New ST1300 owner

[Gforce01]

Hi all, I have just joined your site. My red 2008 Honda ST1300 is due for delivery next week, got a great buy dollar wise and only 10,000 kms, but have to ship it from Tasmania to Brisbane. My previous bike is a 1990 CBR1000F that I have owned since new.
My general question is about the ST, I am having it delivered to a Honda dealer who will take care of rego change over and service etc, is there anything else I should be aware of regarding this bike? Should I replace the battery? and also any good modifications that are worth the money?
Thanks.

[Poppy Dave]

Welcome Gforce,

Great site with plenty of info and guidance.

I would suggest you ride the bike for a while before starting to do any mods. Just ride it and in the meantime look around otherwise you could end up spending money for things you don't need/want.

Just in case you're not aware, there are 3 x seat height settings on the 1300 and it's then possible to tweak it some-more. I called in at my local Honda dealer some time ago just as a new owner was trying to set up his bike. He said he wasn't happy with the seat. I let him sit on my bike and he was happy with it. I showed him how to set it up. The salesman was standing there watching because he didn't know how to do it either.

If you're not happy with the seat, just ask and one of us will guide you through it.

Good luck and welcome again,                                                

Dave R

[JuST Peter]

Welcome Gforce,

Great site with plenty of info and guidance.

I would suggest you ride the bike for a while before starting to do any mods. Just ride it and in the meantime look around otherwise you could end up spending money for things you don't need/want.

Just in case you're not aware, there are 3 x seat height settings on the 1300 and it's then possible to tweak it some-more. I called in at my local Honda dealer some time ago just as a new owner was trying to set up his bike. He said he wasn't happy with the seat. I let him sit on my bike and he was happy with it. I showed him how to set it up. The salesman was standing there watching because he didn't know how to do it either.

If you're not happy with the seat, just ask and one of us will guide you through it.

Good luck and welcome again,                                                

Dave R

Welcome Gforce, you'll get a lot out of this site, as I know I have.

I'm 6'2" and have used both the middle and high seat settings, but feel a tad too low on the first and just a bit too high on the second setting. How do you tweak it Dave?

[Poppy Dave]

Welcome Gforce,

Great site with plenty of info and guidance.

I would suggest you ride the bike for a while before starting to do any mods. Just ride it and in the meantime look around otherwise you could end up spending money for things you don't need/want.

Just in case you're not aware, there are 3 x seat height settings on the 1300 and it's then possible to tweak it some-more. I called in at my local Honda dealer some time ago just as a new owner was trying to set up his bike. He said he wasn't happy with the seat. I let him sit on my bike and he was happy with it. I showed him how to set it up. The salesman was standing there watching because he didn't know how to do it either.

If you're not happy with the seat, just ask and one of us will guide you through it.

Good luck and welcome again,                                                

Dave R

Welcome Gforce, you'll get a lot out of this site, as I know I have.

I'm 6'2" and have used both the middle and high seat settings, but feel a tad too low on the first and just a bit too high on the second setting. How do you tweak it Dave?

If you look at the back of the rider's seat, you'll see 'Steps' on the white plastic that sits on the black 'inverted' U shapes attached to the frame. (WITH ME SO FAR?)

With a little bit of pressure, it's possible to force the back of the seat one step lower ( I haven't tried for more). This will cause you to tilt back a bit more.

Let me know how you go.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.

Dave R

[Apache]

Hi all, I have just joined your site. My red 2008 Honda ST1300 is due for delivery next week, got a great buy dollar wise and only 10,000 kms, but have to ship it from Tasmania to Brisbane. My previous bike is a 1990 CBR1000F that I have owned since new.
My general question is about the ST, I am having it delivered to a Honda dealer who will take care of rego change over and service etc, is there anything else I should be aware of regarding this bike? Should I replace the battery? and also any good modifications that are worth the money?
Thanks.

Lol how much money do you want to spend? ... ive put cruise control on (exy but worth it), top boxes (again exy but worth it) there is a mass amount of farkles available. Really depends on ur budget. My 2c 

[JuST Peter]

I'm with you there, but does this make it higher or lower?

