Honda Pan European ST1100 - Not So Much A Review

[@GPR111]

Incredible bike, even now some 33 years since it appeared (!) Would ride mine on any long journey in confidence. Keep on top of maintenance and just keep putting the miles on, no worries 🙂

[@Saddlebags73]

I’m with you all the way. It’s one that I should have held on to. I couldn’t fault it. I took a chance when I bought it and it turned out to be a good one. Safe travels to you, and thank you 👍🏼

[@KristopherNoronha]

I prefer the ST1100 to the ST1300. I still can't put my finger on why. I just do. Still, I own a ST1300 now, so I'll have to simply ride that.

[@Saddlebags73]

I haven’t tried a 1300 so I can’t compare them. I did love the 1100 though. It’s a shame they were discontinued. Take care out there 👍🏼

[@skakpedersen]

Thanks for the ride. A splendid bike. No drama, just gliding over the landscape. Cheers.

[@Saddlebags73]

Thanks to you for watching. They’re great bikes for eating the miles. All the best.

[@exeterrider]

The one that got away 😢. Although I remember those heavy clutches, nothing worse tbh.... Modern clutches wonderful in comparison. You need to try a RT1200 SB

[@Saddlebags73]

I have to remind myself that it was only ever an in between bikes bike 🤣 I was young once. Heavy clutches never bothered me. But I was 50 the other day 🤣 Cheers ER 👍🏼

[@thewatcher5271]

Nice Video, Man! Great Bike! Your New Microphone Works Great. I Love The Smiley Face Effect, Too. Thank You. (Like #150)

[@Saddlebags73]

That’s very kind, thank you 🙂

[@RandysRides]

Yup. Honda really is the reliability and do it right standard. As long as they're maintained, they last a lifetime.

[@Saddlebags73]

Plenty of life in the old dogs yet 🙂 Cheers Randy 👍🏼

[@Ainsworth-Rider]

Well 73 this is a bit different from you even the ending 😊 I think if I remember correctly it was about 90 mph when the police started to experience the wobbles/ tankslapers 😊 .Really enjoyed watching you ride like naughty boy 😂😂😂

[@Saddlebags73]

Hey AR 👋🏼 Yup, a video that was never meant to be, hence the lack of “hello my friends” and “ba baa” 🤣 I believe it was the 1300’s that went into death wobbles. Had a couple on different bikes myself 🫣 I was being rather reserved, I thought 🤣 Thank you sir 👍🏼

[@tojj29]

It's a Honda, even at that age it was gonna be good. Have to say, I miss my RT but for now it's the Versys. Who knows when the shoulder's done though eh? Some people still crave those old Pan 11's, gotta say something about em. Ride safe bud.

[@Saddlebags73]

Yea brilliant bikes and gorgeous motors. RT’s are in the same bracket I would say. Heavy old lumps though and not ideal for trips to the coast. Of course the Nomad is a whole new level of ridiculous 🤣 Cheers Toj 🙂👍🏼

[@BulletWanderer]

Oi! I was enjoying the waffle and the video suddenly ended! 😆

[@Saddlebags73]

🤣🤣🤣 I apologise,I didn’t think anyone would be interested in my wobbly bits 🤪

[@simongilbert2704]

mighty too fast for me in wet ,;;; i would be getting acquainted with the hedge ;;

[@Saddlebags73]

Ah no, all quite sedate really 🙂

[@joaoeduardo7398]

If you have not yet change seat from that Pan, I recomend to change to CORBJIN seat.

[@Saddlebags73]

I sold this bike, but it was fitted with a custom seat. Not Corbin but very comfortable. Many thanks 👍🏼

[@peter236uk1]

Think your hankering for another one lol

[@Saddlebags73]

Ha 🤣 They’re brilliant, but that itch has been scratched 🤓

[@lilynorthover8378]

Ah, just getting interesting. Wobbles, tank slappers. Curious how a lot of bikers like to have a big, heavy, bells and whistles bike and a light, naked bike. Will there ever be a light to middleweight ( no more than 200kg) do everything bike? Discuss.😊

[@Saddlebags73]

Urgh I’ve had a couple of extremely scary ‘death wobbles’ 🫣 Well, I’ve grown out of sports bikes and now I think big heavy cumbersome bikes don’t make sense with the roads I ride. I think I have come up with the perfect (almost) all rounder. Im moving the Nomad on and there’s a couple of sub 200kg bikes I will be trying out. Watch this space 🤣 Thank you Lily 👋🏼

[@lilynorthover8378]

@@Saddlebags73 intriguing

[@volt8684]

I love honda v4s. When I had my fjr1300 my pal had one of these and we used to swap. I thought the 1100was a barge compared to mine, then he swapped to a st1300. Night and day different. Really liked that one felt half the weight and handled superbly. Hondas of this era are so much better quality than the new stuff imo. That V4 growl is exotic but smooth and effortless at same time

[@Saddlebags73]

Yes they’re beautiful motors. I haven’t had the pleasure of riding the st1300 but a friend that has ridden both reckoned they were more refined. FJR’s have taken my fancy for a while, but the reality is they’re all too heavy for the majority of the riding I do.

