ST1100/ST1300 Comparison

[Kingy]

Of course I forgot to mention the brakes on the ST1300 much better than the 1100, though I was extremely disappointed to see that Mr Honda had deleted the traction control on the 1300. No doubt this was a cost cutting measure. The other thing I did not mention was the fueling. Though the 1100 has carbies I was amazed at how good the fueling was, absolutely spot on in my opinion. My ST1100 could be started, stone cold in the dark hours, middle of winter without using the choke. It would then settle immediately to a lovely smooth idle. Of course the 1300 being injected starts instantly but is harder to ride slowly in 1st gear, wanting to hunt a bit. This is not really a problem, just not as well calibrated as the 1100. Of course the power screen on the 1300 is great and much better that the 1100. In conclusion both really good bikes in which I had/have full confidence. It is great setting out for a ride knowing that the bike is totally reliable and will always get me home. Honda quality and dependability..... 

[alans1100]

though I was extremely disappointed to see that Mr Honda had deleted the traction control on the 1300. No doubt this was a cost cutting measure.

As for the traction control I have never needed it in 8 years though it's switched on all the time.

The 1300 was somewhat based on what some owners of the 1100 thought might be an improvement for an updated model. The 1100 was also a European designed touring bike while the 1300 was Japanese and the more sportier and aimed at a slightly younger age group.

Overall the differences between both are minor as both models do what they're designed to do.

[STroppy]

1300 - warm pies . . .

[ppopeye]

What is or how does traction control work on a motorcycle?

[StinkyPete]

What is or how does traction control work on a motorcycle?

Here you go.........   http://rideapart.com/2014/01/motorcycle-traction-control-work/   

[alans1100]

from the impression I got with the guy that wrote the article in Pete's post one would think that traction control in a new thing instead of something that's been bikes since the early 1990s.

The TCS system on the 1100 was introduced in 1992 but we didn't get it over here until the 1995.

Where ABS detects an impending wheel lock up and reduces brake pressure to keep the wheel turning, TCS uses the same sensors to detect impending rear wheel spin and cuts engine power accordingly. There's not a lot of detail in the manual on how it works but the traction control system is part of the ignition control unit and if rear wheel slippage is detected it controls the engine power by adjusting the ignition timing which helps rear wheel torque match traction on the road surface condition.

Both ABS and TCS monitor both wheels as normal and with TCS if the rear wheel is detected to start turning faster than it should compared to the front then The TCS is activated and TCS warning light blinks to let the rider know and the light should go out when all returns to normal.

That's as simple as I could make it.

The newer systems as suggested in the article monitor a lot more than what's on the ST1100A but the basics are the same in what they do.

[Sim]

Tend to agree with most of what's said here, both dependable bikes, with the ST13 being my ride and I hereby note some bias in my views!
Fuel Consumpion:
Here are my $2 worth (decimalisation and inflation included).
Carsten (ST11) & I (ST13) had the pleasure of riding 3500 km's together through the Vic and NSW alps Oct 14. We rode head to tail all the way. Fuel consumption came up and the differences were interesting. Give or take minor differences between fills, (eg levels whilst filling) our riding styles were similar, and as I said we stuck together - The ST13 would come out using on average 0.5 litre 'less' fuel per normal fill of 20 litres. Sometimes both bikes fill were same, sometimes ST11 more than 0.5 litre•.
Noting: ST11 runs 91ron and ST13 runs 95+ Ron. So additional cost of filling negated by slight fuel efficiency dividend... AND age of bikes, I don't think Carsten would mind me saying she's been around the traps, the 'ol girl.
Cheers, Sim

[rally]

 

Hi Chaps,

 did about 150,000 klms on my blue ST 1100 and traded it on a 2003 RED ST 1300 (non abs) which I have run up 180,000 klms on it now, so I had heaps of time to compare....Both fantastic bikes, BUT I ride pretty quick getting between 7 to 10,ooo klms per set of tyres and LOVE TWISTIES, the 1300 is a completely BETTER bike in cornering and braking over the 1100, haven't found another bike I would like to buy yet to replace it (had plenty of test rides), maybe have to buy a Honda VFR 1200 crosstourer but those little tanks are a pain for long distance riding.

Rally

[Dan]

I've not posted on this forum since selling my ST1100 back in 2013, but having just spent a few weeks riding a ST1300 I thought I'd leave a few comments in this thread.

