I just purchased a 2006 ST1300 with only 13,000 miles on it, but I don't really know anything about the bike's history. Does anyone know of a good mechanic who is familiar with the ST1300 in the Portland area? Thanks in advance.
Mechanic in Portland, OR?
- Thread starter w8maker
- Start date
ToddC
Site Supporter
First.... Welcome from WA STate!
And to answer your question.....No. sorry.
T
Bring to my place and we can go thru it......
And to answer your question.....No. sorry.
T
Bring to my place and we can go thru it......
OP
OP
Thanks for the invite. Maybe when the weather warms up a little, I would like to ride up to your neck of the woods. I'm really lovin' this bike! I can see why they nicknamed it the "Locomotive"
OP
OP
I think that you are right. Everything on the bike is like new, but the brake fluid and coolant probably has been sitting in there for years. That's why I would like somebody familiar with the ST1300 to check it out.Congrats! Based on the mileage, I would say that the bike has spent a lot of time in a garage
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2005
- Messages
- 9,521
- Location
- Cedar City, Utah
- Bike
- 12/04 ST 1300s
- 2024 Miles
- 000420
- STOC #
- 5901
Welcome to the forum and congrats on your 
Welcome aboard!
www.st-owners.com
*This is subject to debate, but there is widespread agreement that older tires harden and their grip on the road decreases with age. For a bike w/ uncertain history, it is prudent to change older tires.
There are none. Well, good mechanics who know the ST's are very few and far between. I'd suggest you pick up a Honda Service Manual for your bike (not the owner's manual) and check out some of the articles on this forum. (Blue band at top of this page Articles > 1300). You really should bleed the brakes and clutch if it has not been done in a few years. This is not a difficult or expensive procedure, but there are certain steps you must follow. I've said this before, if you can post on this (or any) website, you can do basic maintenance. Too, you should check the tires' date code. If they are more than 5 years old* change them before you do much more riding on them. The article below might be helpful to you. Once your riding season begins, you might take @ToddC up on his generous offer, and/or plan on a trip to Arizona to visit our very own bike whisperer. In the search box (blue band again), type Igofar and read about Larry. Some folks have traveled over thousand miles to have him service their bike (ok, most were on extended trips and planned a stop at his garage...) because yes, he is THAT good.
Article - Maintenance Items Needed for a New (old) Bike | Articles
This article is the result of collaboration by Andrew Shadow, CYYJ, jfheath, Max Pete, SMSW, and SupraSabre. Igofar’s list was copied from the first link listed above. Click on the attached file. This one is V.11; in the future, any changes will be noted in the title on the first page as the...
*This is subject to debate, but there is widespread agreement that older tires harden and their grip on the road decreases with age. For a bike w/ uncertain history, it is prudent to change older tires.
JohnK
Site Supporter
As Todd said welcome and congrats - if you like you can bring it by up here Bonney Lake. I’ve been schooled by IGOFAR (Larry) and can help you with the check out and maintenance. Shop is heated and equipped. And if we get in deep can always call the white courtesy phone
OP
OP
Thanks for the great info, I would love to visit the tech master in Arizona. When the weather warms up a little, will contact him. The tires are Michelin Road 5 from 2018, so still good for now. Thank you.Welcome aboard!
There are none. Well, good mechanics who know the ST's are very few and far between. I'd suggest you pick up a Honda Service Manual for your bike (not the owner's manual) and check out some of the articles on this forum. (Blue band at top of this page Articles > 1300). You really should bleed the brakes and clutch if it has not been done in a few years. This is not a difficult or expensive procedure, but there are certain steps you must follow. I've said this before, if you can post on this (or any) website, you can do basic maintenance. Too, you should check the tires' date code. If they are more than 5 years old* change them before you do much more riding on them. The article below might be helpful to you. Once your riding season begins, you might take @ToddC up on his generous offer, and/or plan on a trip to Arizona to visit our very own bike whisperer. In the search box (blue band again), type Igofar and read about Larry. Some folks have traveled over thousand miles to have him service their bike (ok, most were on extended trips and planned a stop at his garage...) because yes, he is THAT good.