Oops! Just re-read it and think it makes it lower, right?

[West Aussie Glen]

I'm with you there, but does this make it higher or lower?

Oops! Just re-read it and think it makes it lower, right?

It means you can have the front on one setting higher than the back which stops you from sliding forward.

My 2008 has only done less than 8,000 kms and still has the original battery. Has often been left for up to 4 weeks without being started. I turned off the flashing security light to help the battery survive the low periods between being started.

Probably the most popular thing to fit to ST1300s are bar risers. Check out the Helibar web site.

[Brian]

Hi and welcome to the elite world that exists only for the chosen few.......yes I'm referring to ST1300 owners....too dramatic?....ok.....hi and great choice of bike, when you get your ST up here ask the dealer if it is one on the recall list re the rear brake line details are in another thread or pm me for further info.....cheers Brian

[Malcolm6112]

Welcome Gforce,

Have a look around the forum. Also I would recommend you look at the US site as well.

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?187-Introductions

There is a wealth of information available. Most importantly talk to other owners about what works for them, then make up your own mind from there.
I bought my 2004 at 25K, just over a year ago. Now it's almost 40K.

You will enjoy the handling and power. You have the best of both worlds.

 

[Gforce01]

Hi all, thanks for the info, that extra seat adjustment looks like a good way to go.
Happy New Year...

[Sicman]

Welcome on in :)

 

[Couch]

WTF..................a red ST1300 with only 10,000 on the clock being available for sale in Tassie!!!!!!  And then being shipped out of the state to Brisbane!!!  Bugger................I don't believe it!!!

[Gforce01]

Sorry about that... Tassie has lost another ST1300, shipping was $890 but well worth it, I estimated I have saved around $1800 on the going price of ST's. Attached is a photo of my new steed.

[Couch]

O'well there you go!..............I flew to Brisbane & brought my ST brand spankin new a couple of years ago from Pro Honda at Rocklea, & then rode it back home to Tassie. I paid $18,650 (2008 model) & recon I did pretty well. The bike had never been registered so I rode it down with a permit to do so & paid the rego here in Tassie. Added a Hondaline topbox soon after ($900 delivered from Pro Honda).
Nice first ride, I can tell ya!

And I've been a "Happy Chappie" ever since!!!!!!!!!

Sorry about that... Tassie has lost another ST1300, shipping was $890 but well worth it, I estimated I have saved around $1800 on the going price of ST's. Attached is a photo of my new steed.

[Gforce01]

That is amazing ST1300 Bris to Tas and now Tas to Bris. I picked up the 08 for $13700 + rego/stamp duty, so I felt it was a bargin with only 10k on the clock. I have done the ride to Tas way back in around 1995 from what I can remember, went down to check out the aircraft pylon racing where aircraft of all types flew around these 50ft pylons, as an ex light aircraft pilot I loved watching this spectacular race. Check out my CBR1000 on which I did the trip, it is currently stripped down for a timing chain transplant, have owned it since new in 1990. 

[Couch]

That is very good buying.......particularly with a top box......you've done well (for a banana bender that is.....ha ha)!!
From where in Tassie did you buy it??.................I've never seen one advertised from down here, and I often look in Gumtree and bikesales.com!

The CBR looks great......I've always liked them.  One of my sons, David, who is 28, and lives in Brisbane recently brought it's smaller brother. He brought it new and loves it........it's my favourite bike colour...black!

Good luck with the ST

That is amazing ST1300 Bris to Tas and now Tas to Bris. I picked up the 08 for $13700 + rego/stamp duty, so I felt it was a bargin with only 10k on the clock. I have done the ride to Tas way back in around 1995 from what I can remember, went down to check out the aircraft pylon racing where aircraft of all types flew around these 50ft pylons, as an ex light aircraft pilot I loved watching this spectacular race. Check out my CBR1000 on which I did the trip, it is currently stripped down for a timing chain transplant, have owned it since new in 1990. 

