Radiator Hose Longevity/Replacemet.

[Jacksnipe]

My ST is a 2002 ABS model in fantastic condition with only 15,550 miles on clock. I am in the process of trying to future proof the bike first fitting a new thermostat but considering the age of the bike, regardless of the mileage anybody any knowledge please on which hose would likely need replacing on the ST based on its age (23 years) as opposed to its lowly mileage ? Answers and suggestions would be much appreciated. Thank you.

BTW the bike has such low mileage as it was in Police Custody for much of its life being owned by felon who had his house and possessions taken from him.

 

[SMSW]

The best way to future proof your bike is to go over it from stem to stern doing all of the routine maintenance and making sure the bike is in excellent mechanical condition. Here is a place to start:

Article - Maintenance Items Needed for a New (old) Bike | Articles

This article is the result of collaboration by Andrew Shadow, CYYJ, jfheath, Max Pete, SMSW, and SupraSabre. Igofar’s list was copied from the first link listed above. Click on the attached file. This one is V.11; in the future, any changes will be noted in the title on the first page as the...

www.st-owners.com

Since Honda is phasing out some parts for these bikes, you might consider stocking a spare SMC and some of the molded hoses. You can squeeze and feel the radiator hoses for softness. I found the OEM hose clamps had cut into the rubber on my ST so I replaced accessible clamps with constant tension clamps and some of the hoses. The upper fuel tank is connected to the lower with a rubber hose. Since a leak in this hose could potentially cause a fire and loss of the bike, I don't think it is unreasonable to change the two hoses at 23 years of age. (My opinion only).

How many parts you want to stock will depend on your annual mileage and love of this bike. Consider that Uncle Phil owns 8 ST1100s, four are for parts and four are in running condition. A few other guys here own two or more STs.

 

[Camrysandcoffee]

My experience is that coolant leaks tend to result from the hose clamps losening more than the hoses themselves failing. That being said nothing lasts forever. You can reach most (but not all) of the hoses by removing the side fairing and airbox. If you are replacing the thermostat I would check every hose and clamp before re-assembly.