Topic: Now: I got the Sprint ST

[medic09]

Anyone have any experience with this bike - '98 ST1100?

[nickjtc]

No personal experience, but I have two friends who have them.

Both rave about the comfort, power and capability of the bike for everything from freeway drones to backroad carving. And they are comfortable for the passenger, too.

I guess if a person figures they aren't ready for a Gold Wing, and don't want the perkiness of a VFR, but do want their passenger to be happy, a ST1100 would be a good choice. And they're probably out there for reasonable prices.

[loonymoon]

I'm guessing you mean the Honda ST1100 "pan european" at least that's what they were called here!!

My dad had an ST1100 for a while, can't remember what year the bike was but I think it was an early 90's one.  He thought it was a great bike. I loved it too, it was brilliant for the passenger. It still handled surprisingly well for a big tourer, probably the reason why a lot of them became police bikes in the UK. I think he had a problem with carb icing on his, but later models I don't think suffered from this. Other than that he had no other problems and he and mum went for tours around France and Spain on it at least once, maybe 2-3 times, doing around 2000 miles in 10 days.

Here's a handy page with some maintenance tips.

http://www.st1100.org/html/maintenance_tips.html

[nickjtc]

Here's a handy page with some maintenance tips.
http://www.st1100.org/html/maintenance_tips.html

It's always interesting reading tips about other bikes, a lot of which are unversal. Like being prepared for engine oil shooting across the shop floor when you take the drain plug out of some engines. Don't ask/

[egar]

I've had an ST1300 for a year now, and I can tell you that it is an amazingly quiet and quick bike. Comfortable for tours. Taking it to the  Honda Hoot in TN next week. It will be about 800 miles each way and I know I'll be comfy the whole time. STs are great bikes. Check out the owner's club at www.ST-owners.com

[medic09]

I commented to my wife that if I ever bought a modern bike, it would likely be an ST 1100 or 1300 (just depends on price and available cash, if it ever happens).

There's one advertised locally, '98 ST 1100 41,000 miles asking $5300.  She asked me about it.  Figured I should see what you all know.  I've never heard anything bad about them, but there's few of them around here.  The Gold Wing is too bulky and clunky for me personally; though I know it is a very fine bike and popular with many folks around here.  The remaining question is if it would suit a small fella such as myself (170cm/5'7"; 150 pounds wet).

This doesn't mean that we're buying another bike...

[Terry in Australia]

They're a nice bike, they were Honda's reply to BMW's "K" series tourers and were popular as a cheaper touring alternative to the Beemer, with plenty of power and long distance touring comfort.

I've ridden several variants (including a police bike) but always thought the Beemer a better overall package with better brakes, a more upright (read comfortable) riding position, and turbine-like smoothness from an engine good for 250,000+ miles between rebuilds. Cheers, Terry.

[cb350f_rider_73]

I've gotten to take one for a spin, and was impressed with the all-around capability of the bike.  Good power, well-mannered (the power delivery was smooth, no surges or spikes like some more high strung bikes), and the owner swore by its reliability. 

[Magpie]

I have one - I like it and so does my wife/navigator. It's quick, smooth, nimble for it's weight, very smooth, good looking and typically Honda. It's a great bike however many owners have to tailor it to themselves. Typical changes are to the windshield, bar height and seat. I have gone to the Laminar lip combo, raised the bars about an inch and changed the seat. There's not many around so you will be a small crowd. Why typically Honda? It's great bike! Ours is the fastest one of course, the Wineberry Red 2002.
Cheers,
Cliff.

[loonymoon]

I don't think the seat is tooo high on the ST, but it is a big bike. Dad dropped his once with me sitting on the back when he thought the person in front of him had pulled away from a junction, went to accelerate then realised they hadn't actually gone, slammed on the anchors and we did a slow speed tumble to the nearside. I managed to jump off but it took three of us to get the bike up again (mind you I was a weak 18 year old at the time). The good thing was there was no real damage as the bike had buit in fairing protectors which did a very good job.