Article - Maintenance Items Needed for a New (old) Bike | Articles
This article is the result of collaboration by Andrew Shadow, CYYJ, jfheath, Max Pete, SMSW, and SupraSabre. Igofar’s list was copied from the first link listed above. Click on the attached file. This one is V.11; in the future, any changes will be noted in the title on the first page as the...
*This is subject to debate, but there is widespread agreement that older tires harden and their grip on the road decreases with age. For a bike w/ uncertain history, it is prudent to change older tires.
OP
OP
Thank you STRider, I will definately let you know. Good to hear from another Oregonian.
Hi and welcome from Portland...Count me in on that group ride/tech day if it materializes. I think that would be a best bet for service on your bike too!(aside from an Arizona trip)
For local mechanics:
I have used (https://www.cycletunepdx.com) I found them to be knowledgeable about our bikes both ST1100 and ST1300. The last time I was in they had 2 mechanics one the owner, and another guy who had worked on Hondas forever. He's worked on my bike and I was very happy with the work. They aren't warm and overly inviting but I found them to be honest and competent.
I have not used Cycle Metrics (https://cycle-metrics.business.site ) but have had a couple of conversations with him and find him to be inline with what seems to be smart practices with these bikes. I think he had an st1100 at one time.
I've gone down to see Igofar and its the trip of a lifetime for your bike.
For local mechanics:
I have used (https://www.cycletunepdx.com) I found them to be knowledgeable about our bikes both ST1100 and ST1300. The last time I was in they had 2 mechanics one the owner, and another guy who had worked on Hondas forever. He's worked on my bike and I was very happy with the work. They aren't warm and overly inviting but I found them to be honest and competent.
I have not used Cycle Metrics (https://cycle-metrics.business.site ) but have had a couple of conversations with him and find him to be inline with what seems to be smart practices with these bikes. I think he had an st1100 at one time.
I've gone down to see Igofar and its the trip of a lifetime for your bike.
welcome from Tucson AZ. Back in January of this year I had IGOFAR rebuild fork seals and he did a ton of other things too. I'm lucky to live 45 minutes away. what an education I got by watching and sometimes helping. he will help by phone or email if you have questions. good luck with your new ride.
OP
OP
Thank you so much for the generous offer! There are a couple of other members who would like to come as well. Maybe we can organize a ride and make it happen. I would definitely want to reimburse you for time and materials etc.
OP
OP
I actually had my bike in cycletune for a rear brake issue, and I was not entirely happy with their work. I don't know which person did the work. Maybe another visit to them might have a better result. I should have made sure that the Honda guy was going to work on my bike.
I'm skeptical, if only because my local dealership, with a guy who is purported to be a god among mechanics (he does not measure up as even a minor deity in the complex Balinese pantheon of frightening demons and protective demigods*) guessed wrong and cost me a lot of money. In my opinon (cynical, to be sure) you will be better off to ignore them and learn to maintain the bike yourself. Or find an independent who at least knows Goldwings and is open to reading the ST service manual. I found such a guy, and I think he is pretty good, but miles from where I live. With a one man shop, there are no excuses.
*Thank you, Merriam-Webster
ToddC
Site Supporter
Sounds like we have enough interest for a tech Day or Weekend...??!?!?
Weather is an issue now, but early spring could be done. Thoughts?
Maybe @Igofar could be bribed to be flown up.....
And John......when did you change from WAdreamin..??? Took me a bit to figure out it was you...
T
PS. NEWStoc dates to be decided soon.....
OP
OP
Count me in for the tech day or weekend.Sounds like we have enough interest for a tech Day or Weekend...??!?!?
Weather is an issue now, but early spring could be done. Thoughts?
Maybe @Igofar could be bribed to be flown up.....
And John......when did you change from WAdreamin..??? Took me a bit to figure out it was you...
T
PS. NEWStoc dates to be decided soon.....
STRider
Site Supporter
Fly 'em into Eugene and we can pilot the 1100 and the 1300 there and back for a serious R&R.Sounds like we have enough interest for a tech Day or Weekend...??!?!?
Weather is an issue now, but early spring could be done. Thoughts?
Maybe @Igofar could be bribed to be flown up.....
And John......when did you change from WAdreamin..??? Took me a bit to figure out it was you...
T
PS. NEWStoc dates to be decided soon.....