[Skip]

Welcome Gforce. You really did do well. Hope you can join one of our rides in SE Qld soon. It's a great way to get all those tips and chat with the legends who ride them.  Umm. What can I say about the winning Queensland team. We are gunning for a huge ST skirt photo on a future RTE here in SE Qld. Not only are we getting people moving here to boost our numbers, we are now importing bikes from other states to dwindle their numbers. We've got this sewn up. All you new arrivals, make sure you get your OzSTOC shirts ASAP so we can take the lead in this crazy quest. Hope you've got plenty of shirts is stock Streak.
Cheers.
Skip.

[Gforce01]

Bike is from Devonport, he had just advertised it on Ebay when I found it by accident while looking at ST1300 accessories, he gave me a call to check me out and said was looking for a quick sale to buy a Goldwing that he has his eye on. Did all the relevant checks an everything looks ok, a bit scary buying this way but he sent me lots of hi res photos. The bike is now at Tasmanian Motorbike Transport (confirmed) and waiting to be shipped up to me, I feel like a kid waiting for a new toy to arrive...
On another note I have been watching over 40+ ST1300's around Aus for the last couple of months and I have noticed that most are not selling or are re listing at a lower price. I guess times are tough and there are not too many people with a lazy $15k - $18k lying around.
 

[Gforce01]

Thanks Skip... will do.
 

[Poppy Dave]

Welcome Gforce. You really did do well. Hope you can join one of our rides in SE Qld soon. It's a great way to get all those tips and chat with the legends who ride them.  Umm. What can I say about the winning Queensland team. We are gunning for a huge ST skirt photo on a future RTE here in SE Qld. Not only are we getting people moving here to boost our numbers, we are now importing bikes from other states to dwindle their numbers. We've got this sewn up. All you new arrivals, make sure you get your OzSTOC shirts ASAP so we can take the lead in this crazy quest. Hope you've got plenty of shirts is stock Streak.
Cheers.
Skip.

Well, what can I say?

The Bananabenders are not only resorting to importing bikes in their effort to wrestle the World Title from us in the West but they're also starting up an ST SKIRTwearing photo competition.

I don't know about the rest of us Sandgropers but I for one feel that they will be welcome to that title.

Dave..........................................................

[saaz]

Bike is from Devonport, he had just advertised it on Ebay when I found it by accident while looking at ST1300 accessories, he gave me a call to check me out and said was looking for a quick sale to buy a Goldwing that he has his eye on. Did all the relevant checks an everything looks ok, a bit scary buying this way but he sent me lots of hi res photos. The bike is now at Tasmanian Motorbike Transport (confirmed) and waiting to be shipped up to me, I feel like a kid waiting for a new toy to arrive...
On another note I have been watching over 40+ ST1300's around Aus for the last couple of months and I have noticed that most are not selling or are re listing at a lower price. I guess times are tough and there are not too many people with a lazy $15k - $18k lying around.

 

I have a lazy $5000 around to buy a really good low mileage ST1300

Otherwise 

[Brock]

No way Im doing a skirt

[Couch]

Aw....c'mon Brock..............I can just picture you in a skirt with your full beard.................might be a bit drafty on the bike though.
Far too cold in Tassie to be ridin around in a skirt!!    That's my excuse anyway!!

No way Im doing a skirt

[Diesel]

Has often been left for up to 4 weeks without being started.

WHAT!!!!!????????????????????????

I think we may have to review your membership young man!                              

Now go ride!                   

Welcome aboard Gforce - post up some pics of your new toy when she arrives.

Cheers, Diesel

[West Aussie Glen]

Has often been left for up to 4 weeks without being started.

WHAT!!!!!????????????????????????

I think we may have to review your membership young man!                              

Now go ride!                   

Welcome aboard Gforce - post up some pics of your new toy when she arrives.

Cheers, Diesel

It was a function of working for a living and a single driveway. The working part has been solved and the single driveway is having a major redesign based on straight through bike access to shelter rather than moving one or two cars. Also working on raising the less than 2,500 kms per year average on the ST since new.