technical advice requested for ST1100

[spanner]

Howdy lads and lass's,

I am about to embark on a bit of a restoration / service / repair adventure on my '99 St1100 ABS.

I am about to order in a few weeks things to repair or service the old girl.

I am looking to do:
- fork seals
-timing belt
- cooling system refurbishment ( what ever is involved in that!!!  it over heats in the summer temps when going slow in traffic)
-headlight repair and upgrade
-mirror and indicator replacement (after having interesting interaction with a caravan and 4wd a while ago)
-potential seat upgrade but that will be last thing to do
-repaint (need to do this myself as costs to get another to do is prohibitive on my minuscule budget).

What I am after is some help and advice.

I am going to do the timing belt so should I do the cooling system at the same time?  What do I need to order to do the timing belt ( gaskets / seals / bits and bobs and of course the belt etc)

As I don't really know what I need to do to fix the cooling system what advice would you put forward as to what I should be looking at / for / replacing.

Is there anything you would recommend I look at when I have the old girl up on blocks? I do know that the splines are fine in the back as I got the tyre bloke ( who is brilliant!!) to have a look and let me know. He was very happy with the wear on them.

By the way ..... I have 130K on the odometer.

Who are the best / cheapest / most reliable etc of suppliers you would recommend.

I have read Alans1100 thread  http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=2977.msg30097#msg30097 and it is great but I want to make sure I have all and every bit of advice and help on hand as my nickname is Spanner NOT for the fact I am good with tools but quite the opposite!!     


Thanks in advance and I promise Ill do my utmost best to bring my STeed back to life.

[Biggles]

my nickname is Spanner NOT for the fact I am good with tools but quite the opposite!!

I dunno, mate, you've nursed the old girl across some very long distances.

I'm guessing you've done a search on the Forum for each of the projects you mention.  As you know, just about everything has been covered by someone.

Then there's the USA and UK Forums that cover everything as well.  A few hours doing searches copying and pasting into your Notepad, and you'll have the lot.  You would also have the online complete Manual by now, too.  I have the 10mb file if you want it.

[alans1100]

When I had my fork seals done (July 2015) I was asked if I wanted the bushes done as well. See item 16 and 17 here. http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Honda/Motorcycle/2001/ST1100A%20A/FRONT%20FORK%20%282%29/parts.html

After a 175,000 km I guess they would have worn a bit and might have impacted the seal life if not done.

[Brock]

The heating in summer traffic is absolutely normal as there is very little airflow through the radiator. If the fan doesnt turn on, then you have a problem, either the thermal switch or a failed fan.

[spanner]

The heating in summer traffic is absolutely normal as there is very little airflow through the radiator. If the fan doesnt turn on, then you have a problem, either the thermal switch or a failed fan.

What do people do when the temp gauge goes ballistic? Yes the fan does turn on but I am super worried.

[alans1100]

The heating in summer traffic is absolutely normal as there is very little airflow through the radiator. If the fan doesnt turn on, then you have a problem, either the thermal switch or a failed fan.

What do people do when the temp gauge goes ballistic? Yes the fan does turn on but I am super worried.

as long as the indication stays within the normal range then you should be ok

[Brock]

Mine gets up to about 3/4 in the Perth traffic in Xmas heat on the freeway (Mobile Parking lot).

As long as there is some airflow, and the gauge doesnt go all the way to the right you should be fine. These bikes are built tough

[spanner]

My issue is when I am stopped at traffic lights or similar in the heat and the gauge goes ...... weeeeeee quite quickly to the red line which means it goes off very quickly .

As soon as there is some airflow it comes back quite fast.

I do think there is an issue with either the radiator being ganged up or a blockage somewhere or similar.

[Greencan]

My issue is when I am stopped at traffic lights or similar in the heat and the gauge goes ...... weeeeeee quite quickly to the red line which means it goes off very quickly

As Alan et al have already stated, tis normal. Over heating is when the radiator boils its tits off to lift the radiator pressure cap and scald ya right leg...if that hasnt occurred, then ya bike hasnt over heated.

Question: why do U want to replace your front stanchion seals?

Cheers the can:-)

[laurie]

Spanner
The cooling system in my bike used to drive me crazy. The gauge used to climb rapidly to the top mark and I was sure it was going to explode.
I ended up getting an infra red thermometer and checking at various points around the cooling system. All was well.
There seems to be some variation with temp gauges. I've seen seen some that barely get to the quarter mark,some halfway and some at three quarters, all under similar conditions.

If you are going to do the timing belt,the radiator needs to come out. You might as well give it a clean and flush the system while you've got it all apart.
Laurie

[laurie]

Spanner..
As far as respraying the bike is concerned,easier said than done depending on the colour. If it's white it might be doable at home. If it's one of the candy colours, not so doable.
Vinyl wrapping might be a viable alternative...
Laurie

[alans1100]

.
Vinyl wrapping might be a viable alternative...

I like that idea - wonder what it would cost and how long it would last.

[Shiney]

.
Vinyl wrapping might be a viable alternative...

I like that idea - wonder what it would cost and how long it would last.

One of the guys has done a ST1300
Check it out here:

http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=5769.0

And here:

http://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=1495.msg1197454#msg1197454


This may give some ideas for the ST1100


Cheers
Shiney

[laurie]

If you decide to use vinyl wrap,buy the best quality film you can get. Stay away from elcheapo Chinese stuff and buy 3m.
Wraps have a life of about 5 to 8 years, They won't give you the same glossy finish as a good paint job, but can still look pretty good.
Laurie