I'm sure the BMW tourers are great bikes too, dad had an old K75 before the ST1100, it was a good bike but the ST1100 was much better. After the ST he had a Triumph trophy 1200 but that sounded like a diesel van and was no where near as nice for a passenger as the ST. Since then dad' has had two Triumph Sprint ST 900's which are brilliant bikes. great for touring but without all the bulk. When they go on tours round europe he comments that most of the other bikes on the tours are BMWs' and that the beemers seem to drink oil, he said the only oil he needs is to replenish the scottoiler as it's not a shaft drive like the Beemers. No engine oil top ups needed on the ST1100 either.

[medic09]

Three of you to lift the bike.

Hence my hesitation.  At 170cm/70 kg, I could have trouble manhandling this around, IF need be.  I like to ride bikes that I can handle alone.

And I thought my 750Four is hefty...

[Terry in Australia]

Very true Mordy, and lets face it, any big bike will be a #$%* to pick up if it goes over.

I've no idea what Loony's Dad is on about re: BMW's using oil, I've owned 4 in my lifetime and 7 have passed thru the family, and none have consumed any oil of note between changes, even with some pretty big mileages.

My longest single trip on my old K100RT was Melbourne to Brisbane and return (around 2000 miles) and it sipped fuel at around 53 miles per (imperial) gallon fully loaded, and didn't use a drop of oil. My current BMW, a mint 1992 K1100LT with a tad under 100,000 miles on the clock, hasn't used a drop since I bought it in July last year.

These bikes were designed by the worlds best engineers to do enormous mileages (compared to many modern bikes) so I guess a BMW with say, a quarter of a million miles under it's wheels (not unusual here with near perfect 365 days a year riding weather) could be excused for suffering a little blow-by, but it'd be the exception, rather than the rule. Cheers, Terry.

[loonymoon]

When I say three of us it was me, my mum plus my dad so I'd say dad did the lions share of the actual lifting but I'd say it was a two-man job.

I only know what dad told me about the tours they went on with the local BMW dealership (a lot of the time he was the only one not riding a BMW, he said the support van used to carry spare oil to give people top -ups and the beemers seemed to need it - don't ask me - maybe the owners were just over cautious or overfilled them!!

[medic09]

Well, the wife says "call the guy and let's go see it."   I doubt we'll buy another bike just now, especially because she'll probably predicate it on selling my 750K.  THAT'S not happening.

Looks like the seat height on my K is about 32+ inches.  The ST is 31.5, so that's encouraging.  Don't know about the weight, though.

Anymore input and opinions is welcome.

[nickjtc]

This doesn't mean that we're buying another bike...

Famous last words!

[medic09]

This doesn't mean that we're buying another bike...

Famous last words!

Well, she may insist it has to be a trade-off for my 750K.  I don't want to do that.  Hey, maybe if we buy her a second bike, THEN look at a modern addition for me...

[medic09]

So, we looked at the ST 1100.  I took it for about a 40 minute ride.

I won't make an offer, because this particular one is priced higher than I'd like to pay for it.  It needs some plastic surgery, and that is likely to be more expensive than mechanical stuff.

For little me, that's a big bike.  Borderline on 'too big'.  I could flat foot both feet at a stop, though I got the balls of my feet down; so not so bad.  The bike is 100 lbs heavier than my 750K.  On the highway it was great (amazing, actually), but I'd likely not like so much muscling it around downtown.  Also, oddly enough, the more I looked at it, I didn't like the look as much.  Too covered up.  I like the old look of bikes like my 750K.

The power band was amazing.  I didn't even notice, and I'd already be up to 85-90 with a gear left on the transmission!

Still, a sport-touring bike attracts me.  I ride 130+ miles/day just on my commute.  My wife wants to take trips (though most on her own bike alongside) when we can start making some time.  What's a fella to do?

Is a there a bike out there with comparable ride and performance and ability to take some good hardbags, but lighter weight? A front fairing is really valuable, but I don't like the idea of the whole bike packaged in plastic.  Ability to carry a passenger fairly comfortably is needed, but I don't want a boat.

Any suggestions?

[Terry in Australia]

Here you go Mordy, I just bought one, (seriously!) a real "back to basics tourer", only 28 pounds, 185 Miles per (US) gallon, (that's only half a cent per mile) and brilliant in city traffic!

Why did I buy one? Well, I already had the bicycle, but  after discovering how difficult it is to propel oneself using purely manual labour, I thought the "add on" engine a damn fine idea! Ha ha, Cheers, Terry.

