Any pitfalls to the ST1100?

[GoneRacin]

I am looking at a 2003 police bike. Very clean condition. (not a fan of the white thogh, but I can paint) . I am just wondering if there are any known issues with these bikes. My old connie 1000 had bad head wobble at speeds over 75. It was a known issue with them. Also had poor suspension in the front, but I upgraded it relatively cheap. Anyhow just wondering if an current or ex st1100 owners had anything good or bad to say about them.

[traveler]

Used to be a popular bike with not only PDs, but also with long distance riders, like iron butt types. Never owned one, but have seen many reports of very high mileage ST1100s still running.

See if you can obtain maintenance records, as PD bikes generally have very regular service, for safety if nothing else.

Lots of aftermarket stuff available and some very helpful ST forums out there.

Good luck.

[GoneRacin]

Someone has to have more input that this? Cmon guys. lets hear your opinion

[Fred]

I'm not sure that a normally maintained ST1100 can be worn out. Issues? Tires are only good for 6 to 9,000 miles, Carbs are relatively easy to sync, and hold their sync well, 42-46 mpg on cheapest regular gas you can find, Timing belt should be replaced every 90,000 or so miles, Most riders replace stock seat with Russell or Corbin, and replace windscreens with Clearview or add a laminar lip. Low speed head-shake (45-55 mph) was not uncommon. Mine shook with aftermarket tires - put OEMs back on and the headshake went away....Honda Moly paste on the rear splines at each tire change. Shim under bucket valve adjustment, if the valves ever go out of spec, then camshafts have to be removed to get to the shims - not a big deal, just make sure the timing marks stay lined up.

Police white is a somewhat desirable color due to it's limited availability to the general public, ditto on the solo seat.

Sold my ST after 11 years and 93,000 miles, no (mechanical) reason to, just wanted something newer....

We have knowledgeable people here on STN, but for long-term institutional knowledge of ST1100s, go to http://www.stocrallies.com/st-riders/index.php and http://www.st-owners.com/

[motomem]

I bought mine last summer and love it. Solid, dependable, wind noise, seat could be better, snubbed by ST1300 riders (kidding). I had the money to get a good used 1300 but always wanted the ST11 so that is what I tracked down and bought. Oh - I wish it had ABS. After having it on my last bike, more than once my rear wanted to take the lead while braking hard. They do seem to high side a'lot. The bike never was a huge seller but there are still many with 200,000+ miles on them.

[spd2918]

No worries.

The white will grow on you, plus you'll be seen better.

+1 on st-owners.com

[brianhe]

I'm an ex-ST1100 rider.  You might want to review this thread with similar questions.

Check the swingarm for rust.
Check the exhaust collector for rust.
Check whether it has the low capacity or high capacity (40 amp IIRC) alternator.

I don't know how common this is but my bike had some issues with the rear caliper not retracting, and ended up eating the rotor.

st1100.org is another good online resource.  Also check out the Wikipedia article on the ST1100, which has some common problems & pitfalls listed.

[GoneRacin]

Thansk for the input. it has the big 40 amp alternator and has been garaged since new and ridden VERY little.

[FJRmgm]

how can it be a police bike and also "ridden very little"??

But, if it is you will have fun on it for many miles.

It will extend your range.

[windsorgreen1]

My old connie 1000 had bad head wobble at speeds over 75. It was a known issue with them.

No. It wasn't. You most likely had a loose steering head which takes all of 5 minutes to fix. These are shop set up issues or owner issues not "known" kawi issues.

As far as the ST1100. Anyone I've known/known about raves about them & loves them. I don't care for the car-like feel of it though.To me , it lacks any real excitment. It was like driving a Toyota Camary on 2 wheels

Thanks,
Martin

[spd2918]

how can it be a police bike and also "ridden very little"??

Some dept's motor programs are for show.  They ride during parades and career days.  Other dept.s issue bikes to each rider.  Some guys are fair weather riders.  Whatever the case, there are some good deals out there.

[scotteroni]

I have a 95 ST1100. Love the bike.  Dependable as the day is long, only needs major service at 90K (Timing Belt). Easily ride two up with power to spare. Because of the weight its a little unwieldy at parking lot speeds for inexperienced or short legged people.

[GoneRacin]

No. It wasn't. You most likely had a loose steering head which takes all of 5 minutes to fix.

Sorry friend, but your wrong on this one. I replaced all head bearings, Checked torque several times. Went thru several different tires. It is  known issue with the connie. Not bashing the connie, i loved mine, but MOST of them do it. Mine did it. my brother in laws 01 did it adn my friends 2005 did it. (and it was alomst new)

[GoneRacin]

how can it be a police bike and also "ridden very little"??

But, if it is you will have fun on it for many miles.

It will extend your range.

It was a police model that was purchased from the dealer by in individual with 0 miles on it . Ridden very litle since then. Never actually been a police bike, Just a police package model

[falcofred]

I bought the original 1991 model in April of 1990, rode it for 87,000 miles. At 60,000 the water pump started to weep. I replaced the pump and since I was in there, replaced the belt also. I rode it hard, in the mountains of N. Georgia and had a front wheel bearing failure at 23,000 miles. I keep a close eye on them from then on out and replaced them once again before selling it. The original bearings were only sealed on the outside, not the inside. Aftermarket bearings sealed on both sides. I installed a Rifle windshield and had the stock seat modified by Sargent by removing the slope in the front (flat) and moving the step to the passenger portion of the seat back 1 inch (I have long legs). I also had an alternator failure at about 80,000 miles, but the newer ones have a much improved higher amp alternator. Be sure to use Honda moly paste on the shaft drive to wheel splines. I'm tough on tires, but after trying many brands over the years I settled on the Metzler Z4's, their now replaced by Z6s. Go for it if you like almost maintenance free long distance riding.

[windsorgreen1]

Sorry friend, but your wrong on this one. I replaced all head bearings, Checked torque several times. Went thru several different tires. It is  known issue with the connie. Not bashing the connie, i loved mine, but MOST of them do it. Mine did it. my brother in laws 01 did it adn my friends 2005 did it. (and it was alomst new)

Post this on any of the Concours forums . I'd be interested to see what kind of responses come back. All I'm saying is that the issue is widely known as a dealer prep issue & not a kawi issue. Both my 97' and my 05' did it but a simple tightening of the steering head or tire pressure adjustment solved the problem as it does for most. Good luck with the ST if you get it.

[brianhe]

I never put an aftermarket windscreen on mine but I wish I'd tried one.  There was a fair amount of wind buffeting for me.  I heard good things about the Laminar Lip and Vario-something from Germany.  I did however install a belly pan, which settled down the ride quite a bit especially in the wake of large vehicles on the highway or crosswinds.

[GoneRacin]

Post this on any of the Concours forums . I'd be interested to see what kind of responses come back. All I'm saying is that the issue is widely known as a dealer prep issue & not a kawi issue. Both my 97' and my 05' did it but a simple tightening of the steering head or tire pressure adjustment solved the problem as it does for most. Good luck with the ST if you get it.

I didi alot orf research on this on COG. I am and have been a member for a long time there. Look around there. You will find alot of info about it.

Still looking forward to the ST though. Hope to have it ferkled by bike week. Should have it before next weekend.

[GoneRacin]

Well I am going to jump on this one, SHould have it home by Sat, Will post pics and specs than.

[fxrbill]

Here is the pig in action.http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35754