Test rode a 2003 Honda ST1300 tonight

[ddaniels]

I saw it on craigslist and have always liked the looks of them so I decided to see if I could get a test ride. I told the gentleman I was somewhat interested and asked if I could give it a ride and he kindly obliged. So, now that question mark is gone. Nope, I would not want one. It's very smooth but I guess I just like the FZ1 so much more. I'm glad I rode it over there so I could do a back to back comparison. So much better on the FZ1. Only thing that may have sold me on the ST was the windshield. All the way up and I was in a huge pocket of no air and quiet. Felt nice. The way I have the fizzy set up, with the rear end lowered a bit, higher handlebars and the Russell daylong seat, it's such a comfortable ride. I guess I have what works best for me. Cool.

 

[Burque73]

That's awesome that the owner let you test ride it.

i had a similar experience here about three weeks ago. I've always liked the looks of the ST1100 and saw one on listed for $1,800. It was a 1994 I believe, maybe '96, and had under 30K miles on it. Garage kept, great condition etc. Only ridden on occasion though and ran a bit rough so carbs, fluids, tires, catch up on maintenance so still sounded good....till I rode it.

I wanted one when I got the FJR. This ST, granted it needed a few things, just didn't do it for me. Comfortable and great wind protection, didn't handle as well or have nearly the power. I don't really need to break the sound barrier so I could lose a few horses and be ok. Other circumstances, however, influenced my decision to walk away. I figured if it was the right bike for me I'd go ahead with the purchase but I still felt I should keep looking.

And just to keep this on topic for the forum that it's in , the GS 850G is still hard to beat! It's timeless looks, comfort and ease of DIY repairs gives it a permanent home in my garage.

 

[trevor]

ST? You mean the ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZT :glee:

 

[ddaniels]

ST? You mean the ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZT :glee:

It was a bit benign and uninspiring to ride.

 

[Cipher]

Well the final drives aren't designed to explode like BMWs oh and they are refined and smooth. Obnoxious noise and vibration are only impressive to some people.

 

[ddaniels]

Well the final drives aren't designed to explode like BMWs oh and they are refined and smooth. Obnoxious noise and vibration are only impressive to some people.

I take it you own one. ;-)

What really turned me off on it was the fact that, even with aftermarket bar risers, it was still more of a forward lean, putting weight on my arthritic hands, than my FZ1 has. And, it had a Corbin seat which felt like sitting on a brick.

 

[trevor]

Well the final drives aren't designed to explode like BMWs oh and they are refined and smooth. Obnoxious noise and vibration are only impressive to some people.

Lol.....over 100,000kms on mine....keep hearing about these final drive issues but all I ever have to do is change the oil. Sorry about your luck.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

They are impressive ... appliances.

 

[Grimly]

The ST1300 was regarded as a bit of a liability by UK coppers, after several cop riders were killed or seriously injured when they went into death wobbles at speed.
The finger was initially pointed at the layout of the cop gear on the bike, but that turned out to be a red herring.
Anyway, the forces that used them got rid, and are much happier with their replacements, as far as I know.

 

[ddaniels]

Saw a couple videos talking about that wobble. Glad I passed.

 

[Burque73]

Saw a couple videos talking about that wobble. Glad I passed.

That was one reason I passed on the 1100. I wanted to see how much effort it took to keep myself upright when I took both hands off of the grips. Thinking this would be a good indication of how much weight was on my wrists, I let go at about 30mph and sat upright with very little effort so the riding position was good, but the front promptly wobbled badly. Tires, steering head bearings, swing arm, who knows maybe all of that., or it's just an ST thing?

 

[bonanzadave]

I have a friend who has one with a side car kit. The side car is something to see and the front suspension is a swingarm with koni shocks.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

I had a friend who put 150,000 miles on his ST11. He finally sold it and bought a C14 (which now has nearly 100k on it)

 

[Cipher]

The engine layout is lovely. Honda is awesome.

 

[trevor]

They are cheap as chips around here....$2200 ($1700us) asking price....still boring imo.
https://vancouver.craigslist.org/rds/mcy/d/surrey-outer-northwest-honda-st1100/7502983198.html

 

[ddaniels]

They are cheap as chips around here....$2200 ($1700us) asking price....still boring imo.
https://vancouver.craigslist.org/rds/mcy/d/surrey-outer-northwest-honda-st1100/7502983198.html

The one I looked at was asking $4000. It was a 2003.

 

[Cipher]

They are cheap as chips around here....$2200 ($1700us) asking price....still boring imo.
https://vancouver.craigslist.org/rds...502983198.html

Ok maybe a bit too much covered. Queen Victoria vs. Short shorts and tank top.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

The motors are NOT attractive when the fairings are removed.

 

[alke46]

I had one that had 145,000 on it and it was a real love/hate relationship. I loved the fact that it hardly ever needed anything other than oil and filter change every 5,000 miles or was it longer? I don't remember.
The hate part of the relationship was whenever it did need maintenance it was a real PITA. Removing all the Tupperware and then working on the v-4 engine was no fun what so ever.
Sure glad to be rid of it. Plus at nearly 700#, it got heavy trying to move it around in the garage.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

700 pounds! Zoikers!