'07 ST1300 owner here...since December '15. Best bike I have ever owned, and I've had all types. The ST is amazing!

I own a 2013 Fjr1300a . I bought it in May of 2013. Now have 48,000+ miles on it. I've done two long trips. First 5685 miles, over 10 days. Then 7835 miles over 20 days. I love my FJR. I added Heli-bar risers and a Sargent seat. Along with a Givi top box. The bike operates flawlessly. One of things I like about it, and this is related to the linked braking on the Fjr, compared to the Concours. If you're approaching and have to stop quickly, mashing the rear brake, does not upset the balance. The whole bike just squats slightly and stops quickly. The linked brake is very easy to modulate. I've purposely mashed the rear brake pedal, enough to get a reaction from the ABS, and the bike won't give you any unexpected surprises. Yamaha did a great job on the brakes. As far as comfort, well, let me put it this way. My 7835 mile trip, was from Atlanta, all the way up to Seattle, down the West coast to L.A., and through the desert southwest. I road through the Mojave in late August, middle of the afternoon, averaging over 70 mph. My temp guage never exceeded 186 degrees. The outside temp, hit 114 degrees. I was 56 years old, and road from Peoria, Il. to Rapid City, S.D. in one day. With detours.... 952 miles. It didn't wear me out, and I wasn't cramped and stiff. Yamaha made a winner with this bike. I'm currently thinking about buying a second one. Keeping my 2013, in case a friend wants to try it out and do a trip with me, and as a daily rider. Keeping the new one for long trips. My first trip took me to Jackson Hole(Grand Teton National Park). On the way back, I'd booked lodging near I-80 in Rock Springs, anticipating getting a jump the next day, to my travels down into Colorado. On the way to Rock Springs, I picked up some time, so I didn't have to be on the road at night, in Wyoming, as the pronghorn are thick. I covered 80 miles in 45 minutes. That's an average of 106 mph, on two lane blacktop. It felt like a walk in the park. My trip fuel mileage ranged from an average of 40-44 mpg. The concours won't do that, from what I'm told. High 30's.

This was one of the videos that helped me decide. My 2014 FJR is the bike for me. Got her in 2021 and love it.

I have a the 2008 Concours. I bought in 3 years ago (2020). How do I like it? I just bought the 2022 model. Reliable, comfortable, fast, a lot of power, beautiful design, I can put a full size helmet in the panniers, and virtually… no maintenance, other than oil changes, shaft drive oil change, air filter, … never had issues mechanically, or electronically. It looks mean, sexy and sporty! I love it!

Great review! My dream is to ride that beautiful countryside. Bikes have come so far since my old husky 250 in the 70's. Just getting back to riding in my older days and really appreciate the review.! Keep up the good work, us older guys are listening! Be safe

I have the 2011 concours 14, and I agree the weight and fuel range could have been better but it is so nice and affordable.

First time I've watched these clips, cant get enough now lol

You guys rock, best bike reviews out there. We just need MORE of them on KZfaq.

I have 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 and I just love it!! I wouldn't change it for anything!

Cool video guys, thanks for your reviews

Sport touring is where it's at!

Nice review, great bikes - thanks guys!

Fantastic Video! Thanks For Sharing!

Great review. Seriously, one of the best you guys have done.

Overall I can agree with the findings here. I've had the early FJR1300 2002 model and just changed it for the 2013 version -the improvements are welcome and really take the FJR into the present day . The build quality and longevity here is important - we don't buy these bikes for the short term so they need to be reliable and the build quality and finish on the early model was exceptional - (apart from an annoying diff oil leak caused by using a steel oil seal instead of copper). On a trade in Feb 2014 I got 25% of the original price of the bike after 12 years - you won't get that on the others listed here. I came from a Suzuki sports bike background and wanted a compromise that could still give me the excitement of a sporty machine with the refinements of a tourer and the FJR delivered over all others I tried in my price bracket - now with their upgrade Yamaha have addressed many of the issues that the earlier model had or technlogy improvements it lacked (albeit a long time coming as their interim upgrades simply didn't cut it and were superficial or bare minimum requirements to keep just behind the pack like ABS). The only 2 disappointments with the new model is that they should have strengthened the frame more as handling has always been the key issue at low speeds with the FJR although the new model feels more nimble and planted (the earlier models had a tendancy to want to lie down on tight corners) this improvement could have enabled the use of a top box with panniers - I mean - come on Yamaha it's a tourer designed to chew up the miles two up . . .how can you do that if your partner can't pack four pairs of shoes, two dress options, hair dryer and makeup bag on a two week trip to the south of France? The second annoying area is that the upside down electronically adjustable forks which significantly improve handling are only available on the AS model. That apart, the FJR has stepped up to the mark and still thrills me on a weekend blast ( my son was recently shocked he couldn't shake me off his tail on his 1998 YZF 750) and it gets me to my far flung places effortlessly on a long tour with additional comfort with the likes of cruise control - I wouldn't trade my FJR for any of the others listed here and look forward to the next generation - The Yamaha FJR1300 is the equivalent of the Boeing 747 - and that went on for 40 years - if it ain't broke - don't fix it - but it must keep up with technological advancements that are a natural progression to improve what is already a great product.

I bought the FJR for it's bulletproof motor. Aside from the somewhat uncomfortable, forward-leaning position required with stock bars, it's a great bike and I couldn't be happier for a sporty bike with long-mileage ridability.

Thanks guys! I was struggling between the ST and the FJ but you've helped me settle on the FJ! Don't like the BMs at all.

These guys sound totally at a loss of what to say about these bikes. It seems none of them can speak with any confidence as to the attributes of the bikes and their application in real world touring. Like thier so geared to sport bikes anything else confounds them.

Great review guys.

I have the 2008 FJR 1300A. After testing the K1300, Concours1400, GSX1250 and the Pan 1300ST, I pipped for the Yamaha as it seemed to click for me despite the terribly soft rear shock (Replaced!) and strange rear brake caliper fracture at 35k miles. One thing I would have changed is the speed dial and would have added cruise control but, thanking the Gods, they've done it! My ThrottleMeister bar-end is awesome but to have it integrated will be wonderful! Happy safe riding everyone!

Oh just a PS - I've never had an "Off " in all my years of riding on the road and the day I picked the new FJR up I took a familiar route dropped off the old bike and returned on the same route with my new pride and joy - the only difference being the torrential rain on the way back ! On the approach to a roundabout on a busy afternoon I pulled away on a reverse camber where I met with a diesel spill ! How embarrassing after three miles to have to take the bike back in bits - no so with the new Yamaha - the traction control cut in seamlessly, prevented the back wheel from spinning out - accurately and smoothly put me upright and on I continued - enough said !

I love the ST1300 - crashed mine a few years ago and was gonna buy another one but found a deal on a Goldwing I could not pass up - I still want another ST though and will get another one again before long. I take long trips to and in mountainous areas - love the comfort, range and mileage of the ST, and when you are in the twistys it does very well.

Comparisons are entertaining at best. I have ridden all of these bikes. As standalone entities, they are all good motorcycles. The first one I rode was the ST1300. I rented it to ride around the Lake Tahoe area. Spent the whole day on it. It was a little high for me being 5'7". However, it got me around those hair pin turns. When I looked into buying one, I got sticker shock. Instrument cluster worked fine. The next one I tried was the Concours. Not as comfortable as the ST, but had way more takeoff power. I also like the transmission the best out of all 3. The FJR was cool and had nice handling. But the transmission was the worse out of the 3 for me. Despite the features, having to manage the shifting was something I would have to get used to. I wound up buying the Concours. Best bang for the buck. Changing to Pilot Power 3 tires vastly improved the handling over the stock ones. Again, I could live with and be happy with any of these bikes.

ihave to agree with most people here,owning a st1300 at 5"6' and 14 stone these bikes can be awkward. the st has a ajustable seat height- big difference- the missus loves being on the back, superior wind protection.plus the build quality and materials used seems much better than the others. i personally perfer analog gauges, and the only thing missing is cruise control but there are gadgets to overcome this, To me the st was purpose build as a sports tourer, the others seem to be sports bikes with added panniers and looks like a after thought. just my opinion

You guys are amazing, looking like y'all had a great time ridding those bikes. Agree with you guys, Go FJR. I have it's little brother FZ6. Can't wait till summer.

There ya go man. My Ultra is the same way. Good for touring, ok for cornering but not sport touring by any means. It's happy running 85-90, set the cruise and roll.

In this test the ST1300 had the best weather and wind protection, the best mileage and range, was the most comfortable, and to top it off it was the best handling. Seems almost a clean sweep, yet the ST1300 was ranked last. I'm puzzled as to exactly what it is the Yamaha and Kawasaki do better to be ranked in front. Also, how about specs like saddlebag capacities, details that touring riders would be interested in. It would be nice to see motorcycles reviewed for their intended purpose once in a while instead of always being rated as sportbikes.

I've always liked the FJR, it looks awesome, easily the best-looking bike in its class. Wouldn't mind the Concours either as I have a soft spot for Kawasakis even though I've never owned one (yet). The ST1300 looks like a big scooter and I would never even consider getting one, no matter how good tourers they might be. I need a bike in my garage that I can just go and admire in the long winter months, that is why I'll keep my red CBR1100XX for now, but when the time comes to switch to a more upright riding position, it's going to be replaced by an FJR.

I just traded my 2010 FJR for the new GenIII FJR. What a difference!! Yamaha only now needs to add a 6th gear to it for it to be just about perfect.

Both excellent bikes. Only tried the GTL but they should be somewhat similar. The R1200RT just tripped me out, fun bike.

Had all these for many years. ST1300 differs from the others with its special balance.

Brilliant review...thank you

Nice review! Thanks... I still like the Concours 14 more, though. It's just an awesome looking, great performing bike! (And I'm a Harley-Davidson rider) Bikes are my passion.

Thanks for your input, I just bought a ST1300A

for 2013 There was cruise but no 6th gear. Great bike, but the Kawasaki is my favorite. The bike is agile for it's size, fast an tractable. I have no complaints.

My 2008 FJR is smooth as silk.

I own a 2007 ZX-14. Bought it new. This predates the Concourse model. Not knowing what any of these three perform in the quarter mile, I know that the ZX-14 is Insanely fast. These sport tourers all would be a blast to ride, I'm sure. I think I'd go with the Yam.

The redesigned Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 GT8V is a really nice alternative to these. It's an awesome bike!

I'm on my 2nd C14. The last one had 157,000 miles on it it when I sold it to a young guy a few blocks away - and it's STILL going strong 4 years later! I enjoy the reliability and the awesome amount of power - almost 50 hp less than my ZX14R! Its handles a but clunky, and I had to lower both of them, but it's C14s for life for me! If I want to be THAT disconnected/isolated from the ride, I have an old '06 Goldwing that's a road-going Barco-lounger!

I test rode a 2013 FJR1300 a few months ago. I really really liked it. The nly two glaring issues for me were the 5 speed transmission, and the fairing hits my knees (I'm 6'1"). Just my $0.02...

The K16GT is definitely a sport-touring bike, but it's in a different class from these three. The engine is significantly larger, and more importantly, so is the price tag.

This was an FJR commerical.. The concours is hands down better than these others.

C 14 Rules, no cruise but handles beautifully, ad the kaoko throttle lock is fine.Light steering and very fast, can't complain

I have the st 1300 and love it, but the other 2 look nicer and more up to date

I drove through Death Valley last October. Beautiful.

I toured Europe this year on a new Tracer 700 and I’m a heavy steady rider and I still came home to an Italian speeding ticket. Never ridden the above which are great by the way but without a pillion they are possibly shear indulgence.

FJR all day long, I’m on my 3rd one, it’s comfortable enough to sit on for hundreds of miles and nimble enough to give a few sports bikes a fright. 👍.

I got the big bore Kwaka yesterday, 2007 Kawasaki GTR/ Concours shaft-drive did it for me. The heavier weight handles the potholes better, and you can buy an aftermarket throttle-lock anyways.

I love my '04 ST. It is everything the riders said. Aftermarket seat and throttle lock level the playing field, IMO. Could benefit from some overdue upgrades.

I would love to see the Moto Guzzi Norge included in one of these comparisons. Cost wise, it's in the mix. Just not sure about the leg room. I'm torn between the FJR and the Norge.

I'm actually in the middle of doing the valve shims on my '08 concours 14. 25k miles, no problems, easy to maintain for me. It didn't NEED the valve job, I just like workin on my bikes. Built well, and pretty mechanic friendly. Not hard to take apart. I don't have linked brakes TC or heated grips but the motor is the same and I can say that it's pretty much on the 'sportier' side which I like. I can smoke the majority of 600 rockets. Top speed of 168mph. Aftermarket exhaust, intake....

Extremely perfect bikes

I would like to see a Sport-Touring Shootout with the 2014 Honda CTX 1300 if you all can do that.

The Concours is absolutely the best looking bike!

I've ridden all of these -- a lot.Concourse has a fun engine, but eats tires and has crappy gas range. The FJR is sporty, but not as comfortable (for me at 6'2") as the Concourse or ST and the range is just so-so. The ST may not be the "sportiest" of the three, but it does handle great, is comfortable, and importantly, has incredible range. I ride mine as a daily commuter (in addition to weekend twisty fun) and love getting over 300 miles to a tankful of fuel. I hate stopping for gas!

I ride a 2011 C-14, it's a great bike. Smooth, very quick, fast. It just eats the miles. Rode 200 and a bit miles today, no complaints at all.

