Buying a 94 st1100 next weekend. Under 30,000 miles. Joined this forum to ask questions about this bike. Ive had a different sport touring for years, always loved this style of bike. I know there are some alternator problems. But want to learn. And get past all the darn ads to be able to read the forums and learn more. Any inputs are welcome.
1994 st1100
- Thread starter kevin1100
- Start date
look for a 97 or newer , parts are getting harder to find. Look of maintenance history or pass.
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
Pre-96 have the 28 amp alternator - unless the PO did the conversion to the 40 amper- question to ask before purchasing.
30,000 miles is nothing on these bikes if they have not been crashed and decent maintenance has been done.
If it has been sitting for a long time with gas in the carbs, the low speed idle jets will probably be plugged.
The easy way to tell is put on the choke (technically a fuel enricher), let it warm up, then turn off the choke.
if it does not want to idle, the jets are clogged.
Not a big deal to fix if you are mechanically inclined - but it requires pulling the majority of the bodywork (not really a big deal either) to pull the carbs.
Good luck on your decision whatever it is.
30,000 miles is nothing on these bikes if they have not been crashed and decent maintenance has been done.
If it has been sitting for a long time with gas in the carbs, the low speed idle jets will probably be plugged.
The easy way to tell is put on the choke (technically a fuel enricher), let it warm up, then turn off the choke.
if it does not want to idle, the jets are clogged.
Not a big deal to fix if you are mechanically inclined - but it requires pulling the majority of the bodywork (not really a big deal either) to pull the carbs.
Good luck on your decision whatever it is.
Ad says rebuilt Carbs, new tires, new coolant repairs, such as o rings, hoses and what not. Seller says he has receipts, that i want to see prior to purchse. And seems to be very upfront about its condition. I plan on going next weekend to see it in person, and decide from there. I have some mechanical experience. And the pictures look nice. Dont know about the alternator upgrade. This site has taught me about that. Just looking for a nice bike to get back into touring again. And love the looks of this one. Also looked at an 04 bmw 1150 rt, but, wasn't in my budget. Thanks for the reply, will consider all input.
Also, how do I get rid of the annoying ads? I want to learn more, not wade through different ads to read content.
Erdoc48
Site Supporter
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2009
- Messages
- 261
- Age
- 62
- Location
- Myrtle Beach, SC/ Sometimes Colorado
- Bike
- 94/00/04 STs, FSC600
What’s the price for the bike? 28A alternator usually results in a lower price but it may still be very good. I have a 94 with the 40A alternator and it has been very reliable.
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
IIRC, you have to make a small donation to the site to get rid of the ads.
Looks to be in good condition cosmetically.
I would probably ask if he was the original owner and had the bike ever been crashed.
If he indeed did what he said, then it should be in good shape - as long as the repairs weren't done years ago ...
Looks to be in good condition cosmetically.
I would probably ask if he was the original owner and had the bike ever been crashed.
If he indeed did what he said, then it should be in good shape - as long as the repairs weren't done years ago ...
If you click the donate button upper right, and donate some coin you will be rid of the ads.
2k is too much for a 94 with a 28 amp alternator. In the end it will be another $500 worth of parts if you can get them and 12 hours of labour. 3 hours of that will be trying to fit the alternator the right way in the 94 frame. The 28 amp oil cooled alternator is a ticking time bomb. The alternator is located at the rear left of the engine. Look for oil leaks under the engine on the floor where the bike was stored. Look at where the five wires come out of the alternator and see if there’s evidence of oil.
Ask to look at the main relay, and regulator, examine the connectors, take them apart and look for scorching, and melting.
The 40 amp unit is air cooled and has the Voltage regulator built in. If the conversion is done then the bike will have a lot of life in it.
There’s a remote possibility that it could be an ABSI unit. There could be complications with it. I would pass if it were an ABSI.
I like the ABSII models the best.
All the best
2k is too much for a 94 with a 28 amp alternator. In the end it will be another $500 worth of parts if you can get them and 12 hours of labour. 3 hours of that will be trying to fit the alternator the right way in the 94 frame. The 28 amp oil cooled alternator is a ticking time bomb. The alternator is located at the rear left of the engine. Look for oil leaks under the engine on the floor where the bike was stored. Look at where the five wires come out of the alternator and see if there’s evidence of oil.
