K11 Owners Group

mtnroads · Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2011 8:48 pm Post subject: Japanese Shogun Scooter

aka ST1300. In my garage with the LT.

I know, I know.... sigh... <zips up flame suit>....

Recently I've been getting the itch for something different - more sporting than my LT, yet not an RS - along the lines of an FJR or ST1300. Not interested in a newer BMW - too expensive and trouble-prone for me. Last week I saw a deal I couldn't resist on a 2005 ST1300 (non-ABS) with only 11K miles on the Sacramento Craigslist, so I flew down and rode it back this weekend. I took my favorite 2 laners back through the Sierras and the Cascades to Portland.

I've posted favorably on the ST1100's before, having owned two of them, and the ST1300 adds considerably more refinement, power and handling to an already nice bike. Adds weight too, but you won't feel it unless you drop the thing (so of course I go take it down a dirt road...). Yes, it is not handsome like my LT, nor as comfortable, but it's definitely a road burner. Smooth, fast, and with suprisingly tight handling... basically what I wanted, now we'll have to see if it's a keeper.

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2012 R1200RT Midnight Blue
95 K1100LT Graphit (sold)
01 R1100RT Black (sold)

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2011 9:35 pm Post subject:

Best of luck with the V4.

Different sport-tour bike. Tried an '09 Concours last year- different
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John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

mtnroads · Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2011 9:40 pm Post subject:

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2011 9:47 pm Post subject:

Had a Sargent seat on the Concours- BIG improvement over the stock.

Might want to check it out. Or at least a sheepskin.
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Off the grid · Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2011 11:22 pm Post subject:

The local moto cops here in Modesto use the ST1300. Kitted up with all the police bling they look badass. And those angular pipes are unique to almost everything else on the road.

When I get back on the slab, I might go the FJR, ST or Bandit 1250 ABS route. Whatevers cheapest, has ABS and full cases.

My current dream bike for the road is this baby. John take note....this bike fits large/tall people very well. Buddy is 6'11" and he looks normal sized on the Tiger 1050. (isn't this the bike that Allan got?)

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Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2011 6:10 am Post subject:

Dave,

Now that you mention it, a Tiger might be a great ride for you.

I think that Allen rides a Triumph ST, IIRC.

Back to the thread.............

mtnroads,

The ST ("Pan European" to the rest of the world) is an interesting bike. Similar in quite a few ways to the K1100.

But the 7.7 gallon fuel capacity is a great bonus.

Let us know your impressions.

John
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Karlos11 · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2011 8:49 am Post subject: Re: Japanese Shogun Scooter

That's a great bike. That V4 is very well-balanced, very good for tourism and a little more. I'm a fan since the ST1100... Congratulations and best of luck with the Pan-European!

And doesn't it look nice, side by side with the LT? Smile

whyoldbill · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2011 9:00 am Post subject:

I'd be interested to hear what the passenger thinks of the ST1300. The real only complaints I have with the K1100LT is the passenger footpeg placement and the rear seat.
My wife has knee problems that are exacerbated by the arrangement.
She pressing me for a Goldwing (having had one before, I love the ride but a sofa is a sofa).

any passenger feedback on the ST1300 would be most appreciated

Regards,
Bill
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'02 - GL1800

The desired effect is what you get when you improve your interplanetary funksmanship - George Clinton

mtnroads · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2011 11:32 am Post subject:

Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments.

OTG - the Tiger is an awesome ride - very fast now from what I hear... I had an early one - 1998 - that was much slower but still somewhat usable on dirt - and it had that great triple sound although it kinda rattled at idle.... but that new one in orange looks great!

John - thanks for the tip on the Sargent - I was wondering if they are any good since they are one of the reasonable (gulp) priced saddles out there. The fuel range has already impressed me - running hard through the Cascades I got 280mi out of one tank. At about 250 mi the low fuel lcd started flashing (1.3 gal remaining) and the display changed to a DTE like a car - very helpful.

Thanks Karlos - yes, I like having both in the garage to keep each other company but they are fighting already...