[medic09]

Here you go Mordy, I just bought one, (seriously!) a real "back to basics tourer", only 28 pounds, 185 Miles per (US) gallon, (that's only half a cent per mile) and brilliant in city traffic!

Why did I buy one? Well, I already had the bicycle, but  after discovering how difficult it is to propel oneself using purely manual labour, I thought the "add on" engine a damn fine idea! Ha ha, Cheers, Terry.

 

Yeah, but I need a rack, bags, and passenger seat! 

[Terry in Australia]

Here you go Mordy, I just bought one, (seriously!) a real "back to basics tourer", only 28 pounds, 185 Miles per (US) gallon, (that's only half a cent per mile) and brilliant in city traffic!

Why did I buy one? Well, I already had the bicycle, but  after discovering how difficult it is to propel oneself using purely manual labour, I thought the "add on" engine a damn fine idea! Ha ha, Cheers, Terry.

 

Yeah, but I need a rack, bags, and  passenger seat! 

Well I'll leave the first two alone, (he he) but do you remember the romantic bicycle scene from "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", mate? "Raindrops keep falling on my head................."

[loonymoon]

Seriously, consider a Triumph sprint ST. They're a LOT smaller and less bulky than the ST1100 but can still tour (my parents have been on many tours two- up around europe) and the pillion seat is very comfy (I know from experience). Dad has had two Sprint ST's he's had the most recent for a number of years now (it's not the current model). He has a huge top box that can take two lids and also hard panniers. When you take the luggage off though the bike looks like a sportsbike. Lovely.

He's had very few problems with his Triumphs despite doing high mileage. The worst problem was on the way back from their last Europe tour when the rear wheel bearings went suddenly  - luckily they were in a line of traffic waiting for the ferry and were hardly moving at the time. It did cause them to have to abandon the bike (because it wouldn't move) and get a plane home though!!! The bike followed soon after by their excellent break down cover and was fixed in no time.

I'd understand if you want to stick to Honda though!! What about a VFR I beleive that they make pretty good tourers too without the bulk of the ST1100..??

I's sure Terry can suggest some smaller size BMW's that may suit too.

[okie]

I bought a new 2006 VFR last May.  I sold it in September.  The riding position put too much weight on my hands and made them go numb after only a couple of miles. 

[loonymoon]

Yes I guess that is a problem the VFR is more sports than tourer. I don't think the Sprint is too bad in that respect,  dad never complains about it and he's not a sportsbike fan.

[medic09]

Seriously, consider a Triumph sprint ST. They're a LOT smaller and less bulky than the ST1100 but can still tour (my parents have been on many tours two- up around europe) and the pillion seat is very comfy (I know from experience). Dad has had two Sprint ST's he's had the most recent for a number of years now (it's not the current model). He has a huge top box that can take two lids and also hard panniers. When you take the luggage off though the bike looks like a sportsbike. Lovely.

He's had very few problems with his Triumphs despite doing high mileage. The worst problem was on the way back from their last Europe tour when the rear wheel bearings went suddenly  - luckily they were in a line of traffic waiting for the ferry and were hardly moving at the time. It did cause them to have to abandon the bike (because it wouldn't move) and get a plane home though!!! The bike followed soon after by their excellent break down cover and was fixed in no time.

I'd understand if you want to stick to Honda though!! What about a VFR I beleive that they make pretty good tourers too without the bulk of the ST1100..??

I's sure Terry can suggest some smaller size BMW's that may suit too.

We do like Hondas, but I'm not ideologically committed.  If I find a used Sprint ST around here, I'll check it out.  My 750K does my daily commute just fine, so there's no hurry.

I checked out an 82 CB900F today.  That actually was pretty nice, though I would change to a more upright handlebar.  Here it is, it's  not far from the university where I am nearly every day.  http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=019&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=290129014824&rd=1&rd=1

The only real down side is that aside from the extra umph, it isn't that much different from my 750.

[loonymoon]

 By the way I'm 5'5 1/2" have 31inch leg and can put both feet down when sitting on the Sprint ST 955i and can also get the thing on the centre stand - a feat I've never been able to manage on my 350F!!!!


Good luck in your search - I hope you'll find  something suitable.