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"

[Giaka]

I think a lot of the negative comments on the ST13 are over exaggerated. Mine has never felt unsafe in anyway shape or form. Whether its slower technical stuff (40 mph and less) or higher speed riding the bike has always felt solid. Yeah the front feels a little light but I have managed that by cranking up the rear pre-load. Probably the only issue I have with the bike is ground clearance when ridden hard.

Back to the OPs question, without a doubt the C14 is a way better sport bike than the ST but if I were you I would look at the FJR too. Personally if I were in a situation to consider a C14 or FJR I would just go with a Ninja 1000 or something a long those lines. The Ninja 1000 offers more sport, less weight and a substantial cost savings.

[Smoker]

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

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

Mrs. Smoker is no longer a passenger on a C-14, but she did about 15K miles with me when I had it. After our trip out west her only complaint was her knees, but JamminJere makes a passenger peg lowering kit that would've helped. Bear in mind that she is half your age and fit as a fiddle....

[MrsCablebandit]

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

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

Mrs. McFlirty, reporting for duty!  

I'm absolutely fine on long trips...and nothing hurts either!  

Seriously, though.  I don't have any issues with my back, knees, or hips as a passenger on a Flying Pig.  We did upgrade to a Sargeant seat, but I never rode on the stock seat to be able to say how different they are.  We've done two five-day trips (one 1,300 miles and the other 1,700 miles) and I didn't have any specific complaints at the end of each day - just the general fatigue of a 200-300 mile day of twisties.  

My only complaint is about the stock passenger pegs on the C14; I wish they had some rubber on them.  I love the passenger pegs on the Super Tenere and we're trying to figure out if we can make them fit.  Motorcycle Larry offers FJR pegs with his relocation brackets, but I like my pegs where they are.  I just want a little bit more grip under my boots.

[Silverbird]

I probably should have been more clear, I have ridden about 1000 miles on a ST but have no interest in buying one. The C14 is what I'm looking at but only if it's a lot sportier (which I guess it is).

The FJR from what I understand vibrates, like crazy and that's the first thing that will turn me off when looking for a new bike. I have considered it though

I really don't ride that fast, sometimes when conditions are right I would drag the peg on the ST but I also  have this mental block about riding at big bike like a sportbike if that makes sense. Like it's not right or something

[AzItLies]

I probably should have been more clear, I have ridden about 1000 miles on a ST but have no interest in buying one. The C14 is what I'm looking at but only if it's a lot sportier (which I guess it is).

The FJR from what I understand vibrates, like crazy and that's the first thing that will turn me off when looking for a new bike. I have considered it though

I really don't ride that fast, sometimes when conditions are right I would drag the peg on the ST but I also  have this mental block about riding at big bike like a sportbike if that makes sense. Like it's not right or something

Well, the first thing I can tell you is that the fjr does have some vibration at about 4k rpm. But! there are 2 things that have lessened / eliminated that in mine: 1) ride around at 4k rpm for lots and lots of miles 2) have a throttle body sync done.

So, just to make sure that's clear; the fjr does not vibrate like crazy... only at about 4k rpm, and the above addresses that.

The Connie does sound like a great bike, especially the most recent version. It's heavier than the fjr but not by much. suspension and addition of traction control are clearly better.

The fjr is no slouch either though. As always, money becomes a factor and one must ask "are the improvements worth it?".

"A big bike like a sport bike?"  Well, when it's under power, in other words centrifugal force is at work, they can be pretty nimble. But when the CF is gone... watch out! they are ALL 3 quite heavy rides.

Happy Holidays.

[rfulcher]

A particular FJR may "vibrate like crazy" but this is not a trait of the bike in general. A bike that "vibrates like crazy" would not appeal to the long distance crowd. The FJR is a very common bike at Iron Butt rallies.

