ST1300 Enhancements
The ST1300 has several “add-ons” that can cater to your riding desires.
I spent about a grand on these but, makes my bike both a comfortable tool and caters to my gadgetry needs.
Heat from engine.
First and foremost, there was the heat coming off the engine while riding. Wearing shorts or not wearing boots will heat up your ankles and calves to the point of discomfort.
I added the faring wind deflectors.
(Notice on the service access area I got the deflector slightly crooked. All better now.)
I also noticed a lot of heat in the glove boxes. So, I tried this suggestion I found in another forum. i bought some stick on heat deflection material and stuck it inside the tupperware (side panels). I also wrapped it around the outside of the glove boxes. I only did this on one side to see if it made a difference. I took a digital thermometer and tested this theory. It lowers the temperature in the glove boxes by about 15%. I am soon purchasing an infra red thermometer so I can measure the outside temp of the tupperware but, one side does feel less hot when I lay my hand on each side. Hard data coming soon.
Riding Position
I am only 5’7″ with a 30″ inseam. The fact that I am reaching for the grips a bit is fine but, I noticed myself leaning on my palms on longer rides. This was getting uncomfortable. So, I purchased the Helibar Gen 3 handlebar risers.
This brought the grips farther back and up. Much better! For an added bonus, this mod also got my hands out of the mirrors! I did not have to remove any hydraulic lines either. Was an easy addition. took me half an hour. I was very methodical and took my time. Otherwise, a ten minute fit.
I was also able to adjust the seat to another position higher which prevented my lower spine from tilting forward as much. Now I can comfortably sit vertically if I want or assume the normal riding position. This addon is a must for me and took my ST1300 to a level of comfort and seating position options that would allow me to ride a few hours. Without the risers, I was locked into one position and one position only. Another perk is I now have a threaded hole for a GPS ram mount.
(I took the shot of the ram mount right after riser install, notice wire harness outside of clip.)
Seat
I purchased a Sergent seat for my bike as I found one used in excellent condition. This is a little wider, offers a little more padding and does not slope forward as much in the area right behind my backside. This further reduced lower spine curvature therefore, increasing comfort yet again. The seat is also textured unlike the smooth stock seat. This is nice because the passenger does not slip around so much in conditions like a quick stop. The seat also offered more padding for the passenger as well.
Backrest and extra Storage
I wanted a bike that both looked sporty and performed with the big dogs but, those requirements typically limit passenger comfort. I saw some great bikes but, the rear seats were so small that unless your a tight bottomed teenager, (Are there even any left? Thanks fast food.) you would need a shoehorn to get the seat out of the average passengers crack after a couple hours of riding.
So, unless you are into that kind of thing, I suggest a bike with a nice wide passenger seat and backrest for those longer rides or even naps. The ST1300 put the bill nicely on this one. After all, “ST” stands for “Sport Touring”. Honda got this one right for sure. Awesome performance and handling along with creature comforts and great features like the electric windscreen height adjustment on the left bar. Also utilitarian friendly storage from the factory with the single key detachable side boxes. Amazing how much you can fit in those things. So, a backrest for rider is not factory but, available aftermarket. I did a lot of research on this one.
I found a couple great backrests for about $250 and some that were less but, kind of cheesing out on quality. I considered if I am riding a passenger, we are probably actually going somewhere where we will purchase something. Then there is the purse, helmets, leftovers and so on. I decided a hard case with a back rest would be more bang for the buck due to more storage AND a backrest for about $50 to $75 more than just a backrest alone.
I settled on the Givi Monokey system due to the high quality and ease of use. I can pop off the back box with the twist of a single key and push of a button. Likewise putting it on. The thing looks small but, I can put two full faced modular helmets in the thing! (or two cases of beer and some groceries.) The side boxes will carry one helmet each too, so that’s where I usually keep them. Reserves the Givi box for more dynamic usage. Everyone says the padded backrest on the Givi box is comfortable and positioned perfectly. I like the fact i can pop all three boxes off and BAM, sportbike. Put ‘em and POW, cruiser. Sorry Goldwingers, Harley and Beemer dressers, cars with two wheels just are not my style. It’s all good but, not for me. If you are riding on two wheels, you got my nod when you pass. Period.
There are a couple things I wold like to add like a good universal bluetooth hub for GPS and rider to passenger communication. Also a radar detector, cb radio via bluetooth and some blue LED’s under the tupperware in “cool” locations. Not just for nighttime eye candy but, to be seen better.
Now on the more frivolous end, a cell phone jammer would rock! Notice a car swerving around a bit? Idiots probably talking on the phone. Turn on the jammer and jam everyone within 50 feet or so. That would be so cool. A chilled beverage compartment would be nice, with two long straws. 
(Seriously though, a thermo electrically chilled compartment would be nice.) Here is a good one, an anemometer that controls windscreen height! LOL.. Talk about lazy! Oh yeah, and since we are talking Peltier Cooling Modules, put a couple in a helmet! (Would need a good air cooled heatsink on the top though! 
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Suggestions are welcome!
