35 litres each, with a locking left-side fairing pocket and a vinyl-covered right-side pocket also assisting with storage.

Plastic-covered body-protectors extend outward from the fairing panels to protect the bodywork in case of a tip-over.

Other nice touches include padded passenger grabrails, a folding lever to assist with centrestand operation and an ignition key that operates the luggage and glovebox locks as well.

The ST1300 is available in red or silver at $24,690 (Manufacturer Recommended List price).

ON THE ROAD
There's a lot to like about Honda's ST1300 - least not that electrically-adjustable windshield. That large screen was much appreciated when an early-evening return ride from Phillip Island turned somewhat pear-shaped, and what had started as a warm and summery day quickly became a wintry and watery night.

It's in conditions like that when touring bikes have the wood on their sportsbike cousins, and despite my oversight of no inner liner for my jacket, and no fleecy top, I was snug as a bug in a rug in the ST's comfortable surrounds.

Height-adjustable comfy saddle, powerful headlights, effective fairing, water-proof luggage facilities - it was all good.

I could have done with the optional heated grips though, which are available from the ST's extensive accessory line-up for around the $700 mark. Not cheap, but if you intend owning the bike for a couple of years it would be money well spent. My light-weight sports gloves struggled to keep the wind chill at bay, even though there's reasonable protection from the wind-deflecting ST mirror pods.

Speaking of those pods, I'm not a fan of having to take my eye off the road ahead to look down to check my mirrors. They really are quite low on the ST13.

In addition to the heated grips, Honda lists in excess of 20 other genuine accessories for the ST, ranging from a cargo net for around $40 to a security kit for just under $900.

Truth be known there's not a lot an owner needs to add to an ST, with the 45lt top box - as fitted to the testbike - the most likely addition to partner the standard-fitment integrated 35lt panniers.

The ST13's V-four engine is a grunter, with max torque developed at 6000rpm. A steady 110km/h touring speed had 3600rpm showing on the tacho, with ample oomph for top-gear overtaking.

Unfortunately noise emission requirements have killed any note from within. I reckon a V-four needs to be heard, so I'd be tempted to fit some slightly fruitier cans to emit a soothing burble. Nothing too loud - something similar to Harley's aftermarket touring-spec slip-ons would do the job. However, others may prefer the whispering quietness of the ST13. It's very much a personal thing.

The ST13 scores Honda's latest linked ABS brake system, a system streets ahead of those early D-CBS arrangements. The ST's linked ABS brakes are strong and progressive, although I personally prefer the single-link system on Honda's CB1000F, which also has ABS and offers greater feel.

There's a lot to like about the ST13. It's feels solid, provides a whopping 29lt fuel capacity, has Honda's renowned quality finish, offers good pillion abilities and has ample luggage capacity. Fuel consumption on test worked out at 15.7km/lt.

The ST1300 is stable at high speed, and there's no mistaking its design brief is for fast travelling on the autobahns and highways of Europe. It's no coincidence that the ST1100 was launched in Europe as the Pan European.

The ST is not as luxurious as the likes of the top-end Gold Wings, Electra Glides and BMW K 1200 LTs, but the ST is more practical as an everyday ride than any of the aforementioned luxo-tourers.

The ST13's main rival in its touring sector is Yamaha's similarly-priced FJR1300, with Kawasaki's GTR1400 also in the mix. Both the Yamaha and Kawasaki feel more 'sporty' and nimble than the Honda, while still offering comfortable long-distance mile-munching capabilities with comfortable appointments. Guess it depends if you like your powerplant straight - or bent at 90 degrees.

SPECIFICATIONS: HONDA ST1300
ENGINE
Type: 1261cc liquid-cooled longitudinally mounted DOHC 16 valves 90-degree V-four
Bore x stroke: 78mm x 66mm
Compression ratio: 10.8:1
Fuel system: PGM-FI electronic fuel injection

TRANSMISSION
Type: Five-speed
Final drive: Shaft

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Twin-spar alloy beam
Front suspension: Conventional 45mm HMAS cartridge fork; 4.6 inches travel
Rear suspension: Pro-Link single HMAS gas-charged shock with 5- position spring preload adjustability; 4.8 inches travel
Front brakes: Dual full-floating 310mm discs with LBS 3-piston calipers
Rear brakes: Single 316mm disc with LBS 3-piston caliper
Tyres:  Bridgestone Battlax BT020 120/70ZR-18 front, 170/60ZR-17 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Dry weight: 289kg
Seat height: 790mm
Wheelbase: 1491mm
Rake: 26 degrees
Fuel capacity: 29lt

PERFORMANCE
Maximum power: 125hp (92kW) at 8000rpm
Maximum torque: 115.11Nm at 6000rpm

OTHER STUFF
Price: $24,690 (manufacturer's price before dealer and statutory costs)
Colours: Red or Silver
Bike supplied by: Honda Australia, tel (03) 9270 1111, www.hondamotorcycles.com.au
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres