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The question on many peoples lips will be, 'is the ST 1300 a match for Yamaha's FJR 1300?'

The answer is yes.  But both machines offer strengths in different areas.

The FJR offers lighter weight, a slightly stronger engine, marginally better brakes and sportier suspension.  As a bonus it also has a slightly cheaper price tag. 

While the ST 1300 is a slightly more comfortable, further refined and seamlessly polished touring package.  Albeit at a price premium over the Yamaha.  It also has a fantastic and well proven reputation for a great service life and reliability.  Adding to that pedigree is a truly excellent level of finish on this new model.

It would be nice to have a stereo included as standard, and some extra colour options would not go astray either.  But other than for those small nuances the ST 1300 has little to fault.

'Grace, pace and space', was once the moniker of a car maker, but it also describes the ST1300 perfectly. 

Honda ST 1300 Specifications

• Engine ≈ Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC 90° V-4
• Bore x Stroke ≈ 78 x 66mm
• Displacement ≈  1,261cc
• Compression Ratio ≈  10.8:1
• Induction ≈ PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
• Power ≈ 93kW @8,000min
• Torque ≈  117Nm @ 6,500min
• Ignition ≈  Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance
• Starter ≈ Electric
• Transmission ≈ 5-speed
• Final Drive ≈ Enclosed shaft with integrated dampers
• Dimensions (L x W x H) ≈ 2,282 X 935 X 1,332mm (with panniers)
• Wheelbase ≈ 1,500mm
• Seat Height ≈ 790mm (±15mm adjustable)
• Ground Clearance ≈ 145mm
• Fuel Capacity ≈ 29 litres (with 4-litre LCD-indicated reserve)
• Wheels ≈ Front/Rear Hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium
• Tyres ≈ Front 120/70 ZR18, Rear 170/60 ZR17
• Suspension Front ≈  45mm air-assist telescopic fork, 117mm axle travel
• Suspension Rear ≈ Single-side conventional damper with adjustable preload and rebound damping, 120mm axle travel
• Brakes ≈ Front 310mm dual hydraulic disc with Combined three-piston calipers and sintered metal pads, Rear = 316mm hydraulic disc with Combined three-piston caliper and sintered metal pads  (2004 Deluxe machine gets ABS)
• Dry Weight ≈ 276kg (289kg for the Deluxe version)
• RRP ≈ $22,990 ($24,590 for the Deluxe version)

Update - Click here for information on the new 2004 ST1300