What to Buy?

[FlyingScot]

Just gave my Ducati M696 to my son and looking to get a nice Pan Euro

TOTALLY UNDECIDED on whether that should be a ST1100 {preferably with ABS and TCS} OR a ST1300 with ABS and CBS

I rode a St100 many many years ago and the only issue I found is that I am short arsed with an inside leg measurement of 29"

So lots older now I am NOT looking to be doing tip toe stops and yes I know about the adjustable seat and lower after market seats and thinking about {I really need to be} buying a new pair of boots and the
Daytona M-Star GTX Boots look the business and will add a wee bit to my leg length as well.

Looking to spend up to £3,000 but see many ST1100's at just over {and under} £1,000 and finding and purchasing either a ST1100 {will need to be immaculate} or an ST1300 {seems to be many nice looking bikes at this price} for around £2,000 to £2,500 would be lovely

Also what tyres should I be wanting on the ST1100 and the ST1300

Also what issues should I be looking for {I know all about leaking fork seals} and corroded forks {the working part of the forks} and I see most of the bikes that are of any interest will need the bottom part of the forks refinished {repainted}

SORRY for the multiple questions :-(

many thanks in anticipation

David

 

[red one]

If you can find a good used low mileage ST1100 that's what i'd get. ST1300's I'm not an expert on those but they also seem as tough as a junk yard dog. You probably already know that parts and serviceability is getting harder to obtain so you might want to find somebody to maintain your ride if you can't do it. Only con's I see is they are "old" bikes. Also don't discount the Yamaha FJR 1300's and BMW RT's. Both are current model bikes.

 

[Uncle Phil]

I've got about 14,000+ miles on rental ST1300s and 455,000+ miles on ST1100s.
I still prefer the ST1100.
To me, it is more stable platform, a more finished platform, and able to tote weight a lot better.
Dead simple to work on without a lot of electronic gadgets to go bad (even the ABSII is pretty simple).
I would definitely look an a 96 or new ABSII - the ABSII brakes - not the ABS part - are as good as ST1300 brakes.
But I reckon I am a bit prejudiced on the subject ...

 

[Bikeric]

Welcome from Cornwall UK. I prefer my ST1100 as it's easy to maintain and less electronics to go wrong than the 13s.

 

[Oldbikefixr]

I've got about 14,000+ miles on rental ST1300s and 455,000+ miles on ST1100s.
I still prefer the ST1100.
To me, it is more stable platform, a more finished platform, and able to tote weight a lot better.
Dead simple to work on without a lot of electronic gadgets to go bad (even the ABSII is pretty simple).
I would definitely look an a 96 or new ABSII - the ABSII brakes - not the ABS part - are as good as ST1300 brakes.
But I reckon I am a bit prejudiced on the subject ...

Similar thoughts here. We kept the ST1100 after we got the ST1300. My wife feels more comfortable on the back of the older bike. Downside is the 1100 is an aging bike and parts are becoming harder to find. They will also require more care attention as soft parts (hoses, tubes, seals) age....that's why I sucked it up and did a refurbishment (preemptive strike) two years back.
For a new or returning ST fan, the choice of 1100 vs 1300 should be based on mechanical ability and enthusiasm.

 

[Upt' North]

Welcome.
If you go for a ST11 make sure it's post 96. You don't want alternator problems.
The ST11 swingarm will rust out and it isn't obvious until you take the bike apart. They can be difficult to repair and difficult to source.
The CBS on the 13 is possibly problematic, it'll need regular maintenance.
Find the best maintained bike out there and buy it, put a wanted on here, you never know.
As for tyres, it's a bit like oil, no one will agree but you won't go wrong with Bridgestone T32's, GT versions on the 13.
I wouldn't discount non ABS either, the TCS is rarely troubled on the 11 and how often have you activated ABS on a bike? Only you can make that decision.
Good luck.
Upt.

