I've always liked the bikes but 90,000 miles scares me. It's also been a while since I've had a carbureted bike. Is this thing going to be a money pit?
Honda ST1100 still a good bike with 91k miles?
- Thread starter Mondegreen
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What year is it? Longevity shouldn't be an issue, more likely the options for that specific model-year, i.e. alternator, TCS, ABS etc.
Bikes like to be ridden... not sitting for months/years allowing gas to clog up carbs deteriorate rubber.
Many have over 100k on the ST1100 and probably even more with 200k that we don't know about.
Post some more details and the real experts can offer up comments.
Bikes like to be ridden... not sitting for months/years allowing gas to clog up carbs deteriorate rubber.
Many have over 100k on the ST1100 and probably even more with 200k that we don't know about.
Post some more details and the real experts can offer up comments.
Uncle Phil
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Well, I have over 1/2 million miles between 4 ST1100s.
The big issues are -
1. Can you work it on yourself - Honda shops will not touch them.
2. Are you willing to 'hunt' for parts as some are no longer produced (think EBay).
3. At 90,000 miles you are close to a timing belt replacement (I do mine at 100,000) and possibly a water pump.
The carbs are no problem if the thing has been run regularly.
I have a 184,000+ mile one, a 150,000+ mile one, a 140,000+ mile one and a 80,000+ mile one.
No, they have not been a money pit for me but I'm not scared of turning a wrench if I need to.
If it is a pre 1996 model (28 amp alternator) I would probably pass on it.
The big issues are -
1. Can you work it on yourself - Honda shops will not touch them.
2. Are you willing to 'hunt' for parts as some are no longer produced (think EBay).
3. At 90,000 miles you are close to a timing belt replacement (I do mine at 100,000) and possibly a water pump.
The carbs are no problem if the thing has been run regularly.
I have a 184,000+ mile one, a 150,000+ mile one, a 140,000+ mile one and a 80,000+ mile one.
No, they have not been a money pit for me but I'm not scared of turning a wrench if I need to.
If it is a pre 1996 model (28 amp alternator) I would probably pass on it.
Welcome from Northumberland, England.
Uncle Phil has said it all and said it well.
If you're a capable bike wrencher and can follow a manual and instructions from the knowledgeable ones you'll be OK. You will also need to be patient trying to find some parts if required. There's an awful lot of unobtainium out there. Just like UP many run with a spares bike or a big shelf of treasure.
Upt.
Uncle Phil has said it all and said it well.
If you're a capable bike wrencher and can follow a manual and instructions from the knowledgeable ones you'll be OK. You will also need to be patient trying to find some parts if required. There's an awful lot of unobtainium out there. Just like UP many run with a spares bike or a big shelf of treasure.
Upt.
I have two ST's. A 1991 1100 and a 2006 1300. I do my own repairs, restorer of bikes for over 50 years so it doesn't frighten me. The 1100 is comfortable and doesn't need as much mechanical attention as I give it. Road handling is among the best on the planet for either bike. The 1100 is very stable on the highway, I have a 20 inch tall windscreen so the noise level and buffeting is minimal. My wife prefers trips on the older bike because she actually dozes for short periods on the back seat. It's agility, ability to stop and accelerate are simply designed in safety features. It is a heavy machine but once rolling, just a little bit, that feeling vanishes.
So, I support your interest in the 1100. Just be aware that the more frequently scuffed and broken bits have become difficult to find. You will have to perform most of the maintenance yourself, barring a mishap, maintenance is infrequent. Removing the fairing panels is usually the longest part of any maintenance. Just be aware.
So, I support your interest in the 1100. Just be aware that the more frequently scuffed and broken bits have become difficult to find. You will have to perform most of the maintenance yourself, barring a mishap, maintenance is infrequent. Removing the fairing panels is usually the longest part of any maintenance. Just be aware.
kiltman
Site Supporter
I’m on my third one. I will be riding the last one I purchased for at least another 10 years. For the most part change the fluids every two years, change the oil on a regular basis, I change tires a lot as I put a lot of kms on during riding season. For the most part there’s little that goes wrong with the post 96 models.
kiltman
Site Supporter
Check this out.
Article [11] - ST1100 - Basics / Buying Guide | ST1100 Articles
I've not seen a thread like this specific to the ST1100 and thought it would be useful. I know this data is spread through various other threads, wikis and sites, but it would be nice to have in one concise location with at least the basics. I'll add my .02 and others can chime in as well. If...
Slydynbye
Will ride for Pie
Current maintenance is key, if the previous owner neglected the Bike and stored it for awhile it will be a project to return it to rideable condition. I trust a bike with 90k more than one with 10k at this age. If it is currently being ridden that is a good sign.
If it is clean and runs well with signs of owner pride it will probably be fine.
If it is clean and runs well with signs of owner pride it will probably be fine.
pre 1996 , yes. The older things are the more repairs they need. Then it all depends on how much your going to ride it , how much you can repair on yourself and how much your willing to take on.
90K miles is just broken in, but it's also timing-belt time.
sirepair
Let's RIDE!
If you haven't figured it out yet, motorcycle s are money pits! Some just deeper than others!
I bought my 1st ST1100, a '93 w/93k miles, rode it to about 200k, gave it to my nephew. Only major issue was the dreaded 28 Amp alternator failure at around 100k. Put a 40 Amp in. Everything else was wear and tear.
I'm on my 2nd 1100, bought with 23k on it, 60+k now. Same with this one, just wear and tear items so far.
All motorcycles should be as reliable as the ST1100!
Erdoc48
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I have what I consider ‘limited’ mechanical skill…I have generally found the ST to be pretty easy to wrench on and keep on the road (and I have done the timing belt on 2 of them, so there’s a fair degree of disassembly required which I found not that difficult). As long as it’s a well maintained bike from whoever owned it. If it’s was sitting for a long time (old gas, wire damage from rodents, etc), I’d likely pass, but if the owner took care of it and used it regularly, ride on. I think since just about everything has FI these days, carbs get no love, but they’re actually pretty reliable. There’s loads of articles here and on ST-riders.net that will get you through most of the maintenance jobs. I agree dealerships won’t touch them due to age, but if you’re not mechanically inclined, a good independent shop may be able to work on it for you. Also, a shop manual is helpful for all of the torque specs as well as to see the exploded views of a particular assembly.
empirical evidence here shows that even after many years and many miles, the timing belt seems to last far longer than the Honda recommended replacement suggestions. Not a horrible idea to change it, but its not like its going to fail right after buying the bike. The more important issue is if the bike in question has been sitting for a while (run, run, run away) or if its been ridden regularly (then it doesn't matter how many miles are on it).
I bought a 2000 ST1100 over two years ago with over 70k on the clock to add to three other bikes in the garage. The main highway bike was a Harley. Had the same concern. New tires and minor maintenance. It’s the go to ride. The Harley was sold.