Here is a piece that I wrote to someone who was asking about why I defected from the ST1300 and the NT700 and the pros and cons of my FJR over my ST. If my 2003 ST1300 was not 12 years old and had 130000 miles and I was a lot younger than 65 I might have keep my ST 1300 longer. But I tend to keep my main ride bikes for about 10 yeas and I wanted something to take me to my mid 70's The FJR is most likely going to be my last Sport touring bike.
............ here is somthing i wrote on the ST-riders Forum/list.
As much as I loved my two ST's that I have owned over the last 22 years. (92 ST1100, 03 ST1300) Honda is going to be hard pressed to get any new Sport Touring ST even close to the Generation III FJR, at a reasonable price point. As I said before The FJR does everything thing the ST does but better with the exception of three items, Stock wind shield, Tip over bars, and Fuel range. Two of which is correctable with the after market and the third is not an issue at my age. Wink After having owned my FJR for almost two months and over 1800 miles now, I wonder why I did not make the switch earlier. The bike has/does every thing that we have been asking Honda to give us in the ST. Less weight, more power, and up grades in the electronics. Obviously Yamaha has been listing to Honda ST owners. Sadly, still no sixth gear. grin I would not hold your breath too long waiting for Honda, you might just turn blue and pass out.
Shaft maint is a one time deal. Very easy on the FJR a lot more complicated on the ST1300, especially having to remove the swing arm. So I did it up front instead of later when I needed to.
I was looking for less weight, more stability, a newer up dated bike, and the red color, all with out giving up the performance of the ST. The FJR met those criteria. Major + for the FJR over the ST1300 is weight, stability, ease of maint. (although I have not done a valve check yet) and on the Gen III's the cruise control, heated grips,gear indicator, traction control. Throttle response is wonderful, no jerky on/off from the fuel injection. Nice STuff is the sport/touring mode selection. STOCK seat is better for my *** then the STOCK ST seat. Major negs for the FJR: wind shield sucks, but fixed with an after market shield. Down side on the FJR is seating position is more sport. More forward lean and pegs a bit higher. Fixed with risers and, lower pegs (farkel to come). The bike is different than the ST but not in a negative way. Service manual is laid out and written a bit different then Honda. Kind of like a Phillips X-Ray service manual vs. GE X-Ray service manual. A bit of a learning curve in all aspects but a fun curve. Don't like the OEM tires on the FJR. will replace with PR4GT when these wear out.I am being a bit conservative in the twisties until then. But then I am old anyway. Hope I answered your questions, If not let me know. Come on over some time and take a closer look at it.
Chuck H, with no more Honda's in the garage after 33 years of Honda motorcycles.