I've owned my low mileage (35K miles) '98 ST1100 for about a year and a half now. I've had a blast. Very reliable, once I cleaned up the issues with the thermostat, fan switch, and overflow hose. I've got a lead on a low mileage 2004 ST1300. My question to the forum (for those of you who may have owned both of them) is there anything important that I've got to watch out for on the ST1300? There's nothing wrong with my ST1100 (it runs great), I'm just thinking about FI vs. carburetors, and other "stuff".
ST1100 or ST1300
- Thread starter Dimmer
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Fuel pump and rider heat have been an issues on the ST1300. But the ST1300 overall is very reliable. 13 Requires premium fuel, 11 can use regular.
Have you ridden the ST1300 yet ? The ST1100 is certainly not as fast, but I have heard some ST1300 riders that were formally ST1100 riders that actually prefer the ST1100.
See this article ; Comparison
Quote from ADV Rider Forum : Originally Posted by Kentucky
" After owning two ST1100's and longing to own a 13 I finally bought one. It is a great bike. If I lived in the mountains of North Carolina, North Georgia or any other twisties area, it would likely be my choice. I sold the 13 after 4k miles and bought an 01 ST1100 two weeks ago. The ST is far superior as an Interstate tool for my tastes. Better aero (never could get the w/s aero sorted out on the 13), almost no heat issues, smoother throttle response and rock solid on the slab. The 13 moved around with the slightest bit of dirty air. I liked the 1300 but I love the 11.
It is really strange to say that the 1300 has more power, slightly lighter weight, better braking and crisper handling but the 1100 is a better motorcycle. Interesting. It reminds me of some of the comments I hear comparing the R1150GS to the R1200GS. " Barry
Also, there are plenty of used parts on EBay for the 1100. I bought a spare starter ( $30) and spare ignition module ( $25 ). If the fuel pump goes out, you can replace it with a LOW pressure auto fuel pump for about $40.
I've been thinking of replacing my ST1100 with a ST1300 , but I'll be keeping my ST1100 for awhile. It's in great mechanical condition and I'm happy with it, and wonder how much I would be gaining . With 76K miles, it's still a low mileage bike. They are good for at least 250K miles.
Have you ridden the ST1300 yet ? The ST1100 is certainly not as fast, but I have heard some ST1300 riders that were formally ST1100 riders that actually prefer the ST1100.
See this article ; Comparison
Quote from ADV Rider Forum : Originally Posted by Kentucky
" After owning two ST1100's and longing to own a 13 I finally bought one. It is a great bike. If I lived in the mountains of North Carolina, North Georgia or any other twisties area, it would likely be my choice. I sold the 13 after 4k miles and bought an 01 ST1100 two weeks ago. The ST is far superior as an Interstate tool for my tastes. Better aero (never could get the w/s aero sorted out on the 13), almost no heat issues, smoother throttle response and rock solid on the slab. The 13 moved around with the slightest bit of dirty air. I liked the 1300 but I love the 11.
It is really strange to say that the 1300 has more power, slightly lighter weight, better braking and crisper handling but the 1100 is a better motorcycle. Interesting. It reminds me of some of the comments I hear comparing the R1150GS to the R1200GS. " Barry
Also, there are plenty of used parts on EBay for the 1100. I bought a spare starter ( $30) and spare ignition module ( $25 ). If the fuel pump goes out, you can replace it with a LOW pressure auto fuel pump for about $40.
I've been thinking of replacing my ST1100 with a ST1300 , but I'll be keeping my ST1100 for awhile. It's in great mechanical condition and I'm happy with it, and wonder how much I would be gaining . With 76K miles, it's still a low mileage bike. They are good for at least 250K miles.
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I own a 2001 ST1100 non-ABS and my brother owns a 2007 ST1300 ABS. I've put 25K on my 1100 and several hundred miles on his and another 1300. After I ride the 13's for a while, I really look forward to getting back on my 11. I like the smoothness of carbs and the overall ride better. The 13 is a little quicker but not enough to make a difference to me. I like the 13's electric windshield, a lot. IMO, you should try to put a few hundred miles on a 13 to make sure you really want one. I did and I don't, at least not now.
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Erdoc48
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I agree they're both excellent bikes. Someone on the forum here basically said in the past that the 1300 is for better acceleration and handling, but the 1100 is more like a very comfortable pair of shoes- it may not be as fast or handle as well, but is very comfortable for long distance riding. The fact that the 1100 is carbureted vs FI in the 1300 really shouldn't persuade you to go the 1300 route as sole criteria.
I have owned both and I must say I much prefer the 1100, the 1300 was certainly quicker but less comfortable and being over 6ft I couldn't see the indicator warning lights so had to fit a bleeper (annoying!!) the engine never felt as sure as the 1100 so I traded it in for GL1500.
Styles
2000 Non-ABS
When I bought my 11 in '06, I'd your question and found BamaRider's comparisons helpful. He's moved since to the RT and FJR, but I've remained committed still to the 11 for reasons others have mentioned (comfort, stability, smoothness, etc.). In '08, however, I satisfied a Sport / EFI lust with a Honda Blackbird ('99). My Sport-TOURING / SPORT-Touring combo, as I call it, suits me fine. It has another advantage: 2-for-1 cheapness if you've decent garage space. In any case, I've never looked back in regret.
Styles
Styles
BakerBoy
It's all small stuff.
For me, my '98 1100 warranted a score of 8 out of 10. My '04 1300 warrants a score of 8 out of 10. Each for different reasons. ;-)
With that said, I've kept my 1300 twice as long as my 1100 simply because I prefer the 1300, overall. So perhaps it warrants a 9? Perhaps.
My opinion:
With that said, I've kept my 1300 twice as long as my 1100 simply because I prefer the 1300, overall. So perhaps it warrants a 9? Perhaps.