[@jannerfox9292]

Nice one pard, I will give you fifty quid and a pork pie for the bike! if you think this is to much please let me know! I could be out bid by that fecking jam jar Franky Robinson.😎😎🤣🤣

[@Saddlebags73]

Throw in a dairylea slice and we have a deal. Franky Robinson needn’t hear of it 🤣

[@jannerfox9292]

@@Saddlebags73 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@NooBiker]

There's a cheeky Hombresito making a cameo in this one 😂

[@Saddlebags73]

Ha! I noticed that whilst editing 🙂

[@lusoprazer]

Merci pour avoir partagé ton expérience.

[@Saddlebags73]

De ríen, thank you 👍🏼

[@jrm1946]

That was a nice practical bike especially two up. Do you regret selling it and getting the Vulcan, which has been (even more) conspicuous by its absence all summer?

[@Saddlebags73]

There’s a question 🤔 to which I have no short answer, so here goes…. The Pan was brilliant but wasn’t bought with long term ownership in mind. I do miss the comfort and the weather protection it offered though. Regarding the Vulcan - The MOT ran out in May and with one thing or another including trips away, I never got around to getting it done. That explains the lack of its presence this summer. However, I managed to get it in a couple of weeks ago (clean sheet) and I have used it a couple of times since. Twinks and I were out on it today actually and I thoroughly enjoyed it. BUT, the time before that was in order to get some nice photos of it on Dartmoor for an Marketplace advert. It just isn’t suitable for the majority of my riding, but neither was the Pan. After a couple of trips away to Ireland and Snowdonia on the Himalayan, I have another idea 🤣 The Himmy coped brilliantly but would be a squeeze 2-up, and it ran out of legs on the long stretches. Watch this space, I’m sure the perfect all rounder exists. Thanks JRM, I hope you’re well.

[@greywolf9292]

Well that was a rather in depth Non- review not just of the bike but the road it was ridden on, told us all we needed to know about both 👍😀 It's a bike which I'm sure has caught every motorcyclists eye at some point in their lives and one which I had an eye for myself many years ago. I also feel slightly guilty in that my own choice of bike around the time you sold it, may have influenced your choice as it's replacement. A purchase which I'm sure on both our parts had great appeal combined with great ambitions. Yet something about the Vulcan Nomad made it more hard work than either of us expected and certainly detracted from the enjoyment we imagined. 🤔🙁

[@Saddlebags73]

Ah no need to feel guilty Mr Wolf, I was going that way anyway. Itches must be scratched mustn’t they 🤣 I’ve used the Nomad a couple of times recently and really enjoyed it, however, one of those occasions was to get some nice photos for a Marketplace advert. I think I have the perfect all rounder in mind but I very much doubt you would approve. We shall see, watch this space 🤣 Many thanks my friend. All the best to yourself and Mrs Wolf 👍🏼

[@greywolf9292]

@@Saddlebags73 The chap who bought my Vulcan was chuffed to bits with it, said it was more manageable than his Gold Wing, for me it just wasn't suited to the roads around here. The perfect All Rounder eh? One which I might not approve of? Do I detect a move towards the Dark Side 🤔😎😂 All the best to yourself and Twinks, I hope you've been able to enjoy some good outings whether on the bike or walking 👍😀

[@Saddlebags73]

@@greywolf9292 Hmm, never ridden a Goldwing 🤷🏻‍♂️ But it’s the same for me down here. I would say it’s good for big trips on big roads, but fuel consumption and range would be an issue then. I’m not sure what you would consider the dark side 🥴 Twinks and I have been out on the bikes a fair bit recently, including a most enjoyable ride in the Nomad today 🤦🏻‍♂️ Vids to follow 😎 Thank you kindly Mr Wolf 🙏🏻

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

A proper mile muncher in my opinion. Never tried one, but would love to. Are you planning to get something else instead? Thanks for sharing it my friend.

[@Saddlebags73]

A brilliant bike RRR. Heavy to manoeuvre at slow speed but once rolling it was ok. I replaced it with the Vulcan Nomad - even heavier - and that isn’t working out very well for me. I have an idea. I think I know of the perfect all rounder. Watch this space 🤣 Many thanks my friend 👍🏼

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

@@Saddlebags73 Among them I would pick the ST. I see, both are heavy, but somehow the ST would be more for me. You are welcome bro. :)

[@flapjackphil4513]

Agree 100% - sad I sold mine🙁. Old school Honda engineering at its best. Heavy to move about though!

[@Saddlebags73]

Brilliant bikes but, yes a bit of a lump in a gravel car park. I know of a heavier beast though 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@flapjackphil4513]

@@Saddlebags73 sounds like you’re paving the way for an outfit?

[@Saddlebags73]

@@flapjackphil4513 No! But I have considered one because I want a dog 🤣

[@SOLOMOTOUK]

Hi Jeff there are good bike very reliable the police stopped using them after that police motorcyclist died from a high speed wobble I don’t down your part of the country but most police forces use BMWs now dreadnought was good bike 👍👍🙏🏍️

[@Saddlebags73]

Hey Derek, hope all is well. