Another ST bites the dust?

[canuguzzi]

It seems that Honda is dropping the ST1300, they are unavailable for order and don't show up on dealer possibilities for 2017.

On a recent rainy day I went window shopping to see what was due in showrooms soon since new model releases are in swing. No Honda ST1300s due for delivery nor could they be ordered. It could be a regional thing?

Yamaha dealers were anxiously awaiting the new FJRs with high hopes the 6 speed transmission would broader its appeal.

Only BMW had demo models of just about anything you wanted to ride and would order color and options. I asked if they added options at the dealer, no was the answer, they just order what you want. In the meantime you could ride the demo.

The MV Augusta Lusso Veloce, what a gorgeous machine. For a middle weight it seems to have quite a bit going for it. An austere dash but with side bags from the Future and a top case, it seems ready to go as far as you want although if you are more than 6' or carrying a passenger longer trips might get cramped. That's true if a lot of middle weights though except the VStom 650 which is so close to the bigger model, probably why they sell every o e they made pretty quick.

That Lusso Veloce though, one look and the calculations start.

[PJPR01]

One down, a few more to go...the Norge will be left standing on the top of the pile!  Woohoo!!   

[Cool Runnings]

Don't think the ST1300 was ever a good seller. The early ones cooked your legs worse than the FJR. They where boring machines, not really exciting, just plain vanilla.

Bet they didn't compete well with the almighty FJR! 

[beetle]

One down, a few more to go...the Norge will be left standing on the top of the pile!  Woohoo!!   

Sorry to rain on your parade, but rumour has it the last Norge rolled off the line earlier this year.   

[JeffOlson]

Adventure bikes with beaks are where it's at! Sport touring motorcycles are so passé nowadays. Also, retro bikes, beards, half helmets, and goggles are big as well.

I am glad I have my Norge, and I will ride it until it no longer runs (or another errant cager destroys it!). Get them while you still can!

[stevet]

Bet they didn't compete well with the almighty FJR! 

FJR!!!

Steve.

[Muzz]

Also, retro bikes, beards, half helmets, and goggles are big as well.

Funny, on our recent ride my mate and I had to stop at a service station to wash the bugs off our visors. We concluded that full face helmets were the best thing since sliced bread and neither of us would EVER go back to open face helmets and the resultant conjunctivitis, eyes full of insects and black eyes from stones and bumble bees.

[JeffOlson]

I confess, I do have goggles and a half helmet (and a beard). I got them (the goggles and half helmet, that is) when I had a Triumph Thruxton. 

[Travlr]

Given the emphasis on adventure touring I'm going to guess the new VFR1200X adventure tourer is the replacement.
I suspect the cruiser using the ST1300 motor is also gone.

M

[krglorioso]

In 2000, I flew to MD to buy a new ST-1100 from my friend's shop, Heyser Cycle, in Laurel.  I was immediately struck by the weight of the bike, combined with rather narrow bars.  To infer that my 140# corpus was overwhelmed would be an understatement.  I was afraid of that thing from the moment I got it to when I sold it in 2003 with 21K miles on it. 

Why did I keep it so long?  Because its size notwithstanding, it was the finest street bike I ever have owned and most of my 80 bikes owned have been street bikes.  It delivered over 50 miles per gallon consistently and fill-ups were never necessary below 300 miles.  Suspension, brakes, gearbox and that wonderful V-4 engine all combined to make Honda's (real) flagship a joy--once rolling over 5mph.  I'm not sorry I sold the ST, just regret that Honda could not have delivered it about 100# lighter.  I did one day of over 700 miles, from San Antonio, TX to Lordsburg, NM and would have ridden longer but for a line of totally black, towering cumulus clouds just to the West of where I was.  I was still running in the engine and holding it to around 65mph! 

Ralph

[ITSec]

The ST1300 has been 'gone' for a while now. From what I've been told by a dealer, there have been no deliveries anywhere for quite some time - the only thing being sent was the low-cut variant that was styles as a bagger. For that matter, there have been no changes to the machine since just a year or two after the displacement change. I'd love to see an ST1300 with a VIN plate that actually showed it was built anytime in the last couple years.

[canuguzzi]

Sorry to rain on your parade, but rumour has it the last Norge rolled off the line earlier this year.   

That would leave the Stelvio as the remaining 8V 1200 engine bike.

Maybe its time to buy the backup.

[jas67]

That would leave the Stelvio as the remaining 8V 1200 engine bike.

Maybe its time to buy the backup.

That's part of why I have two V7's!

