The Yamaha FJR1300 is better than the Honda ST1300 overall. FJR1300 has a stronger engine, adjustable suspension, useful tech features, and is stable at high speeds.
Honda ST1300 is for relaxed cruising while the FJR1300 emphasizes outright sportiness and performance.
FJR1300 looks better specs-wise but some riders like ST1300 due to its reliability.
| Specification | Honda ST1300 | Honda FJR1300 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,261 cc liquid-cooled 90° V4 | 1,284 cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline-4 |
| Bore x Stroke | 78 mm x 66 mm | 79 mm x 66.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Valvetrain | SOHC; four valves per cylinder | DOHC; four valves per cylinder |
| Maximum Power | 126 bhp at 8,000 rpm | 142 bhp at 8,000 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 96 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm | 103 lb-ft at 7,000 rpm |
| Starter | Electric start | Electric start |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Final Drive | Shaft drive | Shaft drive |
| Front Suspension | 43 mm cartridge fork | 43 mm cartridge fork |
| Rear Suspension | Pro-Link single shock | Pro-Link single shock |
| Front Brake | Dual disc | Dual disc |
| Rear Brake | Single disc | Single disc |
| Front Tire | 120/70ZR-17 | 120/70ZR-17 |
| Rear Tire | 170/60ZR-17 | 180/55ZR-17 |
| Wheelbase | 1,540 mm | 1,595 mm |
| Seat Height | 29.1 in | 31.7 in |
| Wet Weight | 680 lb | 663 lb |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.6 gal | 6.6 gal |
Engine
The ST1300 features a 1261cc V4 engine that makes around 126 horsepower, while the FJR1300 has a 1298cc inline 4 cylinder that churns out about 140 horsepower.
The throttle response is smooth on both motorcycles, but the FJR1300 has that extra kick when you crack open the throttle that the ST1300 just can’t match.
The Yamaha FJR1300 comes with a touring/sport setting. You can unlock the motorcycle’s true potential by setting it to sport mode.
Here’s an article on ST1300 Horsepower Specifications. Read the article to learn about the real-world power delivery of the motorcycle.
Fuel
The Honda ST1300 has a fuel capacity of 7.66 gals while the Yamaha FJR1300 has a fuel capacity of 6.6 gals.
Honda ST1300 performs well with premium gasoline, aka 91 octane fuel. The Yamaha FJR 1300 doesn’t need premium fuel to run smoothly.
In my experience touring long distances on both motorcycles, the Honda ST1300’s fuel range approaches 300 miles per tank, while the Yamaha FJR1300 can do at around 275 miles between fill-ups.
The Yamaha FJR1300 is fuel efficient compared to the Honda ST1300 due to a decent real-world MPG and cheaper, regular gasoline.
Handling
The Honda ST1300 feels lighter and more nimble compared to the Yamaha FJR1300 when hustling through tight twisties. It changes direction super quickly, while the FJR1300 takes a bit more muscle to handle.
But the FJR1300 offers better stability at higher speeds, with less vibration coming through the bars.
ST1300 is lighter and quicker in tight twisty sections. Flicking side to side through switchbacks can be done easily on an ST1300.
The FJR1300 holds steadier at higher speeds and vibrations aren’t easily transferred to the rider.
Comfort
The ST1300 seat is a touch plusher, while the FJR1300 seat is flatter and harder, both motorcycles provide upright seating.
The FJR1300 has more legroom for my 5’10” frame, though taller riders may prefer the ST1300 roomier ergonomics.
Wind protection is excellent on both motorcycles.
The riding position on the ST1300 is more relaxed and integrated. The FJR1300 feels bigger and sits the rider more on top versus the ST1300.
The suspension on the FJR1300 is adjustable and provides a smoother ride comparatively.
The passenger seat is a little lower on the FJR1300 but is quite comfy. The ST1300 has wider and better grab bars for the passenger to hold onto.
Features
The ST1300 has no traction control or ride modes.
The FJR1300 adds those features, allowing you to tailor throttle response, engine braking, and traction control on the fly.
FJR1300 has a more advanced ride-by-wire system overall. ST1300 doesn’t have cruise control while the FJR1300 has one.
The Yamaha FJR1300 has more features as it’s the latest motorcycle of the two.
