zrx vs st1100

[jsb223]

I got my ZRX for sale and have be approached about a trade for a st1100.

I've always likes the look of the Honda but how is the ride compared to a stock ZRX?

At my age comfort is becoming a major factor in the bikes that I like to ride.

Anything special I should look for if/when I inspect the ST?

Thanks

[MichiganMan]

[Obi Wan]I do not think this is the forum you are looking for.[/Obi Wan]

[tjhess74]

that proposition makes me nervous...why would someone trade an st for a zrx?  they couldnt be more opposite in their purpose.  i question how long youve been around bikes if youre not familiar with the st. even 1%r's know what those are.

get it inspected and if its in decent shape, then do the deal.  most st's cost alot more than zrx's though, and most st riders dont lateral over to sportbikes.  thats what makes me suspicious.

[sammyseaman]

You've always liked the look of the ST? Ooooffff.....you are a rare breed    Jump on it

[Rodan]

The ST is a great all 'round bike, but is showing it's age (came out in '91, and went mostly unchanged to '01).  It's comfortable, handles well considering it's size, and has the mother of all fuel tanks.  I've owned two over the years, and did my first 1000m day on one.  If you're looking for comfort, it's got the ZRX beat, but it's heavier and slower.  

I had one ('97) for the last couple of years as a backup/two up bike, and it still gets down the road well enough to make ham fisted sport riders cry.  

I usually throw a leg over the 'Busa, so it wasn't getting ridden much, and my wife had been showing less interest in riding recently, so I ended up trading it for a Miata for us to enjoy together.  

If you're not looking for the latest technogadgetry, and don't need the razor's edge in performance, it's still a good choice.

On Lizard Head Pass in CO in 2010:

[Flyer]

Much as I   a   ZRex;
The ST1100 is a GoldWing without the upstairs bedroom.
If you can savour vanilla pudding, the ST will thrill you.
Agreed...not your average trade...

[2DFlyer]

Try this toy to compare ergos, but any comparison stops there.  

http://cycle-ergo.com/

I'm on my second ZRX and have only ridden the ST1100 but they couldn't be any further apart.  The ST is dead smooth and deceptively fast.  Think you're doing 70?  Look down and what you'll find on the speedo will likely land you in jail.  The engine characteristics are just different.  Did someone say vanilla?  Of course the full fairing takes the blast off your upper chest and arms so you won't have to scoot back in the seat and lean into the breeze to unload your hands when the breeze is trying to peel you off the bike.  If you're looking for a tool like comfy grocery getting ride go for it but I would be suspicious.   Pick any year and KBB says the ST should book for 50%-60% more than the ZRX.  FWIW I'm considering a similar change as I'm looking for weather protection to extend the riding season and I have some road trips planned.  Good luck!

[ridingfar]

I've had 3 st1100's and for their intended purposes may have been one of the best bike's ever built. Rode from MO to BC Canada in June with a friend and his ST11 had 140k miles on it when we left. On that trip we ran into another ST11 with 297K miles on the odo.

So add "lasts a long time" to the list of good things this bike does effortlessly.

[Rabon1]

Some of the earlier models used alternators with a fairly low out put, if you use heated gear this could be an issue. I beleive the alternator upgrade is fairly expensive.

[ridingfar]

Some of the earlier models used alternators with a fairly low out put, if you use heated gear this could be an issue. I beleive the alternator upgrade is fairly expensive.

~$500 IIRC for the required parts to upgrade from the pre-'96 28 amp oil cooled to the '96 and later 40 amp air cooled alternator. Not free, but a one time cost to fix it forever.

[MDHCO]

The problem with ST1100's is the darn thing never seems to wear out.