Found this on another ST site . . . Also found some crankcase parts for less then $200 . .
Following my recent experience of the engine block cracking on the right hand side/rear I am having to change the engine in my ST1100, as the cracking was through to the water jacket.
The replacement engine from another owner has also got cracks along the right hand side, but no leaks from it, so will JBWeld it to stop the cracks getting any bigger.
On the other site I am on there has just been another case of another ST1100 with cracks in the same place, this time leaking coolant, like mine.
Another owner, having just had a look at his has spotted the same cracks on his.
The bikes concerned have been
1999 - 55,000 miles (ex police)
1999 - 64,000 miles (ex police)
2001 - 72,000 miles
With these and ones on here (George,etc) I would like to ask all ST1100 owners if next time they have the panels off, they can have a close look at their engine blocks on the right hand side (near to the frame, under the exhausts, especially near the block water drain plug and the castings where the head bolts and top to bottom section of block are)
If you find cracks here, can you please pass on details of the age and mileage of the bike and include photos, if possible, also what sort of climate the bike is subjected to, ie cold winters or hot/ warm all year.
One or two of us are wondering if, because of faulty casting later in the production life, there has been casting issues that surface after a number of years. This is something owners, or propective owners need to be aware of and Honda as well, even though I doubt they would do anything about it.