From: daved@convex.com (David Dorfman)
Subject: Re: ST1100 impressions
Organization: CONVEX Computer Corporation, Richardson, Tx., USA
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1992 15:24:19 GMT
X-Disclaimer: This message was written by a user at CONVEX Computer
              Corp. The opinions expressed are those of the user and
              not necessarily those of CONVEX.

In <1992Aug30.190336.12143@cbnewsh.cb.att.com> wolf@mt.att.com (Thomas Wolf) writes:

>Just went to the local Honda dealership after hearing/reading so many good things
>about the ST1100.  I was a little disappointed after spending 10 minutes on a test
>ride.  Either I've been spoiled by my previous bikes (Nighthawks 650 and 700) or
>I just don't know how to change gears - literally!  I must've got caught in between

Ten minutes is not enough, make it at least 30 miles.

>gears at least 4 or 5 times.  What's worth, the bike is so quiet you can't tell
>WHEN to switch gears (other than looking at the rpm indicator.)  At one point,
>I found myself at 70mph without realizing it - the efficiency of the windshield

I did this also on my test ride, after 25 miles I started to get it right, 
The engine will easily get you to 90MPH in third gear without any extra work 
, and it so smooth you might not notice.

>and the lack of noise from the engine robs one of any sense of accelaration :-(

Why not buy an amplfier instead of a motorcycle?

>There is also no LCD indicating what gear you're currently in (no small oversight
>to someone as lacking in basic memory capacity as myself...also seems that they
>would throw in such a cheap gadget given that the price of an ST1100 is $11k (w.
>ABS.))

after about 1000 miles you won't need it


>Have others had similar problems with this bike?  It seems like such a perfect
>touring machine (which is what I'm looking for in my next purchase).  I'd hate
>to disregard it only because I had a single bad data point.  Next weekend, I'll
>check out BMW's R100GS - if I can find a dealer in this area that provides
>test rides....maybe my shifting woes are entirely with me?


I currently have an ST1100 with 1500 miles since July 15. The flaws 
you mention are features to me. I agree that transmission should not 
float between gears, but mine does not exhibit this behavior, my
transmission shifts cleanly especially down into third, where the 
real acceleration is.

You mentioned that you were at 70 before you even realized. This is
pretty common for the ST. Cruising in fifth gear below 70 MPH is
almost impossible, due to the lack of any appreciable engine noise.
I now know that if I hear the engine at all I can't be in fifth gear.
I have taken two business trips on the ST, dressed in a suit I've ridden
200 miles and arrived relaxed and ready for a 3 hour meeting. This bike
handles very well. It is really heavy, but on the highway you will
have much more stability in cross winds then any other bike. If you
have the money and want a sports tourer I'd buy it. On the other hand
if you don't plan to ride long trips or you don't need the hard luggage,
you might want to look at the 1000 cc bikes. I understand the 
CBR1000 is still available in showrooms as a leftover for around 4500.

The ST is designed for smoothness, it has massive amounts of torque
but it's not too quick, ( it is quicker then the three fastest 
production cars made in america today). 

The real price of the ST is more like 8000 or 7500 if you can find an 
81 left over without ABS. ABS is nice but it costs a lot of money.

For full information on the ST check the july issue of motorcyclist and
cycle world. 

I love my ST, it's as smooth as silk and has more acceleration then I'll
ever need.  It is quiet, but after awhile you will start thinking about why
other motorcycles need to be so loud.

Have a blast
Dave