First ride ST1100

[onehundred]

I went from a Kaw ZRX 1100 to a Kaw ZX9R to a Kaw KLR (still have it) now a 94 ST1100. What a difference. The bike handles a lot different from the others. I took a spin for about 55 miles. Things I need to modify are the grips a good set of gel grips will go on soon. I would also like to raise the angle and heighth of the handle bars and get a better seat. Will search for that information. Overall I am very glad I bought it. I can't wait to get back on it and go again. It has a meger 23400 miles with room for tons more. The handling seems a little more weighted than my other bikes but I will get used to that. I ask my self "What took me so long to buy one?" I am a new fan of these great motorcycles. I look forward to meeting and riding with you guys and gals out there.:PoPoST1: :06biker:
Tim

[Mark]

Tim,
Suggestions that *will* make a huge difference in handling on an ST1100:

New rubber: Avon STorms.
Tapered head bearings.
Sonicsprings front springs and heavier fork oil (fork oil alone will make a change; but, with the spring swap the change is huge).
Rear shock (I used HyperPro).

The difference is amazing.

Mark

[BridgeMan]

Enjoy your 1100! And consider a seat improvement by Spencer, a vendor on this site. People rave about his work, and he's a ton cheaper than a custom seat.

[Bikedad]

Welcome to the ranks of the converted :)
Give yourself a little more time before you go changing the riding position, though. The suggestions about the front suspension should be followed through as that is the one weak area I have found on my ST1100.

My bike is standard and, like you, I thought that I needed to fix the riding position, but after a few thousand miles I have no problem with it at all. My last trip had me in the saddle for well over 10 hours a day and I could easily have gone more if I had wanted to. Give it some time.

In the meantime... enjoy!! :):):)

Cheers,
Allan

[onehundred]

Thanks for the advice. I changed the grips last evening and applied another coat of Zano. Ordered a new front tire the rear is new. Will order springs and a bearing kit soon for the front end, maybe do the rear shock soon after. I love this scooter. Will ride later today. Thanks for the headsup on Spencer my seat is starting to crack so a new seat is in my future.

[number9]

Hey hey, another Zaino man :yes: That sutff's great - which reminds me...... gotta do my truck and wife's Yukon again before the summer heat sets in :(

Anyways, to get the bars up and back a little, you can do the "flip clip mod" or get a set of Police bar risers (http://rides.webshots.com/album/547922785dkRUvV)(my choice). They both bring the bars up and back about an inch and it makes a good difference. I had a set of BMW K75 bars on my bike for a while at 3" up and back and they were too much, really - the 1" risers are much better.

Fork flush and oil change makes a difference, but not enough if you ride "spirited" :D , IMO. I stll BADLY need to get fork springs and a rear shock for mine.

Proper tires are a BIG improvement in handling on the ST. By proper, I don't just mean new, but the right tires - most everyone loves the Metz Z6 or the Avon Storms - their sporting profile really seems to "lighten" the bike up after it gets rolling. The high mileage slab only guys usually like a more touring based tire for longer life, but the bike will handle like a truck in the twisties - compared to those above.

Whenever you feel like doing some maint on the bike (and it prob should have a good going over being a 94 model on age alone) BE SURE and do the final drive maint (splines and o-rings with MOLY 60 PASTE (http://rides.webshots.com/album/550655197ijvFrk)), also you'll want to prob replace the coolant hoses, o-rings and T-stat - and remove the PAIR while you are in there (http://rides.webshots.com/album/56797755XfYwTD) - and also replace the carb boots while you are in there and top it off with a "good" carb sync with a SK Flowmeter. (http://rides.webshots.com/album/550655197ijvFrk) Also, give a new fuel filter and dump that Fuel Cut-off valve (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1385283380060100532OGrsbf)before it dumps on you beside the road somewhere, IMO.

***coolant hose pics credit to John 'O***


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[onehundred]

The prior owner just had the bike serviced at a Honda dealer. I thanks for the tip on raising the bars. I really appreciate all the tips and help. I am going over the bike and so far no leaks found. The rear drive hub (don't know the tech term) has oil on it but does not appear to be dripping. Probably could use new seals. Other than that everything appears to be good.