[PJPR01]

Sorry to rain on your parade, but rumour has it the last Norge rolled off the line earlier this year.   

Oh it was a tongue in cheek comment to be sure...and yes, I think I may have even posted that rumour as well last week.

Which has me thinking, in the rare event that my 2V motor ever blows and I cannot find another new 2V, could I just plug and play a 4V right in there with minimal modifications other than perhaps some fairing work?  Would the shaft and all the rest of the mechanical bits line up properly?  Either way, I think having a spare might not be a bad idea as the bike ages - now will it be a Griso or a Stelvio...so far, still having fun with the adopted Griso, but damn the Stelvio looks good too!

[Jdcooper]

I own  Stelvio, Breva1100, AND an ST1300. The ST is faster, but not as quick. It feels lighter on the controls than the Breva. More neutral handling as well.
That sucker starts EVERY time I turn the key; on the first rev.
Problem is...it's TOO PERFECT. And, maybe too heavy... It has the reliability and the character of a Honda Civic. It's about as engaging as well.

Still, I can't bring myself to sell it.....despite the duplication with the rest of my stable. If I had to ride to the West Coast tomorrow, it would be the ST without question, but actually it gets ridden the least of my bikes. Nowhere in the industry is the difference between Japanese and Italian bikes as evident as it is with these two.

[canuguzzi]

Maybe longer rides are in order?

[Cool Runnings]

In 2000, I flew to MD to buy a new ST-1100 from my friend's shop, Heyser Cycle, in Laurel.  I was immediately struck by the weight of the bike, combined with rather narrow bars.  To infer that my 140# corpus was overwhelmed would be an understatement.  I was afraid of that thing from the moment I got it to when I sold it in 2003 with 21K miles on it. 

Why did I keep it so long?  Because its size notwithstanding, it was the finest street bike I ever have owned and most of my 80 bikes owned have been street bikes.  It delivered over 50 miles per gallon consistently and fill-ups were never necessary below 300 miles.  Suspension, brakes, gearbox and that wonderful V-4 engine all combined to make Honda's (real) flagship a joy--once rolling over 5mph.  I'm not sorry I sold the ST, just regret that Honda could not have delivered it about 100# lighter.  I did one day of over 700 miles, from San Antonio, TX to Lordsburg, NM and would have ridden longer but for a line of totally black, towering cumulus clouds just to the West of where I was.  I was still running in the engine and holding it to around 65mph! 

Ralph

ST1100 NOT the same bike as the ST1300!

Road Test: Honda ST1100 v. ST1300

[Cool Runnings]

The Honda ST1300 and ST1100 are my favorite Sport Touring motorcycles. I have owned both, and they are very different machines. The ST1300 brought many improvements, but one very big problem. Riding the ST1300 throws off large volumes of hot air from around the engine. After an hour or more, the frame and fuel tank can be very hot to touch. That can be very uncomfortable for the rider's lower legs. The heat off the back of the fuel tank is severe. My private parts are so hot, it reminds me of the holiday song about "roasting over an open fire".

The real cause and cure for the Honda ST1300 excess heat

[charlie b]

If you guys look closer Honda has not made an ST1300 since 2012.  They have continued to list them on their web site, but, clearly listed as 2012 or 2010 model years.

The fact that they continue to list them just means it has taken 4 years to sell what remains of the last production run.

I agree it is a nice, but heavy, bike.  So are the Connie and FJR.

[Cool Runnings]

If you guys look closer Honda has not made an ST1300 since 2012.  They have continued to list them on their web site, but, clearly listed as 2012 or 2010 model years.

The fact that they continue to list them just means it has taken 4 years to sell what remains of the last production run.

I agree it is a nice, but heavy, bike.  So are the Connie and FJR.

Yeah, the Norge handles like a sport bike compared to the FJR.

[gsf12man]

ST1300 is a great bike. I'm not particularly a Honda guy, but wanted to try a big touring bike. I've only managed about 54,000 miles on it so far, champing at the bit to go for a longer-ish tour this spring. I must admit that since buying the Breva, I do ride it more (much more), but the Honda is sure nice for stress-free long-distance riding with its MC Cruise and Sargent seat (thanks, Ohiorider!) It's an Acura to the Guzzi's, er, Guzzi. And power? Gracious, yes. After all those miles the ST still has a slightly weird riding position for me, but I'm pretty used to it.

My guess is, Honda will eventually replace it with something based on the newer 1200 V4. Ideally with factory cruise control and retaining the vast fuel tank. Even more ideally with a bit of weight loss  .