I have driven my 2006 ST1300 for 74K miles and oh my...... she is something very special !!!!! and in 2024 the ST1300 looks the most modern ......

6'6", 220lbs. mid 40's, 13 bikes in 9 yrs., standard, cruisers and sport-touring. I have not had a chance to ride a true touring bike, but I have owned two FJ1200's and love there ability to to make my heart jump when I hit the throttle. ST1300 is very nice, but FJ is a little more aggressive in it's handeling in my opinion.

I own a 2007 FJR & last year I rode a Honda ST for 1500+ miles around California''s twisty mountain & coastal roads. All of this was two up with luggage, which is something I often do with my FJR. The FJR handles way better loaded up, especially going uphill as the Honda's front end felt very vague trying to turn into hairpins. I have also tried the K1600GT & although this is a very competent bike it's just too damn heavy for me. I think I'll stick with my old tuned FJR.

I would highly recommend the concours14. I also looked @ the FJR as well..definitely a nice ride. I settled on the concours cuz though it does weigh more, it can handle the extra weight. the FJR has a weigh limit of 340lbs with cargo and passengers. You can' t put a trunk on it with the saddlebags, it's either or. The kawai has the power and build to take much more weight, and it has adjustable rear gas shock to firm it up. I do luv Yamaha as well but the connie turned me on to kawasaki.

I see. Thanks for the insight.

Ridden dirt all my life, for the most part. I did ride street and box stock race when I was 17-19, (bought the first year GPz550 at the time), but realized I was mentally incapable of throttle management and belonged off the street and on the dirt. I recently bought a used 2013 FJR, without doing much research. It looked and rode like a nice bike. Turns out it gets really good reviews. Looks like I lucked out. Anyway, been putting some miles on it, and I find little wrong with it. One thing they kinda missed is that it does carry its weight a bit high. So, low speed maneuverability I can feel it. The bike wants to turn in a bit more than it should. But, eh, it's no dirt bike, so I'm not sure how much that can be improved in a 650 pound bike. I am surprised how well it sticks to the road. Yesterday I took a ride in our mountains to get a quick spin up to Mount Evans. I got caught in a hail storm. Nothing big enough to damage the bike (it did sting a bit), luckily. The hail was sticking a bit to the road, but riding conservatively, it felt like I was on a dry road. Looking forward to many more trips on the bike. Hoping my body adjusts to being in the saddle for 3-4 hours at a time. Been working on stretching more, but I'm still not quite there yet and get stiff probably more than I should.

Без условно каждый байк заслуживает уважение !!!

Ivan's ECU flash improves Throttle response and power to redline. I have the 2014 C14

I have an FJR.. best bike on the planet.

The only negative thing I think about the Honda after riding one for 6 months is the seat is a little stiff. I can go about 4 hours before I have to get off and it's my work bike so a lot of times I'm on it for 10+ hours straight. Getting some padded pants soon so I think that will solve the problem. Lots of saddle bag room. I don't have the specs but I never fill them up, great gas mileage and range. 8 hours of riding on the freeway before I need to fill up again. Great ergonomics for distances. The heated grips are not an issue for me and I ride in 30 degree weather. My hands get a little chilly but the mirrors seem to block a lot of the wind. The windscreen doesn't have bad buffer noise or feeling and I stay pretty warm because of it. Like I said, it's my work bike but I am seriously considering picking one up for myself soon even though these haven't been made new in a while.

Going to do this same ride in May on my new Connie 14. Been doing the same ride every year, but on my Yamaha Royal Star Venture. As for Tonicro, I agree somewhat, but then again you could throw soft luggage on any sport bike and call it a sport tourer.

Yamaha all day baby! I have a Gen II and it is still a beautiful beast!

Overall nice video but would of loved more indepth details; what makes and breaks a sport-tour, practicality, and own-ability.

I'm amazed more people don't comment more on the lack of cruise control on either the Kawasaki or Honda? Cruise control is an absolute game changer on a touring motorbike. Long motorway rides are a breeze with it! Now that I've ridden bikes with cruise control , I would not consider buying a bike without It. Got to be the FJR1300 for that reason alone!

Is there any chance on seeing a review of the 2016 ST1300? Apparently these are not coming to New Zealand :-(

Everybody knows that you have to pull out the secondary butterfly on the Concourse to get rid of the delay on the off stop throttle.

Would any of you use these for commuting? EG including motorway and then city lane-splitting.

Of course. :) I have rode all of them several times. It has a lot of power, but for my money I would more happy on an RT.

