Bikers - give me your thoughts on bikes

[bernse]

I've posted a thread earlier about bikes, but I am now getting quite close to making a decision. I'll either pick one up this fall or spring at the latest (depending if any good deals come along!)

Here is the scoop. I am in the market for a new bike. I've even have Mrs. Bernse's "tentative" approval.

What I want: Sport Tourer. I want something with hard luggage. Something that is equaly comfortable in town or for a 4 hour ride on the highway. Realistically - minimum displacement of 1000cc. Disc front/back, EFI (I'm sick of carbs) and preferebly shaft drive.

The bikes in the running (for now):

Honda ST1300

FJR1300


I also briefly toyed with the idea of a touring cruiser (V92TC in Solar Red) but I am leaning against that as they aren't as "friendly" in the city and frankly, I think they are quite overpriced for what you get.

I'd love some opinions on any of the above bikes, or other bikes that you think might fit the bill. I'd especially like first hand (IE - seat time) knowledge

 

[The Stigenator]

st1300.. nuff said...

by the way I hope you got advanced riding experince.. otherwise its not worth spending the money..

 

[Kelemvor]

Heh, they look almost identical.

ALl I could recommend would be to find a shop that has them both and that will let you take one for a test drive around the block a few times. See if either one fits you better, handles better, etc.

Buying a cycle is just like buying a car. THey woudln't sell them if they were garbage, it's all just what you personally prefer.

 

[bernse]

Well, I've been riding bikes for about 20 years, from Tourers, Cruisers and Crotch-Rockets so yeah, you could say I've got "experience." 🙂

No other input?

 

[bernse]

One small <bump> and thats it.

 

[Rallispec]

they look very similar-- but i'm a fan of honda bikes, so it gets my vote.