It is worth a look, particularly if you consider cost or ease of maintenance

[Jetpilot5]

The FJR from what I understand vibrates, like crazy and that's the first thing that will turn me off when looking for a new bike. I have considered it though

I rode a XX for several years, ride an FJR now, and have had a few bikes in between.  Nothing I have ever ridden is as smooth as the XX.  That bike has just an amazingly smooth engine, like a big electric motor.  That said, my FJR does not vibrate excessively and is comparable to most other big bore inline fours.  The Suzuki GSX1250FA was a bit smoother but my K1200S wasn't as smooth, though really, I'm splitting hairs.  None of them had vibration issues that became a problem on an extended ride.

[PatM]

The FJR from what I understand vibrates, like crazy and that's the first thing that will turn me off when looking for a new bike.

If you want to talk about a bike that vibrates, lets talk about the original Connie. The FJR is smooth as silk compared to that one. I rode my old Connie for 100,000km before I switched and still wonder why I didn't do it earlier. I'm now at about 60k on my FJR and it still does not vibrate like my C10 did. However the C14 is even smoother.

Are they sporty enough? Yeah, I guess so. They're no lightweights but once moving along, they're allright.

[county]

All that weight really smooths the FJR out...you should test ride one...

[Orson]

four-cylinder bikes went out with La Macarena

no one rides those things anymore  

[tdeboeser]

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.

Its not the bike.....

its the rider.



The C14 was what I was looking for back in '04.  To me the FJ didn't handle the way I liked.  Oh yeah - tires - tires make a difference on any bike.

[AzItLies]

Its not the bike.....

its the rider.



The C14 was what I was looking for back in '04.  To me the FJ didn't handle the way I liked.  Oh yeah - tires - tires make a difference on any bike.

I've owned both. It's the bike.

[Cablebandit]

SNAP!

 

[tdeboeser]

I've owned both. It's the bike.

meh... I know a few GWingers that can out ride most ...

Most MotoGP racers ride a different bike every year.  And a few ride different brands.... ah but they are racers


It's always the rider ( or shooter, or player, or lover), and not the tool.  Would I insult you if I said you can't ride any other bike, but your good on a only c14?  I would think you could ride any bike well.  

[superfuzz]

I've ridden the c14, the st13, the Fjr, the xx.....I bought the Fjr to replace my 99 vfr. Of the st bikes I thought the motors on all three were  great; more a matter of taste than any thing. The Fjr handled the best and would probably flawless with a respring. The c14 wasn't far behind but I thought the st13 was far behind in terms of handling in the twisties. The Fjr was the most comfy to me with the other two close  behind; really a toss up on all three probably.

A used Fjr was the best fit for me consider motor, handling, comfort and cost.

I thought the xx was a great bike. You could get pretty close on comfort with lowered pegs and bar risers.

Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk

[cognosticator]

I have an '09 C14, I put a Russell Daylong to take care of the seat problem.  I removed the secondary butterflies, put on a PCv and muzzy exhaust.  The bike dynoed at 150 rwhp and 97 ftlb of torque.  It handles great and will run faster than I will    I have had it to 140 and it still had room.

The 2010 and up have traction control so it isn't a good thing to remove the secondary flies as that is what kicks in the traction control.  The fix for that is to have the ECU flashed to get the lower end power that the bike lacks from the factory.  I have 28k miles on mine and love it every time I get on it.

I haven't ridden the ST or FJR so I cannot comment on those, but I would buy the C14 again if it came to it.

[Cablebandit]

The 2010 and up have traction control so it isn't a good thing to remove the secondary flies as that is what kicks in the traction control.  The fix for that is to have the ECU flashed to get the lower end power that the bike lacks from the factory.  

No flies in my 2010 and the traction control works just fine.  

[Silverbird]

Just because a person could outride someone on an R1 with a street legal XR100 doesn't mean they'd want to.  

[Jet Jock]

I moved UP from a ST1100 (essentially same as the ST1300) to a C14 and would never go back. The Concours is just a much cooler/faster/funner bike.

The ST is an ultra competent mile-eater; the Concours is just as competent at sucking up miles but sexy looking and exciting to ride.

Test ride both and you'll be buying the Concours.

