Motorcycle considerations

[TreeLife]

A little background: I've been riding motorcycles since I was 17, primarily cruisers of metric and American make. I'm making a switch, I've decided to look at Sport Touring machines instead. I'm looking for comfort, speed, and value.

A few machines pop out to me:

Kawasaki Concours 14
Yamaha FJR1300
Honda ST1300

Cruise control would be great, but not necessary. I've never had anything fancy so I won't miss it if I don't have it.
Any experience with these machines?

 

[czar800]

I tend to learn towards Honda,

I would throw a leg over all three of them and see how they fit and feel for you. I really don't think you go wrong with any of those three!

 

[Lone Wolf]

A little background: I've been riding motorcycles since I was 17, primarily cruisers of metric and American make. I'm making a switch, I've decided to look at Sport Touring machines instead. I'm looking for comfort, speed, and value.

A few machines pop out to me:

Kawasaki Concours 14
Yamaha FJR1300
Honda ST1300

Cruise control would be great, but not necessary. I've never had anything fancy so I won't miss it if I don't have it.
Any experience with these machines?

I have an FJR 1300 sitting in my garage low miles, like new 2006 in blue.

 

[Wolverine]

I’ve been around these models for quite a few years. I ride with guys that own em. If I were you I’d lean toward the c14. The COG guys are awesome. One local is a very active organizer of rides and has done more miles on the connies than I’ve probably done in all my motor driven vehicles combined. I demo’d one once and accidentally got the front end off the ground! The only deal breaker for me was the fact that it isn’t a twin.
Not to take anything away from the flying pig(fjr), a good bike in its own right from the feedback I’ve read and listened too.
This spring I put new tires on an ST1300. Really not my cup of tea. The test ride felt very mute and soul-less, if that term makes sense.

I bought a used Multistrada a while back, which ended up being 1/2 of retail. Great machine so far, but the brand isn’t know for Japanese reliability.

 

[TreeLife]

@Wolverine I hear you on the soulless feeling. The Connie is heavily being considered, as the 1400 model has been out for a while. My first step with bikes is always replacing the suspension, progressive fork springs etc.

 

[Wolverine]

I tend to learn towards Honda

I have too. I’ve been on Honda’s the past 17 years. Not one hiccup. 2000 I bought a Hawk GT (always wanted one) and 07 the Superhawk, which I still ride. Before that I had a 600 Ninja. I grew up on a Kawi dirt bike and just stayed with the brand. Back then (91) Kawi didn’t have adjustable suspension and other class leading tech. My riding buddy bought the F2 & it sold me to Honda. The Ducati itch just needed scratched, lol. It’s now at a well respected dealer ready to be picked up from desmo and belt service. I’ll share when I hear how much that costs (I’m a bit skeered).