ST 1100 vs. Concours

[RP3]

I would like to hear from people who have owned both. I am going to be on the market in a couple of months and want to hear your thoughts and experiences. I am especially interested in 'connie buzz' stories and thoughts. I have yet to ride either one, but have definitely narrowed the list to these two bikes. I will be commuting approx 20 miles for a lot of my riding, but willl be taking the opportunity to go on longer rides to the coast and around Washington and Oregon as time permits, usually alone, but with my wife as often as she will go.(I'm definitely interested in input from passengers about comfort, etc.) I'm also planning at least one long trip each summer, hoping to explore Utah, Wyoming, etc. I have always wanted to attend Speed Week at Bonneville, and after watching World's Fastest Indian I will probably try to get there this year or next. Thanks!

[jahoobob]

I had a '88 Concours for about 6 years and a '91 ST1100 for 1 year.
I bought the Connie new in 1990 and rode it to the Canadian Rockies and Alaska. After I got back from Alaska I sold it because it was such a bad riding position (leaning forward) that my arms ached so badly I couldn't sleep at night. After 8 years of no bike, I bought the ST in '03 and added Heli-bars. No more aching arms. I had originally planned on a couple of thousand miles on it a year but since it was again such a pleasure to ride I traded it for my '04. I would recommend the ST over the Concours any day.

[brider]

Had a 90 & a 2000 model Connie. I loved them both and the Connie is a great value. I've got a 95 ST now and its okay but I prefered the Connie especially those huge ugly bags. Bottom line is you can't go wrong with either.

[BigTom]

The connie was a truly great MC for it's time. I loved mine, but I went from that to a Venture and then found the ST1100. I am completly satisfied with it. The Connie is crude compared to the ST.

The ST is smoother, faster, goes longer in much more comfort. The Connie is lighter, has a better air pocket, great handler.

I think you pays your money and takes your chances. Both have their place, I don't think you can go very wrong with either. I'd go to the ST, obviously.

[gec343]

My neighbor is considering trading in his Kawasaki Concours for a ST1100. He has a 30 inch inseam, and has trouble placing his feet on the ground with the Concours. Is the ST a lower bike? Also, can the ST be lowered much, and if so, how? Thanks in advance.

[Bobbydog]

I ride an ST1100 and my best friend has a Connie. He rode my ST while we were on a trip last summer. He won't ride the ST anymore because he says it is too comfortable.

'nough said.

[H20SKIER]

I had an 86 Concours for about 2 or 3 years, I am 6'1" and my back did ache a bit after long rides. I did ride it from Miane to Key West and had a great rip!! When I got the ST1100 (97) I could not believe the difference, it has a much smoother ride and my legs are not bent so much(a huge prob for me with the Connie) My wife said as soon as we left the dealer I bought the ST from that it was much more comfy for her on she also said she could not believe how smooth it rode and shifted. We bought her a 96 1 year later from the same dealer and she loves it as well!!! Good luck but get the ST.

[RP3]

Well, I bought a 99 Concours and am planning to ride the tires off the thing while I save for an ST 1300. The price was right and I couldn't wait any longer to upgrade the GS 750. BTW --I know where a cheap and reliable Suzuki can be purchased

[BigTom]

Good luck with your Connie. I loved mine, put a few miles on it:)

[AgSTreak]

Best of luck with your new bike, I'm sure you'll have a great time. Stay on board and let us know how you are doing and don't hesitate to join our membership for rides and events. As always, ride safe.

[allandry]

RP3,
My last bike was a Connie - it does have some deficiencies as mentioned here. I personnally never found the "buzz" to be that big of a problem except, for my Iron Butt ride (after 18 hours I was pretty numb). But, the ST is definitely a smoother bike.

There are a lot of upgrades that make her much more comfortable (peg lowering kits, bar risers, etc.). A good source is Murph (www.murphskits.com). He handles excellent products and provides great service.

Best of luck,
Al

[dreddd2000]

My dad rides a 3-year-old Connie and I ride an ST1100A.

We're both right around 6'1" with a lot of leg. We've swapped bikes a time or two just to experience "the other side".

IMHO: The Connie has a more aggressive riding position than the ST. It's also lighter than the ST. The Connie seems to accelerate faster than the ST according to my "butt-dyno." The ST is more comfortable than the Connie.

My dad has replaced the saddle and windshield, raised the bars and added a backrest trying to get the bike more comfy for him and my step-mother. I bought my ST used with a backrest and Clearview +4 shield on it. I've changed nothing for comfort on my bike.

My dad has only taken my step-mother for ONE ride on the ST because when they got back from that ride she was gushing about how much more she liked the ST than the Connie.

Now, if you're looking at new, there has historically been a significant price difference in the Connie's favor. In fact, I paid almost as much for my 98 ST1100A last summer as he paid for his Connie NEW.

As a purely personal opinion, I like the looks of the ST better.

[buster]

I have an 03 ST1300 now and love it. I previously had a 2000 Connie, and it was a real nice bike, but I just had a real hard time with the 'buzz' whenever I took a longer ride. I can't speak to the ST1100 as to how it rides, but I highly recommend the ST for comfort over the Connie. The ST also carries its weight lower, so it is easier to handle when parking and at low speeds.

[RideTN]

i had a 90 concours, a 92 st and now a 97 st. the buzz in the handlebars on the connie never bothered me. st is more comfortable overall. but wow, i loved the sound of the connie engine when it was revved!!!

[wrenchtwiSTer]

If your over 6ft, you'll have no problem with the CONCOURS. The "buzz" is only there if you don't know how to 'synch carbs' and adjust the 'counterbalancer'... It's definitely a 'tuners' bike and trust me... the Concours is FASTER in the quarter mile than the ST-11 (but not the ST-13 !!!). Get an aftermarket seat, some peg-lowers, and some Progressive Suspension forksprings and enjoy it till you get your ST-13!!! (I still miss my '01 'Konker'... may it 'rest-in-peace'...)

[RP3]

The previous owner set it up with bar risers, tip over bars & driving lights, a Corbin seat, Galfer lines, and a Progressive suspension system. It is also set up to run an auxiliary fuel tank as it was ridden a lot, making multiple Alaska trips and many other long tours (75k in just over 4 years). I am getting the peg lowers and a top box with a backrest for my wife. I am planning on getting a GPS and a knock off iPod to round out my traveling package and then just do basic upkeep until I save up enough to get a 1300 w/ABS and that slick adjustable shield.