Bill - I will let you know what the rear peg dimensions are and how the passenger accomodations rank. I doubt the wind protection is as good for the passenger compared to an LT but it may be close.
_________________
2012 R1200RT Midnight Blue
95 K1100LT Graphit (sold)
01 R1100RT Black (sold)

boxerNZ · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2011 6:40 pm Post subject: bikes

Nice bike
We chased a goldwing through the Rakaia Gorge NZ recently and it rode well so I,m sure yours will ride better
My brother has just bought a 96 tiger 900 and I got a ride on it nice comfy riding position but lacked power from the R1100s, but it did ride well on the dirt
Now the Cascades is a great area to ride and test your bike

darryl
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R80G/S1986
R1200C 1998
650 Vstrom 2019
All roads are good, keep riding

mtnroads · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2011 11:06 pm Post subject: Re: bikes

Jeeves · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2011 1:31 am Post subject: Re: Japanese Shogun Scooter

mtnroads · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2011 3:33 am Post subject:

"Pan weave" was pretty much narrowed down to top box and soft rear suspension settings, but there is no doubt the bike feels drafts off trucks, especially if you pass them at 90+. Must be all that bodywork. Of course I was curious... I had it up to 125 on some long straight sections this weekend and it was rock solid - no weave, no wobble at all, even over road imperfections. I have no concerns at this point.
_________________
2012 R1200RT Midnight Blue
95 K1100LT Graphit (sold)
01 R1100RT Black (sold)

Karlos11 · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2011 5:32 am Post subject:

Yes, I think they sorted out that "Pan weave". It affected the early models. I haven't heard of the problem lately.

It's a bit scarry, though. Here's a couple of videos of 2009 (doesn't mention what year is the pictured STX1300):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VutXlebJbSw&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcfBdJQfRjw&feature=BFa&list=ULhxV5dz5i5qU&index=2

Off-topic: in the first video watch another great sport-touring bike passing-by two-up and "quietly": Yamaha FJR1300. Great engine too!
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Carlos
'95 K1100 RS

mtnroads · Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2011 3:14 pm Post subject:

Problem with those videos is you have no idea what the bike setup is - rear tire pressure may be soft, suspension preload or damping may not be set firm enough (common issue), windscreen may be oversize, a topbox, etc. I've owned at least 20 big sport touring bikes of all brands and at least half of them would exhibit a wallow or feedback into the steering under certain conditions and speeds if I didn't have them set up right - suspension soft, less than optimum tire pressure or wear, loose steering head bearings, etc. Most issues are in high speed sweepers, but some have exhibited a moderate wallow when passing trucks at higher speeds with a topbox or windshield up, including my Beemers.

On the other hand, the ST1300 does appear to be more sensitive to these issues, probably because it has a relatively short wheelbase (shorter than an FJ or K-BMW) and steep rake for such a big heavy touring-oriented bike. Thats why it handles so effortlessly on twisty roads. But you combine that with a lot of power that makes higher speeds effortless and I can see how there could be problems under certain conditions, especially if setup isn't optimal or the rider tenses up and tightens his grip. Something to think about for sure. I did consider the FJR at the same time because of the performance capabilities but really wanted the V4.
_________________
2012 R1200RT Midnight Blue
95 K1100LT Graphit (sold)
01 R1100RT Black (sold)

Karlos11 · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 6:45 am Post subject:

Yes, the Honda V4 is fantastic. Like I said, I'm a fan since the first ST1100's (and before, the VFR 750's). The sound is awesome and it's great, together with the rest of the Pan-European bike. But you know best, since you had more than one.

As for the STX1300, yes, there are all that aspects to take into account to explain the video bike's behaviour. With your experience, you'll surely sort it out, if that ever happens to you.

Talking about sport-touring bikes and Triumph's triple engine, what a pitty they didn't keep producing (and evolving) the Trophys. Was it ever sold in the US in the 90's? The look wasn't "love at first sight" for everybody, but it was a good bike. I prefered the 900cc triple over the 1200cc four-cylinder because of the fantastic engine it was/ is... They're still found around here in the second-hand market, and at good prices now.
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Carlos
'95 K1100 RS

mtnroads · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:16 pm Post subject:

Yes, they sold the Trophy's here. I have a friend with the 3 cyl 900 and I had a 97 Trophy 1200 with Staintunes, jetkit, Harris 6 piston calipers, Ohlins suspension and a Corbin saddle - in British Racing Green. It was a mean machine but comfortable, with a great top end and handling. The only drawback was the very short range - 32 mpg and I was looking for gas at 120 miles. I couldn't take it anywhere...
_________________
2012 R1200RT Midnight Blue
95 K1100LT Graphit (sold)
01 R1100RT Black (sold)