The Honda (there, I said it) STX1300 is a highly recommended ride. Scoff ye not!
The first impression I had was of the buzzy V4 – a much different engine note to that of the Zrex.
The second impression was of the nose – it has one. A Zrex (like most naked bikes) doesn’t.
Third impression was that the nose doesn’t turn with the bars. A bit disconcerting while initially manoeuvring across ANZA’s forecourt.
Instrumentation is all “right there”. Tach and speed are good old-fashioned analogue dials and easy to read. The rest of the display is digital (multi trip meters, odometer, fuel economy, clock, fuel level, engine temperature and a clock) and a bit hard to read on a sunny day through polarising lenses but none-the-less legible. Idiot lights for Africa.
Mirrors are large and convex (objects are closer than they appear). They’re also low, which took a bit of getting used to, as did seeing your hands in them!
Slow speed riding was easier than expected, thanks to a low seat (both feet nice and flat on the ground when at rest), low weight distribution and Honda’s (said it again) linked brake system.
Once rolling, the V4 buzzes away freely delivering power pretty smoothly (almost neck-snappingly). There is a bit of evidence of “fuel injectorvitis” but not as bad as on some other bikes I’ve ridden. Of course, being a shaftee it can’t wheelie...
Speed rolls on surprisingly quickly. These things are real license losers! On a naked bike speed is gained with a commensurate increase in wind loading for the rider. Not so behind a full fairing. The acceleration on the STX is impressive, both from rest and as roll-on from 120kmh in top (the specs say this is a five-speed box but I’m sure I counted six). I was through 160kmh in an instant on a couple of occasions…
The gearbox is “typical Honda” (said it again). However the Zrex has an impressive shifter as well and, unlike the STX, doesn’t find neutral when up or down shifting on the roll (thank you Mr Kawasaki).
I was somewhat surprised at the wind noise and buffet behind the screen – not as good as I had expected. Having said that, the screen was in its fully-raised position (no electric adjustment on the 2002 model) and the wind was blowing strongly in the Manawatu yesterday. The buffet from crosswinds was more noticeable on the Honda (said it again) than on the Zrex on the same roads later in the day.
Into the twisties and this machine is surprisingly agile. Not as “flickable” as the Zrex or a sportsbike, but a good rider on the STX would give a Rimutaka squid a run for their money.
Mrs H hopped on and was immediately singing the praises of the STX’s back seat. Good leg position, good squab and well-located grab handles. She was still impressed after a reasonably long run around the Manawatu. Two days before she had spent several hundred km as a pillion on the Zrex and was critical of its seat angle and peg height. Taller pillions would no doubt suffer more.
There was no discernable difference from my point of view with having a pillion on board. There is a well located rear suspension pre-load control but, like most of the customisable do dackies on offer, I didn’t fiddle during the test rides.
Braking is amazing. “Purists” scoff at Honda’s (again) linked brakes but gee they’re good. I was in awe of them during an earlier test ride of a Blackbird.
2002 Honda STX1300. 8,880km. Immaculate nick. OEM Bridgestone Battlax 020s front and rear.
And so, gentle readers, the Sultry Temptress from the Dark Side has cast a spell on me. I am conflicted with two things: A deep affection for a Zrex, which I rank highly as a versatile and competent ride and an equally deep affection for my hard-earned, tax-paid savings.
Sigh…
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Originally Posted by jrandom
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