Ask to look at the main relay, and regulator, examine the connectors, take them apart and look for scorching, and melting.
The 40 amp unit is air cooled and has the Voltage regulator built in. If the conversion is done then the bike will have a lot of life in it.
There’s a remote possibility that it could be an ABSI unit. There could be complications with it. I would pass if it were an ABSI.
I like the ABSII models the best.
All the best
diferg
Dan & Ingrid
Welcome to the site Kevin.
There is ‘96 on sale here on the forum in Spokane, which might be of interest to you. Then you have the alternator problem out of the way.
www.st-owners.com
Bike For Sale - 1996 ST1100 Bike and Parts For Sale - $2500 | Buy/Sell/Wanted
1996 Honda ST1100 (Title in hand!) 70,000 miles on odometer. Bike runs well and no mechanical issues. Can buy and ride immediately. Had the forks rebuilt by the local Honda shop after I purchased it roughly 5 years ago. Services have been done regularly. Rebuilt the clutch slave and replaced the...
ST1100Y
Site Supporter
Dunno...
I'd adopted an orphaned '94 some years ago, did the necessary preventive maintenance, the 40A swap, replaced some wear parts, put a NOS seat on it and its a very solid ride... with almost 200,000km on the clock...
I'd adopted an orphaned '94 some years ago, did the necessary preventive maintenance, the 40A swap, replaced some wear parts, put a NOS seat on it and its a very solid ride... with almost 200,000km on the clock...
Andrew Shadow
Site Supporter
Have a look through the two below articles;
ST1100 - Basics / Buying Guide
Maintenance Items Needed for a New (old) Bike
The older 28-amp alts aren't necessarily a problem. They work well, but they are cooled with engine oil versus the 40-amp air cooled unit. So there is the possibility of oil leaks as they age. But as long as you're power needs aren't excessive they work fine. When you add bunch of power-hungry farkles is when you get in trouble.
A 30k mile bike is a rarity, some would say too low for that year. But for a good price you'll have a no-frills, reliable bike (okay except maybe that mainpower relay plug) for not much outlay upfront.
[EDIT] Thanks for the correction, @kiltman ...brain wasn't braining yesterday.
A 30k mile bike is a rarity, some would say too low for that year. But for a good price you'll have a no-frills, reliable bike (okay except maybe that main
[EDIT] Thanks for the correction, @kiltman ...brain wasn't braining yesterday.
Last edited:
Main power plug?
He’s talking about the main relay..
there are a few things you can do to help the system.
Disconnect the right low beam on the headlight. ( less load on the alternator, yet still providing illumination via the left headlight and both high beams)
Constantly check the connection of the main relay, red connector. If the red wire burns out, splice a new red wire.
Constantly check the 6 wire white connector into the voltage regulator/rectifier.
There are three yellow wires going into a red connector prior to the Rectifier. Remove the connector, solder each yellow wire to the corresponding yellow wire and use heat shrink wrap to protect the connection.
As mentioned try not to add additional farkles.
By lessening the load on the system, the less the alternator has to keep up.
Consider using a trickle optimizer charger on your battery overnight. Keeping your battery in good charge puts less stress on the system.
Monitor the alternator for oil leaks, once it starts leaking, the clock starts clicking.
A 40 amp alternator (Chinese) is available, they are of good quality and perform well. There are other parts you will need, there are threads on the site that people of contributed to with all the parts needed and instructions. Get yourself well versed on it so when the time comes you will be comfortable doing the task. A Honda dealer or independent shop will not do the conversion, you’re on your own, except for guidance you will get from this site.
Once the conversion is done you will have a very good reliable machine.
Well, just got back home with it. Looking forward to learning more. Appreciate all the help. Bike is an older one, but, has been well taken care of. Yay
Seafoam!!! Pour a whole can in a few gallons, get it running a few times to get it into the carb and let it sit a few times.
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
Just a note on that solution - it can coat the spark plugs and they stop firing - BTDTGTTS.
It's worked for me on dozens of engines over the years.Just a note on that solution - it can coat the spark plugs and they stop firing - BTDTGTTS.