ST1300 Vs C14

[Silverbird]

So I am going to be in the market for a new bike soon and I have pretty serious concerns nothing is going to measure up to my XX.  I am starting to accept nothing is going to handle as well as my XX but the added features and comfort of the new ST bikes will be enough to even out the trade-off.

My Dad owned an ST1300 and I must say for the speed at which I ride in the canyons, the thing was pretty damn impressive but still too heavy for those oh-shit moments when you'd do anything to be carrying 150lbs less machinery.  

The concours 14 is at the top of my list, I'm getting older and taking less chances in the corners so it might be time to move away from sportbikes, although if I have to modify the hell out of another sportbike to beh appy, that's what I'll have to do...

My question is, that ST1300 was actually a pretty capable bike, what can I expect from a 2010 and up C14?


Thanks!

[falconati]

What about the Ducati ST line?  They're much lower in weight than the other options (though also down a bit in power, I assure you they have plenty) and handle well.

Other good options include...

BMW RT series
2010+ Ducati Multistrada 1200
Honda VFR 1200 (with new, lower price!)
Suzuki Bandit series
Kawasaki Ninja 650 series
Kawasaki Ninja 1000

[falconati]

Anyway, to answer your original question, the C14 will handle a bit better and have more power (not that it needs it).  Better brake feel as well, but no cool V4.

It's a little bit lighter, but I think the options above are better if weight is a concern.

[Smoker]

Score a test ride on the c-14, I think that'll make your decision for you. Did for me anyway, there really was no comparison, the Kwak was better in every category except comfort, and that can be remedied pretty easily on the Connie.

You didn't mention a pillion, if that's not a concern, why do you need such a large bike?

[Kneescrubber]

Do you take extended trips? Do you ride 2 up much? Are you getting rid of the XX? If so, why?

Neither of those bikes has ever appealed to me. My next ST bike will be a used ST3.  

[spd2918]

If you love you XX then go with the C14.

[AzItLies]

I can tell you for sure that the ST13 is not only the heaviest of the sport tourers, it's also going to be the least capable in spirited riding in some twist-ems.

It's more of a comfort bike (more tour) than sport. It has no adjustments for the front. No pre load, no nothing. I put 1.2 kg sonic springs in the front of the one I had and it literally transformed the bike. But if you didn't cut the spacer to the right length for the desired sag, you get to take it apart and do it again... no adjustment at all.

Additionally, the ST13 has more aggressive rake and trail. It turns in very easily. A lot of moto police like the ST13 as this makes it very nimble at slow speeds, for the exhibits they put on. But some have claimed this also contributes to the "so called" ST13 high speed weave issue. I believe it was 1 or 2 moto cops were killed in the UK, and all the bikes were pulled from service.

Mine would become very flaky at speeds above about 70 and in "dirty air" (passing a semi, things like that). It was very unnerving, it felt like it was just a fraction away from a full blown tank slapper.

Another bike to consider in this category would be an fjr. Some say it's under-sprung but it's fine for me, although I'm pretty light at 160. It has 3 adjustments in front and 2 in the back.

the weight break down is like this (curb weight)

fjr 650
connie 680
st13 730

Like others have said though, these are very heavy bikes, if you find yourself at slow speeds in a pinch, and it starts leaning
too much, get your leg out of the way. People have been known to break their leg trying to save them. They are that heavy.

Happy Holidays!

[antvq]

I was about to ask why the FJR was not on your list?   Lightest of the three ( ) and just an incredible engine.  Handles well too if you set it up for you and the way you ride.

[spd2918]

I can tell you for sure that the ST13 is not only the heaviest of the sport tourers, it's also going to be the least capable in spirited riding in some twist-ems.

I can tell you for sure that the ST1300 is very capable as long as the ridr is.  Smaller, weaker men are not capable of exploiting the bike's potential.

But since he is coming from an XX I would still suggest the C14.

[Flyer]

I was prepared to go the luxo-tourer route too.
Until I scored a demo on a Multistrada 1200.
It's "only" 150hp, but it's "only" 470lbs. loaded.
It'll do everything your SBB does, and be comfortable without major mods.

[AzItLies]

I can tell you for sure that the ST1300 is very capable as long as the ridr is.  Smaller, weaker men are not capable of exploiting the bike's potential.

But since he is coming from an XX I would still suggest the C14.

When I rode the st13 at deals gap (before the 1.2kg sonic springs) you could barely feel what the front tire was doing, it was very soft, not at all confidence inspiring. Also, when practicing emer braking the springs would bottom out and the tire would wallow side to side.

All of that changed with the 1.2kg sonics. And they aren't much money, iirc like 100 bucks. But again, no adjustments in the front if you misjudge the size of the spacer.

So what I'm referring to here are facts about the bike, and have nothing to do with the riders capability (or size or strength). What are you going to do if the front washes out due to it being so mushy? reach down with your big strong hand and keep it up? Stick your big strong knee out and stop from falling that way?

[Cablebandit]

Test rode an ST, bought a C14.  The C14 seemed to do everything better except super low speed tight maneuvers. And, it doesn't feel like driving a civic around.

[ReSTored]

This is an apples to oranges comparison.   Very different bikes.  The C14 is much closer to your xx and any comfort issues could be addressed with aftermarket parts.  As to handling it's more about the rider experience, skill and confidence than the bike itself and has nothing to do with strength.  In day-to-day riding above the posted speed limit, but not crazy fast, I think 90% of riders would be more than happy on either bike.