 

[FlyingScot]

Welcome.
If you go for a ST11 make sure it's post 96. You don't want alternator problems.
The ST11 swingarm will rust out and it isn't obvious until you take the bike apart. They can be difficult to repair and difficult to source.
The CBS on the 13 is possibly problematic, it'll need regular maintenance.
Find the best maintained bike out there and buy it, put a wanted on here, you never know.
As for tyres, it's a bit like oil, no one will agree but you won't go wrong with Bridgestone T32's, GT versions on the 13.
I wouldn't discount non ABS either, the TCS is rarely troubled on the 11 and how often have you activated ABS on a bike? Only you can make that decision.
Good luck.
Upt.

Does the post 96 model come with ABSII which I think is linked brakes like the ST1300 has, did post 96 bikes with ABSII still have TCS?

Also the ST1300 has fuel injection and not multiple carbs to balance

i am told to rework the swinging arm {not sure if it can be powder coated} {{UPDATE one of the bikes i am looking at has a powder coated Swinging arm} THEN extend the front of the rear mudguard to keep the road crud away from the bike NOT that I plan to do a lot of wet weather riding, but that sounds like two good modification

 

[Uncle Phil]

On this side of the pond, ABSII/TCS was a 'packaged' deal 96 and up.
You either got both or a non-ABS ST1100.
As far as balancing carbs, I use a Syncrometer (like they used on the old VWs).
It's not as 'exact' as other methods, but it has always been close enough for me and only takes about 15 minutes (including removing the necessary bodywork).

 

[Upt' North]

Does the post 96 model come with ABSII which I think is linked brakes like the ST1300 has, did post 96 bikes with ABSII still have TCS?

Also the ST1300 has fuel injection and not multiple carbs to balance

i am told to rework the swinging arm {not sure if it can be powder coated} THEN extend the front of the rear mudguard to keep the road crud away from the bike NOT that I plan to do a lot of wet weather riding, but that sounds like two good modification

As per UP I think ABSll came with TCS as a package and non ABS got nowt.
The swingarm can be powder coated but if you're going to use one in good conditions and keep it out of our briny winter goo then paint and wax oil will probably work just fine.
I think you can still buy the mudguard extender from somewhere. It's a simple fix.
Upt.

 

[FlyingScot]

BIKES FOR SALE NEAR ME




ST1100
In Age Order
YEAR 1997 70K miles £1,000
YEAR 1998 39K miles £3,000
YEAR 1999 55K miles £1,000 (non ABS bike)
YEAR 1999 91K miles £1,500
YEAR 2000 27K miles £2,000
YEAR 2000 65K miles £2,000 (non ABS bike)
YEAR 2001 120K miles £800 (non ABS bike)
YEAR 2001 46K miles £1,500
YEAR 2002 31K miles £2,250 (non ABS bike)
in Cost Order
YEAR 1997 70K miles £1,000
YEAR 1999 55K miles £1,000 (non ABS bike)
YEAR 1999 46K miles £1,500
YEAR 2001 91K miles £1,500
YEAR 2000 27K miles £2,000
YEAR 2000 65K miles £2,000 (non ABS bike)
YEAR 2000 65K miles £2,000 (non ABS bike)
YEAR 2002 31K miles £2,250 (non ABS bike)
YEAR 1998 39K miles £3,000


ST1300
in Age Order

YEAR 2002 67k miles £2,500
YEAR 2003 52K miles £2,000 (white ex plod bike)
YEAR 2003 76K miles £2,500
YEAR 2003 74K miles £3,000
YEAR 2004 50K miles £2,500
YEAR 2005 37K miles £2,700
YEAR 2006 18K miles £4,000
YEAR 2007 32K miles £3,000
YEAR 2007 46K miles £3,000
YEAR 2010 74K miles £3,250

 

[Uncle Phil]

For me - ST1100 Year 2000 27K miles - 2,000
That's assuming it has not been crashed and it has been decently maintained.

 

[Al st1100]

those bikes are low mileage but are old, parts are getting harder to find. What may not show up on short rides might rear it's ugly head on long rides. Me, st1300 newer than 08, prior years ave had some Electronic engine module problems. Seat height for either bike could be an expensive fix. Ck the swingarm for corrosion , seems to be a problem in the UK with the ST1100.

