1993 Honda ST-1100CC - good machine?

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Well that was fun...:rolleyes:

8 point turn to get it out of the shed around the tractor. Least I could flat foot it so that answered one question.

U turn on gravel to get around the shed.

8" ditch to get out of the drive way ( it's been pouring tho not today so )

hard left on gravel then down a semi-paved road steep enough to lock up either brake easily with lots of sand and junk from the stream at the bottom that had flooded a few days ago.

Ride the 2' wide planks across the bridge into the small sand bank the stream left and squirrel up the baby twisty hill on the other side which was fine and fun.

An interesting 10 minute introduction to a new ride.;)

Weight is very low on this and it flicks very nicely. Loads of oomph and nice gear spacing.

20 km of good twisties down the Kuranda range road was fun. Gets tight and continuous towards the bottom

[video=youtube;i1Sfis_v9Zg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1Sfis_v9Zg[/video]

..locked up the rear once shifting down too far but bike was stable. Just chirped

Only nasty - the front brakes need some attention...fair bit of shuddering so that needs work. Rears were smooth and easily modulated so I know what the front should feel like. That's the only place I missed the Burgman - brakes on that are awesome

Sport windshield is a great height for the twisties - can see over it - takes the wind off my shoulders. Bit noisy in the helmet but did not wear earplugs - wanted to hear what was going on.

Wound it out in second and third a couple of times. It goes. :D

Did not realize it has the electronic cruise control - that will be a life saver for my achy hands.

Decent storage.

Ride position is very neutral - weight on the thighs almost nothing on my hands and the sheepskin saddle was comfie.. Not hot even tho it's 35 out.
Different riding position on all three bikes- perhaps may like this best.
Not as low forward as my RD400 with the drop bars so no bent neck. Vision in the mirrors is good.

Burgman is rocking chair seating and KLR quite upright as it should be on that bike.

Lot of heat off the motor as expected.

All in all very pleased so far despite the nail biting start.
 
Got the ST1100 back today. Was a slave cylinder that had to be rebuilt....***** of a fairing and exhaust removal job but feels good to get back on tho legs a tad shaky from our trek in Cooktown..
Took a short run to Yabarra the aboriginal community nearby. 130km - some good sweepers and twisties but wicked grades 18 and 20%.
Took it easy as I'm still not used to the ST and I'm tired as well plus it was late in the afternoon so hot out and that motor throws off heat.

Took the bags off the XT to make it easier to put on the tow trailer. Actually like the look.

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did not have my camera with me so had to resort to the iPhone.
That's a wrecked boat likely from one of the cyclones. There is another in the same bay.

Question for ST riders - what's the drill with shudder on the front brakes. Mechanic says hot spots and it's common.
Ride with it or????
TIA
 
Apparently the rotor changes metallically due to heat stress so the pads grip unevenly. In both cases ( warped or hot spots ) the only fix is new rotors.

The front does not "wobble" on braking ....the braking is uneven at slow speeds....that apparently is the hot spot designation.

using old or worn Brake Pads may cause hot spots or glazing of the rotor and can promote brake fade and loss of brake.
Click to expand...
http://www.msa-direct.co.uk/honda_motorcycle_parts/armstrong_brake_discs.html

annoying - just getting a cost here versus getting some rotors from the US
 
MacDoc said:
Question for ST riders - what's the drill with shudder on the front brakes. Mechanic says hot spots and it's common.
Ride with it or????
TIA
Click to expand...

Common?? Never heard of this. Here's a link to the ST brake forum.

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?475-ST1100-Brakes


First thing I'd do is put new pads on, about $40 each x 2, clean the rotors and the pins the calipers slide on and then ensure the caliper pistons are freely moving and not stuck or seized. If you still have the shudder then maybe look at rotors.
 
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don't think he meant common to the ST but rather a common problem including cars.

Clearly the rotor manufacturer is aware of the issue.

Here is a horrendous BMW thread about it.....

http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=649784&page=all

I'm spoiled by the Burgman anchors...just fabulous.

I'm not riding the ST aggressively and the brakes work but it makes smooth stops a bit annoying if I have to brake instead of just engine brake.
The rear brake is perfect.

