new owner needs advice

[motoed]

Hello All.
I'm a new owner with no previous ST experience and would like to have answers to some questions or directions on where I may get answers.
The bike is a 1998 ST1100, 22,000miles. Seems well taken care of.
Here is what I have found and need to look at so far.

1. The front forks fell a little mushy. When I sit on the bike, the forks drop and inch or two. Is this normal?

2. I know you shouldn't let go of the handlebars but I did and as soon as I lifted my hand and the throttle returned the bike developed head shake.
The tires are new Avons. This isn't normal is it, any recommendations?

3. Front brake lever seems too hard to pull and the brakes don't seem to be generating enough stopping power. I've had hyd brakes before and loved them. What do we do here?

4. Some where between 3500 and 4000 rpm, every now and then the bike kinda stumbles or goes flat, very briefly. Any ideas.

5. I need to mount a radar detector and satelite radio. There are so many threads and options, what to do. I will have to unhook them and lock them up when I get off the bike, unless somebody is making a locking dash.
Recommend a radio that I can use on the bike and the car as well.
Also, any other recommendations.

6. Where can I find the lowest price for a top case and mounting rack? I'll take used.

Have pity, I did search and have spent hours here and there.
MotoEd

[Northern Rob]

2. I know you shouldn't let go of the handlebars but I did and as soon as I lifted my hand and the throttle returned the bike developed head shake.
The tires are new Avons. This isn't normal is it, any recommendations?


I had head shake after I bought my bike too. Didn't realize till later that when I bought the bike (used), one tire was bias ply and one was radial. Different brands, both with good tread. That should have been a no-brainer to catch, but neither I nor my mechanic caught it until later. Quick tire change and it was gone. Doesn't sound like that's your problem though...

[GRN]

Not sure what to make of the front end... I'm a staunch dude and I don't recall compressing the front forks on my 91 to that degree...

I can tell you that the bike should track strait as an arrow w/out any vibration when hands free through an extreme range of speeds... not that I'm actually admitting to being that dense... but I am ;)

Trunk...ebay.

Good luck, many safe miles...................... :04biker:

[wjbertrand]

Hello All.
I'm a new owner with no previous ST experience and would like to have answers to some questions or directions on where I may get answers.
The bike is a 1998 ST1100, 22,000miles. Seems well taken care of.
Here is what I have found and need to look at so far.

1. The front forks fell a little mushy. When I sit on the bike, the forks drop and inch or two. Is this normal?

2. I know you shouldn't let go of the handlebars but I did and as soon as I lifted my hand and the throttle returned the bike developed head shake.
The tires are new Avons. This isn't normal is it, any recommendations?

3. Front brake lever seems too hard to pull and the brakes don't seem to be generating enough stopping power. I've had hyd brakes before and loved them. What do we do here?

4. Some where between 3500 and 4000 rpm, every now and then the bike kinda stumbles or goes flat, very briefly. Any ideas.

5. I need to mount a radar detector and satelite radio. There are so many threads and options, what to do. I will have to unhook them and lock them up when I get off the bike, unless somebody is making a locking dash.
Recommend a radio that I can use on the bike and the car as well.
Also, any other recommendations.

6. Where can I find the lowest price for a top case and mounting rack? I'll take used.

Have pity, I did search and have spent hours here and there.
MotoEd

1. Yes the ST is undersprung up front. Some aftermarket spring such as those available from Works, Progressive and others will fix you right up. Change the fork oil to a 10wt while you are at and you will be amazed at the difference.

2. Though not normal, headshake is common with the ST1100. She's picky about her rubber. I found that the OEM Bridgestone Exedras were the most resistant and least likely tire to cause this problem. Tires must be carefully balanced and make sure your head race bearings are in good shape and properly adjusted/torqued.

3. There may be a set of aftermarket pads in there, some of them can feel pretty "wooden". Try fitting the Honda OEM pads after thoroughly scrubbing down the rotors with some ScotchBrite abrasive cleaning pads. Also, don't forget to flush and refill the brakes with fresh fluid. It should be changed every 2 years. Lastly some braided stainless lines can go a long ways toward improving feel.

4. Nope, my 1100 always carburated perfectly. Maybe run through the standard stuf; carb sych, new plugs, valve lash inspection/adjustment?

5. I think Cyclegagets.com has a locking radar detector housing.

6. I bought a Givi top case and rack for under $300. There are numerous dealers for Givi cases. My deal was a while ago but you should be able to come close, especially if you can forego the color matched lid, backrest and integrated brake lights.

Lastly WELCOME!!

[motoed]

Thanks for your replies.
I looked at the brake pads and they appear to be shot.
I'll pull the wheels and check the balance.
Thanks to all
Hope we meet some day.
Eddie

[pmatulew]

What they said and then some.

Changing the fork oil does make a world of difference.

Headshake could be tires or could be steering bearings. The OEM bearing set is a little under-engineered for what it has to do. There are taper bearing upgrades available aftermarket that will solve that problem pronto.

4000 rpm grumbles. Yup. Stock engines are jetted very lean. Syncronizing the carbs helps some. Get used to it or be prepared to start making modifications.

[MikeP1300]

Motoed;
In addition to the great advise you'll get here, you will find a decade worth of experience and info here. http://www.st1100.org/

Sounds like your ST may not have been as well cared for as you think, it needs some tlc. I'd start at the front and work :04biker: back. Fluids, pads, valve check, carbs, etc. Get a shop manual. It'll be fun.

The 1100 is finicky about tires and head bearing adjustment. MEZ4's fixed the shake on mine.

Keep in touch.

[ssls6]

The rake of the ST is such that rear preload/damping can impact steering wobble.

[motoed]

Changing the fork oil and guess what.
No oil in the left fork leg.
Didn't have any oil to put in until tonight then I'll ride it again.
That may help and I'll also check the rear preload.
Starting front to back, won't be able to synch the carbs (not tool).
MotoEd

[MikeP1300]

Motoed;
Where in beautiful So Lousyana do you reside? I'm in Lafayette (Scott).

[motoed]

Dern it man.
I was in Lafayette last Friday night, had dinner at Prejeans.
I was actually on my way back from buying the bike in Houston.
I am 4 hours north of you, 30 miles north of El Dorado (hwy 167).
I'm in Camden off of highway 7.

One day, I'd like an experienced ST'er to look at my bike and compare with their known bike. I have always wondered when buying a used bike how it compares to others of the same model. Just check it for problems and such.

[mtrot]

Motoed,

I appreciate your questions since I also am a recent ST1100 owner(1997ABS). It only has about 20K miles. I am not doing much of my own work now, due to not enough time or expertise. My right fork seal seems to be shot, as fluid is coming out. I would like to get some aftermarket springs and 10wt oil in there, but it is going to cost a bunch which I don't have just now. My brakes also seem mushy to me, although it has braided lines on it, and the pads don't seem to worn, but I could be wrong.

Runs like a striped ape, though. I think the clutch is slipping just so slightly in 2nd under full throttle.

The head will start to wobble after a few seconds of hands off the bars.

Let us know how all your repairs work out.

[Dale_I]

yeah, what they said, and...

You may want to consider replacing the fork seals.

[Horst]

... unlike the poor fellow who popped his fork springs ! ... hope you got the bike back up on centerstand :)

Anyway, the front wobble is familiar, new tires, properly inflated (36-40lbs), and balanced should do the trick .... pads as you already know. I also got a new to me 2002 late last year and have been prepping it - replace the spark plugs and air filter also for a bit of performance ... then go test it ;)