[ST for me!]

I put about 30k on my ST and now I have a 2011 Connie and I can tell ya they are worlds apart. The ST is more of a Gold Wing GT, quite comfy but she's a real pig and not sporty at all in comparison. The Connie is just so much more athletic, the power is leaps and bounds ahead of the ST and the comfort is not that much worse than the ST at all. The Connie seat sucks, simple fix. The screen is too small, again simple fix. Other than that, the adjustable suspension, heated grips, traction control and power simply put the Connie in a different league. There's a reason the Connie wins most of the comparisons, it's just that good.

[Rodan]

If you want a more relaxed ride, but still want some 'sport', go with the C14.  I test rode one a while back, and it's a very capable bike, but just didn't twist my throttle.

ST13 would be fantastic for long, two-up tours, but is definitely more appliance like.  I actually liked my ST1100 better than the ST13 I test rode.

However, if you really liked your XX, get a 'Busa and do a couple of mods.  ~$200 will get you bar risers and Buell pegs, which lower the pegs around an inch without losing any ground clearance.  SW Motech makes brackets for Givi bags and a top case if you like hard luggage for longer tours.

[spd2918]

When I rode the st13 at deals gap (before the 1.2kg sonic springs) you could barely feel what the front tire was doing, it was very soft, not at all confidence inspiring. Also, when practicing emer braking the springs would bottom out and the tire would wallow side to side.

All of that changed with the 1.2kg sonics. And they aren't much money, iirc like 100 bucks. But again, no adjustments in the front if you misjudge the size of the spacer.

So what I'm referring to here are facts about the bike, and have nothing to do with the riders capability (or size or strength). What are you going to do if the front washes out due to it being so mushy? reach down with your big strong hand and keep it up? Stick your big strong knee out and stop from falling that way?

I have been thinking about stiffer springs if going with a heavier weight fork oil doesn't help.  It is the only thing about the bike that bothers me.  I never have any side to side movement on mine or any fear of it washing out while braking.  I keep the bars straight and the bike upright while braking.

I did an emergency stop in the area of Deal's Gap.  The ABS worked quite well and paid for itself that day.  That big, heavy bike carved up the Dragon very nicely, thank you.  I like it, and that's all that matters.  And I "get it" that it is too heavy for a lot of smaller guys.  I am too bike for touring on a sport bike.  I'd never take my YZF600R across the country.  To each their own, my friend.

Cheesy Dragon shot:

[AzItLies]

I have been thinking about stiffer springs if going with a heavier weight fork oil doesn't help.  It is the only thing about the bike that bothers me.  I never have any side to side movement on mine or any fear of it washing out while braking.  I keep the bars straight and the bike upright while braking.

I did an emergency stop in the area of Deal's Gap.  The ABS worked quite well and paid for itself that day.  That big, heavy bike carved up the Dragon very nicely, thank you.  I like it, and that's all that matters.  And I "get it" that it is too heavy for a lot of smaller guys.  I am too bike for touring on a sport bike.  I'd never take my YZF600R across the country.  To each their own, my friend.

Cheesy Dragon shot:

You're missing the point, and it sounds like your "it's too heavy for you smaller guys" vendetta is clouding your thinking...

1) the front washing out isn't from stopping.
2) it's absolutely fine if you're happy with the bike, congratulations. but that doesn't change the facts I pointed out.
3) My physical size has nothing to do with the points made. Never dropped it in 16k miles. My comments have nothing whatsoever to do with the size of the bike or my ability to handle it. Never said it was "too heavy" for me, only that it's undersprung in the front and feels very unplanted in corners (not stopping) and thus more likely to washout if one is aggressive.

I've been to the gap too...



The original discussion was a comparison of the st13 and the connie. You might want to re read what's been said as it seems yer taking it way too personally.

[spd2918]

You're missing the point, and it sounds like your "it's too heavy for you smaller guys" vendetta is clouding your thinking...

1) the front washing out isn't from stopping.
2) it's absolutely fine if you're happy with the bike, congratulations. but that doesn't change the facts I pointed out.
3) My physical size has nothing to do with the points made. Never dropped it in 16k miles. My comments have nothing whatsoever to do with the size of the bike or my ability to handle it. Never said it was "too heavy" for me, only that it's undersprung in the front and feels very unplanted in corners (not stopping) and thus more likely to washout if one is aggressive.

I've been to the gap too...
The original discussion was a comparison of the st13 and the connie. You might want to re read what's been said as it seems yer taking it way too personally.

Nice photo.  I recommended the C14 to the guy (twice), so I'm not taking it personally.  I am sad that you found yours flakey, mushy, and on the edge of a tank slapper.  I wouldn't recomment a bike like that either.  I'm glad I didn't get one of those bad ones.

[Mr.Black]

OK, To the passengers on the C14, Mrs. McFlirty, Mrs. Smoker,

How is it on your hips knees and backs on long trips?

[AzItLies]

Nice photo.  I recommended the C14 to the guy (twice), so I'm not taking it personally.  I am sad that you found yours flakey, mushy, and on the edge of a tank slapper.  I wouldn't recomment a bike like that either.  I'm glad I didn't get one of those bad ones.

hahah okay... well let that be a lesson to those of you thinking about an st1300... better hope you end up with "I'm glad I didn't get one of those bad ones"