Performance Modifications

[lionroyboy]

Does anyone know of any shops that might perform performance modifications on ST1300s? I'm looking for someone who can increase horsepower and torque by more than just changing out the exhaust system! It seems like shops really only cater to Harleys or sport bikes. I was thinking something along the lines of adding a supercharger or maybe even a turbo system, along with any other modifications I'd need to support the extra power. I called a local shop in Virginia Beach, and the service manager seemed to think I was crazy for even asking! The shop doesn't necessarily have to be local for me, but the closer the better.

Thanks for any information you can give me.

[Mellow]

I don't think I've ever heard of anyone doing those kind of mods to and ST1100 much less an ST1300.

I guess I'm curious as to what kind of power gains you are expecting and why. Most guys on Sport Tourers are happy with the power and reliability and sometimes major mods like superchargers end up making the bike unreliable for sport touring.

Not trying to riducule or anything, you bought the bike, you do what you want with it. No one's gonna tell me what to do with my bike, but I was curious as to what your goals are... If you don't mind me asking.

[lionroyboy]

I figured that I would be asked that question! Well, basically, I can't afford more than one bike, and my priority is to be able to ride two up for long distances. But, I'd love to have the extra power for the pure pleasure of faster acceleration and roll ons. I'm not into high speed riding, but I do love acceleration. I used to own a Hayabusa and tried to turn it into a sport tourer, but it didn't work with a passenger! If I had the money, I'd have 4 or more bikes in my garage (Gold Wing, ZX10R, Magna, KX250, etc.)! So, I thought the ST1300 had the most of all the characteristics I want in a bike. I certainly have no regrets, but now I'm looking to see what I can do with this fine bike without damaging the motor. I don't want to be the next horror story about the guy who had a great bike and ruined the motor by hooking up a turbo system! So, I'm hoping that someone can point me in the right direction and advise me of a shop that does quality performance modifications so that I can at least look into having the work done.

[lionroyboy]

I actually found a place close by that claims they may be able to help me. I'll send another post letting you know what I think, and if I actually make any changes! That's after I take care of the recall I just received. Anyone else get it yet? It might only be for the ABS version. Apparently, the ground distribution connector was improperly wired and could overheat.

[81654Barry]

Mr Loinroyboy,

I too would like some bolt on goodies thet would increase performance while not jepordizing the rock-solid reliability of the 1300. I have tried the power commander, for better (richer) fuel curve. That unit does not work yet on the 1300. (at least on mine). I have two brothers slip-ons, (they look and sound better than stock IMO ) a mere 1-2 hp gain that I cant feel. I would like to ask someone in the "know" if removing the Cal. compliant emisions stuff would have a positive effect on performance and what exactly that job would entail. If you find any way to make it go faster, I wish you would drop me a note. I dont think we are going to have much luck in this area however because of the limited demand. But, faster is better.

Good luck, Barry

[lionroyboy]

I've decided against turbo charging or supercharging my bike, although I was told by a shop that they can and will do it, but it would be much more expensive than I'm willing to pay. Instead, the mechanic I contacted suggested, in his words, "simple items like pistons, port and polish the head, cams, flatface valves, exhaust system and tuning" the bike after the work is done. He says it will significantly improve the performance of my bike. But, he wants to test it out first before making me any promises. I haven't taken the next step of bringing my bike to the shop to have it tested, but I expect to do that within the next month. The place is a Dynojet Approved Power Commander Tuning Center, which gives me a little more comfort in their ability to do the right thing for my bike. Also, when I asked other dealers if they could help me out, they said no, but they referred me to this place. At any rate, I have some more research to do before getting any work done. Whether I get the work done or not, I'll let you know what I find out.

[81654Barry]

Lionroyboy,

Ask your mechanic how he plans on regulating the fuel delivery to the better breathing combustion chamber? All the work you mentioned would greatly increase performance as long as you can increase or regulate the fuel supply. If you have the same problems that a number of us have had, the pc3 usb does not yet work properly on our bikes ( the 04 in particular) Maybe buy and install the one key compenent ( pc3usb, or techlusion ) and see if it works correctly on your ST before you put out thousands in engine work. If you cant reliably change your stock fuel map, all that work will be wasted. I for one hope what you are planning to do works without a hitch. I would love to see before and after dyno charts. If power commander can get the bugs out of thier unit, it will go back on mine and the performance door will be open for me as well.

Best of Luck, Barry

[hippo888]

It's already a high-compression power plant running on the ragged edge of leanness. You aren't going to see significant HP gains by porting and polishing. Cams are just going to move HP up in the RPM band at the loss of HP and torque down low and in the mid-range - plus no one has figured out how to change the fueling to take advantage of any increase in airflow through the engine (you could mess with the fuel pressure regulator, but that isn't a very precise way of doing things) that an exhaust and the above would offer.

I hate to tell you this, but if you want more power, trade the ST13 in on a FJR13. Most of the things you want to do to the ST13 will not improve power by more than 10% and given the power-to-weight ratio of the 727 lbs. ST13, that 10% isn't going to do much. Forced induction is really your only hope of getting significant power increases and as you've found out, forced induction isn't pretty.

Modern, high-compression, water-cooled engines don't have much room for improvement without sacrificing reliability. Take a look at Harley's V-Rod. The vast HD aftermarket hasn't been able to significantly increase its power without resorting to forced induction.

The most cost-effective, most reliable way to more power is to buy or trade for another factory-built bike that has more power.

Just my opinion.

[lionroyboy]

It sounds like you really know what you're talking about. My guess is that after bringing the bike to the shop, it's going to end up leaving 100% stock! If anyone else has any facts or even opinions about modifying the engine, please send them to me. It will be a learning process for me and I think it would be interesting to see how your input weighs against what the shop says. Perhaps this shop will end up sending me home after telling me there isn't much they can do for me!

Thanks for the information!

Steve

[Putt]

Lets do the math just for chuckles...
the 1300 is about what, 75 cubic inches??
and just for arguments sake, we will give it
115 HP at the rear wheel.
If you compare this to a 350 CI Small
block Chevy, the small block would be
generating around 651 HP... Not bad
at all for a naturally aspirated engine....
You "could" probably squeeze a bit
more out of it, but would it be worth
it??? All this, and a factory built
engine to boot.... Dang hot-rod engineers..


Putt....