Keep in mind my ST11 was sold over 4 years ago, so comments relating to that bike are from my rapidly malfunctioning memory....

Looks - ST1300 

In my subjective opinion, the 13 is a much better looking bike than the 11.  Both are old designs now, but the 13 to me still looks OK.  I never liked the look of the 11, always found it a boring design.  The dash on the 13 is more my taste than the ancient 11.

Comfort - ST1100 

I found my 11 very comfortable and I could easily ride 400kms (a full tank) in comfort.  I can't remember what screen I had but it worked really well and provided a nice quiet air bubble.

I didn't get on so well with the 13.  The electric screen is a good touch but was really noisy in all but the highest setting, when I still needed to duck down a bit and look through the top of the screen to be at a reasonable wind noise level.  The seat and peg position I found cramped and not comfortable after about an hour, and I found the 13's seat to be pretty uncomfortable in itself.

I also found the 13 to be like riding with a nuclear reactor between my legs, the heat generated by the engine is the most I have ever experienced.  In cold climates this may be an advantage, but here in Qld it is way too hot and contributes to rider discomfort.


Engine and fuelling - ST1100 

My 11 had Staintune exhausts which gave a nice V8 style rumble.  My 11's engine had a little bit of Honda V4 character, like my old VFR750.

I found the 13, with standard pipes, very sterile.  It reminded me of the Jetsons car with nothing but a whistling sound.  I also found the fuel injection to be very jerky at slow speeds in 1st gear which got on my nerves.  The 11 was always smooth.

I guess on paper the 13 accelerates quicker than the 11, but I wasn't blown away by the 13.  Both will have the front wheel hovering over the bitumen with swift acceleration in 1st.  Neither has the punch that my current BMW 1150 has.

1100 wins this round for smooth fuelling and at least having some character.


Handling - ST1100 

Going against the grain with this one.  I was a better rider when I had my 11, having not really ridden since I sold it.  I used to ride the twisties on the 11 in comfort with no issues, accepting that the bike is designed for touring more than scratching.  The 13 does turn pretty well for a fat heavy bike, but I did find the pegs touched down pretty quickly.  For this reason I pick the 11 to win this round.


Luggage - ST1300 

I always hated the way the panniers fit on the 11, and found them to appear slightly cheap and flimsy.  The 13's panniers are a weird shape but they do fit in a nicer way.  Capacity is probably similar, I wasn't able to compare.  The 13 also seems to have a metal tank making tank bags easier to fit.  The engine heat makes the fairing compartments on the 13 really hot, so their use is limited compared to the 11. 


Brakes - ST1100 

I had a non-abs 1100.  The brakes were nothing special but did the job.

The ST13 should have better brakes with abs.  However I conducted a braking exercise and was surprised at how early the abs kicked in and how long it let the brakes off for.  I presume this is due to the abs system being a pretty old design now.  I didn't like it.  Braking prior to abs was nothing special.


I can't comment on maintenance.  I found the 11 to be pretty easy for the basics, the fairings of course needed to be removed but it wasn't too painful from memory.  I didn't do any maintenance on the 13 so can't compare.  Both are reported to be very reliable.  Nor can I comment on pillion comfort having ridden solo on both.

In terms of equipment, both bikes are pretty much basic motorcycles.  No modern tech here.  Both have stupid tyre sizes, but as long as someone makes a decent tyre that fits that's pretty much irrelevant.  I don't know what tyres are still available for the 11 but the 13 I rode had decent Michelins, PR4 I think. 

I was expecting the 13 to be better than I found it to be.  If I'm honest, I wouldn't buy either bike now.  If the only 2 bikes left in the world were an 11 and a 13 of similar age and condition, I think I would have to choose the boring looking but better riding 11.   

It's such a shame that Honda hasn't updated the ST (that CTX thing doesn't count, it just looks like a crashed ST1300).  A modern, lighter ST with more grunt, less heat, decent abs, more comfort and loaded with reliable tech would probably give Honda another bike with a 10+ year showroom appeal. 

[alans1100]

Brakes - ST1100 

I had a non-abs 1100.  The brakes were nothing special but did the job.

The ST13 should have better brakes with abs.  However I conducted a braking exercise and was surprised at how early the abs kicked in and how long it let the brakes off for.  I presume this is due to the abs system being a pretty old design now.  I didn't like it.  Braking prior to abs was nothing special.

