Disclaimer.
The contents of this page are suggested solutions to members, to problems submitted by fellow members. Make sure you are competent to undertake changes and/or adjustments, and that you do not compromise the safety of any vehicle.
Subject:- Cracked Engine Casing
This question was asked by a member:-
I think I mentioned about the problems we are having with our bike, with the engine casing being found to have cracked.
I think there may be more about this that other owners may need to look carefully at their bikes if they own one from around 1998 to 2002 ST1100.
Following posting an a couple of ST owners site we have come across a few that have cracked in exactly the same place on the engine.
The attached photos show where the cracking is occurring all on the right hand side casing of the block in the section below the cylinder head exhaust ports starting from where all the bolts are, the water drain plug and engine mounts.
So far we have 4 in the USA have gone, plus these so far in the UK
Mine is a 1999 – 64,000 miles (ex police) – coolant leak through block crack
Another 1999 – 55,000 miles (ex police)
A 2001 – 72,000 miles – coolant leak through block crack.
A 2001 – 32,000 miles – small cracks at the moment
Also another owner just found cracks there, waiting for info from him for year and mileage.
I would appreciate if you could mention it to all ST1100 owners in the NPR and advise them to check closely when they next have the right side panels off the bike for any signs of cracking of the block (it may be hidden partially behind the frame bar and exhaust).
If anyone does find theirs cracking, can they please let me know, as I am collecting as much data on this as I can find, so mileage year, etc would be useful.
Best wishes, Keith Flook
These replies were submitted by members:-
I have had the same problem and have had to replace an engine on a 1998 police bike (64000 miles).
Under the carbs there are two elbows that take the water to the thermostat housing, one failed and the engine overheated, but we where lucky we stopped in time to save the second engine.
Has anyone talked to honda as I have, and was told to go away and fix the problem myself.
regards, Dave Chippendale.
Subject:- Engaging Gears
This question was asked by a member:-
I have owned a pan 1300 from new since march this year. It has now done 7,700 miles, at traffic lights or halt signs I have problems getting from neutral to first or second gear, it will not go in so when the lights change, I have to crash into first gear, and with other vehicles behind me this can become very dangerous. Tomorrow will be my third visit to the Dealer. Has other members experienced this problem. Feedback would be appreciated. - Kind regards, Bill
These replies were submitted by members:-
1. Had no problems at all like this, got one new in Sept 05, just sold it sadly, but no problems like this at all, very smooth at all times through all gears. - Paul
2.At what engine temperature does it happen. Has the problem come on all of a sudden or has there been a gradual deterioration? Have you had any gearbox or clutch work done previously? Have you had any engine work done at all? Was there another problem that the dealer has sorted and then this problem arise? "Crash into gear"? - Does the clutch disengage at all? Have you put the bike on the centre stand, disengaged the clutch and selected 1st gear. Then applied the back brake with the clutch still disengaged? Does the wheel stop and the engine continuing to run? Or does it stall the engine.
Where are you located in the country. I would be willing to have a look for you although I see it is still under warranty.
As an aside: If the dealer can't fix it then you should consider writing to the dealer and copying it to Honda UK quoting the Sale of goods act and your dissatisfaction with the product, your loss of faith in the dealer and the potential danger to yourself in continued use of the vehicle. - Gary
3. Honda gearboxes aren't the greatest, but I haven't had this problem. It does crunch when going from neutral to first, but not badly. Hope this helps. - Roger
4. I have an 04 pan and I sometimes have the same problem. Instead of crashing into first just release the clutch when in neutral and then try again, mine goes in with no problem. - Regards, Graham
5. From my experience as a engineer, it is a problem that the drive does not disengage and the clutch plates are not freeing up. This can be caused by hydraulics or pressure plate springs. Having air in the system does have the same effect. It will be an elimination process starting with the hydraulics first. You will need to check the travel on the slave cylinder first and then check the springs on the pressure plate. After that if all else is ok they might have to look at the synchromesh on the first gear as the springs inside synchromesh might be fouling up making it very hard to engage in gear. I do not think it to be a specific problem with the 1300, this is a problem which could occur anytime to any gearbox. Hope this is of some use. Try to go to second and then into first it might help for time being. Regards, Willem
6. Any chance of you telling us the results of you r gear box problem? My 1300 has over 40,000 miles on it and as yet no problems. - Regards, Paul
Subject:- Final Drive Lubrication.
This question was asked by a member:-
I have removed the rear wheel so as to fit a new rear tyre. The drive splines look a little dry. Do I need to grease or lubricate them before refitting the rear wheel ?
These replies were submitted by members:-
1. Yes you do! The splines need a special grease. Many Honda dealers don't bother to use anything other than general workshop grease, and a number of Pan owners have discovered this to their cost. It is unlikely to break down due to improper grease in the bike's first couple of years of service, so I guess the dealers and Honda UK aren't so bothered since the expensive repair will be at the owners expense, and it's good repair business for them. You need to use a grease which has a minimum "molybdenum disulfide" content of 40%. Honda have small tubes of grease which is available from dealers, but I suspect they will have to order it in for you. Below is a photo of the label from the tube of grease. You will see the part number.
