I bought my ST1100 at least partially because it is supposed to be a reliable bike. Here's my story.
I live in the Bay Area of California. I bought a 1997 ST1100 from a guy who took great care of it. A solid, sober, veteran of the Navy. My bike has 44,000 miles and I've owned it for most of a year. I've ridden it without issue and serviced it.
Two days ago, I was fully suited up in my riding gear -- ready to go for a ride. I removed the cover. (This week, i was living dangerously, leaving my bike in the driveway with a good cover, instead of inside the garage).
With the key in hand (i.e., with no electrical device on), I set the cover down and approached the bike to sit on it.
Instantly, a cloud of smoke started coming out from the bike!
I had ridden this very bike from San Jose to San Francisco on a road called Skyline Boulevard -- a beautiful drive, only a few days before and without any issue whatsoever.
The smoke became so thick I was sure a fire was about to happen. I'm in full leather with helmet and gloves on and it's 85 degrees (F) and I am stunned and incredulous that this well maintained bike is violently smoking without being touched except to remove the bike cover. The smoke got worse. The bike was RIGHT next to a boat (which has a 50 gallon full fuel tank) and I instantly began to think, "this damn bike is going to catch fire and go up next to the boat!" ...and the boat was next to the house.
The smoke became so acrid I couldn't inhale it. So, in full gear, I ran into the house, grabbed a charcoal respirator and a fire extinguisher, run back out and the bike was still smoking, but the cloud was beginning to thin out.
It stopped.
The aftermath: I have no idea (days later) why this occurred. I removed the seat and found a harness that was completely disintegrated. I mean: Gone.
I moved the bike to the street, where it sits to this day. I moved it there because I don't want a fire hazard near my house.
I could post pictures of my bike. It is the cleanest 97 ST1100 you would ever see.
But, it's scared the hell out of me. I spoke to two mechanics who are puzzled.
I have only one thread of a theory. Months ago, I had a respected shop work on the clutch on the bike. The clutch was not releasing. They replaced the stock headlight with an "H4" bulb. I Googled it, and that bulb consume much more current. Could that have melted wires?
That is a theory, and a weak one because the bike burned itself up and I had not even put the key in the ignition!
I'm having it taken to the same mechanic tomorrow, but I must say, keeping that bike in my garage or near anything that is flammable scares me.
I'm really torn up about this. It may cost a fortune to repair it. Is this a known ST1100 fault?
I live in the Bay Area of California. I bought a 1997 ST1100 from a guy who took great care of it. A solid, sober, veteran of the Navy. My bike has 44,000 miles and I've owned it for most of a year. I've ridden it without issue and serviced it.
Two days ago, I was fully suited up in my riding gear -- ready to go for a ride. I removed the cover. (This week, i was living dangerously, leaving my bike in the driveway with a good cover, instead of inside the garage).
With the key in hand (i.e., with no electrical device on), I set the cover down and approached the bike to sit on it.
Instantly, a cloud of smoke started coming out from the bike!
I had ridden this very bike from San Jose to San Francisco on a road called Skyline Boulevard -- a beautiful drive, only a few days before and without any issue whatsoever.
The smoke became so thick I was sure a fire was about to happen. I'm in full leather with helmet and gloves on and it's 85 degrees (F) and I am stunned and incredulous that this well maintained bike is violently smoking without being touched except to remove the bike cover. The smoke got worse. The bike was RIGHT next to a boat (which has a 50 gallon full fuel tank) and I instantly began to think, "this damn bike is going to catch fire and go up next to the boat!" ...and the boat was next to the house.
The smoke became so acrid I couldn't inhale it. So, in full gear, I ran into the house, grabbed a charcoal respirator and a fire extinguisher, run back out and the bike was still smoking, but the cloud was beginning to thin out.
It stopped.
The aftermath: I have no idea (days later) why this occurred. I removed the seat and found a harness that was completely disintegrated. I mean: Gone.
I moved the bike to the street, where it sits to this day. I moved it there because I don't want a fire hazard near my house.
I could post pictures of my bike. It is the cleanest 97 ST1100 you would ever see.
But, it's scared the hell out of me. I spoke to two mechanics who are puzzled.
I have only one thread of a theory. Months ago, I had a respected shop work on the clutch on the bike. The clutch was not releasing. They replaced the stock headlight with an "H4" bulb. I Googled it, and that bulb consume much more current. Could that have melted wires?
That is a theory, and a weak one because the bike burned itself up and I had not even put the key in the ignition!
I'm having it taken to the same mechanic tomorrow, but I must say, keeping that bike in my garage or near anything that is flammable scares me.
I'm really torn up about this. It may cost a fortune to repair it. Is this a known ST1100 fault?