The FJR1300 has heated grips to help the rider during long rides in cold weather.
The FJR1300 has LED headlights and cornering lights that illuminate more as the motorcycle leans into corners.
The ST1300’s mirrors are cleanly integrated but positioned too low for good rear visibility.
The FJR1300’s mirrors offer much better rearward visibility for the rider.
Reliability
Honda ST1300 and Yamaha FJR1300 have hard-earned reputations for mechanical reliability.
The FJR1300 has had some early transmission issues but the recent models have become reliable.
I’d expect 200,000+ miles out of either motorcycle with proper maintenance.
The Honda ST1300 is reliable and gives you plenty of fun in the twisties.
Luggage Capacity
The stock side bags on the FJR1300 are practically useless for real touring duty.
A helmet would fit inside but any normal-sized backpack or laptop bag won’t fit.
Brakes & Clutch
The FJR1300’s rear brake has more grip and stopping power compared to the ST1300. FJR1300 gets a Unified Braking System along with the regular ABS.
The ST1300’s front brake is better than the FJR1300’s front brake. Both motorcycles overall have strong braking performance.
The FJR1300 has an assisted clutch that is very smooth and reduces fatigue in traffic.
Transmission
The Yamaha FJR1300 has a 6-speed transmission. I feel like the FJR1300 has too many gears and requires excessive shifting unnecessarily.
I would prefer if the FJR1300 had 5 speeds instead, with a 6th gear ratio as 5th gear.
The FJR1300’s transmission is clunkier when shifting compared to the smoother-shifting ST1300.
Weight
The standard variant of Honda ST1300 weighs around 719 pounds wet weight. The wet weight of the ABS variant of ST1300 is around 730 lbs.
The dry weight of the standard ST1300 is 631 lbs while that of the ABS variant is 637 lbs.
The dry weight of the Yamaha FJR1300 is 582 pounds.
The wet weight of a stock Yamaha FJR1300 is 648 pounds across all model years from 2003 to the present. Read the following article to learn about FJR1300 weight in detail.
Tire Specifications
The front tire size on the ST1300 is 120/70R17 and the size of the rear tire is 170/60R17.
A tire pressure of 36 psi (250 kPa) for the front tire and 42 psi (290 kPa) for the rear is recommended.
Read the following article for a detailed discussion on ST1300 tire specifications.
The front tire size on the FJR1300 is 120/70-17 and the size of the rear tire is 180/55-17. These tires sit on a 5.5-inch rim.
A tire pressure of 36 psi (250 kPa) for the front tire and 42 psi (290 kPa) for the rear is recommended.
Top Speed
Honda ST1300 can reach a top speed of 140+ mph. The Honda ST1300 speedometer is restricted to 150 mph. ST1300 can go from 0-60 mph in 3.84 sec.
The 1/4 mile acceleration time of the ST1300 is 12.5 sec. To learn more about the quarter mile time, 0-60 time of the Honda ST1300, read the following article on the Honda ST1300 Top Speed.
The FJR1300 can reach a top speed of 154 mph. The quarter-mile acceleration time of the FJR1300 is 11.6 sec.
Oil Specifications
For the Honda ST1300, the engine oil capacity is 3.9 quarts (3.7 liters) without changing the oil filter, but it increases to 4.1 quarts (3.9 liters) when the oil filter is replaced during an oil change.
Use SAE 5W-40 or SAE 10W-40 viscosity fully synthetic or semi-synthetic 4-stroke motor oil that meets API service classification SH or higher for the ST1300.
Read the following article to learn about Honda ST1300 Oil Specifications in detail.
In Yamaha FJR1300 the engine oil capacity is 4.0 quarts when changing the oil. You need 4.2 quarts if you change the oil filter too.
Yamaha recommends SAE 10W-40 and SAE 20W-50 weights for their FJR1300.
Build Quality
The plastic bodywork on the FJR1300 feels cheaper in quality compared to the ST1300. The FJR1300 plastics are more difficult to remove and re-install.
There are many finicky notches and alignments required to remove the FJR1300 bodywork. The ST1300 has better build quality and its plastics are easier to work with.
Overall, the ST1300 has superior fit, finish, and durability with its plastic bodywork versus the FJR1300.