ST1300'S and Cruise Control

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Mike-C
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ST1300'S and Cruise Control

#1

Post by Mike-C »

Gents;
One of the 'benefits' of a Canadian winter is that we have time to dream and research potential acquisitions. I am contemplating the purchase of a Honda ST1300 and I know that some of you possess these fine beasts. Any advice would be appreciated. I have also seen a write up of installing a Rostra cruse on them. Any advice here would also be appreciated.
Mike Coleman
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Re: ST1300'S and Cruise Control

#2

Post by Rat »

I thought for a long time that I wanted an ST1100 ... sport touring sounded appealing ... found a good deal on an excellent example about 5 years ago and bought it. Did all the new owner stuff, joined the (excellent) ST owners forum, went to one of their big gatherings ... thought I gave it a good chance ... but I could never get really comfortable on the bike, knees rubbed on the fairing even with aftermarket peg lowering ... and removing all that plastic to do the smallest job got old really fast ... put about 8,000 miles on it and sold it !
At least I made a few bucks ...
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Re: ST1300'S and Cruise Control

#3

Post by Sagebrush »

I would look at one of the similar BMWs with cruise from the factory.
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Re: ST1300'S and Cruise Control

#4

Post by Mike-C »

Gents;
I have been told that the ST1300 addressed the 'cockpit' room issue the only way for those of us to are on the tall side would be to try one on. I remember your 1100 at the Eastern run a few years ago, you lost the oil filler plug somewhere.
Dean, I'll look at BMW's and see what is out there. Thank you
Mike Coleman
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Re: ST1300'S and Cruise Control

#5

Post by pidjones »

I installed a Rostra electronic unit on a 2001 Ford ZX2 - worked fantastic!
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Re: ST1300'S and Cruise Control

#6

Post by Gowing »

I bought an 03 St1300 with 2300 miles on it for 6K in 2016 I think. It was an ABS model.
Important to keep brake fluid clean. Tricky to do at home, expensive at dealer.
Incredible power, makes all of its torque at 2000 rpm and curve is as flat as a board.
Scary fast. Huge gas tanks. 7 gallons. Bike is very heavy and tippy, especially when top tank is full.
If it tips at stop past 45 degrees it was gone for me.
You can lay it down softly with pretty much no damage because of engine guards. I could barely picked it up, with proper technique. Had to do it twice. Damaged L4, L5. Needed surgery. On the ST1300 website there is a category for how many times dropped. Most have a number in category. Still almost killed me. Takes premium.
Super functional power windshield. From good wind in face to none. Unlike 01-17 goldwing.
Makes heat on legs, etc. not much fun at stoplights in summer.
Big alternator power, will run any accessory.
Most bikes have handlebar risers added to make good riding position even better.
Pretty easy to change oil and filter.
I sold it at 11500 miles because it was just to heavy for my old bones. And too fast. Can’t ride a bike I can’t pick up by myself. Plus it’s tall. My 31 inch inseam I’m on balls of feet and toes, and that’s not good.
But I will always miss the intoxicating v-twin noise and power.
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Re: ST1300'S and Cruise Control

#7

Post by Gowing »

The big ST has a steel timing chain.😎
Excellent linked brakes.
Dave

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Re: ST1300'S and Cruise Control

#8

Post by Mike-C »

Gents;
Thanks for the kind and informative words. I have found a silver '03 north of Barrie, Ontario (about 380 miles from me) that is all kitted out. It has a Rostra cruise, a Corbin seat, heated grips, the fancy top case and about 60,000 miles for $4900 CDN ($3900 US). I am 6'3" with a 33" inseam so I don't think that the height and balance will be an issue, but I can see how the weight of 7 gallons of gasoline (42+ pounds) could affect things. I am not sure about the linked brakes. I de-linked my 1200, as an ex-roadracer I like complete control of my braking distribution, however I think that the ST's might, again, be too complicated for that unless I change the complete system, calipers and all. If it has ABS then that stops that mod cold. I'll keep y'all posted. My friend Ian and I are headed out to have a look next week, cash in pocket, bike trailer in tow. My Dodge Cummins is parked for the winter so it is trailer time.
Mike Coleman
'84 Wing-Lite (ex-Aspencade)
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'84 Standard (as yet un-named)
'96 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 (The Vulcanator)
Space reserved for an ST1300
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Re: ST1300'S and Cruise Control