This is from the ST forum

My front brakes on a 2001 ST1100 (non-ABS) shudder while braking at slow speeds. It almost feels like ABS is kicking in, but (a) my bike is not ABS (b) it is at low speeds when ABS should not kick in. It usually happens when coming up to a red light the last few feet. I looked around the front brake calipers and nothing seems loose.

I can post what front discs I have on the bike, if that will help. Not sure if i should be taking it in to a shop or not. I have no problems braking at high speed. I have done a few emergency braking tests after i noticed the shudder.
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http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?120518-ST1100-front-brake-shudder

and the reply

Another cause of brake vibration/judder is 'black spotting' of the rotors. Black spotting is where the rotor has developed hard spots from uneven heating and cooling of the rotor. the hard spots are slick and slip on the pads, then the pads grab the non hard spot on the rotor causing judder.
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It's very hot here in tropical Australia daily into the 30's and the sun is very strong so heat is an issue. The road just cooks just above it so any heat issues with bikes are exaggerated.

••

First thing I'd do is put new pads on, about $40 each x 2, clean the rotors and the pins the calipers slide on and then ensure the caliper pistons are freely moving and not stuck or seized. If you still have the shudder then maybe look at rotors.
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Thanks - I have to get the risers installed and the adjustable brake and clutch levers so I'll get him to do pads and have a look.
Any suggestion as to pads?
 
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I've always used OEM. ST forum feedback from people using EBC is that they're about the same cost and they use them once and then go back to OEM. I order mine from a U.S. vendor that ships USPS.

http://www.powersportspro.com/

Good prices, low shipping costs and easy to deal with.
 
Thanks - useful here in Oz where things are $$$.

Brakes were better today - was over cast and not so hot - no traffic to deal with - all the roundabouts were no stop and felt better on the bike as got some rest. Legs not so stiff and sore.

Still not wearing the bike but got the palm throttle on and that helps a bunch.
The road between Cairns and Port Douglas is a really sweet mix of twisties with elevation changes, glorious views and good pavement. Rode a bit more aggressively today tho still taking it slow on more serious twists as the weight is different and not sure how good the tires are.

Heavier through the twisties than the Burgman - big torque keeps the shifting down and brakes felt okay today. 4k rpm seems a sweet spot for acceleration and engine braking.

Just a tiny bit of rain and braking was very smooth when the rotors got a bit wet.
Think I will just leave it for this year and maybe bring a set over with me next year in luggage.
Like the feel of the bike without the panniers tho it might just be imagination.
Certainly like the looks better.
I can can get just enough in the top case and side pockets for local trips. water, camera bag and the 11" Air.
 
Switched to the touring screen and put the bead rider on the seat. Nice.
The screen really cuts the wind noise so tunes sound excellent.
Beadrider lets me move around.
Looks ugly with the big screen on but it works. Sucker is heavy in traffic tho....rain did not help.

ScreenShot2013-02-21atFeb21201343425PM_zps0683992d.jpg
 
MacDoc said:
Switched to the touring screen and put the bead rider on the seat. Nice.
The screen really cuts the wind noise so tunes sound excellent.
Beadrider lets me move around.
Looks ugly with the big screen on but it works. Sucker is heavy in traffic tho....rain did not help.

ScreenShot2013-02-21atFeb21201343425PM_zps0683992d.jpg
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I have the taller Rifle screen on mine and like the look of it. However, I never remove my side bags because I don't like the look of the bike without them. Never tried a bead rider; I swapped the OEM seat for a Corbin and found that made longer rides much more bearable. I have not seen a top box like the one on your ST. I like the look of it, even though it does not appear large enough to fit a full coverage helmet, which is the reason I put one on my ST.

Your concern with the brakes is new to me. The brakes on my '97 are very good and I have never experienced any shudder. BTW, when I replaced the front pads I used EBC pads as those were what my local Honda dealer provided. When the rear pads needed to be replaced I went with EBC because I was pleased with the performance of the front brakes.

The secret to the ST handling is to keep moving. They are a heavy pig when in slower traffic, but on the move they feel great. The protection from rain provided by the larger screen will also become apparent as long as you keep the speed up over about 60 kph. I have ridden through some heavy storms without stopping to put on my rain suit because I remained fairly dry behind that larger screen.
 