My opinion:
- The 1100 is a bit more fitting for long mile-eating rides.
- The 1300 is a bit better for twisties and spirited riding (yet still gets the same fuel mileage as the 1100)
- The 1300 FI system is better suited for the range of high altitudes I ride in
- The 1300 is a bit better looking
- Both are too heavy
- Both get you there and back, enjoyably, with great range
- Both have a few tiddly design issues and occasional mechanical faults
- Both require some maintenance (do-it-yourself maintenance)
- Both use up tires and gas
- Both are great bikes
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
I've got almost 300,000 miles on ST1100s and 13,000+ on ST1300s. I rode a ST1300 the first year they came out. I prefer the ST1100 as it does everything I need a motorcycle to do and does it in style. The weight different between the two bikes is maybe a half a bag of gear (or me going on a diet). I love the power windshield on the ST1300 but I don't like the luggage/key design and I don't like the way the gauges can wash out in the sun. The ST1100 is more stable platform to me and carries the weight better than the ST1300. But do what floats your boat. If you have an ST1100, it will probably outlast you if you take care of it. 
Most of the 1300 riders I know report MPGs in upper 30s - lower 40s (of premium) where most 1100s get 45 - 50 (of regular). So cost/mile is different even if the MPG is similar.
The "both are great bikes" is something we all agree with.
I've got almost 300,000 miles on ST1100s and 13,000+ on ST1300s. I rode a ST1300 the first year they came out. I prefer the ST1100 as it does everything I need a motorcycle to do and does it in style. The weight different between the two bikes is maybe a half a bag of gear (or me going on a diet). I love the power windshield on the ST1300 but I don't like the luggage/key design and I don't like the way the gauges can wash out in the sun. The ST1100 is more stable platform to me and carries the weight better than the ST1300. But do what floats your boat. If you have an ST1100, it will probably outlast you if you take care of it.
I will be putting my ST1100 in my will. It will definitely outlast me.
Have owned both. I am 5'8" and I like the riding position better on 1300. Handling low and high speed I give to 1300 as well as acceleration. The 1100 had less vibrations not that 1300 has much. I find the 1300 in wind buffeting or in passing Semi seems to hold it line much better with a lot less input. The 1100 got better gas mileage by like +10, i get 35 to 39 on 1300 and use to get 45 to 55 on 1100. I owned my 1100 till almost 150K and only real issue was coolant leak late in life. I sold the 1100 and I think someone is still running around on it in Phoenix. The 1300 is just of over 9K and time will tell. With all that said I miss my 1100 but I would not trade it back for 1300. I think the 1300 is better bike overall.
Keep the rubber side down.
Keep the rubber side down.
It took a couple years and about 20,000 miles before the 1300 smoothed out and "Broke In". It seemed like it was very tight and bumpy when I first got it. Maybe it was just me getting used to the bike, but the engine and suspension both got smoother & better.
Intentionally rode both bikes for 2-3 yrs., so I could get a direct comparison. The 1100 always had a softer suspension, and may be a more "comfortable" bike. But it can't compare to the 1300s sporty riding and Extra Power, which is a BIG help in Two Up riding, and long hill passing. Been averaging about 44-46 MPG on the 1300. Fuel & Tires a little higher for 1300 but worth it.
So, They're both GREAT rides - Have no complaints about either 1. The 1100 is retired, and the 1300 is now the Full Time transport.
Intentionally rode both bikes for 2-3 yrs., so I could get a direct comparison. The 1100 always had a softer suspension, and may be a more "comfortable" bike. But it can't compare to the 1300s sporty riding and Extra Power, which is a BIG help in Two Up riding, and long hill passing. Been averaging about 44-46 MPG on the 1300. Fuel & Tires a little higher for 1300 but worth it.
So, They're both GREAT rides - Have no complaints about either 1. The 1100 is retired, and the 1300 is now the Full Time transport.
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BakerBoy
It's all small stuff.
My St1100 averaged 50.3 mpg. My ST1300 has averaged 50.3 mpg. Identical mileage, same rider, same riding locations.
Thanks for everyone's input. As I said, I've got no qualms about my current 1100. Rides' great and it's never left me on the side of the road. We'll see if I can get that ST1300 for a good price. I can't keep both STs. That'd make it 3 motorcycles in the garage and my wife thinks I'm crazy already. If I do get the ST1300 it sounds like some of you might be looking for a spare, low mileage, ST1100........
LOL. good one, been there 2.
good one, been there 2.
I like your style ... I started of with one ST1100 now i have 5, well i needed two for spares.. that's my excuse, and a 1600 wild star (road star) and a GL1500 and I have never ridden sports bikes and now I have 3 does that make me a collector (and my wife says what are we getting next!) you've gotta love a good woman who loves bikes too, we are looking for old classics now or anything else interesting that turns up!!
Same here - Old Classics. I actually have 4 bikes. I didn't include a '86 Ninja 1000 because it's not running, so I don't count it. That's my long term project, to get it running and in good mechanical condition, if I live that long ....... it's down my priority list.
Actually, I wouldn't mind picking up an old Kawasaki Voyager ( inline 4 ) . Every time I see an old one in nice shape, I get the urge to buy one. A friend of mine has one with about 250K miles on it and he has never done a thing to the engine or carbs even.
Guess that means I got best of both worlds, the oldest I bought new
.........and actually, not alot of bottom grunt and overall power difference between the two, both being 'shafties'. LD comfort AND smoothness similar, but worlds apart in the braking/handling department.
Sounds familiar. When i bought my third bike ( a like new GL1100I , last year ) , I told my wife " I guess I'm a collector, now". She said , " No, you are just ( redacted ) crazy !! "