Honda ST1300

A Fine Balance

Being able to have the best of both worlds is a tough proposition when you're out on the road in unfamiliar territory. Two cases in point: the difficulty of finding clean, comfortable rooms for reasonable sums or restaurants that still serve tasty and wholesome fare. Sometimes you don't have any control over situations. However, the bike used is all about having control, and in rare instances, it also redefines the best of the sport and touring worlds. Case in point: Honda's ST1300.

Making serious miles on two wheels is, without a doubt, the realm of the true enthusiast. We eschew parking the Escalade and trailer at the Wal-Mart and riding the last few miles to our destination. The grayish film that rain leaves on the chrome is a badge of honor as is sitting down to dinner in wrinkled shirts and bug-spattered touring boots. It's really about the ride, and those of us taking that attitude seriously generally read from the same book. While some prefer a lengthy, detailed story line that concentrates on comfort and luxury, others go the Cliffs Notes route, roughing it with weepy, soft luggage, short bars, and scarred peg-feelers. Rain and cold be damned, it's all about carving the curves. Then there's the group angling for the best of both worlds, a touring novella if you will. Perfect wind control, CD changers, and reverse gear are a bit too much for them, yet lower back pain, aching knees, and soaked gear won't cut it either. The true challenge is finding that fabled middle ground where the closed circle of yin and yang is equal amounts Sport and Tour. ...

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