Great review. I owned one for 15 years here in Australia and have only recently moved it on as I am getting older and the static weight was getting hard to handle when physically moving it around etc. The weight is your friend when on the move as it makes for a beautiful ride, as you have mentioned. The seat has 3 adjustable heights so suits a variety of sizes. If you are a younger rider looking for a great touring machine, you cannot go wrong with this bike. Apart from regular services, tyres and batteries, the only thing I did in 15 years of ownership was fork seals and 1 coolant hose. An exceptional machine. Highly recommended.
Hi Kevin, I'm in Australia too, currently looking at buying a ST1300. I'm a bit scared off by the engine heat dispersal issues that are so widely reported. Frame too hot to touch, crotch cooker, leg burns, fuel boiling in the tank etc. (I didn't believe that either but it's on TH-cam) Have you done long hot days on yours? Where in Aus are you?
@@grahamalbrey2804 I'm in SE Qld. The only time I would say I felt any engine heat, was sitting in traffic, which I very rarely did. I can honestly say I never felt the heat issues whilst on a ride, including out west. I often wonder whether the issues arise when other mods are fitted, e.g. spot lights etc, that may upset the intended airflow. Mine was stock standard with no modifications at all. The left storage in the fairing did get warm. They were commonly called the 'pie warmer'. Other than that, I had no issues with mine.
My brother in law and me done Boulogne to Marseille in just over eight hours on his Pan European 1300, we swopped for riding at each petrol stop but can say without question neither of us had ever felt so fresh after a 650+ miles ride only stopping for fuel, a truly under rated classic with all the oomph a tourer ever needed.
You can easy do Channel to Med in a day on the baby Pan aka 650 D'oh! Ville. Plus 60mpg @ 75-80 mph. Plus you can get one for 1500 quid. I've also done Calais- Czech border in day on a £700 er5 but that was 1 up.
I love my '04 ST13. I've done 1000 mile days on mine as an IBA member. Its also my daily commuter and has just over 100,000 miles on the odo. Excellent machine!
I got tossed out of my daughter’s apartment in Hampton’s Roads one day. He boyfriend was coming home from a cruise so off to home I went. Two days of rain at 70-80 mph in the rain. I’ve never been so happy for good tires.
Had both the 1100 and 1300 until I wrote my 1300 off in 2006. I then went onto BMW. The Pans were great back in the day and it’s a pity they stopped making them. If they still made the 1300 but modernised it the Goldwing would suffer in sales. Goodness knows why the stopped making them.
Well, I think you pretty much answered it yourself. They were facing heavy competition from forexample BMW in this engine size segment, so they would have to invest heavily to stay ahead. While also them selling a 1300 Pan European hurts their Goldwing sales, which is a class they have no competition in. So they surrendered the market to BMW and others, spent the money elsewhere and also saw their sales of Goldwings go up, because those that were indecisive between a Pan European and a Goldwing now had to get the Goldwing.
My favourite bike in my collection Puts a smile on my face every time I take her out My model is towards the end of production it's the 2011 version in black Thanks for your review tops as always called an st1300 In Australia I'm a bit lower than that being in Hobart Tasmania as being very few and far between here in Tasmania cheers
I recently bought an ST1100. My wife says it is the most comfortable bike she has been on. My poor 2022 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail sits unloved in the garage. It is an amazing machine! I understand the improvements of the 1300 but the CTX was a mistake. It didn’t even last a year in the North American market that it was designed for. It was a bike nobody wanted. My 1100 reminds me of my 2006 GoldWing only more athletic. The Honda choices now are the Rebel 1100 bagger and the GoldWing. Neither hit the mark. If I ever replace mine it will be with another ST or an R1250R.
I owned a ST1300 2011 model and it was as you have said was a great place to be and for a touring bike (it's not a 996) really love the styling, The pillion position was so comfortable and quite my wife often fell asleep when tripping around the place. Though heavy, for a big bike I found it easy to drop into corners and during spirited solo riding, could scrape the foot pegs without anything bad happening. It was surprising agile and very stable at very low speeds even two up and to quote someone I heard "It has enough power that a gentleman might never complain" .. for a big bike, it was surprisingly quick. What I did not like about it and why I sold it was, it was not great with side winds or following heavy traffic (Trucks), worst bike I have for being blown around. I found it to be a very hot bike (you straddle a big V4 engine), which made summer riding less than enjoyable during the middle of the day. Being so heavy, whilst getting it up on the centre stand was dead easy, moving it around was hard work.
I have two bikes a 2015 ST1300 Pan European and a 2022 HD Pan America RA 1250 Special and quess what I took on my recent trip to Spain, yes you guessed correctly it was the mighty ST1300, in my humble opinion they are the best touring bike invented by man.Many thanks for the very informative vid please keep up the good work and spread the word.
I had a 2005 Pan and it was a brilliant bike. Just as good on the commute to work as on a long tour. Very balanced and easy to ride from walking speed upwards. I would definitely have another one.
I had two of these brilliant bikes , best tourers I’ve ever owned in 52 years of riding , every other weekend used to drive from Deal to Arbroath in one day ( ( 500 miles approximately) , got of the bike as fresh as I started 🤪 , to old now to push them but happy memories 😊👍👍 ps as well as the excellent screen , the mirrors where great , if you angled them just right you can nearly alleviate the blind spot and see the top box and beyond, brilliant. 👍👍
I was fortunate to ride the ST1300 FROM Vancouver to LA and back over a 10 day trip. It is the best touring bike I have ridden. I .loved the way it went down the superslabs of the Southwest USA. It would cruise comfortably at 100mph all day long. I have yet to try a Wing but hope to someday.
Had an ex Police white 1300 Pan 2005 model. Had its original suspension re installed after decommissioning from Police service. Handled great. Bike has linked braking system. Did 25,000 miles on it. Great bike. Sadly missed but 330 kg fuelled up was a bit of a handful to move around. Once moving over 5 mph , was perfectly balanced and agile.
Recently bought a lovingly cared for 1100 for just over 1k solid comfortable surprisingly agile for a very heavy bike. Who says you need an expensive gadget ridden bike to tour. The plastics do come off quite easily for servicing as I found recently. I can confidently say it would truly carry us across Europe and not miss a beat. So well over engineered. I set out on the bonnie last week for a trip to visit family.. After a mile or so I turned round back and switched to the pan I fancied some total comfort😂
Mr. Millyard rides a ST1100, as a matter a fact he purchased a ST1100 with very low mileage with a slight knock in the engine. Which he subsequently rebuild, he must be one of the few people who actually did that on a ST engine. He made some lovely TH-cam videos of the operation. I have never driven the ST1300. All people I have ever spoken who have driven both the ST1100 and the ST1300 all say the 1100 is the better bike... So I'll stick to my 33 year old ST1100, which still is a partly daily driver. Partly because in the shed also lives a XJ900S and an old Merc... Thank you for the video!
A proper tourer of the old school done well. Back when Honda and the other three Japanese manufacturers offered the rider so much more choice by way of style, class of bike and, especially, engine configuration. Now, if they could get away with putting a parallel twin fitted with a 270° crank in all their bikes, they would. So sad. This is an excellent bike from a time when real variety and choice for the biker was abundant. Good review, Andy.
My little brother had an ST1000. Wow. Great scoot with all kinds of storage. He bought one after having a CX500 Silverwing while he was in college in San Angelo back in the ‘80s. He used to drive back to Houston to do his laundry. I’d take that Silverwing today in a minute.
Great vid TMF. I bought one of the first ST 1300’s in the UK in 2002. I owned it for 7 years until I moved to Australia. Without doubt, the best bike I’ve ever owned, and I’ve owned a few! Got the first service done and then rode it to Spain and back from the north east. Very comfortable long distance tourer. Probably one of the two bikes I’ve owned and wished I still had. (The other being my RD400E)
I always admire these from a distance, often confuse them with the wing, until I look in the mirror as I pass. Three things that made this bike special, the engine, the styling and the fuel range. I mean who wouldn't want a 29L tank on their horse? It's a thing of beauty for sure, that red colourway they had just popped, and it was real deep lustre paint, not that watered down multi-part crap they use nowadays. I'm just about comfortable moving around the 220-250Kg bikes I have now, I'm not sure I have the oomph to move an extra 50--60Kg around. I guess like most things though, if you're passionate about them, you'll learn to live with it dammit! 👍
I had one of the ex police bikes. It was an undercover bike and weaved at 80mph. Tried all sorts to sort it and in the end sold it, which lead onto the Vstrom that I rode around the world.
