Date: Tue, 2 Aug 1994 10:06:33 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jim Alexander <jalexand@netcom.com>
Subject: STuff #10

August '94

Stuff #10 -- The ST days are getting shorter

I hope everyone is getting plenty of riding in this summer. The weather
in California has been perfect for being on two wheels. The temperature
is normally higher and not as conducive to riding, but this summer it has
seemed much cooler especially this last weekend.

Last weekend we had 7 HSTA people get together and ride in the Sierras.
Out of the 7 there were three ST1100s, one of each color. BTW, did anyone
hear yet from a dealer about what color the 1995 ST is going to be? I
did hear there was a new color coming our, but not what it is.

I have postponed the special issue of STuff about tunes on the ST. I am
compiling a number of comments into a special STuff to be out in August.
If you have something you would like to include, please feel free. It
doesn't have to be long, just let the rest of us know what you are using
or what you have seen that you like.

Did you see this months Motorcyclist (September issue) magazine. There was
a Sport Touring shootout. They tested a ST-ABS, K1100RS, a Concours, and
a GTS-1000. Three of the five testers in the 'off the record' comments admit
that the ST1100 wins and in the overall article it wins.
They said " ... the ST1100's overall competence in both sporty and straight
line modes, combined with the best wind protection and the longest range of
the group, earns the victory here"

In the British publication, Motorcycle International for July 1994 did a
comparison between the ST1100 and K1100LT. The final comment was:
"As this is a bike test and there have to be winners and losers, in this
instant my money would be on the ... ST1100. ... despite the lack of
additional luxuries as an everyday high speed, mile munching example of a
two-wheeled inter City express it can't be beaten." In the technical
comparison, the ST won in Engine & Transmission, Handling & Suspension,
and Ergonomics. The bikes were rated as tied in Brakes. The ST even won
the opinion of the pillion! She said that the back on the K1100 thumped
her back everytime they went over any kind of a bump. She commented:
" The Honda is an altogether smoother ride, vibration free with a very
comfortable seat."

Ride safe, but have fun while you're doing it!

Jim Alexander 1991 ST1100 (82k+) HSTA Electronic Ambassador
STOC#0009 HSTA#2307 HRCA#HM700461 AMA#415932 DoD# (waiting on KoTL)

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Traditional Cheesy Table of Contents:

Not Tall ... Short is better (Windscreens) Jim Alexander
George is full of it - Good advice that is George Catt
Fan Blades, Windscreens, Tires & Rims
The Darien Gap ...or at least the Jacket Jim Alexander
The Tail Trunk and low ST sales? William C. Thalgott
More about the Hondaline Tail Trunk Former ST owner Jim Petersen
Dave tests the Engine guards? Dave Dorfman
The Catt can't keep is fingers quiet George Catt
More on tires, questions of Carbon Fiber
Charlie's New shoe replaced (Michelins) Charlie Woods
Another ST1100 luggage rack William C. Thalgott
Silkolene Oil John Anderson & Mickey Hunt

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

From: Jim Alexander
Subject: Short Screens - Not just because of my height either!

I installed a short windscreen from Clearview Shields in Golden, CO.
It is about 6 inches short in the middle and about 5 inches short on
each edge, so it sweeps lower in the middle and looks great.
I actually had it shipped to Nashville, IN at STAR (or I should say Jim
Petersen had them shipped, after I told him he should). It was a dark
tinted screen which has the second benefit of looking very good. The
most wonderful part of the short screen is the wind you now get. In the
summer heat, it has been wonderful. The wind noise is increased but sort
of evened out as a constant noise. With the stock screen which I was using
I got less noise, but I got more buffeting noise which was strange. I
did not feel the effects of the buffeting, but I felt the noise. I added
SAENG edging and I have ridden with it on and with it off. I don't really
notice that much difference either way.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

From: George A Catt +1 708 979 9424 <gac@intgp1.att.com>
Subject: George is full if it .. good advice that is

HOT TIP for the next STuff!!!! There have been at least THREE cases of the
fan blades coming off. I talked to a guy from New York state who had his
come
loose, and also a friend of his. They both caught it before it caused real
problems. Suggest to everyone that they check, retorque, lock-tite the fan
blade nut B4 it eats their radiator. I'll check mine this week and let you
know the results.

WINDSHELD: I took an extra Rifle shield and cut it down shorter than Jim's.
With a piece of SAENG edging on it, it looks TUFF! It is a little windy,
though.
I'm using it around town, and without the saddle bags, it looks like the
biggest crotch rocket ever built. Now, if I could get a six inch rim under
the rear.......

TIRES: The Michelin M89s seem to work ok. They stick good. But I now
have a
high speed wobble (115+) that is very disconcerting. Probably helps my gas
mileage by holding my speeds below 100.

