Upon first sight, our pillion tester assumed the ST 1300, with
no backrest and limited points to wrap a hand around, was going to demand some
effort to hang on. Once underway she discovered the side bags provided support
for her legs, giving her a feeling of being safely mounted on the bike. This,
combined with large surface area footrests, made for a sense of security and
comfort. As it turned out, between the three motorcycles, she was the most
impressed with the overall combination of the ST with regard to ride, comfort,
mechanical smoothness and agility.
The VTX came up on the short end of the stick for our
passenger. The backrest of the seat is angled so that it puts pressure on the
backbone. The passenger pegs negate the ability to change leg position,
resulting in some cramping. On the plus side, the seat position places the
passenger slightly above the rider, allowing for an unobstructed view. Also, the
big V-twin’s vibration ebbs right up through the pillion position. That same
vibration rendered our tank pouched, hard-drive equipped iPod inoperable,
unfortunately silencing the discreet Honda Genuine Accessories sound system,
which was a shame.
 From left: Honda VTX1800T, Gold Wing, ST1300.
The paradigms vary, but they all make outstanding touring
machines. (Click image to enlarge)
The Gold Wing is the Acura of motorcycles, and it is easy to
get spoiled by gadgets, performance, versatility, and class. About the only
thing left for Honda to incorporate into its stellar flagship—and I bet the
engineers have considered it—is air-conditioning. The ST is a capable canyon
dancer with a weekend get-away alter ego. Highly versatile, it manages to walk
the line between sport and touring duties without sacrificing performance for
comfort, or vice versa. The VTX oozes boulevard savvy and attitude for day
cruises, while being perfectly amenable for a run to Sturgis—with appropriate
planning and preparation.
Each of these Hondas is more than capable of helping you
stockpile travel memories. Truth be told, as a devout sport rider, I found my
time aboard the Gold Wing, the ST1300, and the VTX1800T equally fulfilling. The
enlightenment of this comparison was not how different the three machines are.
Rather, we gained welcome insight into how well each machine performs the tasks
that are the supposed specialties of the other bikes. The versatility that Honda
builds into each of these motorcycles is staggering. You can go long distances
on the ST, nail the twisties on the VTX, and cruise down Main Street and on
quiet back roads on the Gold Wing.
Ultimately, this assortment of bikes would round out a garage
pretty nicely. That way, whatever mood you wake up in on Saturday morning, you
know you have a bike to suit. Still, no one is likely to feel particularly
cheated if there is only a single slot for one of these machines.
powersports.honda.com
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