Hello
Sometime ago I regrettably sold my ST and got into adv bikes. The time has come to return to a sports touring bike (circumstances) and because of the limited availability of well kept ST1300's here in the UK, I've been looking at GTR's as an alternative.
I was hoping some other previous/current/dual owners of ST's and GTR's could convey their thoughts from one bike to the other.
One thing of many positives I admired about the ST, was the virtually vibe free engine. Conversely I never felt the ST handled well at walking speeds or less. Many times I have read the Concours/GTR slow speed handling is awful. Odd this, as having ridden the ZZR, I was struck by just how slowly it will travel without fighting the bars. The GTR is obviously different.
Reliability... I would like to hear about this too.
Thanks in advance
Never had an ST but had a GTR for six years, it's heavy but easily turned even at slow speeds, loved every minute of it, I did fit grip puppies as there was a slight vibrating feel at around 90mph.
Overall the only reason I sold the bike was at 61 it became to heavy for me, but it did everything I needed it to do at all ranges.
Never had a st , but the gtr goes and handles very well ,but if your coming from a adventure bike it will feel like a big heavy bike on twisty backroads ,open flowing roads is where it excels at its best ,the gtr is a sports tourer where in my opinion the st is a tourer , have always found mine to be super smooth especially after the zzz 11and 12 what I had previous , later st models had a weave at speed so that would put me off ,earlier ones will be no match for a gtr ,
I never found the GTR to be an issue at slow speeds, not even walking pace. It's a great all rounder and even though I haven't had one for a few years now I would definitely recommend it.
I haven't owned an ST but have ridden a few on extended test rides, one of the bikes I considered before choosing the GTR. IMO the GTR is the better bike, it's pretty good at most things and for a big sport tourer hides it's weight well in low speed manoeuvrability. I have friends that own St's and have ridden my bike, they all comment how much easier it is to ride at slow speed and how much more powerful it is and how well it handles. As for vibrations I really don't notice any but I also ride sports bikes and old 2 strokes which vibrate so much more.
I'd try and get a test ride if you can, I'm sure you'll find the GTR enjoyable to ride.
I have, from the age of 18 always owned a bike .. I am now 55. ( :eek: ) That doesn't make me a super rider it just gives me plenty of experience. I owned my GTR for about 4 years and it ticked every box that I needed at the time ... turbine smooth, plenty of weather protection for those long commutes, plenty of luggage space, looked lovely, and was cartoon quick. Even though I have moved on that 11 Reg GTR was (almost) the best bike I have ever owned. Just bloody brilliant. :yes:
Having had both versions of the ST (1100 and 1300) I can honestly say you will love the GTR, very comfy and handles both distance and speed easily one or two up.
Low speed maneuverability felt vague but was sorted by changing the rear brake pads.
Hi Edmund,
I've had 4 St's since 2000 (1 x 1100 and 3 x 13's) loved'em, but as the last manufacturing run was in 2009 I couldn't justify paying the annually increasing price for a bike that's been in a box for 9 years, hence the GTR.
I find the touring seat comfortable enough to stop only to refuel if I'm so inclined. The engines addictive, making licence busting speeds hard to avoid. No hint of weave or wobble at any speed. Not a lot of room under the seat or in the fairings for adding extra's like criuse control, stebl horns etc.. but it's do-able, just requires a little more thought.
I've lowered mine, front and rear, and fitted bar risers. Not totally convinced of the quality of the paint compared to the honda, as I've had the exhaust end cap changed (warranty) due to paint flaking, the fuel tank has a dozen stone chips on it after a trip to Scotland (warranty refused), bikes just passed 5000 miles and a year old. I put 50,000 miles on each St and never saw anything like this happen. I notice a little more wind on the forearms, cooler in summer (good), (bad) in the winter.
However, after a year, I wouldn't change back if they made a new St tomorrow. Enjoy Edmund