GL1100?: Would one of you really mechanically minded types take some
measurements and see if a GL1500 back wheel would fit the ST? Big, fat,
touring tire on a 700lb bike should last FOREVER. Now, where do you
find a wheel?

GAS MILEAGE: Still fluctuating. After my last tune-up (plugs, valve check,
carb synch, air filter) seemed to go up a little, especially at high speeds.
Hasn't dropped below 40 since then. But my best tank, at extended boring
speeds while on Skyline Drive, was only 48. Where are the 50+ you other guys
talk about? Returning from AR yesterday, at extended 80+ speeds, averaged
right at 40.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

From: William C. Thalgott <thalgott@ee.eng.ohio-state.edu>
Subject: The Tail Trunk and low ST sales?

I found the article about the top box interesting in that it appears Honda
just might offer some accessories for our favorite bike! I couldn't believe
the puny selection in the Hondaline catalog. Maybe Norm Young could get a
European catalog or a list of what's available and let us know how we can
order items form it.

I ran into a fellow ST owner at Competition Accessories and he told me
Honda claims they only sell 800-1000 ST a year in the US and apparently
that doesn't justify a large accessory list!

(Editors note: Why can't they let us order the same accessories that are
available in Europe?)

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

From: Jim Petersen <Jim_Petersen@maxtor.com>
Subject: ST1100 European Trunk Now available for ordering

Are you aware of the European rear trunk for the ST1100 now being
available in the States? Yep, it's now available. My dealer has already
ordered a black and gray one. It's a new accessory offered by Honda this
year. It also comes in red and black. About $150.00 for the box and
about $125.00 for the bracketry.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

From: Jim Alexander
Subject: Aero Darien Jacket from Riderwarehouse

I made the decision to purchase a Darien jacket while planning my packing
for my trip to STAR '94 in Indiana. On past trips I had taken my Hein
Gericke TKO jacket, the liner for the jacket, a rain jacket, and
rain pants. All of the bulk made me use a lot of storage space I would have
liked to use for something else. Also considering that I was traveling to
Washington state to pick up my sister after STAR, I knew I would need to
conserve as much space as possible, so the Darien seemed to be
the best option.

The Darien has a very wide range of use (20F to 85F) and a great liner which
becomes a separate reversible jacket. This inner jacket has a pouch on
the tail which allows packing itself into a very convenient parcel. It can
be worn hanging from a belt as a fanny pack, used as a pillow if you are
camping, and easily bungeed to the bike if you can't fit it in the luggage.
The outer jacket is Goretex lined and seam sealed, which makes it very
weatherproof. While I didn't need it much, I must say I never got wet inside
the jacket! There are zippered vents very much like the Aerostich suit on
the back and under the arms. The liner jacket is also zipper vented under
the arms. Did you say you want pockets? Let me tell you, it is easy to
loose your keys in the pockets because there are so many! I put them in one
pocket when I stopped for lunch and it took about 3 minutes to find them.
The Darien jacket is a 3/4 length, so it covers the backside very nicely.

There are also Darien pants, but I didn't order any. I would assume they
are as functional and satisfying as the jacket.

Now the big question, why didn't I order an Aerostich? Well, right now I
don't fit into one. I can get the tops big enough, but then I have about
6 inches too much in the legs. If the legs are short enough, then they
aren't big enough around! Oh well, maybe some day.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
From: Dave T Dorfman <daved@world.std.com>
Subject: Dave tests the Engine guards

I was recently lucky enough to come home and find my ST on it's side,
the victim of wind blown tip over syndrome ( assisted by the loose
fitting cover acting as a sail). Acquiring replacement parts from East
coast warehouse has proven to be the cheapest and easiest way to go and
after spending a couple of hundred dollars and waiting 10 days she was
as good as new. One of the new parts was a new engine bar cover, the
little grey plastic triangle that covers the invaluable engine bars.

Yesterday, as I looked over the bike I noticed the brand new engine
bar cover was very scoffed up on the outside corner, there is
absolutely no reason for this except that it must have touched down in
some hard cornering I was doing while trying to keep up with fellow
NEDOD members on their VFR's , CBR's and ZX-7's. I distinctly remember
one corner where I thought my shoe touched down. Well, it must have
been my shoe and the bar cover.

So, this is another vote for the theory that the engine bar covers are
the first hard part of the ST to touch the ground.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

From: George A Catt +1 708 979 9424 <gac@intgp1.att.com>
Subject: George has itchy fingers again (Thanks for the notes George!)

