As Japan stepped into the 20th century, the father of judo, Jigoro Kano, applied
the precepts of Zen to the founding principles of this martial art. Seiryoku
zenyo, to “strive for maximum effect with minimum effort,” is central to the
philosophy of judo, where serenity and strength are synonymous.It may be said that Soichiro Honda followed the path illuminated by sensei
Kano. In the company’s 60-odd year history, Honda has dominated opponents,
not with brashness and brawn, but through an obsessive devotion to perfection,
and the constant refinement of its design and technology. The character of Honda
is in its excellence, and in Mr. Honda’s stated goal of making technology
assuredly reliable and accessible to all.
 RIDING STYLE
Helmet: Shoei TZ-R
Suit: Aerostich Roadcrafter
One-Piece
Gloves: Cortech Scarab R.R.
Boots: Sidi Strada Evo Te-Por. (Click image to enlarge)
So it is with the Honda ST1300 ABS. Arguably the most versatile and capable
luxury sport touring bike in the world, it is the embodiment of seiryoku zenyo.
A samurai in a Yohji Yamamoto suit, it goes about its task silently and
efficiently, understating its genius rather than proclaiming it. Since its
introduction in 1991 as the ST1100 Pan European and its 2003 re-launch as the
ST1300, the ST has met all challengers, taking them to the mat with nary a bead
of sweat. “The ST1300 was specifically designed with the autobahns of Europe in mind,”
explains Jon Seidel of American Honda, “traveling at over 100 mph for hours at a
time, while addressing a complete variety of urban and highway conditions. The
ST delivers optimal flexibility and handling at any speed.” The ability to
execute the most demanding maneuvers with a minimum of input will be valued by
the dedicated motorcyclist, as well as the one who gets occasional seat time.
These rider-friendly qualities married to best-in-class performance have not
been lost on the police forces in Europe, and now in this country, who are
making the ST1300PA law enforcement version their weapon of choice. 
Rick and Rita Case, owners of Rick Case Honda in Davie, Fla., select the ST as
their personal canyon carvers when spending time at their Colorado ranch. “On
paper, it’s a heavy bike,” admits Rita, “but that weight disappears once you’re
in the saddle. It’s a machine that is comfortable and requires very little
effort. You can just fly on it for hundreds of miles all day long, and at the
end be ready to do it again.” Well-padded for long hauls, the three-position
two-person seat adjusts from a height of 30.5 to almost 32 inches. Peg and bar
ergonomics provide a semi-upright position taking the weight off one’s wrists,
enhancing comfort and control. Experience how 700 pounds dances along the twisting roads of Tennessee’s Smoky
Mountains and you will thank Honda’s engineers for their brilliance. The
twin-spar aluminum chassis and compliant suspension take part of the credit. The
motorcycle refuses to fuss no matter what the road or road surface, as if
telling you, “relax … just enjoy the ride,” while the 90-degree 1261cc
twin-overhead cam V-four engine turns the shaft-driven ST into your own private
jet. The smoothness and power are remarkable. “The angle of the V eliminates
secondary vibration, and the linear power curve is inherent in the engine,”
explains Honda’s Seidel. “Unlike an inline four, you don’t have to spin it to
get into the torque curve, so power is always there in a useable form.” That
spread of torque gives the rider exceptional control, as the throttle becomes
a rheostat. Conversely, the ST’s linked brake system, with optional ABS,
responds to every request with surgical, balanced stopping. 
Former Honda GP World Champion Eddie Lawson credited smoothness as central to
his success. The ST similarly exhorts its rider to become one with it, rewarding
such smoothness accordingly. When pushed to sportbike levels, the ST surprises
with its eagerness to lean over in the kinkiest curve, and will sneak up on
crotch rockets with ease.
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