ST1300 Vs C14

[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.