Honda ST1300 problems include mechanical concerns like thermostat malfunctions, coolant leaks, engine noises, Pan Weave, backfiring issues, and battery issues.
Heat issues and the unavailability of accessories in the U.S. market are the other common problems of ST1300.
ST1300 Stuck Thermostat
The Thermostat becomes stuck in a closed position as a result the coolant doesn’t flow to the radiator, which in turn leads to engine overheating.
Symptoms
The temperature gauge on your ST1300 should go up to 3 bars. The signs of a stuck thermostat are most noticeable when the ambient temperature is at or below 50 degrees.
Fuel efficiency reduces dramatically.
Causes
- Coolant quality may not be high enough from the factory.
- OEM thermostat quality appears low based on examples of it failing in the open position.
- Manufacturing overspray could enter the coolant system and cause buildup/clogging.
Solutions
- Remove overspray, especially at hose connections.
- Flush the system thoroughly
- Replace the thermostat and coolant. Both OEM and aftermarket options appear to work.
- When replacing the thermostat, be sure to also replace the o-ring with a new OEM one.
ST1300 Coolant Leaks
Coolant leaks trickle down the front of the engine and run along the underside of the oil pan, reaching approximately the location of the overflow tube.
Coolant leaks when the hose clamps come loose. If the coolant doesn’t leak when warm, it is due to loose hose clamps.
Solution
Tighten hose clamps to stop the coolant from leaking.
ST1300 Pan Weave
The ST1300 Pan Weave is a speed wobble issue experienced by many riders.
A rapid oscillation of the front part of the motorcycle is referred to as the ‘ST1300 Pan Weave’ by the community.
Check if the suspension has proper damping.
You can diagnose the issue by inspecting the headset bearings, steering stem components, axle nuts, and tire pressure of the motorcycle.
Solutions
Some riders say that aftermarket modifications help reduce the speed wobble. Read the linked article for more info on ST1300 Pan Weave.
Staying relaxed and easing off the throttle smoothly are the best ways to maintain control if a speed wobble occurs unexpectedly.
With vigilance and practice, riders can build confidence in their ability to manage wobble and continue enjoying stable rides on their touring motorcycles.
Pulling to the right
Honda ST1300 pulls to the right when the front wheel is installed incorrectly, many owners face this issue.
Solution
Re-install the front wheel in the correct sequence to prevent ST1300 from pulling to the right.
Go to the page no.10 in the guide below for the front wheel fixing guide.
ST1300 Heat Issues
Heat issues on ST1300 are due to the poorly designed fairings.
ST1300 fairings don’t get the aerodynamics right. Fairings need to push the hot air away from the rider, in the ST1300 they do the opposite.
The hot air gets trapped in the fairings and this causes discomfort to the rider. The heat from the fairings is unbearable at times.
Solutions
To avoid heat issues in ST1300, remove the crash wing plastic to improve the airflow, avoid riding the ST1300 in high winds, and make sure the coolant is fresh.
Availability of Accessories
The Honda ST1300 accessories aren’t readily available in the U.S. Riders have to import the accessories from aftermarket vendors in the UK. The model was quite popular in the UK.
The Honda OEM only has built-in luggage bags, an accessory socket, and a cover for the ST1300. Reach out to the aftermarket vendors if you can’t get the accessories from Honda.
Heavy Motorcycle
The standard variant of Honda ST1300 weighs 631 lbs, while the ABS variant weighs 637 lbs. The competitors FJR1300 and BMW R1250 RT weigh 583lbs and 504lbs respectively.
The motorcycle feels heavy when taking a turn. The weight is one of the reasons why ST1300 feels underpowered. Let’s compare ST1300 to competitors.
| ST1300 | FJR1300 | BMW R 1200RT |
|---|---|---|
| 90-degree V4 Engine | Inline 4 Engine | flat-twin engine |
| 1261 cc | 1298 cc | 1170 cc |
| 117hp @ 8000 rpm | 141 @ 8000 RPM | 136hp @ 7750 RPM |
| 631 lbs dry weight | 582 lbs dry weight | 504 lbs dry weight |
ST1300 Engine Noises
Whining noise in ST1300’s liquid-cooled engine can suggest problems like the quality or quantity of the coolant, gasket wear, clogged lines, or leaking seals.
Causes
- Improperly adjusted balance shafts: too tight = excessive engine whine. Too loose = gravelly sound seemingly in transmission, especially when accelerating from low RPMs.
- ST1300 riders have discovered that the bolts securing their triple clamps were improperly torqued
- Loose axle pinch nuts and brake caliper bolts can also cause a rattling noise.
Solutions
- Check if the Motorcycle has adequate coolant in it.
- Check if any gaskets have worn off.
- Adjust the balance shafts properly.
- Make sure the bolts securing the triple clamps are fitted properly.
- Ensure the Axle Pinch Nuts and Brake Caliper Bolts are fitted properly.
ST1300 Backfiring Issues
ST1300 Backfiring issues are because of faulty spark plug, poor air-fuel mixture, low-quality fuel, or problems with the exhaust system, fuel delivery components, or carburetors.
Backfiring when opening the throttle indicates that there’s not enough fuel in the mixture. Faulty ignition timing can also cause the engine to backfire.
Solutions
- Regularly maintain and clean air filters, carburetors, and spark plugs.
- Inspect the exhaust system and fix any leaks or damage.
- Use the proper type and octane rating of the fuel.
ST1300 Battery Issues
Battery issues in ST1300 are due to faulty electrical connections that prevent proper charging.
Corroded battery terminals over time can impede charging as well. Inspecting the battery voltage and tightening any loose connections on the terminals can help resolve drainage issues.
Solution
The terminals should be cleaned of corrosion, dirt, or damage that may block charging.