My new 1998 ST 1100

[Carjones]

I just picked up my 1998 ST 1100-just removed the bags-that's a trick! Thanks for all of the advice regarding what to look for. It has 14K on it. I'm going to get the carburetors done. Any other things to consider? Also-I could use a suggestion on a decent moderately priced tank bra/protector. Sorry for the mess in the garage!

 

[Uncle Phil]

I would not worry about the carbs unless it has been sitting with fuel in them for a good while.

 

[sirbike]

The thing I miss most about 1100 is the sound of the luggage latches.
I’m with UP.
If it runs well don’t mess with the carbs.
Do you know any of it’s maintenance history?
Would fluid changes be in order?
How does the brake fluid look?
Was it run on some regular basis over the last few years?
Your bike looks great.
I’ll clean that red pile out of the garage for a small fee.

 

[Erdoc48]

Oh my, at 14K miles, that’s basically new (as long as it runs well).

 

[Carjones]

I would not worry about the carbs unless it has been sitting with fuel in them for a good while.

That's in fact the problem, I think. It was sitting for months with no use. Now it has a hard time staying at idle without the choke even after it's warmed up.

 

[Uncle Phil]

That's in fact the problem, I think. It was sitting for months with no use. Now it has a hard time staying at idle without the choke even after it's warmed up.

That means your low speed idle jets are clogged.
You have to pull the carbs, take off the bowls and the jets are right there.
I find it's a lot easier to pull the gas tank out before you pull the carbs.
It just gives you a lot more 'working room' and it's 4 bolts and 4 wires (one on the left in the triangle you've got to watch).

 

[Ron]

Since it runs, before pulling the carbs, I would run 3-4 cans of carb cleaner through it. It may only take 1 or 2. Go to the auto parts store and pick your poison. A lot of guys like the Seafoam, others like B-12. What is $30-$40 compared to reworking carbs. I would rather ride than wrench any day. I also use a synthetic watercraft 2 stroke oil every tank (1 oz per 5 gal US). Close is close enough. It cleans the combustion chamber and the carbs. Never had carb problems.

 

[Erdoc48]

That means your low speed idle jets are clogged.
You have to pull the carbs, take off the bowls and the jets are right there.
I find it's a lot easier to pull the gas tank out before you pull the carbs.
It just gives you a lot more 'working room' and it's 4 bolts and 4 wires (one on the left in the triangle you've got to watch).

If you ultimately decide to pull the carbs (if you tried seafoam or similar, and it failed), it’s really not that hard of a job. Just a little time-consuming, but once it’s done, you will likely love that bike.

 

[Carjones]

I'm going to drain the tank-get some fresh deoxygenated fuel and add a seafoam like product in the next couple of days. A couple of questions:

1. In MN-to title a bike, you have to give the engine #. What is the easiest way to see that on the block?
2. I could use a suggestion on a pad or cover for the tank cover to protect it from scratching

Thanks.

 

[Joeywhat]

I would also run carb cleaner through it if it runs but has been sitting for a while. I like Berrymans B12, but I've also had good luck with Seafoam. I've done this with many bikes and lawn equipment that sat over winter and were a little gummed up but not terrible.

 

[Andrew Shadow]

Whatever product that you choose I would suggest adding at a higher concentration than is specified to increase the cleaning power of the solution. After adding the cleaner drive around for a while to make sure that the new fuel with cleaner in it is distributed throughout the fuel system. If you can let the motorcycle sit for a few days afterwards rather than burning through that tank right away it helps to let it soak for a while. If there was no significant improvement I would do the same again. If there was significant improvement than add the correct amount of cleaner for a couple of more tanks.

With SeaFoam I know that it can safely be added at double the concentration that is recommended on the bottle. This equates to dumping in the entire bottle of SeaFoam in a full tank of fuel rather than the specified half of a bottle.

 

[Andrew Shadow]

1. In MN-to title a bike, you have to give the engine #. What is the easiest way to see that on the block?

It is on the bottom of the engine just behind the oil pan. It most likely will be covered by road grime and hard to see. Clean it up and take a picture.
See the below thread link for several descriptions and photos of the location;
ST1100 Engine Serial Number Location

 

[Erdoc48]

I'm going to drain the tank-get some fresh deoxygenated fuel and add a seafoam like product in the next couple of days. A couple of questions:

1. In MN-to title a bike, you have to give the engine #. What is the easiest way to see that on the block?
2. I could use a suggestion on a pad or cover for the tank cover to protect it from scratching

Thanks.

#2 above: I would actually recommend against a tank cover as they tend to accumulate dirt and in some cases that dirt will abrade the paint on the tank cover (I had one and after removing it, I saw some dirt under it, so I’m not a fan - this is just a personal observation).

 

[Carjones]

It is on the bottom of the engine just behind the oil pan. It most likely will be covered by road grime and hard to see. Clean it up and take a picture.
See the below thread link for several descriptions and photos of the location;
ST1100 Engine Serial Number Location

Being a new owner-I will ask...which side/panel do I remove to get eyes on? Thanks.

 

[Carjones]

All good suggestions-thanks. I'm going to need a front tire for sure, and I'll probably get the back. Any suggestions on tire brands?

 

[dwalby]

Being a new owner-I will ask...which side/panel do I remove to get eyes on? Thanks.

none, its on the bottom part of the engine behind the oil pan. Not sure how you look in there, maybe put your phone underneath and try taking a few pictures. As the link shows you'll probably need to do some cleaning first before the digits are visible.

 

[Erdoc48]

All good suggestions-thanks. I'm going to need a front tire for sure, and I'll probably get the back. Any suggestions on tire brands?

Loads of opinions on tires- Metzeler Z8, Shinko, Bridgestone, Pirelli Angels, etc. I have Avon Spirit STs on my 94 and I’m happy with them. A good and less expensive tire vendor is AmericanMotoTire.com (if I recall, no cost to ship and no taxes on them either).

 

[DeanR]

#2 above: I would actually recommend against a tank cover as they tend to accumulate dirt and in some cases that dirt will abrade the paint on the tank cover (I had one and after removing it, I saw some dirt under it, so I’m not a fan - this is just a personal observation).

Mine has been on for +/- 15 years. Maybe I should look underneath!

 

[Carjones]

Loads of opinions on tires- Metzeler Z8, Shinko, Bridgestone, Pirelli Angels, etc. I have Avon Spirit STs on my 94 and I’m happy with them. A good and less expensive tire vendor is AmericanMotoTire.com (if I recall, no cost to ship and no taxes on them either).

I notice no mention of Dunlop?

 

[Uncle Phil]

I notice no mention of Dunlop?

You mean 'Dunflops'?
In my ST1100 experience with tires (and in 1/2 million+ miles I've run all brands and mixes) I find Bridgestone is the best value.
Michelin makes good tires also but they are generally priced higher than BTs and I find no difference in the handling and mileage I get.