New to me 2004 Honda ST1300

[JerryHawk250]

I picked up a 2004 Honda ST1300. The bike was well kept up and was stored in a garage. It only has 22,800 miles on it. The bike is absolutely gorgeous. I plan on doing some long distance riding so wanted to get something bigger for the task. I was looking at a new Kawasaki Voyager 1800 and Goldwings. I found them just a little too heavy to feel comfortable not dropping them. I ran across a few Honda ST1300's so figured I would go test drive one. I fell in love with the bike. The guy ended up selling it before I could buy it. Then I ran across the one I bought. This bike is damn near perfect shape. The guess just finished putting new tires and battery. He also just changed all the fluids then decided to sell it. We could be related because he has a garage full of bikes too.

[JerryHawk250]

I took her out for a long 3 plus hour ride yesterday. Man this bike is nimble in the twisties. The bike is so smooth, and with the full windshield it feels like you are hardly moving. Speed sneaks up on you, so you have to constantly watch your speed. I'd be cruising along at 55 and the next thing you know you're going 75 and 80. I installed a throttle lock/cheap cruise control. That worked well when i hit the interstate. I went to pass a car that was doing about 45. I gave it a little throttle and the next thing you know, I'm hitting 115. I'm sure I'll be keeping this one for a long time. Every time I stop somewhere, there's always somebody walking up to check it out. When I tell them it's 20 year old bike, they are like "No Way".

[Sport Rider]

very nice! 5 speed?

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by Sport Rider

very nice! 5 speed?

Yes it's a 5 speed. 5th gear is an overdrive. At 55 and under you will be in 4th gear or lower. with 125hp, it has plenty enough power to get her going. lol

[Sport Rider]

my only complaint with my GW (other than the weight) was that the 5th gear was turning about 3500 rpms on the highway (about 75 mph). the redline is 5500, so I always felt like it was turning too fast. fuel mileage showed it too.

[Texas Pete]

Congratulations. When is the oil change, filter change and any valve adjustment video coming out for this latest edition to the stable?

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by Texas Pete

Congratulations. When is the oil change, filter change and any valve adjustment video coming out for this latest edition to the stable?

Luckily that was all done right before I bought it. lol But sure it won't take me long to rack up some miles that I'll need to do it.

[2LZ]

How come I expect it to sound like a Jetson car???? ;-)

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by 2LZ

How come I expect it to sound like a Jetson car???? ;-)

Yeah, she is a little on the quiet side. lol

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

I took her out for a long 3 plus hour ride yesterday. Man this bike is nimble in the twisties. The bike is so smooth, and with the full windshield it feels like you are hardly moving. Speed sneaks up on you, so you have to constantly watch your speed. I'd be cruising along at 55 and the next thing you know you're going 75 and 80. I installed a throttle lock/cheap cruise control. That worked well when i hit the interstate. I went to pass a car that was doing about 45. I gave it a little throttle and the next thing you know, I'm hitting 115. I'm sure I'll be keeping this one for a long time. Every time I stop somewhere, there's always somebody walking up to check it out. When I tell them it's 20 year old bike, they are like "No Way".

Welcome to sport touring! The ST is kind of the opposite side of the same coin to my VFR1200. The VFR is much more Sport (lighter and more powerful), with some touring credentials. The ST definitely favors touring more (heavier) but still a great handling platform.

Your story reminds me of the day I rode my VFR home too. I was just cruising along, and then I looked down and noticed I was going 93mph. Felt like I was barely going 70. If I am doing 50mph in 5th gear, I can just turn the throttle a bit and find myself going 100mph in no time.

You will absolutely love that bike. Especially the shaft drive. Not having to deal with chains cleaning and lubing, or belts, is so nice. Especially when touring. Just change the diff oil from time to time, and that's it. I am honestly going to miss that part of my bike.

[JerryHawk250]

I got the trunk yesterday and installed it last nigh. I'll probably pain the top blue to match the bike.

[JerryHawk250]

I fixed my LCD screen tonight. Replaced the polarized film. Looks like new now. Before and after.

[JerryHawk250]

I forgot to post this last weekend. Ride on the Twisties and first issue.

[JerryHawk250]

A few updates.

[Megadan]

Aside from a couple age related issues it seems like you got yourself a really fine older bike. Most STs are pretty worn out by 20 years old as their owners ride the snot out of them. Not uncommon to find them with 80k or more miles on the odometer.

Once you paint that top box and get lights in it and working you will have one sweet rig for long trips. Keep the exhaust nice and quiet too. Nothing worse than exhaust drone for hours upon hours when on a long ride.