An update on the Catt happenings:
This summer so far, I've attended the Honda HOOT (that's where the Michelins
were installed). From there to the HSTA STAR in Nashville, IN.
We layed low over the 4th, then Debbie and I rode to Eureka Springs, AR for
the WOW national. It was about the same size as the STAR (<300), but there
were only a hand full of sport bikes (2 STs, Debbie's CB-1, a ZX-6, and a
few BWM K bikes). Most everything else was Harley's, Wings, and crusiers.
The short inseam crowd still has a problem with selection.

The roads in NW AR and East OK are great! We visited Eldon and Bud in Pryor,
OK and spent the night. We also Banzaied home on Sunday: 600 miles in 12
hours, including frequent gas stops and 2 meals. Debbie doesn't let any
grass grow when she gets in the mood to go.

I've been reading Keith Code's TWIST OF THE WRIST II. It's definetly worth
a trip to the library (I inherited Derek's copy, complete with highlites:
"The handle on the right is the fun control."

More on tires: I don't think I said this in yesterday's note. I like the
Avon's feel better than the Michelin's. I'll reserve further opinion until
I get some mileage figures. The 6,000 or so others are getting on the Avons
agrees with what Derek and I got on new ones this spring. Side note: Derek
had to install his 'spare' on the way back from Texas Hill Country in early
May. I installed the same tire in mid-June because I couldn't get a
replacement
right away. That tire (which had a plug in it) was the one finally discarded
in Asheville when the Michelins were installed. It had 8,000 miles on it.

I've started negotiations with the wrecking yard in South Carolina to get
Derek's bike. No price yet, but should be cheap. That rear shock may be
available. Also have Derek's original rear shock, which would be a good
source for a FOX shock rebuild (or whoever does that). I'm thinking about
parting out, AND keeping a box of "loaner" parts to help people doing mods,
etc. keep their bike on the road while getting work done. What do you
think? Shipping costs and transit time are the only negatives. Give me an
opinion.

Here's another question: Does carbon fiber really absorb/disperse radar?
How come no one makes a "bra" out of carbon fiber (assuming it works)? Seems
to me a one piece bra, with many 1" holes drilled for the headlight and turn
signals, would go a long way to creating the ultimate STealth! I may pursue
this. Also want a K-1 style fender, preferably out of carbon fiber.
This is
in search of better gas mileage. What's a source for one-off fiber STuff?

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

From: Charlie Woods <CHASWOODS@aol.com>
Subject: Michelin Tire update

An update on the Michelins tires..... the front tire had to be replaced
under warranty for some "splits" that showed up both on the body
of the tire and on the sides (only two were found). However, my
dealers shop manager replaced it "free gratis".

He mentioned that Michelin wanted the actual tire back before they
would adjust it (to determine the cause I suppose). This was the
first time the dealership had been asked to do this by any of the
tire manufacturers who's brand they carry in stock..... Needless to
say, the dealership is pretty pissed at Michelin but, they gave me
the replacement without the Michelin's approval....

I'd say this speaks pretty well of the dealership... (maybe I'm a
good customer too...)....

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

From: "William C. Thalgott" <thalgott@ee.eng.ohio-state.edu>
Subject: ST1100 luggage rack

I met a guy from Cincinnati at the Vintage Days Rally last weekend who
makes luggage racks for the ST. It is made from flat aluminum plate and is
powder coated black. It looks like a nice unit. His flyer follows:
ST1100 luggage rack
Available 18"X10"
Powder coated black
Slotted design
Stainless steel bolts
Other sizes possible
Price: $105.00
Call: Tom McKiernan
(513) 683-1618

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

From: John H. Anderson Jr <71514.612@compuserve.com>
Subject: Silkolene Oil for an ST1100

I recently changed to Silkolene 15-50, Pro 4, oil for my ST1100. I
immediately
noticed smoother shifting, and my engine heat gauge registers approx. 1/16"
cooler than it did with Honda HP-4. Unfortunately, none of my local suppliers
stock Silkolene - so I order it from Race Guthrie, at Honda - Kawasaki, in
Bloomington, Indiana.
If you have experience with Silkolene, please share your thoughts.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

From: RIS/TX-Mickey Hunt <72461.1512@compuserve.com>
Subject: #436733-Silkolene Oil - ST1100

At my old race team, Plano Honda Racing, we ran Silkolene all last year and
this year and it works very well. We Endurance race here in Texas, where it
gets very hot (last Saturdays four hour race was close to 100), and we never
worry about the lubrication. At my new team, Moto Liberty Racing, we also run
the Pro 4 and never have any problems with the motors.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

If you make a submission to the STuff newsletter it implies that
you have granted permission to use and distribute that information.
Under the laws of a compilation copyright, I grant rights for this
information to be distributed, providing that it is done for
non-commercial purposes and is distributed freely. I certify that
the information contained in this publication has been released for
free distribution, providing that the authors receive credit for
each contribution.

Jim Alexander CIS: 73373,2113 jalexand@netcom.com