[rollnhot]

My choice for a ST bike was between the C14 and the FJR. FJR won because it felt better to me, a little lighter handling. The 4000rpm buzz is simple fix, speed up or for some slow down.  C14 or ST1300, C14 hands down.

[JimNtexas]

I test rode all three, and purchased a 2008 FJR.

The ST was the most comfortable, but the heat issue your hear about was real, even on a 70F day.  I couldn't see the instrument panel digital readouts while wearing sun glasses. It seemed really wide, like riding a pig.

The ST engine is butter smooth and I liked the 'Jetsons' sound.

The ST is the most maneuverable a low speeds, and is probably the most reliable.

The C14 was fast, slightly faster than the FJR and way faster than an ST. The seat was a bit high for me, and, unlike the other two, it can't be adjusted.  I thought the Kpass was ridiculous, and thought the one huge pipe was to me very ugly.  One comparison of the cost and frequency of scheduled maintenance ruled out the C14. 

My FJR is very smooth at all rpms (3950 is 70mph), it's very reliable and routine maintenance items are very straight forward.  The FJR is bullet train stable at any speed.  It was (for me) the best of the lot.

[cognosticator]

No flies in my 2010 and the traction control works just fine.  

Shows you can't believe everything you read on the COG forum  

[chesthing]

I've ridden all these bikes except for the '10+ C14 (I rode an '08). The weights are pretty similar, the ST13 is like 720, the '06+ FJR is 670 and the C14 is in the middle. The C14 is going to feel much heavier and bigger than your XX because it is. It's going to feel pretty close in size/weight to the ST13 you've spent some time on because it is. In a nutshell the C14 is going to feel a lot closer to the ST13 in handling than to your XX.
As suggested, why not try making your XX more comfortable? LSL handlebar kit, lower pegs, better seat, bigger shield etc. That's what I did to the ST2, it's as comfortable as the ST1100 I sold for it and is 200 lbs lighter.

[cornercarver]

I have to say I went from  a 2006 GSXR750, which was ridden the way it was designed to a 2011 Connie and could not be happier. The bike handlies better than I expected(two up most of the time) and has really good power exiting turns. We have taken a lot of 250 mile day trips with no complaints. I did test ride an fjr, it was not for me.  

[dduelin]

I can't imagine any good experienced rider can get even nearly everything out of the ST, the FJR, or the C14 viewed through the prism of sport touring. It is question of which bike appeals more. A good rider will outride a lesser one on any one of the three.

FWIW, I twice drag raced a 2010 C14 with my ST1300. He wanted to, it wasn't my idea, we agreed to back out at the ton, lonely back road, don't try this at home, etc., etc.. The ST is faster up to 75-80 mph by about 5 or 6 bike lengths, past that the C14 did an horizon job on me. Zero to 100 the C14 was maybe the same lengths ahead and pulling away. Later that same day I was parked on the C14's hip at about 120 mph approaching a right hander on a curvy farm to market. I knew the road, he didn't, and I knew I could pass him on the outside and I would have if I had known him better and was sure he wouldn't have freaked when I passed him. If you need more than any of these bikes have to offer you shouldn't be looking at the class in my opinion.

There are the pussies or faint of heart the get all weak-kneed when the ST13 starts the happy dance on the freeway but give the bike takes a light hand and keeps going. It might weave over 120 but it won't start a tank slapper - that's a fact.

[spd2918]

There are the pussies or faint of heart the get all weak-kneed when the ST13 starts the happy dance on the freeway but give the bike takes a light hand and keeps going. It might weave over 120 but it won't start a tank slapper - that's a fact.

I'd crank up the rear and double check you tire pressure.  Mine is dead solid all the way up to the top (I mean all the way) even with the top case.  My C10 Connie was not as stable, and it was a tank.

