Hi everyone!
I'm new to my 1999 ST1100, which already has 132k miles on it (US). Runs beautifully, and I love it. The only problem I have run into is that NONE of the workshops near me want to touch this bike. They all say it's too complicated. I did convince one to change the rear tire, and they sourced some brake pads for me, which ended up being the wrong ones, so I have now done a lot of online reading and wanted to summarize it for all people who come after me looking for this information.
Important things to know:
Credit where credit's due:
I'm new to my 1999 ST1100, which already has 132k miles on it (US). Runs beautifully, and I love it. The only problem I have run into is that NONE of the workshops near me want to touch this bike. They all say it's too complicated. I did convince one to change the rear tire, and they sourced some brake pads for me, which ended up being the wrong ones, so I have now done a lot of online reading and wanted to summarize it for all people who come after me looking for this information.
Important things to know:
- The ABS II brake pad size is physically larger than the ABS I brake pad and the non-ABS pad. It is easy to mistakenly purchase the ABS I brake pad because clear information is not out there. (I have a set that I'm willing to sell!)
- The ST1100 has a number of sub-models, which you can find on the front fork along with the VIN. In my case, it is the 1999 ST1100 A, with ABS II. In various websites, this is written as ST1100A A, ST1100A ABSII, ST1100A AC, ST1100AA, etc. The "C" in "AC" seems to stand for "California", which is mostly the same bike with different jets for CARB emissions compliance. There may be other differences that I do not know.
- On the ST1100A ABSII, the front and rear brake pads are NEARLY identical, but they are NOT identical. The rear pad has an extra groove on the periphery and is thicker to start. You can use a worn down rear pad on the front, and you can file the groove into the front pad to use on the rear. But they are NOT the same. Shops will tell you they are, but that's not technically correct. They are similar.
- The ST1100A ABSII has THREE calipers: two on the front and one on the rear. You need THREE SETS of brake pads to do a full replacement.
- ONLY USE OEM PADS. Non-OEM pads may be "harder" or may wear less, or may have "extra friction" but all of this comes at the cost of changed riding characteristics, questionable wet performance, and INCREASED ROTOR WEAR. OEM Pads are cheaper than a rotor.
- Front: 06455-MAJ-G41 (you need TWO sets)
- Rear: 06435-MAJ-G41 (you need ONE set)
- Alternatively, you can use THREE sets of the FRONT pad and grind the groove in (see the Credits section).
- https://www.servicehonda.com/
- https://www.partsfish.com/
- https://www.partzilla.com/
- https://www.ronayers.com/
- https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/motorcycle
- https://www.procaliber.com/
- https://shop.hondaparts-direct.com/
- Probably others; recommended to comparison shop to find the best price.
Credit where credit's due:
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Here's a picture showing the notch that fits the protrusion in the brass clip at the back of the rear brake caliper bracket.
edit: just found another picture of mine, showing the clip in situ. http://www.st-riders.net/coppermine/displayimage.php?album=44&pid=1019#top_display_media
John -
OEM for 250,000+ miles on ST1100s and never have had any trouble out of them between the three ST1100s. BTW, they all still have the original rotors on them also. ;-)
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Not sure about EBC, but a set of Galfer pads installed were absolutely terrifying in the rain. Initially front brake application felt like no brakes at all, so instinctively one squeezes harder as adrenaline kicks in, at which point the brakes very suddenly dry out and transition to very hard braking. I think if I had not had ABS this would have locked the front wheel and sent me down the road on my ass! I changed back to the OEM pads immediately.
- Read about properly maintaining your calipers in this thread: https://www.st-owners.com/forums/threads/changing-front-brake-pads.152592/
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NOPE. You can use 3 sets of the front as the rears are thicker and will bind in the front.
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