2001 ST1100 ghost in the machine

Waterwalker

Joined
Jun 25, 2026
Messages
3
Age
69
Location
Port McNicoll
Bike
2001 Honda ST1100
Hello everyone.

This is my first post on this forum. I live near Midland, Ontario. I've owned my 2001 ST1100 for 13 years and have never had a problem with it until now. Last September, I had my mechanic do an inspection on the bike and everything came up good except for a front tire replacement. On my last ride of the season (Oct.), I'd been out riding for 200 kms. when my bike just died. Since it wouldn't restart, I had it towed to a bike shop. They found nothing wrong with it as it started right up.

This past June, I planned a nine day trip with a friend through Quebec. I had gone on several rides prior just to make sure that the bike was running well. We rode to Ottawa (450 km.) on the first day and then to Quebec City (475 km.) on the second with no problems. On the third day, we had ridden about 100 km. and stopped to gas up. Within 20 km., the bike died (like it ran our of gas). We opened the gas cap to vent it (vapor lock ?) and listened for the fuel pump to activate, which it did. We jiggled the bike around to possibly dislodge a blockage and turned it around to face downhill. Within a half hour the bike started up again.
This was the first of numerous times that the engine cut out on me. On one day, the engine cut out 8 times. Each time this happened, the bike would eventually restart anywhere from 10-30 minutes after stopping.
We ended up deciding to cancel our last 2 motel bookings and just try getting back home as the problem seemed to be getting worse. Ironically, on our last day the bike ran fine for the 250 km.

I know that this is a long thread, but I'm trying to give you as clear a picture of what's happened as I can (thanks for your patience). My mechanic suggested posting on this forum with the hope that someone can give me a heads up on what might be causing this problem.

Thanks - Anthony
 
Sounds like a fuel pump for sure - when they start to go, they will act really flaky, especially when the fuel level is low.
As Al said, I'd remove the fuel valve cut off.
In hindsight or if you are 'brave', when it quits pull the fuel line off the filter and see if you are getting any gas with the key on.
 
When you say it wouldn't start, do you mean it turned over but would not start?

Look at the by pass for the vac. operated aux. fuel valve procedure.
 
As everyone has said - it is most likely the fuel pump. These can be very intermittent when they fail. When I had my ST1100 and the fuel pump began failing - it acted just like this.

Also when you are at it - if you have not done the Red Wire Bypass do it now to prevent another future problem - it is only a matter of time before before you have electrical issues if you don't take care of this.
 
First off, welcome to the forum, I ride by your place quite often!
It has been mentioned on this thread, but have a look at the red wire going into the main relay. I suspect, when you take that red connector apart you may see evidence of scorched terminals, melted plastic. Replace the connector or use individual insulated female spade connectors.
The vent on the gas cap maybe stuck, there is a hack to rebuild them but it’s 50/50 success rate.
Do the fuel petcock bypass as mentioned in this thread.

For the gas cap hack go to ST Ryders forum then click the archives of Wisdom ST 1100. Instructions on how to do everything mentioned in this thread will be explained in detail.
 
Thanks to everyone who responded. Much appreciated. From all the responses that I received, it certainly sounds like it's a fuel pump related issue. I'll be passing this information on to my friend that I did the trip with as he's much more mechanically inclined than I am. Thanks again.
 
Start with the bypassing the fuel valve. It's easy, quick (10 min.) and cheap (free). Dealt with it all day on a trip 600 miles from home. Removed valve and all problems went away. If that doesn't work move on to the fuel pump.
 
Hello again. Went out for a ride with my friend the other day and we didn't get more than 30 Km. before the engine cut out. So we decided to take all the parts off to get at the fuel valve which a number of you had suggested might be the problem. Taking the valve apart we found that the diaphragm had a tear in it. I'll be ordering a new one and installing it ASAP.
Thanks again to everyone who contributed their thoughts and ideas on how to solve this problem. This is a great forum and I'm glad to be a part of it.
 
Waterwalker said:
Hello again. Went out for a ride with my friend the other day and we didn't get more than 30 Km. before the engine cut out. So we decided to take all the parts off to get at the fuel valve which a number of you had suggested might be the problem. Taking the valve apart we found that the diaphragm had a tear in it. I'll be ordering a new one and installing it ASAP.
Thanks again to everyone who contributed their thoughts and ideas on how to solve this problem. This is a great forum and I'm glad to be a part of it.
Click to expand...
don't bother doing a repair, just bypass it.

Also, when the diaphragm tears it often allows raw fuel to enter cylinder #3, through the vacuum hose that's attached to the valve. Check your plug (rear right cylinder) it might be fouled. Clean it off and re-install.

after bypassing the valve, plug the vacuum line coming from cylinder #3 with a 6mm bolt or similar.
 
Use one of the screws holding the bracket to the air box for the plug. Probably have to screw it into the hose.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom