Common problems high mileage ST-1300 ?

Lager

Lager

Joined
Nov 3, 2016
Messages
69
Location
Salisbury NC
Brief history, I purchased a new 2005 ST back in 06 because I didn't want a black one. Loved the bike, but after 3 years and 36 K miles later I got a bit bored with it because it did everything really well. So, I sold it and ventured into one bike or another. Fast forward to today, I now own a GL-1800 that, while it has its merits, but I really don't like it much.
Now I'm back looking for another ST-1300 and they are really hard to find. There isn't much to choose from and what I can find are high mileage units.
Since Ive been out of the loop, I'm wondering how the basic engine components like the transmission, clutch, cylinder heads and lower end components have been holding up after 50-100K mileage ?
 
From the few I've seen at meet and greets, and what I've read hear. I'd say that with proper/routine care they'll likely hold up as well as a Wing. I switch to an 06 ST after 27years on the GL 1200 series.
 
There are always anomalies, but I don't think there's much to worry about at 50K, and not much at 100K. I had to replace a water pump at round 110K (as I recall.) My universal joint went south at about 105K, but I believe it was because the rubber boot protecting it came loose and allowed water to wash out the grease in the bearings.

I replaced the swingarm bearings when I did the u-joint, but the old ones looked good when I removed them. I decided to have new clutch plates on hand when I did the water pump, but found that the original ones where only half way to the service limit.

You may need to replace the steering head bearings, but it's not a big job and provides an opportunity to upgrade to tapered roller bearings. The suspension benefits greatly from being rebuilt at 50K intervals, like any bike.

I do find that I need to replace tires every 10K to 12K...

I say buy the lowest mileage bike you can find (the price doesn't differ that much,) but don't shy away from anything with a few more miles.
 
Lager said:
Brief history, I purchased a new 2005 ST back in 06 because I didn't want a black one. Loved the bike, but after 3 years and 36 K miles later I got a bit bored with it because it did everything really well. So, I sold it and ventured into one bike or another. Fast forward to today, I now own a GL-1800 that, while it has its merits, but I really don't like it much.
Now I'm back looking for another ST-1300 and they are really hard to find. There isn't much to choose from and what I can find are high mileage units.
Since Ive been out of the loop, I'm wondering how the basic engine components like the transmission, clutch, cylinder heads and lower end components have been holding up after 50-100K mileage ?
Click to expand...

I'm sure you'll have some input here from those who have some 200+K on their ST11's and ST13's that are so maint. free they are almost boring;).
 
I'll 2nd Brant's observation.

I got tired of the ST1100s (they just didn't wear out!) we had so I bought a *new* '94 ST1300 with 93,000 on it.
We had an '05 so I knew what I would be moving too...

I'm really enjoying it.
I do expect to have to do some maintenance on it... sometime! :D

Good luck!
 
Mark said:
I'll 2nd Brant's observation.

I got tired of the ST1100s (they just didn't wear out!) we had so I bought a *new* '94 ST1300 with 93,000 on it.
We had an '05 so I knew what I would be moving too...

I'm really enjoying it.
I do expect to have to do some maintenance on it... sometime! :D

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Mark.....old age is setting in...... it's an 04....not a 94!!!!:bow1:. No?

These bike will go 300k if properly maintained!

ToddC
 
There are a few posted on Craigslist. There are really only two decisions to make: ABS or no, and; What color?
 
My '05 has 150,000 miles on it and a recent check showed compression tests pushing 200PSI leakdown at only 5%. Mine has developed an electrical bug that makes it misfire, but this is not a common problem with these bikes, in fact I think I'm the only one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Looks like the ST has the same reliability as the GL-1800 does and that makes me feel a lot better. I want to thank everyone for their responses and offers I've received in the PM's.
I think member Hoowasat said it right, ABS or no and what color ?
Prefer Silver, hides dirt well cause I hate to clean. Then red and Blue.
Think I'm going to hold off buying the ST for right now. I'm still waiting for the " I bought the best bike there is and it's a GL-1800" feeling to kick in. Ive had mine for 4 months now and 4 K miles and I'm still not feeling it yet.
I'm sort of disappointed because I don't have that "glow" the other folks have on the GL-1800 forum I belong to have.
Guess there is something wrong with me?
 
Lager said:
Looks like the ST has the same reliability as the GL-1800 does and that makes me feel a lot better. I want to thank everyone for their responses and offers I've received in the PM's.
I think member Hoowasat said it right, ABS or no and what color ?
Prefer Silver, hides dirt well cause I hate to clean. Then red and Blue.
Think I'm going to hold off buying the ST for right now. I'm still waiting for the " I bought the best bike there is and it's a GL-1800" feeling to kick in. Ive had mine for 4 months now and 4 K miles and I'm still not feeling it yet.
I'm sort of disappointed because I don't have that "glow" the other folks have on the GL-1800 forum I belong to have.
Guess there is something wrong with me?
Click to expand...

