Owner of a 04 ST1300 looking at a 91 ST1100 with 60

In a perfect world I along with each one of you would have several bikes if we could. I enjoy my 1300 so much I wouldn't mind another. I may have an opportunity to pick up a cheap 91 1100 in pretty good shape. Not sure if the idea is more scary than exciting. Those of you with extensive knowledge on both,particularly an 1100 of this vintage, please share some thoughts and opinions.

I have a 1994 ST1100 and I love it. If I was to do it all over again, I would hold out for a newer 1100 with the high output alternator - 1996 and above?

Clutch

I've got a 91, 92 and a 93. All with much higher mileage. The 28 amp alternators start leaking oil thru the wiring harness plug that's hard to stop. The newer 1100's with the air cooled alternator are getting cheaper. I agree with Clutch Cargo unless you want to update the alternator. That costs about $600 with new parts,

Depends on how cheap is cheap. I can put up with a few issues for the right price.

Culomorena78 said:

Those of you with extensive knowledge on both,particularly an 1100 of this vintage, please share some thoughts and opinions.

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To me a (well serviced) ST1100 appeals as the calmer, sturdier, more comfortable, absolutely stress-free ride... character and gentle purr of the engine, precise pressure point of the brakes makes it more 'analogue' in a good sense... a means transportation for those who see their target in the voyage, while not getting 'bothered' by the vehicle their on... despite the occasional stops for fuel...

I don't bash the ST1300, its proven to be an excellent, reliable ride as well, but its not what I'd expected in this league, its really different by many things, shorter, different ergos, an IMHO rather 'noisy', vibrating engine, very 'digital' on brakes and throttle and a bit unruly on the front end...

So their really different bikes...

If the 1100 is a bargain, and you're willing to spend some time and a little cash on refurbing it to top running condition, you might end up with a reasonable priced, real addition in your stable...

Go for it. My 91 has given me 8 years of trouble free riding. I have taken a different path on the alternator issue. I have another stock unit sitting on in
the garage ready to go in when/if the original one gives out. Much lower cost that the $1000.00 folks talk about to convert. Hard to
handle 1k swap on a bike that is worth 3K.

If you like it go get that bike, life is to short not to enjoy it!!

^This. It's not a huge investment and if you decide you don't like it you should be able to turn around and sell it for what you paid (especially if you got it cheap). It's not like a car where you take a 50% depreciation hit the minute you drive it off the lot. Life is too short to have regrets.

Interesting thread, and I like the ' life's short' sentiments

I have a 05 1300 and also have a soft spot for the 1100s

I live in New Zealand but will be in Texas for 6 months shortly so may buy an 1100 for Stateside transport and fun - they are better value in your Country....

jfheath said:

One is having to replace the silencers (mufflers) every 35,000 miles
The other is having to remove the swinging arm every 1-2 years to remove loose paint, rust etc, inspect and re-protect.

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Odd, would indicate you're in the UK and use the mount intensively during the winter months...

jfheath said:

One is having to replace the silencers (mufflers) every 35,000 miles
The other is having to remove the swinging arm every 1-2 years to remove loose paint, rust etc, inspect and re-protect.

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On this side of the pond, these issues usually don't present themselves. It may be an issue with chemical treatment of the roads.... ?

Weak spot on the ST might be the final drive if the O rings were not changed often enough or if a Moly 60 type paste was not used. Muffler and/or swing arm corrosion not an issue in NA, based on what I've heard and seen. With a '91 you be looking at coolant hoses changes, alternator upgrade and other age vs mileage related things. There are lots of low mileage much newer bikes out there. I'd hold out for a 2000 - 2002 for a few bucks more in purchase cost, but lower maintenance/upgrade expense.

I appreciate all of the feedback. We can all agree that Father Time can be a real ******* so there are certainly more risks based off the age. I swore I would never go vintage after learning the hard way restoring a 78 CB400t and a 81 CB900 custom but after enjoying the 1300, I would love the opportunity to try the 1100 and have it as a second bike. We shall see when the time comes if I pull the trigger. Cosmetically it is in great shape, just needs a mirror housing. Mechanically it hasn't been run for a while since he removed the carbs to rebuild and bench synch them so it is being reassembled and will have the once over performed. He hasn't committed to a price but I am thinking probably around 2000 for it.

That is a nice price. Is it the coveted SSMST unit? (silver)

I have a soft spot for the 91. I had a 91 that got totaled at about 75,000 miles which had absolutely no problems to that point.

I don't know if this has been brought up yet. I have never had or ridden an ST1100, but understand they are a great bike. However my way of thinking is it is too much like the ST1300 (a sport tourer). If you are going to maintain two bikes, why not get something a little more different. Dual sport, adventure, sport, cruiser (nah, scratch that one). I just don't think they are different enough to bother, pay for, tag and insure. JMHO

But then there is Uncle Phill with 36 ST1100s.

I have had my share of 2000$ bikes so I figured bang for the buck, the Swiss Army knife would be preferred. All the other older sport touring bikes look like they are from the 80's. The voyagers, goldwings, concours of prior vintage did nothing for me aesthetically with exception of a 70's naked GL. There is enough visual reference between the 1st and 2nd gen Pan's that I think it would be fun to have both. I thought a cruiser like my previous Triumph would be fun but it is so bare bones. So many choices and so much fun to be had with these bikes!