#9

Post by Gowing »

Very exciting, I would love to see your expression after your test ride.😎
Dave

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Re: ST1300'S and Cruise Control

#10

Post by Mike-C »

Hey Dave;
I am looking forward to a test ride too but I have to wait about 4 months for the snow and salt to go before that can happen.
Mike Coleman
'84 Wing-Lite (ex-Aspencade)
'84 (un-Terstate)
'84 Standard (as yet un-named)
'96 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 (The Vulcanator)
Space reserved for an ST1300
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Re: ST1300'S and Cruise Control

#11

Post by Rat »

ROAD TRIP ...

Sounds good, hope it works for you action1

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Re: ST1300'S and Cruise Control

#12

Post by Mike-C »

Gord;
True, but I will be bringing my helmet and gear when we go, just in case the weather co-operates.
Mike Coleman
'84 Wing-Lite (ex-Aspencade)
'84 (un-Terstate)
'84 Standard (as yet un-named)
'96 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 (The Vulcanator)
Space reserved for an ST1300
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Re: ST1300'S and Cruise Control

#13

Post by FutureBoy »

Current ST1300 owner and former ST1100 owner. Big fan of the V4 and love the gear driven cams on the 1300. I’m 6’4” and I too bump my knees into the fairing. I blame this on the Sargent seat that keeps me too far forward, I did not have this issue with the 1100 (stock seat). Biggest complaint is the heat. The tank becomes a mini Franklin stove and is bitch to ride on 90F days. There are YouTube vids for the heat fix. Small complaint about the display- can’t read it in daylight. There is a fix for that also. Yes, it is tippy but I consider that a small issue that is offset by the performance and finesse in the twisties. PO installed a Throttlemiester on my 1300, however I never use it. I splurge and buy $ 12 Crampbusters for all my bikes. You can put in 400 mile days with no wrist discomfort. Put the electric windscreen through the paces during your test ride. They can be expensive to fix. If you buy the bike, avoid adjusting the windscreen in cold temps. Despite being old and discontinued, there is a lot of support on YouTube and at the ST Owners forum.
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Re: ST1300'S and Cruise Control

#14

Post by Mike-C »

Good Day Folks;
I had not thought about an aftermarket seat being too good. Maybe a swap back to stock might be in order. Once again the 'new bike' learning curve kicks in. Thank you.
Mike Coleman
'84 Wing-Lite (ex-Aspencade)
'84 (un-Terstate)
'84 Standard (as yet un-named)
'96 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 (The Vulcanator)
(Space reserved for an ST1300)
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Re: ST1300'S and Cruise Control

#15

Post by Lowrider Bud »

I had a 2005 ST1300 ABS. Bought it from the original owner in 2006 with 10K miles on the clock. He had installed a AudioVox CCS100 cruise. When I got the bike I had a custom seat made at a local upholstery shop (grey full-quill ostrich). It moved me back about an inch and added lower back support - both a big improvement for 500+ mile days.

You might read about The Pan Weave. I only experienced it with the top box while drafting behind big trucks.

I put 60K miles on the bike in 5 years, and had no service issues. The bike would easily power-up in first and second gear. Got a lecture from a lady friend that a 60 year old man should not be showing off like that. I sold the bike in 2010 for money to finance a trip to Alaska.

The only complaint was mentioned earlier - heat on summer days. Worth the discomfort.

Later, Bud...
Time for another Road Trip...
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