Guy in Florida had one of these for sale, with the plastic stripped off. No fairing, no bags, streetfighter style. Incredibly badass. I should have bought it.
Have been riding 2002 ST1300 for 6 years. It`s everything you say. often find myself looking for another gear at top end. Dashboard can sometimes be difficult to see in the sun. Fairing is surprisingly easy to come off....its not breaking the plastic screws that`s the problem.. it gives off a lot of heat, great in winter , but i wouldn`t put a chocolate bar in the front storage esp the lockable one. you can filter and it is agile on twisty`s...enough for me anyway. I absolutley love it. If i see a newer model i would go again..think they stopped making them 2013. Great review
@@mikeallen3813 Experience matters! Your other comments were on point too. I'd like first to be lower like a crawler gear and second more intermediate for roundabouts and other low speed turns. First is a bit too jerky for me when you throttle off. Then add a sixth on top for higher speed cruising
We had one in our Blood Bike fleet. The first time I rode it it felt like I had owned it for years. I loved it and considered buying one. Great engine too.
I had a 2006 (Black) 10 years ago. I bought it with under 10k miles in the US for $5,000. I wanted it to ride across the country for my 50th birthday year. It was amazing. The weight is a lot, but it hides it amazingly well. I did several 800+ miles days in the boring part of the US, aka, Tennessee to Colorado and had zero issues. When I got to California, I sold it to a Honda dealer for the exact same amount, and flew home. I have often wished I would have kept it, but it doesn't really fit my normal riding (commuting and weekend blasts of 100 miles). I'm not 100% convinced that my 2013 R1200GS is any better for that. Looking forward to the Transalp 750 coming to the states. Another great review!
I love my 06 Pan but hanker after a 2005 onwards GW… maybe one day! Thanks for the channel … very watchable and I enjoy the Euro tours in particular….keep up the good work 👍🏻
Spot on review Andy. I've had my Pan for 7 yrs now and I'd be loathed to part with it. It's a daily commuter for me and for those European tours. The comfort and weather protection are fantastic. After two weeks around Europe with many 1000's of miles crossed off I still feel as fresh as a daisy at the end of it.
Probably the best big tourer if you are keeping to the tarmac . It’s a Honda they still run well even with a worn engine & loads of miles on the clock . You only need a 5 speed box on a big tourer ,it’s not as if you are on a 600 in line four & having to Rev the nuts to get a serious move on . Why would anyone shell out humungous bunce for an RT Beemer ,when one of these can be had for a few grand. Good choice for a used bike revue .👍
I had the ST 1100 which I used to commute on when I had my business, 220 miles per day, I put 120000 on it , it was getting very worn out by then great bike it looked after me in all weathers . Great V4 engine .
I had one for a couple of years. Really good bike, hold their value as well. The low centre of gravity makes it really good on the twisty b roads with a good rider behind the bars it could keep up with the sports bikes no probs. I did get a weave once at higher speeds which did put me off. Still a fantastic machine.
A review Andy, what a lovely bike, I agree if Honda still made them they would be very popular. The bad press about high speed handling killed the ST range and it was such a shame.
A rider I knew rode a Pan. He threw his round bends faster and with more lean than I'm able to (through confidence) on my STR, I heard him scrape metal a few times! RIP N. It's some bike and I can imagine an amazing tourer.
Talking of moving around. Back in 2003 i stupidly pulled my st1100 into a parking space that was downhill to the kerb. When i got back to the bike i didnt have a hope in hell of pushing it back. Luckily there were half a dozen school lads walking past and they helped with the push back. Never ever again did i park like that. Lol. Memories eh.
A much earlier bike with an electric screen was the Suzuki GSX1100f from 1987 onwards. I had a new 1992 model as my first modern sports tourer. Felt like a rocket ship after my BMW R80
I would add the only thing I would like to see changed if Honda does a renewal of this is the instrument cluster. It looks too “Car” like. It’s perfectly functional and the lines of the bike from the outside are timeless. They did an incredible job there. Still a great looking bike!
The high speed instability issues were not just the police bikes, mcn covered that it effected normal retail bikes also (when the 1300 version was new). The Nottinghamshire police stopped using them and went to bmw rt's. I think that issue largely got solved as tyres improved, I cant remember anyone recently complaining about it. Perhaps get an fjr in, see how you get on with that. Great review. :)
I think if you're resigned to staying under 120mph, then it's all good. For many though, part of the appeal is knowing you can exceed that speed without added worry.
I've had 3 pans 2 1100s and 1 1300. They are amazingly reliable. Done 67,000 miles on my last one. It never let me down. The only issue I ever had was with the secondary master cylinder on the left hand brake caliper. The bike has a mechanical linked braking system, so when you use the front brake it activates the rear brake via the secondary master cylinder on the front caliper. Unfortunately it gets clogged up with road dirt and get stuck. Then the rear caliper is permanently activated on the rear disc. I would still buy another one. They are one of the best machines I've ever owned, and I've had 100s of bikes in my 40+ years of riding and working as a bike mechanic.
I had a ST1300 from 2012 until 2022 a brilliant bike mine had done 109000 miles when I eventually sold it. I bought a Goldwing for touring in 2016 so the Pan was just a commuter bike and since I now work in the middle of the City I got a 2019 NC750S DCT to replace it last year.
Thanks Andy so much for posting, brought back sweet memories. I had that exact same model, same colour. Loved it during my days living abroad in Switzerland, 600+ miles in one day was effortless. Headlights were brilliant for that era, overnight long distance blasts easy. Sadly had to sell when my daughter came along, then onto even better family things. It was the last bike I ever rode. Never look back as they say. Stay safe out there on the roads 👊
I had an 03 ST back in 2014 for 3 yrs. Then sold it for a cruzer. Sorry I did after 2 more cruzers I found a 2012 w ABS. I was in love again. She had 3456 miles on it when I found her at a Harley dealer. 5 yrs later she's got 23k on her. Just love the bike. Super smooth & fast enuff. Enjoyed your video also. Cheers
Good review Mr Flyer. I live in New Zealand and have owned the same one and colour you've just tested since 2010. Now clocked 125,000ks An excellent bike; Smooth, quiet, very comfy with a good fairing, and handles well once rolling. Apart from servicing, the only thing had to do to it, is replace the fork seals at 96,000. I get about 53-55mpg on average. Luggage capacity is very good, especially with the added top box. While the bike is heavy at 300kg plus when the 29litre tank is full, it does give a range of 500k and more without filling. I once rode 572k before stopping for petrol. The fit and finish of the bike is very good. In February of this year, I toured the South island for 3 weeks. The Pan was faultless. I won't be getting rid of mine for many years. The're becoming dated regarding the technology, but there is little else to compete with it.
IMO I’m not sure they are getting dated from a technology standpoint. You’d be hard pressed to find 1300cc motorcycles that can do 0-60 mph in 3.2s. It’s probably the apex of technology. Hayabusa is probably the next rung but thats a different breed of engine! I’d like a Hayabusa too!!
Had the 1100 for a couple of years before moving onto the 1300. Brilliant bikes. Loved them both. Used them during my time as an IAM observer. Performance and handling surprised many a sports bike rider. Unfortunately arthritis in my left hand ended my biking days. Broke my heart to have to part with my ST1300.
I share your arthritis challenges. Check out the DCT bikes. Currently I'm riding the NT1100 and prior was the XADV. Eliminating the clutch lever and not worrying about stalling has extended my riding career. 😊
Had both a ST1100 and a ST1300. Both good bikes, the ST11 with the right screen was good. I called them a 2 wheeled Camry, really easy to live with but not so much character. They do well enough on a twisty road, no need to stick to the highways. These bikes steered me away from 'toy' bikes like Fireblades etc, so much more comfort, practicality and mirrors that work - and pretty much as fast in road conditions. Great as an only bike, can use them every day, have fun at the weekends and do the annual trips away too.
STs are great bikes. I had an 1100 for over 13 years. I was really happy with it and never felt the need to move on to the 1300 though I have ridden a couple. I'm now a Goldwing rider like you. I've always been a big Honda fan and as well as my current DCT Goldwing have three old classics, a CBX1000Z (first registerred 1980), a Goldwing GL1000K1 from '76 and a cute little CB175K6 from '72, all in standard, undressed spec. I don't know how many classic reviews you've done (I've seen a few of them) or how far back you are interested in going but as a Goldwing rider I think you'd find a ride on the original GL1000 like mine an interesting experience. Even today it is a lovely, smooth running bike to ride. The CBX is worth a look too IMO. The CB175 is really fun too in an entirely different way.
Had one for 6 years, only got rid of it last year and got a GSA. I had a 1" flip up screen which was brilliant , I could have it almost at the bottom of its travel and have almost no wind noise at all, and not have to look through it. Actually it's a very easy bike to work on, certainly for regular maintenance, as it has small inspection panels in the fairing that come off to get to the coolant, plugs etc, and most of the rest you get to by taking the tank off, which is take the seat off and undo four bolts. The worst thing was changing the rear shock, our mutual acquaintance Mr Ford spent several hours fighting with it!
I bought my Pan European new in 2012 and traded it in in 2021. I loved it and had zero problems. I only changed it because near where I live there are endless tracks and trails and the Pan has no off-road ability so after looking around and rejecting the Moto Guzzi V85TT that I was sure was the bike for me I bought a CB500X. The big surprise for me is that for one up touring I prefer the 500X and my annual mileage has doubled. I wasn’t expecting that. Another advantage of the smaller bike is you can ride it enthusiastically in real world situations, roll back the throttle on the Pan at any speed in any gear and you were soon in licence loosing territory. When I see Pans I do wish I had one sitting in my bike shed but I have never regretted replacing it with the 500X.
As a clumsy segue, having passed a patrol van parked in a lay-by at the 5:30 mark, the AA had a fleet of PEs as part of an city-centre ‘rapid response’ crew. Capable of cutting through traffic to assist with easy call-outs - flat batteries, wheel changes, minor electrical issues, etc. Thus getting the member on the move again more quickly, and possibly clearing a bottleneck of urban traffic. They still have one in the historical fleet, but I think the service has now ceased due to strategy decisions, costs, and so on…
Did a couple of big European tours with a pal on his st1300 . Not one weave or wobble even fully laden . I believe the tyre pressures need to be kept an eye on . I had a couple of rides on it and loved it !!
I have never owned a Honda ST1300. I did most of my touring on a Honda VFR800 but I always liked the St1300 for the little bit of extra comfort it afforded. I used to work for a Honda dealer and we would take a group ride out every month during the riding session. My favorite part of these excursions was to take a ST1300 off the used line (we seemed to always have a few nice trade ins) and ride that. These bikes are the best I once had occasion to ride, at a brisk pace due to an emergency breakdown in the group. My buddy Dave was following me and was rather impressed and a bit alarmed at how quickly I was hustling that bike along through the turns. I am not a fast rider and I will admit that I was on my own familiar roads but the ST1300 is so easy to ride like a sport bike it's just amazing.
Yes lovely bike and looks great in red. Had ST1100 and adored it - wish it had electric screen. Would still have it but the weight and old age conspired against me. Went on to Deauville and fine bike too but hey once ypuve had a Pan you stay smitten.
Had a Pan for a few years, makes me want to get another again, thing I loved was in the wet weather the screen was so good kept you dry and in the cold you could feel a bit of heat come from the engine to the feet and legs are tucked behind the flow of the fairing too. Loads of power especially in the 4th,5thgears, it just goes!! Great 2 up too, and as you say, its a wee bit heavy just pushing about the garden, great video. The brakes are linked so when pulling the front the rear will also pull so loading up the front wheel when braking may be a little more difficult if thats what you depend on, although it has abs. Power is awesome, in the wet I only once had the rear spin up on the straight as I pulled onto a motorway, maybe 2 or 3rd gear, that screen is awesome in the wet keeps you dry! Coming from a CBR600 onto this is a totally different experience!
Loved my 2005 ST1300. Rode it for 85K miles in 6 years. 4 out of the 112 riders in the 2023 Iron Butt Rally are on ST1300s which speaks volumes to the reliability of the bike.
Hi, when working as courier back in the erly 2000s I rode one from East London to some where up north when the Lt was in for service. Great ride so comfy, good delivery and quick. The one I rode had rear wobble at 90 on the motorway
Another awesome review Andy! I've had an ST1100 and still have my ST1300 even though I have two newer bikes. Just recently overhauled the front forks and put some fresh rubber on her and fell in love with her all over again. Compared to my K1600GT she's so light and flickable. It's no wonder the cops ride these bikes here in Phoenix, they're so agile and comfortable to ride. Cheers!!
Thanks for the memories. I had an ex-police ST1300 here in the US and loved it. Other riders puzzled how I got an ST in white. I sold it to buy the GS which is a good trade all in all. Thanks again.
Great review Andy, and you hit the weight thing spot on. I replaced my last one with an new 1250RT as it is much easier to push on my gravel driveway. The ST is a better bike than the RT in all other aspects. An ST with the fwd/rev creep mode would seriously harm the Gold wing sales, in Europe anyway. Really glad you were impressed.
great review andy mine is a 2007 same colour etc and i love it ,rode it to and all around the IOM last year faultlessly ,dont care about the weight as it more than makes up for it everywhere else. as you said there is a strong following to these bikes and value for money cant be beaten. if your at the presscot bike fest tommorow i ll come and say hello
Our local bike shop had one for sale a couple of years back. I was tempted to buy it, but someone else beat me to the punch. Another classic review of a timelss bike IMHO. Much appreciate your work.
This always was the big brother of the Honda Deauville 700 (2009) ...which I had two of. It was a weight problem with the police versions that caused the problem. Back in the day, my bike instructor had one of these.
I bought my first Pan last month, a 2007 ST1300 in the same colour. Absolutely love it! I’ve always had sports bikes but this is just so capable, whatever road you take it on. Enjoyed the video, thanks!
The CTX has a nice upright riding position and I love it. I bought the bike because I pull a trailer and 4 cylinders are better than two. After 39k miles, I have no intention of going back to a V-twin.
Always loved them My partner and I went up to Skegness MCN Opening spring meet. I was on my VFR 750 he on the Birdie. Great weekend and then it changed for the ride home. It was the longest trip for me on the VFR. All was well until about half way home. Then my wrists started playing up, the VFR is quite wrist heavy ! It started affecting my riding until my partner said swap bikes for a while give your aches a break. Wow! The minute I set off the difference was incredible. Yes, it’s a heavy bike but, so beautiful under way. My aches faded away and I was back up to speed. Convert ever since.
Morning Andy, I had a ST1100 when I worked in London and travelled 250 miles each way between Swansea and Essex every weekend on it. I have to say I never really got on with it, for me it wasn’t comfortable though very capable and of course it was enormously heavy to move around. It was a toss up between the Pan or a BMW R1150RT and I wished I’d gone for the RT which was lighter and I’ve always found the BMW’s more comfortable with adjustable seat heights.
Over the last week I think I've seen all reviews on this bike on TH-cam and the one I have been waiting for has just been released! Just passed my Mod 2 and this bike is surprisingly cheap on insurance. Thanks
I have a riding buddy w/ a red 2006 Honda ST1300. Bought new it has over 120,000 miles on it. Nothing but fluids, filters & tires. Purrs like a kitten & still looks new. He's sampled select others but still prefers his ST.
Had both 1100 and the 1300. Loved them both. Heavy to move around but very nimble when on the move. Real comfortable mile munchers. Unfortunately arthritis in my hands and back forced me to give up biking. IfI could I would buy another pan in a heartbeat. Great video brought back some happy memories.
The design is from 2002 so it's 21 years old, amazing that it doesn't look dated, great bike but the engine heat is a killer in Summer time, brakes are a nightmare to bleed. great touring bike, turbine smooth engine. Some of them had a high speed weave, strangely it wasn't in all the bikes or the owners maybe never had them at that certain speed/loading whatever.
Nice review. When I got back into riding after a thirty year break I bought a friend’s ST1100 which served me well and lit the fire for two wheels again. I did a number of longish trips with absolute comfort and ease. I currently have a Guzzi 1400 California and a 2004 Ducati ST4S and would enjoy a review on either. I love them both.
I had the 1100, London to Norfolk easy and had fuel left for a couple of local days, also did Scotland where i shut the left pannier and pushed the bike over into the road much to my mates amusement and broke the mirror off,indicator also. Wot a NUMPTY, very good bike
Hi Andy, great bike and great review. Can I make a suggestion when doing your classic bike reviews, that is to let us know if they are Ulez compliant, it’s not just London going down that road, or can they be tweaked at the few ulez test centres to be made compliant. It would help sales if the Superbike factory listed if they were or not. Keep up the good work, hope to see you at Rykas one Sunday.
Nice review & of a nice bike. I also agree it hasn't dated much at all in terms of looks & it's a real rival to the Goldwing in it's day. No wonder the cops bought fleets of them.
I currently ride a 2007 ST1300, has 70K miles on it, no problems, great all-around machine. I owned an ST1100 before this, really liked it, but the 1300 has a substantial list of improvements such as fuel injection and considerably more power. In terms of handling, I think the 1100 was a bit better. Overall, the ST1300 is an unqualified success and I wish Honda still made them.
I had two of these done over 140.000 miles , on my 2002 I did 85000 miles and never serviced it just oil and filter, never even changed plugs, can’t believe it kept going lol
Nice review. I see your point regarding the weight issue and that just explains everything when it's all broken down. Hills, descent /incline scenarios just make these bikes "questionable" when you look at the capabilities of "average Joe" and to me unless you're a good rider, best to steer clear of these bikes. Lighter and faster suits me fine!
I owned a 1999 ST1100 for nearly 20 years, before passing it on to my son. A fantastic long distance touring bike on which I explored as far south as around Tasmania, and as far north as Bundaberg in Queensland. That fairing allowed me to ride comfortably through rain, and even hail (at least till I had to slow down in towns). When the children were younger my wife would take our children at the beginning of their Christmas school holidays to her parents' in Toowoomba by car (an overnight trip for them) and I would follow on Christmas Eve on my ST1100, leaving home at 7.45 am and arriving in Toowoomba, 950 kilometres and lots of backroads away, arriving somewhere between 7 pm and 7.15 pm that same evening, every time! I tried the ST1300 when it was first released. It was much quicker, and with a steeper fork angle and a shorter wheelbase (engine shorter with chain instead of belt camshaft drive) it felt much more manoeuvrable. I loved the electric screen. But they had shortened the gearing so it didn't lope along as tirelessly as the ST1100, (100 km/hr = 3,000 rpm on the 1100) and the transferred heat from underneath was intolerably oppressive. I was told at the time that the dealership could not supply a bike to buy as the the ST1300 had been temporarily withdrawn from sale till under-fairing modifications had been installed on all the bikes to deal with the heat transfer issue. I never experienced any hint of high speed wobbles on my ST1100, and I did sometimes travel at speeds far in excess of what I will admit to, loaded with luggage. I eventually replaced the bike 15 months ago with a BMW R1250 GS. The guys I mostly tour with often travel along dirt back roads, and the ST1100, while managing it, was simply unpleasant on such roads it was never designed for, with the windscreen and top box rattling and shaking and the panniers flapping. The 49Kg weight saving of the GS is very welcome, as is the more roomy riding position, but that big BMW boxer twin feels very unrefined compared to the beautiful silky Honda V4. Recently my son and I did a 400 km day ride together; we swapped bikes along the way. I was very surprised when refilling that the ST1100 had used 1/2 litre (of just 91 octane) fuel LESS than the fuel injected, computerised and much lighter GS. With its 28 litre tank, (vs the GS 20 litre tank), the lovely seat and wind protection (with a windscreen extender), the ST1100 is still very hard to beat as a long distance mile eater, even after all these years.
I still own a 2006 and frequently ride her with the wife around southern Andalusia. Downside: wish she had a sixth gear and was easier to push backwards when you’ve parked her in a hilly mountain village gravel or cobblestone carpark.
Had the ST1100. Bought it on a Wednesday, on Thursday headed to Aragon in Spain for the MotoGP. Rode overnight as it was so comfortable. Was a tad scary doing the Pyrenees at night time, missed the junction to go through the tunnel. Biggest regret was selling her. I had a police cowling fitted with a light bar. She was setup for single touring
Always enjoy your reviews flyer. You ride the bikes as most people do, we don’t wring the bikes neck every day so good to know what they are like in the real world.
I had a copy of the Iron-Butt magazine that featured accounts of long distance rides. There was a story that stuck in my mind about a long distance riding group, I believe they were in Ireland, that had a bike for hire specifically for member to ride long distance. The bike in question was a particularly high mileage ST1100 with over 100,000 KM on the clock when purchased. The intention was to ride it as long as possible with regular maintenance. I do not remember the final tally but the mileage was impressive. The only major breakdown occurred when the bike blew out a cooling hose. A hose kit was ordered, that problem was fix and as far as I know they kept riding it.
TMF, I picked up my used '07 ST 1300 (No ABS) last August and put 2,500 miles on it just riding around locally in Oregon. I do love it, but my backside needed a break. I bought an inflatable seat top for it and it helps with longer rides. I have not gone overnight camping with it yet, but am excited to try that out. When I got my ST, the tires were brand new Michelin pilot road 4's, I think. The odometer was at 45k miles when I bought it. Thanks for sharing your ST.
I had a 2006 ST1300 which I loved. It had a gearbox problem which took me ages to find. It caused the gearbox and engine to overheat. The problem worsened until it would only ride for 3 miles before the temp sensor would cut out. I loved it so much I bought another and that had the same symptoms. So we traded it in for a new Triumph Trophy. I still miss the Pan but it cost us a fortune in lost value. We now ride a Goldwing.
Excellent value these bikes now aren’t they! I agree regarding the styling, it has aged like a fine wine. Wouldn’t look out of place rolling off a production line today
I almost bought one several years ago but a lot of u-tubers complained about the heat coming from the bike. And living in the Southern parts of the States I don't need more heat ;-) Went with a BMW instead.
Great review. I owned one for 15 years here in Australia and have only recently moved it on as I am getting older and the static weight was getting hard to handle when physically moving it around etc. The weight is your friend when on the move as it makes for a beautiful ride, as you have mentioned. The seat has 3 adjustable heights so suits a variety of sizes. If you are a younger rider looking for a great touring machine, you cannot go wrong with this bike. Apart from regular services, tyres and batteries, the only thing I did in 15 years of ownership was fork seals and 1 coolant hose. An exceptional machine. Highly recommended.
I want a scooter dude
Then get one. Dude.@@TNP1990
Hi Kevin, I'm in Australia too, currently looking at buying a ST1300. I'm a bit scared off by the engine heat dispersal issues that are so widely reported. Frame too hot to touch, crotch cooker, leg burns, fuel boiling in the tank etc. (I didn't believe that either but it's on TH-cam)
Have you done long hot days on yours? Where in Aus are you?
@@grahamalbrey2804 I'm in SE Qld. The only time I would say I felt any engine heat, was sitting in traffic, which I very rarely did. I can honestly say I never felt the heat issues whilst on a ride, including out west. I often wonder whether the issues arise when other mods are fitted, e.g. spot lights etc, that may upset the intended airflow. Mine was stock standard with no modifications at all. The left storage in the fairing did get warm. They were commonly called the 'pie warmer'. Other than that, I had no issues with mine.
My brother in law and me done Boulogne to Marseille in just over eight hours on his Pan European 1300, we swopped for riding at each petrol stop but can say without question neither of us had ever felt so fresh after a 650+ miles ride only stopping for fuel, a truly under rated classic with all the oomph a tourer ever needed.
You can easy do Channel to Med in a day on the baby Pan aka 650 D'oh! Ville. Plus 60mpg @ 75-80 mph.
Plus you can get one for 1500 quid. I've also done Calais- Czech border in day on a £700 er5 but that was 1 up.
I love my '04 ST13. I've done 1000 mile days on mine as an IBA member. Its also my daily commuter and has just over 100,000 miles on the odo. Excellent machine!
I got tossed out of my daughter’s apartment in Hampton’s Roads one day. He boyfriend was coming home from a cruise so off to home I went. Two days of rain at 70-80 mph in the rain. I’ve never been so happy for good tires.
Had both the 1100 and 1300 until I wrote my 1300 off in 2006. I then went onto BMW. The Pans were great back in the day and it’s a pity they stopped making them. If they still made the 1300 but modernised it the Goldwing would suffer in sales. Goodness knows why the stopped making them.
Well, I think you pretty much answered it yourself. They were facing heavy competition from forexample BMW in this engine size segment, so they would have to invest heavily to stay ahead.
While also them selling a 1300 Pan European hurts their Goldwing sales, which is a class they have no competition in.
So they surrendered the market to BMW and others, spent the money elsewhere and also saw their sales of Goldwings go up, because those that were indecisive between a Pan European and a Goldwing now had to get the Goldwing.
Honda did sort of modernize the ST to a CTX in 2014. It looks more like the current generation of Goldwing and I'm often asked if it's a Goldwing.
My favourite bike in my collection
Puts a smile on my face every time I take her out
My model is towards the end of production it's the 2011 version in black
Thanks for your review tops as always called an st1300
In Australia I'm a bit lower than that being in Hobart Tasmania as being very few and far between here in Tasmania cheers
Fjr1300 from Yamaha as well. Police loved them
I recently bought an ST1100. My wife says it is the most comfortable bike she has been on. My poor 2022 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail sits unloved in the garage. It is an amazing machine! I understand the improvements of the 1300 but the CTX was a mistake. It didn’t even last a year in the North American market that it was designed for. It was a bike nobody wanted. My 1100 reminds me of my 2006 GoldWing only more athletic.
The Honda choices now are the Rebel 1100 bagger and the GoldWing. Neither hit the mark. If I ever replace mine it will be with another ST or an R1250R.
I owned a ST1300 2011 model and it was as you have said was a great place to be and for a touring bike (it's not a 996) really love the styling, The pillion position was so comfortable and quite my wife often fell asleep when tripping around the place. Though heavy, for a big bike I found it easy to drop into corners and during spirited solo riding, could scrape the foot pegs without anything bad happening. It was surprising agile and very stable at very low speeds even two up and to quote someone I heard "It has enough power that a gentleman might never complain" .. for a big bike, it was surprisingly quick.
What I did not like about it and why I sold it was, it was not great with side winds or following heavy traffic (Trucks), worst bike I have for being blown around. I found it to be a very hot bike (you straddle a big V4 engine), which made summer riding less than enjoyable during the middle of the day. Being so heavy, whilst getting it up on the centre stand was dead easy, moving it around was hard work.
I have two bikes a 2015 ST1300 Pan European and a 2022 HD Pan America RA 1250 Special and quess what I took on my recent trip to Spain, yes you guessed correctly it was the mighty ST1300, in my humble opinion they are the best touring bike invented by man.Many thanks for the very informative vid please keep up the good work and spread the word.
Agree. HD’s are great show bikes for going to the cafe or to see a live band but defo not long haul bikes.
I had a 2005 Pan and it was a brilliant bike. Just as good on the commute to work as on a long tour. Very balanced and easy to ride from walking speed upwards. I would definitely have another one.
I have a 2003 with 53k miles
What a great motorcycle
I love the ST 1300
I had two of these brilliant bikes , best tourers I’ve ever owned in 52 years of riding , every other weekend used to drive from Deal to Arbroath in one day ( ( 500 miles approximately) , got of the bike as fresh as I started 🤪 , to old now to push them but happy memories 😊👍👍 ps as well as the excellent screen , the mirrors where great , if you angled them just right you can nearly alleviate the blind spot and see the top box and beyond, brilliant. 👍👍
I was fortunate to ride the ST1300 FROM Vancouver to LA and back over a 10 day trip. It is the best touring bike I have ridden. I .loved the way it went down the superslabs of the Southwest USA. It would cruise comfortably at 100mph all day long. I have yet to try a Wing but hope to someday.
Had an ex Police white 1300 Pan 2005 model.
Had its original suspension re installed after decommissioning from Police service.
Handled great.
Bike has linked braking system.
Did 25,000 miles on it.
Great bike.
Sadly missed but 330 kg fuelled up was a bit of a handful to move around.
Once moving over 5 mph , was perfectly balanced and agile.
Recently bought a lovingly cared for 1100 for just over 1k solid comfortable surprisingly agile for a very heavy bike. Who says you need an expensive gadget ridden bike to tour. The plastics do come off quite easily for servicing as I found recently. I can confidently say it would truly carry us across Europe and not miss a beat. So well over engineered. I set out on the bonnie last week for a trip to visit family.. After a mile or so I turned round back and switched to the pan I fancied some total comfort😂
Mr. Millyard rides a ST1100, as a matter a fact he purchased a ST1100 with very low mileage with a slight knock in the engine. Which he subsequently rebuild, he must be one of the few people who actually did that on a ST engine. He made some lovely TH-cam videos of the operation. I have never driven the ST1300. All people I have ever spoken who have driven both the ST1100 and the ST1300 all say the 1100 is the better bike... So I'll stick to my 33 year old ST1100, which still is a partly daily driver. Partly because in the shed also lives a XJ900S and an old Merc... Thank you for the video!
A proper tourer of the old school done well. Back when Honda and the other three Japanese manufacturers offered the rider so much more choice by way of style, class of bike and, especially, engine configuration. Now, if they could get away with putting a parallel twin fitted with a 270° crank in all their bikes, they would. So sad.
This is an excellent bike from a time when real variety and choice for the biker was abundant.
Good review, Andy.
Had a ST1100 as my first bike, went to Europe a few times, what a blast, sold in 6 hours online and I still regret getting rid of it.
Hi Andy, I own a 33 year old 1100 pan (1990) still runs great and good for two up touring.
but you haven't got a tft dash and rider modes, how do you manage at all 😄lol.
Rode an ST1300 for eight years and loved it, big powerful V4, smooth as silk and very sporty.
When I blood biked they were my favourite bike, comfy, quick and so easy to ride….brilliant engine.
Informative review. Owned a ST1100 and a ST1300. Put 100,000 miles on each. Great experience!
My little brother had an ST1000. Wow. Great scoot with all kinds of storage. He bought one after having a CX500 Silverwing while he was in college in San Angelo back in the ‘80s. He used to drive back to Houston to do his laundry. I’d take that Silverwing today in a minute.
Great vid TMF. I bought one of the first ST 1300’s in the UK in 2002. I owned it for 7 years until I moved to Australia. Without doubt, the best bike I’ve ever owned, and I’ve owned a few! Got the first service done and then rode it to Spain and back from the north east. Very comfortable long distance tourer. Probably one of the two bikes I’ve owned and wished I still had. (The other being my RD400E)
Did you ever stand up on the seat while riding?
@@TNP1990 I do on my 1100. I do have risers but it is a pretty decent riding position. Coming off a dual sport it feels really quite stable
@@aboutfaceretreats6562 they must be pretty high risers if you're riding standing on the seat
@@TNP1990 my bad, I thought you said standing on the pegs. Standing on the seat on my Drz is a pretty easy
I always admire these from a distance, often confuse them with the wing, until I look in the mirror as I pass. Three things that made this bike special, the engine, the styling and the fuel range. I mean who wouldn't want a 29L tank on their horse? It's a thing of beauty for sure, that red colourway they had just popped, and it was real deep lustre paint, not that watered down multi-part crap they use nowadays. I'm just about comfortable moving around the 220-250Kg bikes I have now, I'm not sure I have the oomph to move an extra 50--60Kg around. I guess like most things though, if you're passionate about them, you'll learn to live with it dammit! 👍
I had one of the ex police bikes. It was an undercover bike and weaved at 80mph. Tried all sorts to sort it and in the end sold it, which lead onto the Vstrom that I rode around the world.
One of those tank slapper bikes I mentioned!
Guy in Florida had one of these for sale, with the plastic stripped off. No fairing, no bags, streetfighter style. Incredibly badass. I should have bought it.
I saw one like this in the UK. Agreed, totally badass.
Have been riding 2002 ST1300 for 6 years. It`s everything you say. often find myself looking for another gear at top end. Dashboard can sometimes be difficult to see in the sun. Fairing is surprisingly easy to come off....its not breaking the plastic screws that`s the problem.. it gives off a lot of heat, great in winter , but i wouldn`t put a chocolate bar in the front storage esp the lockable one. you can filter and it is agile on twisty`s...enough for me anyway. I absolutley love it. If i see a newer model i would go again..think they stopped making them 2013. Great review
Front storage is good for a sausage roll though....
@@cyclingsfatsuma9808 Never thought of that 🤣
@@mikeallen3813 Experience matters! Your other comments were on point too. I'd like first to be lower like a crawler gear and second more intermediate for roundabouts and other low speed turns. First is a bit too jerky for me when you throttle off. Then add a sixth on top for higher speed cruising
We had one in our Blood Bike fleet. The first time I rode it it felt like I had owned it for years. I loved it and considered buying one. Great engine too.
I had a 2006 (Black) 10 years ago. I bought it with under 10k miles in the US for $5,000. I wanted it to ride across the country for my 50th birthday year. It was amazing. The weight is a lot, but it hides it amazingly well. I did several 800+ miles days in the boring part of the US, aka, Tennessee to Colorado and had zero issues. When I got to California, I sold it to a Honda dealer for the exact same amount, and flew home. I have often wished I would have kept it, but it doesn't really fit my normal riding (commuting and weekend blasts of 100 miles). I'm not 100% convinced that my 2013 R1200GS is any better for that. Looking forward to the Transalp 750 coming to the states. Another great review!
Thank you Kevin - appreciate you watching!
I love my 06 Pan but hanker after a 2005 onwards GW… maybe one day! Thanks for the channel … very watchable and I enjoy the Euro tours in particular….keep up the good work 👍🏻
Thank you - will do!
Spot on review Andy. I've had my Pan for 7 yrs now and I'd be loathed to part with it. It's a daily commuter for me and for those European tours. The comfort and weather protection are fantastic. After two weeks around Europe with many 1000's of miles crossed off I still feel as fresh as a daisy at the end of it.
in 2024 they are still wonderful bikes ! and I believe the camera on the upper position of the wind deflector gives a nicer view.
Probably the best big tourer if you are keeping to the tarmac . It’s a Honda they still run well even with a worn engine & loads of miles on the clock . You only need a 5 speed box on a big tourer ,it’s not as if you are on a 600 in line four & having to Rev the nuts to get a serious move on . Why would anyone shell out humungous bunce for an RT Beemer ,when one of these can be had for a few grand. Good choice for a used bike revue .👍
I had the ST 1100 which I used to commute on when I had my business, 220 miles per day, I put 120000 on it , it was getting very worn out by then great bike it looked after me in all weathers . Great V4 engine .
Nice 👍
ST1100 here 75,000 like a Swiss watch. Ride all year round, never misses a beat. Honda quality at its best. Great review Andy.
ST1100 with 71000km on the clock here! Great bike. Mine's green. Yours?
@@simonthomas5367 fast blue 😂
@@andykitchen2921 🤣 Like my "Racing" green!!
I had one for a couple of years. Really good bike, hold their value as well. The low centre of gravity makes it really good on the twisty b roads with a good rider behind the bars it could keep up with the sports bikes no probs. I did get a weave once at higher speeds which did put me off. Still a fantastic machine.
No it can’t keep up with sports bikes trust me.
@@rogerelwynjones1366 I did say with a good rider behind the bars lol
A review Andy, what a lovely bike, I agree if Honda still made them they would be very popular. The bad press about high speed handling killed the ST range and it was such a shame.
To me it looks still very good in 2024. :) A great bike that munches miles like there is no tomorrow. Enjoyed the video. Cheers.
Totally agree
Well known for high mileage reliability,
Watched the video with Alan striping and the rebuilding of one of these brilliant technical skills,
A rider I knew rode a Pan. He threw his round bends faster and with more lean than I'm able to (through confidence) on my STR, I heard him scrape metal a few times! RIP N. It's some bike and I can imagine an amazing tourer.
Talking of moving around.
Back in 2003 i stupidly pulled my st1100 into a parking space that was downhill to the kerb.
When i got back to the bike i didnt have a hope in hell of pushing it back.
Luckily there were half a dozen school lads walking past and they helped with the push back.
Never ever again did i park like that. Lol.
Memories eh.
You only do that the once eh!?
A much earlier bike with an electric screen was the Suzuki GSX1100f from 1987 onwards. I had a new 1992 model as my first modern sports tourer. Felt like a rocket ship after my BMW R80
Mine’s a 2004. Rock solid motorcycle. Still going strong!
I would add the only thing I would like to see changed if Honda does a renewal of this is the instrument cluster. It looks too “Car” like. It’s perfectly functional and the lines of the bike from the outside are timeless. They did an incredible job there. Still a great looking bike!
The high speed instability issues were not just the police bikes, mcn covered that it effected normal retail bikes also (when the 1300 version was new).
The Nottinghamshire police stopped using them and went to bmw rt's.
I think that issue largely got solved as tyres improved, I cant remember anyone recently complaining about it.
Perhaps get an fjr in, see how you get on with that.
Great review. :)
I read an article about track testing the civilian version, and a couple of professional riders were badly injured when the ST started tank slapping.
...oh dear!
I think if you're resigned to staying under 120mph, then it's all good. For many though, part of the appeal is knowing you can exceed that speed without added worry.
I've had 3 pans 2 1100s and 1 1300. They are amazingly reliable. Done 67,000 miles on my last one. It never let me down. The only issue I ever had was with the secondary master cylinder on the left hand brake caliper. The bike has a mechanical linked braking system, so when you use the front brake it activates the rear brake via the secondary master cylinder on the front caliper. Unfortunately it gets clogged up with road dirt and get stuck. Then the rear caliper is permanently activated on the rear disc. I would still buy another one. They are one of the best machines I've ever owned, and I've had 100s of bikes in my 40+ years of riding and working as a bike mechanic.
I had a ST1300 from 2012 until 2022 a brilliant bike mine had done 109000 miles when I eventually sold it. I bought a Goldwing for touring in 2016 so the Pan was just a commuter bike and since I now work in the middle of the City I got a 2019 NC750S DCT to replace it last year.
I have an 2013RT but for me this ST1300 is the prettiest of all the sport touring segment
Thanks Andy so much for posting, brought back sweet memories. I had that exact same model, same colour. Loved it during my days living abroad in Switzerland, 600+ miles in one day was effortless. Headlights were brilliant for that era, overnight long distance blasts easy. Sadly had to sell when my daughter came along, then onto even better family things. It was the last bike I ever rode. Never look back as they say. Stay safe out there on the roads 👊
Very cool!
@@TheMissendenFlyerhow is the heat around the legs on this bike? Great video. I went for a bmw RT, but the Pan was one of the options.
I had an 03 ST back in 2014 for 3 yrs. Then sold it for a cruzer. Sorry I did after 2 more cruzers I found a 2012 w ABS. I was in love again. She had 3456 miles on it when I found her at a Harley dealer. 5 yrs later she's got 23k on her. Just love the bike. Super smooth & fast enuff. Enjoyed your video also. Cheers
Used to a ride at 1100 in my green machine days. Couldn’t ask for a better bike. If only Honda still made them today.
Good review Mr Flyer. I live in New Zealand and have owned the same one and colour you've just tested since 2010. Now clocked 125,000ks An excellent bike; Smooth, quiet, very comfy with a good fairing, and handles well once rolling. Apart from servicing, the only thing had to do to it, is replace the fork seals at 96,000. I get about 53-55mpg on average. Luggage capacity is very good, especially with the added top box. While the bike is heavy at 300kg plus when the 29litre tank is full, it does give a range of 500k and more without filling. I once rode 572k before stopping for petrol.
The fit and finish of the bike is very good. In February of this year, I toured the South island for 3 weeks. The Pan was faultless.
I won't be getting rid of mine for many years.
The're becoming dated regarding the technology, but there is little else to compete with it.
IMO I’m not sure they are getting dated from a technology standpoint. You’d be hard pressed to find 1300cc motorcycles that can do 0-60 mph in 3.2s. It’s probably the apex of technology. Hayabusa is probably the next rung but thats a different breed of engine! I’d like a Hayabusa too!!
I have a 21 yr old Pan European that I ride back and forth to work every day summer and winter! Great bike
Had the 1100 for a couple of years before moving onto the 1300. Brilliant bikes. Loved them both. Used them during my time as an IAM observer. Performance and handling surprised many a sports bike rider. Unfortunately arthritis in my left hand ended my biking days. Broke my heart to have to part with my ST1300.
I share your arthritis challenges. Check out the DCT bikes. Currently I'm riding the NT1100 and prior was the XADV. Eliminating the clutch lever and not worrying about stalling has extended my riding career. 😊
Had both a ST1100 and a ST1300. Both good bikes, the ST11 with the right screen was good. I called them a 2 wheeled Camry, really easy to live with but not so much character. They do well enough on a twisty road, no need to stick to the highways. These bikes steered me away from 'toy' bikes like Fireblades etc, so much more comfort, practicality and mirrors that work - and pretty much as fast in road conditions. Great as an only bike, can use them every day, have fun at the weekends and do the annual trips away too.
Couldn't agree more!
STs are great bikes. I had an 1100 for over 13 years. I was really happy with it and never felt the need to move on to the 1300 though I have ridden a couple. I'm now a Goldwing rider like you. I've always been a big Honda fan and as well as my current DCT Goldwing have three old classics, a CBX1000Z (first registerred 1980), a Goldwing GL1000K1 from '76 and a cute little CB175K6 from '72, all in standard, undressed spec. I don't know how many classic reviews you've done (I've seen a few of them) or how far back you are interested in going but as a Goldwing rider I think you'd find a ride on the original GL1000 like mine an interesting experience. Even today it is a lovely, smooth running bike to ride. The CBX is worth a look too IMO. The CB175 is really fun too in an entirely different way.
Had one for 6 years, only got rid of it last year and got a GSA. I had a 1" flip up screen which was brilliant , I could have it almost at the bottom of its travel and have almost no wind noise at all, and not have to look through it. Actually it's a very easy bike to work on, certainly for regular maintenance, as it has small inspection panels in the fairing that come off to get to the coolant, plugs etc, and most of the rest you get to by taking the tank off, which is take the seat off and undo four bolts. The worst thing was changing the rear shock, our mutual acquaintance Mr Ford spent several hours fighting with it!
Good ol Nige!
I bought my Pan European new in 2012 and traded it in in 2021. I loved it and had zero problems. I only changed it because near where I live there are endless tracks and trails and the Pan has no off-road ability so after looking around and rejecting the Moto Guzzi V85TT that I was sure was the bike for me I bought a CB500X. The big surprise for me is that for one up touring I prefer the 500X and my annual mileage has doubled. I wasn’t expecting that. Another advantage of the smaller bike is you can ride it enthusiastically in real world situations, roll back the throttle on the Pan at any speed in any gear and you were soon in licence loosing territory. When I see Pans I do wish I had one sitting in my bike shed but I have never regretted replacing it with the 500X.
Fair do's - thanks for stopping by!
Fair comment. ST1300 is defo no slouch. Caught myself on the freeway doing 90mph today as I accelerated out of traffic boxing me in. Ooops!
As a clumsy segue, having passed a patrol van parked in a lay-by at the 5:30 mark, the AA had a fleet of PEs as part of an city-centre ‘rapid response’ crew. Capable of cutting through traffic to assist with easy call-outs - flat batteries, wheel changes, minor electrical issues, etc. Thus getting the member on the move again more quickly, and possibly clearing a bottleneck of urban traffic. They still have one in the historical fleet, but I think the service has now ceased due to strategy decisions, costs, and so on…
Did a couple of big European tours with a pal on his st1300 . Not one weave or wobble even fully laden . I believe the tyre pressures need to be kept an eye on . I had a couple of rides on it and loved it !!
I have never owned a Honda ST1300. I did most of my touring on a Honda VFR800 but I always liked the St1300 for the little bit of extra comfort it afforded. I used to work for a Honda dealer and we would take a group ride out every month during the riding session. My favorite part of these excursions was to take a ST1300 off the used line (we seemed to always have a few nice trade ins) and ride that. These bikes are the best I once had occasion to ride, at a brisk pace due to an emergency breakdown in the group. My buddy Dave was following me and was rather impressed and a bit alarmed at how quickly I was hustling that bike along through the turns. I am not a fast rider and I will admit that I was on my own familiar roads but the ST1300 is so easy to ride like a sport bike it's just amazing.
Yes lovely bike and looks great in red. Had ST1100 and adored it - wish it had electric screen. Would still have it but the weight and old age conspired against me. Went on to Deauville and fine bike too but hey once ypuve had a Pan you stay smitten.
Had a Pan for a few years, makes me want to get another again, thing I loved was in the wet weather the screen was so good kept you dry and in the cold you could feel a bit of heat come from the engine to the feet and legs are tucked behind the flow of the fairing too. Loads of power especially in the 4th,5thgears, it just goes!! Great 2 up too, and as you say, its a wee bit heavy just pushing about the garden, great video. The brakes are linked so when pulling the front the rear will also pull so loading up the front wheel when braking may be a little more difficult if thats what you depend on, although it has abs. Power is awesome, in the wet I only once had the rear spin up on the straight as I pulled onto a motorway, maybe 2 or 3rd gear, that screen is awesome in the wet keeps you dry! Coming from a CBR600 onto this is a totally different experience!
Yes it is good isn't it....
Loved my 2005 ST1300. Rode it for 85K miles in 6 years. 4 out of the 112 riders in the 2023 Iron Butt Rally are on ST1300s which speaks volumes to the reliability of the bike.
The leader after the second stage of the 2023 IBR is riding a 2012 ST1300 Pan European. Awesome!
Hi, when working as courier back in the erly 2000s I rode one from East London to some where up north when the Lt was in for service. Great ride so comfy, good delivery and quick. The one I rode had rear wobble at 90 on the motorway
Another awesome review Andy! I've had an ST1100 and still have my ST1300 even though I have two newer bikes. Just recently overhauled the front forks and put some fresh rubber on her and fell in love with her all over again. Compared to my K1600GT she's so light and flickable. It's no wonder the cops ride these bikes here in Phoenix, they're so agile and comfortable to ride. Cheers!!
Thanks for the memories. I had an ex-police ST1300 here in the US and loved it. Other riders puzzled how I got an ST in white. I sold it to buy the GS which is a good trade all in all. Thanks again.
Great review Andy, and you hit the weight thing spot on. I replaced my last one with an new 1250RT as it is much easier to push on my gravel driveway. The ST is a better bike than the RT in all other aspects. An ST with the fwd/rev creep mode would seriously harm the Gold wing sales, in Europe anyway. Really glad you were impressed.
great review andy mine is a 2007 same colour etc and i love it ,rode it to and all around the IOM last year faultlessly ,dont care about the weight as it more than makes up for it everywhere else. as you said there is a strong following to these bikes and value for money cant be beaten. if your at the presscot bike fest tommorow i ll come and say hello
Sorry - was at the ABR festival!
Our local bike shop had one for sale a couple of years back. I was tempted to buy it, but someone else beat me to the punch. Another classic review of a timelss bike IMHO. Much appreciate your work.
The issue with these bikes is people buy them and never sell them.
This always was the big brother of the Honda Deauville 700 (2009) ...which I had two of. It was a weight problem with the police versions that caused the problem. Back in the day, my bike instructor had one of these.
I bought my first Pan last month, a 2007 ST1300 in the same colour. Absolutely love it! I’ve always had sports bikes but this is just so capable, whatever road you take it on. Enjoyed the video, thanks!
Thank you for watching and enjoy your bike!
The CTX has a nice upright riding position and I love it. I bought the bike because I pull a trailer and 4 cylinders are better than two. After 39k miles, I have no intention of going back to a V-twin.
I have had different bikes since 1979 and my 2008 st has been the absolute best.
Always loved them
My partner and I went up to Skegness MCN Opening spring meet. I was on my VFR 750 he on the Birdie.
Great weekend and then it changed for the ride home. It was the longest trip for me on the VFR. All was well until about half way home. Then my wrists started playing up, the VFR is quite wrist heavy ! It started affecting my riding until my partner said swap bikes for a while give your aches a break.
Wow! The minute I set off the difference was incredible. Yes, it’s a heavy bike but, so beautiful under way. My aches faded away and I was back up to speed. Convert ever since.
Morning Andy, I had a ST1100 when I worked in London and travelled 250 miles each way between Swansea and Essex every weekend on it. I have to say I never really got on with it, for me it wasn’t comfortable though very capable and of course it was enormously heavy to move around. It was a toss up between the Pan or a BMW R1150RT and I wished I’d gone for the RT which was lighter and I’ve always found the BMW’s more comfortable with adjustable seat heights.
Met a bloke with an old "Pan" a while back. Had owned it for years and swore he would never sell it. Good review.
Over the last week I think I've seen all reviews on this bike on TH-cam and the one I have been waiting for has just been released!
Just passed my Mod 2 and this bike is surprisingly cheap on insurance.
Thanks
Congratulations and welcome to biking!
I have a riding buddy w/ a red 2006 Honda ST1300. Bought new it has over 120,000 miles on it. Nothing but fluids, filters & tires. Purrs like a kitten & still looks new. He's sampled select others but still prefers his ST.
Just purchased a 2013 ST from my local police department. Haven't picked it up yet, I can't wait, thanks for the upload
Good choice!
Had both 1100 and the 1300. Loved them both. Heavy to move around but very nimble when on the move. Real comfortable mile munchers. Unfortunately arthritis in my hands and back forced me to give up biking. IfI could I would buy another pan in a heartbeat. Great video brought back some happy memories.
Cool - sorry to hear you had to stop riding!
The design is from 2002 so it's 21 years old, amazing that it doesn't look dated, great bike but the engine heat is a killer in Summer time, brakes are a nightmare to bleed.
great touring bike, turbine smooth engine.
Some of them had a high speed weave, strangely it wasn't in all the bikes or the owners maybe never had them at that certain speed/loading whatever.
Nice review. When I got back into riding after a thirty year break I bought a friend’s ST1100 which served me well and lit the fire for two wheels again. I did a number of longish trips with absolute comfort and ease. I currently have a Guzzi 1400 California and a 2004 Ducati ST4S and would enjoy a review on either. I love them both.
I had the 1100, London to Norfolk easy and had fuel left for a couple of local days, also did Scotland where i shut the left pannier and pushed the bike over into the road much to my mates amusement and broke the mirror off,indicator also. Wot a NUMPTY, very good bike
Hi Andy, great bike and great review. Can I make a suggestion when doing your classic bike reviews, that is to let us know if they are Ulez compliant, it’s not just London going down that road, or can they be tweaked at the few ulez test centres to be made compliant. It would help sales if the Superbike factory listed if they were or not. Keep up the good work, hope to see you at Rykas one Sunday.
I’ve never been!
Nice review & of a nice bike. I also agree it hasn't dated much at all in terms of looks & it's a real rival to the Goldwing in it's day. No wonder the cops bought fleets of them.
Mornng Andy. Always look forward to Sat bike stuff. Can I suggest a test ride. RD350LC Powervalve, the 1990s one mate. Gr8 cheap fun.
Some of these old bikes are absolutely sensational value for money.
I currently ride a 2007 ST1300, has 70K miles on it, no problems, great all-around machine. I owned an ST1100 before this, really liked it, but the 1300 has a substantial list of improvements such as fuel injection and considerably more power. In terms of handling, I think the 1100 was a bit better. Overall, the ST1300 is an unqualified success and I wish Honda still made them.
I had two of these done over 140.000 miles , on my 2002 I did 85000 miles and never serviced it just oil and filter, never even changed plugs, can’t believe it kept going lol
Nice review. I see your point regarding the weight issue and that just explains everything when it's all broken down. Hills, descent /incline scenarios just make these bikes "questionable" when you look at the capabilities of "average Joe" and to me unless you're a good rider, best to steer clear of these bikes. Lighter and faster suits me fine!
I owned a 1999 ST1100 for nearly 20 years, before passing it on to my son.
A fantastic long distance touring bike on which I explored as far south as around Tasmania, and as far north as Bundaberg in Queensland. That fairing allowed me to ride comfortably through rain, and even hail (at least till I had to slow down in towns).
When the children were younger my wife would take our children at the beginning of their Christmas school holidays to her parents' in Toowoomba by car (an overnight trip for them) and I would follow on Christmas Eve on my ST1100, leaving home at 7.45 am and arriving in Toowoomba, 950 kilometres and lots of backroads away, arriving somewhere between 7 pm and 7.15 pm that same evening, every time!
I tried the ST1300 when it was first released. It was much quicker, and with a steeper fork angle and a shorter wheelbase (engine shorter with chain instead of belt camshaft drive) it felt much more manoeuvrable. I loved the electric screen. But they had shortened the gearing so it didn't lope along as tirelessly as the ST1100, (100 km/hr = 3,000 rpm on the 1100) and the transferred heat from underneath was intolerably oppressive. I was told at the time that the dealership could not supply a bike to buy as the the ST1300 had been temporarily withdrawn from sale till under-fairing modifications had been installed on all the bikes to deal with the heat transfer issue.
I never experienced any hint of high speed wobbles on my ST1100, and I did sometimes travel at speeds far in excess of what I will admit to, loaded with luggage.
I eventually replaced the bike 15 months ago with a BMW R1250 GS. The guys I mostly tour with often travel along dirt back roads, and the ST1100, while managing it, was simply unpleasant on such roads it was never designed for, with the windscreen and top box rattling and shaking and the panniers flapping.
The 49Kg weight saving of the GS is very welcome, as is the more roomy riding position, but that big BMW boxer twin feels very unrefined compared to the beautiful silky Honda V4.
Recently my son and I did a 400 km day ride together; we swapped bikes along the way. I was very surprised when refilling that the ST1100 had used 1/2 litre (of just 91 octane) fuel LESS than the fuel injected, computerised and much lighter GS.
With its 28 litre tank, (vs the GS 20 litre tank), the lovely seat and wind protection (with a windscreen extender), the ST1100 is still very hard to beat as a long distance mile eater, even after all these years.
Wow - thanks for that lot - an interesting read!
I still own a 2006 and frequently ride her with the wife around southern Andalusia. Downside: wish she had a sixth gear and was easier to push backwards when you’ve parked her in a hilly mountain village gravel or cobblestone carpark.
Glad to see this review; happened to pick one up a few weeks ago!
Great to hear!
Had the ST1100. Bought it on a Wednesday, on Thursday headed to Aragon in Spain for the MotoGP. Rode overnight as it was so comfortable. Was a tad scary doing the Pyrenees at night time, missed the junction to go through the tunnel. Biggest regret was selling her. I had a police cowling fitted with a light bar. She was setup for single touring
Always enjoy your reviews flyer. You ride the bikes as most people do, we don’t wring the bikes neck every day so good to know what they are like in the real world.
Much appreciated!
I had a copy of the Iron-Butt magazine that featured accounts of long distance rides. There was a story that stuck in my mind about a long distance riding group, I believe they were in Ireland, that had a bike for hire specifically for member to ride long distance. The bike in question was a particularly high mileage ST1100 with over 100,000 KM on the clock when purchased. The intention was to ride it as long as possible with regular maintenance. I do not remember the final tally but the mileage was impressive. The only major breakdown occurred when the bike blew out a cooling hose. A hose kit was ordered, that problem was fix and as far as I know they kept riding it.
TMF, I picked up my used '07 ST 1300 (No ABS) last August and put 2,500 miles on it just riding around locally in Oregon. I do love it, but my backside needed a break. I bought an inflatable seat top for it and it helps with longer rides. I have not gone overnight camping with it yet, but am excited to try that out. When I got my ST, the tires were brand new Michelin pilot road 4's, I think. The odometer was at 45k miles when I bought it. Thanks for sharing your ST.
Lovely review of a motorbike I think looks like a touring bike should do.
I think so too!
I had a 2006 ST1300 which I loved. It had a gearbox problem which took me ages to find. It caused the gearbox and engine to overheat. The problem worsened until it would only ride for 3 miles before the temp sensor would cut out. I loved it so much I bought another and that had the same symptoms. So we traded it in for a new Triumph Trophy. I still miss the Pan but it cost us a fortune in lost value. We now ride a Goldwing.
Good call!
Check the swing arms on the 1100s and the fork seals on the 1300s if you are buying them! Apart from that.. bulletproof
Excellent value these bikes now aren’t they! I agree regarding the styling, it has aged like a fine wine. Wouldn’t look out of place rolling off a production line today
Totally agree!
That's my bike! I have a 2008 version and absolutely love it. Weighs like a tugboat but moves like a gazelle.
Cool!
Nicely done TMF, it's good looking and sounding bike. The only thing that visibly ages it is the shape of the panniers. Thanks again.
I almost bought one several years ago but a lot of u-tubers complained about the heat coming from the bike. And living in the Southern parts of the States I don't need more heat ;-) Went with a BMW instead.