Nope........just 'different strokes for different folks':D.
Myself: wouldn't really look forward to pulling a Wing motor to change out an alt.;).
 
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Lager said:
Loved the bike, but after 3 years and 36 K miles later I got a bit bored with it because it did everything really well.
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Am a little bit perplexed by your comment - does this mean you would have liked it better if it didn't do everything really well? Or are you just wanting to do more maintenance. I haven't ridden that many bikes but researched the top Sport Tourers before buying the ST1300 and couldn't be more pleased. An axiom I subscribe to " form follows function" applies here and if the function is to ride a well constructed motorcycle that handles almost like a racer, without distracting noise and great go and stop with conveniences like the adjustable windshield and ability to tour long distances then this is an excellent choice.
Another thing that perplexes me is why Honda quit making this marvelous machine. Can someone tell me what their alternative is.
 
jjtdmd said:
Another thing that perplexes me is why Honda quit making this marvelous machine. Can someone tell me what their alternative is.
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AFAIK, Honda hasn't stopped making it - they are just not developing it or selling it in NA. The Pan is still being sold in Europe and I found it listed under 2016 Touring models on some of their websites. This would appear to have more to do with NA market conditions and preferences.
 
Lager said:
Now I'm back looking for another ST-1300 and they are really hard to find.
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Are you looking for something local because there are plenty of low mileage ST garage queens up for sale across the country. Look at the For Sale section just at this forum to get a small idea. Good luck in your quest...
 
Lager said:
I think member Hoowasat said it right, ABS or no and what color ?
Prefer Silver, hides dirt well cause I hate to clean. Then red and Blue.
Click to expand...

Not exactly true (only two questions) - one of them has other considerations. You need to decide if you want a fast ST or a faster one. Different colors are slower or faster than others. There are some interesting discussions of this topic elsewhere on this website - I'm not going to offer an opinion right now....
 
At a 100k mine runs fine. Oil consumption is none. The clutch springs were under spec at 87k I replaced them since the cover was off anyway the clutch pack was fine. Might be a good idea to have wheel bearings and o-rings on hand for high mileage one at it's next tire change. A few had issues with the SMC there's a change to address that with replacement parts and 08 and up have a slightly different set of parts. Pretty much the color changed and the price went up for each model year. Pick a color and go ride.
 
Lager said:
I think member Hoowasat said it right, ABS or no and what color?
Click to expand...
Thanks. Now let me throw out another thought which hit me when I least expected it. I've ridden a few bikes since I started in 1973. One thing I found along the way was I always got to thinking about which bike I would buy next. I was on some twisties in WV when it hit me. I realized I no longer think about which bike I want to get next. I do think about what I might like in addition to the ST1300, but IMHO, nothing can replace it. My 2006 ST1300A only has 62k miles, but if I were to lose it, I would almost certainly go out and get another. OTOH, there are several riders who are never satisfied and want to try everything. Me? I just wanna' ride.
 
My '05 had 174.3K on it when I sold it to my son in Oregon. I had the alternator replaced around 50K (warranty), rebuilt the waterpump (X2, once by the dealer @ 50K, once by me @ 116K) Replaced the thermostat (frozen open) @ 17K and the windshield motor assembly (under warranty (at 127K). When I replaced the waterpump @ 116K, I also replaced the clutch plates.

My '04#1 with 31K miles sat for a few months before I picked it up (wrecked). I fixed it up and got it on the road just a few months later. I got about 30K miles before it developed an oil leak. I parked it for 6 months, replaced the valve cover gaskets, rode it for another 7K before it's waterpump started leaking. (two years ago, yes, it's still sitting)

My 2010 sat wrecked with about 1,500 miles (no speedometer) for about 8 months (outside near the coast) before I picked it up. I fixed it up in a month or so and put it on the road. I have since put over 53,000 on it myself. Besides replacing all the tupperware rebuilding the SMC, rear MC & rear caliper, I haven't had to do too much to it.

My '04#2 sat wrecked in a shed (not mine) for 6 years. According to the paperwork from the Auction place, it had about 14.5K miles on it (no speedometer on it). It took me a year (now 7 years from the accident) to get it on the road. I put 20K commuter miles on it myself before the waterpump started leaking. I actually stripped all on my FARKLEs off to get it ready to sell when the waterpump went out. I haven't fixed it yet.

Of course, for the wrecked bikes I have had to do a lot more to them. If you really want to read it all, go to my website:

My Motorcycles
 
I can only speak for my bike - it is an '07 with just over 160,000 kms (100K mi). Except for the SMC, I've done nothing besides brakes, coolant, spark plugs, etc.
 
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