[Geno]

Several months ago I started my selection process between the ST bikes in this thread.  I did limit my quest to 4 cylinder liquid cooled shaft drives.  Like a previous contributor stated, I doubt many riders (myself included) are truly skilled enough to reach the limits of these bikes capabilities, and my final choices came down to the Connie and the FJR.  I loved 'em both - both were stupid fast, comfortable, and beautiful, IMHO.  So my final selection boiled down to my local dealer reputation and the "deal".  I went for the FJR, am very happy after 6 months and 12,000 miles.  I'm sure the Connie would've made me just as happy.  

[wibornz]

I can not comment on the ST or the FJR.  I have an 08 C14 that has the flies pulled, a two brothers pipe, and a K & N air Filter with a power commander that has a performance map loaded.  I have almost 50,000 miles on the bike and have not had a single problem with it.  I had the valves checked at 15,000 miles, they needed a wee bit of shimming but were in spec.  Then rechecked again at 36,000 they had not changed so I will be checking the valves every 26,000 miles from here on out.  

So, after wearing out the stock junk tires, and putting on PR2 tires, the bike was a new better handling bike.  The stock tires sucked.  Just put on a new PR3 on the front and it also feels and handles great.  Spend some time and set up the suspension.  It will reward you.  The bike is set up for about 150 pound rider from the factory.  If you're not 150 pounds, dial it in for you.  

The bike handle well for a 700 pound bike.  I can drag the pegs in a slow parking lot speed figure eight, flopping the bike from side to side or in high speed tighter corners.  You can push this bike, it will inspire confidence, BUT YOU HAVE TO GET RID OF THE SHIT STOCK TIRES.  The bike with some practice will become nimble after you get used to riding it.  Do not expect it to handle like a liter race bike.  

Performance wise.  The bike is very smooth and very easy to ride in the triple digits for extended periods of time.  It will do 2ND gear wheelies at 60+ mph with just the application of throttle and you can lift the front tire or spin the rear tire coming out of corners if you are heavy handed.  I am heavy handed.  Pulling the flies out of the bike adds about 26 hp in the mid range and ups the overall hp to about 160 hp.  Pulling the flies wakes the C14 and makes it feel like a whole new beast of a bike.  Accidental wheelies will happen and in my case often do.  I also found that around the 10,000 mile mark the bike just seamed seat of the pants faster.  Like the motor was finally broke in and just seamed to run stronger.  There are a couple places around me were the roads are straight and flat with open fields on both sides of the road, no drive ways, ditches, just smooth and flat.  I have seen 166 on the gps.  Stock the mags were saying 155 for top speed, my bike will sail right past that even with the bags and my big ass on it.

Comfort wise,  I changed the windshield and added a lip.  I liked the stock seat and did a couple 1000+ mile days on it and many many 600+ mile days on the bike.  I can ride the bike all day and still be fine at the end of the day.  I did add a corbin heated seat to it because I got such a great deal on the seat that I could not pass it up.  

If you're looking for something that can be as close to as sporty as your xx and you just want a little more comfort, the C14 might be the right bike for you.  With just some simple mods you can be close to the xx in performance and have the comfort that you are looking for.  
 

[gritsngravy]

The C14 '10 & newer is a tempting ride, plenty of features and good top end.   The ST is dated in comparison but for me I want the big soft heavy wide Civic as someone called it.  I'd throw on a gps and map out every DQ I could find across america and get into adventures and crap like a modern day Bronson.  

[dduelin]

I'd crank up the rear and double check you tire pressure.  Mine is dead solid all the way up to the top (I mean all the way) even with the top case.  My C10 Connie was not as stable, and it was a tank.

You are singing to the choir. I fixed the suspension about 50,000 miles ago and the tire pressures depend on the tire and I have tried every ST1300 fitment except the Ultra IIs. However, the dirty air dance on the freeway - 70 to 85 in truck traffic light on the front wheel remains and always will. The 120+ weave is completely separate from the freeway dance, the dirty air dance.

I have tried all the forum fixes for the dirty air dance but we can't change the rake/trail and 58.7" wheelbase and the fairing design. On the other hand, there isn't a 730 lb bike with such light and ultra neutral steering either. I accepted the trade off a long time ago. The bike isn't dangerous or anything like that.