If I had to pick out of the three I would pick the Yamaha

2018 Honda Gold Wing is next generation of Honda ST1300. New Gold Wing is hybrid of two modification of Honda(ST1300 and GL1800).This bike has everything,what rider need for riding: cruise control,heated grips,huge LCD monitor,speakers,adjustable wind screen, keyless entry,parking rear speed and much,much more. For now I'm stay with my ST1300,because my bike is still young,but if I have to replace it,I will replace only on new model of Honda Gold Wing for sure. This is my personal opinion,guys.Ride Safe and enjoy your freedom.

That's Artist's Drive. Have fun over there!

For sure it is !

Im on my 2nd Conny 14, but all 3 of these bikes are great bikes 👍, i would ride any of them...this is a great video...ofcourse now the FJR has a 6 spd, which is 100% better ....

Nothing can compete with the Concours right now!

Does anyone know when Honda is coming out with a redesigned ST to compete with the FJ?

I was hoping to hear some info about the amount of shaft jacking when accelerating through corners. This is important to me for emergency manuvers.

In 2011, I chose the Concours 14 over the ST1300 because it had more power, cruise control and was cheaper. Last fall I picked up a 2007 ST1300 for under $4500. Having short arms and legs, the higher bars and adjustable seat make it a nicer bike for me to just ride. The fuel capacity is amazing and doesn't disrupt the ride. The Concours has been lowered, has a lower custom seat and Heli-bars Horizon ST bars that bring the bars back a long way. Love them both. Haven't considered the FJR.

You can download the owner's manual for the Connie from the Kawasaki website.

I have an ST1300 Honda although I’m 6ft 4” tall and when I extend the screen to its full limit it just deflects the turbulence down the back of my neck which is not good after a long trip. But as an all rounder Sport Touring bike it’s a great bike.

3:48 link braking. Who (in public roads) used the rear brake and under what circumstances ?

Why don't any motorcycle review provide performance test data? Acceleration, braking, some kind of handling data??? Automotive magazine test provide test data for basic civics to ferraris, why none for bikes to compare?

I have been sold on the connie for a while now, I guess I'm kawasaki biased...but I'm really liking the fjr with it's cruise control. I don't understand why it only has 5 gears though...

My buddy had a Honda ST1300. He said it was far to hot to drive, temp wise. Traded it in for a GS which he lives.

Both BMWs are well into the 20k price range, so it kind of puts them up on another level. The Trophy looks very promising, but it too, is priced much closer to 20k. The Concours and FJR can both be had, brand new, for under 16k.

Many times sport tourers like to install bar risers to take some pressure off the wrists. For the ST1300 which I own and love its an easy fix. At least for the pre 2012 FJR's I know you had to drill out the ignition assembly in order to install any risers. Something to think about? Heated grips lacking fro the Honda, they are an easy add-on, $200 as I recall.

Upgraded from a Honda CTX700 DCT to a 2021 FJR1300es because the Honda was boring!! added frame protectors front and back (incase I dropped it) and have been enjoying it ever since . My house is on small hill and so I have to carefully back it out the garage every time, as its quite heavy. Once you get it going however the weight just melts away . All hail the might FJR !!

Many friends and family have HD's, I look like I should ride a HD but I prefer the Japanese and German bikes. My issue is I am considering going from and Adventure bike to a Sport Touring bike. I do allot less off road riding and just his 50 years so recovering from a sport bike injury doesn't play well with me (and takes much longer to heal). I'm a big boy at 6'6" 300 Lbs. so having road pegs on my bike is a must for long trips. I am liking the new 2014 FJR1300ES or one of the other 2 above.

Did you guys see the Video from MotoStation Tv? Had a 2013 FJR at a show with inverted forks. I havent seen this anywhere else so I am thinking a pre production unit but was wondering if you or anyone heard anything.

Nice

I looked on your site but dont see load capacities and very hard finding online anywhere. I am a bigger guy looking for a bike capable of 2up riding. The FJR and the Connie are at the top of my list with the possible Ninja 1k. What are the load limits on the FJR and Connie? Thanks

How is the new "drive by wire" on the FJR1300??? Is it noticeable? Any delay in reaction?

I'm 5' 9" I fit perfectly on like any sports bike. Plus riding bicycles my whole life helped me get used to the riding position. So I really don't find any discomfort in it. But I understand how people can. It is kinda cramped. And I have to say. Sometimes it is nice to not have to sit that cramped. But like I said. I'm used to it

what about the heating issue, do you get uncomfortable heat from the engine?

Didn't mention BMW RT or the Triumph Trophy. I've had quite a few and I like the BMW RT the best so far. Right now I have a BMW k1200s, BMW 1150 gs and a Suzuki B- King