 

[FlyingScot]

<BIG SNIP>
I think you can still buy the mudguard extender from somewhere. It's a simple fix.
Upt.

thanks
where from and do you have the part number?? I can find plenty of front and rear mudguard extenders BUT they all go at the back of the mudguard i had assumed that the one needed to keep the bike cleaner was fitted at the front of the rear mudguard

 

[FlyingScot]

For me - ST1100 Year 2000 27K miles - 2,000
That's assuming it has not been crashed and it has been decently maintained.

nice choice {not} it is the bike that is the one farthest away from me and the owner has just got back to me {there were no pics of the L/H/S} and it is NOT a ABS TCS bike

 

[FlyingScot]

height is easily fixed by wearing some Daytona M-Star GTX Boots which will add some 2" onto my leg length, yes they are an expensive option BUT much easier cheaper and more sensible than buggering about with the suspension or buying one of the lower seats

I rode a ST1100 some 20 years ago BUT with my normal Motorcycle boots and was doing tip toe stops and do think i remember having to lay the bike down 'once'

 

[Andrew Shadow]

THEN extend the front of the rear mudguard to keep the road crud away from the bike

i had assumed that the one needed to keep the bike cleaner was fitted at the front of the rear mudguard

Extending the front mud-guard keeps the crud out of the radiator fins and the front of the engine. It won't do anything to protect the swing-arm.
There is a member of this forum who makes front fender extenders that are better (i.e. longer- click here) than the commercially available ones. He is still making them for the ST1300 and was making them for the ST1100 at one point but I don't know if he still does. Contact him and ask him. His forum name is @Blue One
If he no longer makes them for the ST1100, or shipping from Canada is to much, have a look at Extenda Fenda. They are in the UK. Be advised that there are two different models- ABS and non-ABS depending on what you end up buyiung. Here is a link- Extenda Fenda

To protect the swing-arm you need a rear mud-guard. They are still available in the UK from Bike Quip. I installed them on my ST1100 and 1300. They work well.
Swing Arm Protector ST1100

 

[FlyingScot]

For me - ST1100 Year 2000 27K miles - 2,000
That's assuming it has not been crashed and it has been decently maintained.

ATM winning for me if it is to be an ST1100 is the 2001 bike with 45,000 miles on the clock It has Black widow exhausts + collector down pipes, Hagon shock, and the swinging arm has been refurbished & plastic coated including all the bearings being replaced. It has heated grips, MRA flip up screen extension, brakes have been upgraded with Hel braided brake lines, and all the brakes have been overhauled and refurbished, and it has had the steering. head bearings replaced, as well as the fork seals replaced, also it has had new ABS sensors, It has had a LED headlight conversion, and it has a heated seat. A bigger job was having the timing belt replaced. It has fairly new Michelin Road pilot 5 tyres fitted, It has the Honda wind deflector kit fitted mirrors and legs . And a long MOT and it is only about 10 miles away IT needs two new side panels the ones that are grey plastic and go on top of the side fairings they are looking a bit scabby and sad and I would have to replace them BUT I actually may have a pair in my garage {somewhat amazingly}

 

[Uncle Phil]

Timing belt replaced?
I never replace mine until 100,000 miles (done it three times).
Those ST1100 timing belts are way over-engineered and when you pull them out at 100,000 miles they look as good as a new one - no cracks, no wear.
If the gray fairing pockets are just faded, SEM Graphic spray paint will bring them right back to like 'new'.
It is the perfect color match for the Gusto Gray they used in the USA.

 

[FlyingScot]

Not just a paint job the R/H/S has a rubbish repair, and it looks like the bike got dropped :-(

What is the square hole on both sides for?

 

[Upt' North]

Not just a paint job the R/H/S has a rubbish repair, and it looks like the bike got dropped :-(

What is the square hole on both sides for?

From memory....and only for the double jointed small handed human varietal.....Pilot Screw Wrench Access.
Upt.