The top case is small, 25 litres and was a Honda farkle but the side cases easily hold a helmet and jacket etc. They are 35 litres each. The top case holds a camera bag and my small laptop.
I have to get rid of the stupid tow bar. Looks ugly and weighs a bunch. Side cases well made and easy to get on and off even after 20 years.

The bike is piggy just before stop speed but clutch is smooth ( if a bit hard on my hand ).
Worst is the erratic front brake makes smooth stops a challenge as it grabs. Getting a bit more used to it but have to concentrate. The problem is with the rotors - it's not a design issue. Have to cough up for new rotors as these are toasted tho I might try a set of pads first and see if the baked on crud smooths out.

That said the Burgman is a slow speed handful as well tho the brakes are superb and don't have to worry about clutch and shifter.
Roundabouts here are useful most times to keep moving tho can be pretty frantic when busy as you have to react quickly from a stop and it's hard to anticipate when the break will come. Sore clutch hand as it's not practical to sit in neutral as I might at a long light. That's the exact reason I got into the automatics to relieve that hand problem
Going off road on Monday on the KLR so just short hops if any on the ST planned.

Need a longish trip with the tunes, the Beadrider and the new screen to get me content with the ST. I don't normally ride it in town anyway but wanted to get the cruise control which will help a bunch.

I generally like the look without the bags and with the short screen. It looks similar to the Burgman Exec with the top case only. It's wider tho which makes the footing a bit less certain. Damn driveway here is fine gravel and uneven...worst part of the ride, leaving up and over the blind sidewalk and getting it back into it's parking spot. Growled at the GF today about it. Have to do a 3 point turn to get it turned around into it's spot. If it was paved I'd have better grip or could swivel it on the centre stand which is nicely designed.

Friend cop said they swivel the cop bikes all the time that way....part of their training.
 
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MacDoc said:
The top case is small, 25 litres and was a Honda farkle but the side cases easily hold a helmet and jacket etc. They are 35 litres each. The top case holds a camera bag and my small laptop.
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You must wear an open face helmet because my full coverage helmet does not fit into either side case. As a result I bought a 33l Givi top box, just so I would have somewhere out of sight to put the helmet. My riding pants and jacket easily fit into one of the side cases, while the other holds my rain suit and assorted extras I take along for the ride.
 
Y'know you may be correct - was thinking of the KLR where my helmet fits in the top case but have not tried the ST - that said I usually take the helmet in with me anyway.
I don't like the look of the larger top case and I find the little one fits the camera bag and laptop and a couple of water bottles nice and snug with quick access to them. One of the latches is broken tho so need to get a discrete strap just to keep the moisture out as the one side will ride open a bit

Risers are being shipped today so 10 days should see me fully set up. Dealer said I did okay at $4200 as wholesale is $3800 here.
Just need to lose the tow bar -damn is that an ugly bit of hardware.
Get rid of the defunct electronic cruise control on the handlebar as well. Bought a friction type today.
 
Getting a bit more comfortable on the St1100 - it's in for new front rotors today to eliminate the hot spot annoyance - and 1" risers.
I think the front tire was not enough pressure as found it very heavy at low speed. Been getting some conflicting tire pressure recommendations.....
Seems 42 is popular on both front and rear.
Bike lightens up after riding a bit so that points to low pressure cold.
Sure is sweet on the highway and the bead rider made a huge difference - now I can move around on the seat and it's cooler and dryer.

Been using the front locked compartment on the right as a helmet lock - bit of a kludge.

Also trying the adjustable clutch/ brake levers from the VFR800 which people recommend - find the clutch a bit of a chore.

I have to say buddy who rides the same Burgman 650 as I do was cool and collected in traffic and I had work to do with clutch and shifter getting out of town.

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Similar weight, same storage, similar protection up front, similar acceleration to 100 kph ( the ST walks away after that ) but no shifting on the Burgman......knowing both I miss the 650 Exec tho it would never perform over 120 the way the ST does...effortless high speed cruising and decent suspension being 20 years old.

The Burgman is simply easier to ride in the city and tight areas and decent on the highway. Both are heavy at slow speed but the Burgman weight is down lower - even tho the ST1100 is quite decent that way.

Hoping for a good ride tomorrow with the farkles - as I'm away for the long weekend.
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