The 1300's have essentially the same braking system (same callipers) as the 1996 1100A. Triple pot callipers and combined brakes. The ABS has updated modulators and the PCV (pressure control valve) on the CBS (Combines Brakes) has a bleed valve.  Over the 11 years I've had my 1100A I can't recall a moment where the ABS has activated but then in that time I've only ever had three or four incidents where it might have.

I also prefer the cleaner look of the 1100 and I guess the difference is down to the design locations. 1100 Germany and 1300 Japan.

[Skip]

I'm coming up to 10 years with my 1300 so clearly I still like it. I read a lot about heat around the groin area but I have never found this to be an issue. I'm in SE Qld. I wonder if this is only an issue for those who have fitted driving lights which may disturb airflow. ???  I will admit that the left hand 'pie warmer' is just that. For me, the worst thing is the OEM seat. I wish I had bitten the bullet years ago and got a Russell seat.    I use an Air Hawk for full days in the saddle which does help but not perfect either.

[Gadget]

I never had an issue with great around the seat either.

I added driving lights and it didn't change the heat effect.

The Corbin seat I bought was very comfortable.

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[ST2UP]

Thanks Dan for giving us your thoughts.....I too had an 1100 before moving to the 1300.

If I had both bikes in completely standard form I would pick the 1100 over the 1300,but only just.....but in modified form I would come up with the 1300 over the 1100....but only just. How's that for getting splinters in my a$$ 


 

[Jdbiker]

Thanks Dan for giving us your thoughts.....I too had an 1100 before moving to the 1300.

If I had both bikes in completely standard form I would pick the 1100 over the 1300,but only just.....but in modified form I would come up with the 1300 over the 1100....but only just. How's that for getting splinters in my a$$ 


 

What are the modifications done to your 1300?🤓

[alans1100]

Having just ridden 2,600km on my ST1300A I can give short comparison.

The first downer was when I went to put the bike on the side stand. The distance between the foot rest and centre stand isn't as great as the 1100 and I have trouble just getting my foot to the stand.

Next up is the side stand height or lack of it compared to the 1100 - bike leans over way more. The 1100 can be easily fuelled up from both sides where the 1300 leaning over further makes the task more difficult.

No restraining straps (standard on 1100) in the side cases so anything put in the LH case won't stay put because of the bike's lean angle.

Odometer not visible with the key off but really only a pain for the log book. Just used to the Ford I guess.

HISS - I like it but loose your keys or the key number and you have to get a whole new ECU unit.

I have two keys but only one works the ignition because the other key hasn't been encoded nor was the key number handed on with the bike by a previous owner.

I blinded one truckie 'cause I couldn't find the hi/lo switch - muscle memory from the 1100 maybe. Took a few times to just go from hi to lo without activating both beams. 1100 has a separate passing switch.

On the road

There isn't much between them though the 1100 has a slightly softer suspension while the 1300 has better headlights.
The 1300 was more responsive to the throttle and was easier to increase speed without realising it. I have a throttle lock on the 1100 and that might be why the difference is so great. Engine braking is about the same on both and I found the 1100 better at braking. The same system on both except for ABS modulators - could be tyres or brake pads???? 1300 revs higher for a given speed and is a little more economical but offset that with higher priced 95 or 98 fuel then the 1100 might just be in front on cost.

Better wind protection on the 1300 compared to the 1100 standard screen though for me the screen could be higher. Depends on the adjustment that it's set out now. I have a feeling the last owner was height challenged as the seat was on the lowest setting so I fixed that up today.

Both are rock solid up to 140 (accidental on the 1300) with only 5th gear needed for anything above 60kph. My 1100 needs 4th at 50kph while the 1300 seemed ok. Can't compare around town yet but I rarely exceed 2000rpm in 1st and 2nd around here on my 1100.

Brake and clutch levers are further away from the grips or did the previous owner have massive hands and moved the levers out? - will find out when I try and adjust them.

Clock adjustment is easier on the 1100 and stays lit with key off - tried to adjust the clock today - got the hours set but when I went to do the minutes it had gone out of setup mode. Took me ages to get the clock settings on the Territory as well.

Average/Instant Fuel readouts are a plus though I wouldn't call a 15 second update instant (continuous updates on the Territory) and missing is distance to empty but better than the 1100 in this area.

Took Heather down the shop this afternoon. It's easier for her to get on/off as the bike seems lower but more room on the 1100 Need to reset the rear shock as well.

I think that just about covers it.

[Biggles]

Some of us use unleaded 91 in the ST1300 without apparent ill-effects and still get 5l or better to the 100km.
They certainly never need 98, but you can't always find 95. 
Maybe you only dazzled the truckie, but some do over-dramatise!

[Bodø]

They certainly never need 98, but you can't always find 95. 
Maybe you only dazzled the truckie, but some do over-dramatise!

That was one of the first questions I asked about my ride when I bought it as I had experienced not being able to buy 95 or 98 on the odd occasion.  I was told 91 shouldn't be an issue.

Over-dramatise... I've only ever had one person flash me about my lights and that was on the border run last year.

[Gadget]

Distance to empty shows up where the fuel usage is normally displayed, when the computer predicts on current usage that there is only 100 km range left.

It keeps counting down until 50 km to go and then just displays - -. Talk about range anxiety.

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[Biggles]

Yep- usually 90 kays when cruising or 65 around town, and goes to "indefinite" at 30.  Your memory is getting distant...

[alans1100]

I've only ever had one person flash me about my lights.

I've had quite a few with the 1100 over the years. Guess most people aren't used to seeing a bike with a decent headlight.

[alans1100]

Distance to empty shows up where the fuel usage is normally displayed, when the computer predicts on current usage that there is only 100 km range left.

It keeps counting down until 50 km to go and then just displays - -. Talk about range anxiety.

Yep- usually 90 kays when cruising or 65 around town, and goes to "indefinite" at 30.  Your memory is getting distant...

Not really fussed about the DTE. It was just a comment as it's usually a standard thing to have in a trip computer.

Based on fuel usage on the ride back home the log book app in the tablet gave me an estimated range of 600km @ 20.426 K/L. Not that it means much as it depends on the accuracy of the odometer.

[Williamson]

All above very interesting.

..... Based on fuel usage on the ride back home the log book app in the tablet gave me an estimated range of 600km @ 20.426 K/L. Not that it means much as it depends on the accuracy of the odometer.

Mmmmm ....... about 4.9 litre per 100 km, never consistently been able to achieve that sort of figure on the trip computer readout.

At what sort of speeds were you travelling?  Any head wind, or tail wind? 

[Williamson]

Distance to empty shows up where the fuel usage is normally displayed, when the computer predicts on current usage that there is only 100 km range left.

It keeps counting down until 50 km to go and then just displays - -. Talk about range anxiety.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Yep- usually 90 kays when cruising or 65 around town, and goes to "indefinite" at 30.  Your memory is getting distant...

Perhaps my memory is more distant, I recall that the DTE comes on at 80km to empty.  I've seen the - - too, but don't recall when that came on.

 

[Biggles]

Perhaps my memory is more distant, I recall that the DTE comes on at 80km to empty.  I've seen the - - too, but don't recall when that came on.

As Gadget says, it depends on the current consumption rate, which is spot checked every 15 seconds.  If it's 20+ km/litre it would more likely indicate 95 km DTE, but if it was around 15 km/litre it might start the count-down at 80 km.  You can do your own rithmatik if you want the actual figures but they're ballpark.

[alans1100]

All above very interesting.

..... Based on fuel usage on the ride back home the log book app in the tablet gave me an estimated range of 600km @ 20.426 K/L. Not that it means much as it depends on the accuracy of the odometer.

Mmmmm ....... about 4.9 litre per 100 km, never consistently been able to achieve that sort of figure on the trip computer readout.

At what sort of speeds were you travelling?  Any head wind, or tail wind?

Fuel usage based on odometer reading at time of fill and litres added.

e.g. Full tank at Mandurah 71214. Next fill at Merredin 71625. Odometer Distance 411km. Fuel added 20.252 litres. Average = 20.294 K/L Trip Computer showed 18.9 K/L see image

Small advantage travelling from West to East is you have a prevailing tail wind some of the time. Tried to maintain 110 state limit but usually at an indicated 115 to 120 K/H. Not to forget the lay of the land - not many hills between here and Perth.

By the time I got home trip computer showed 19.7 K/L average - second image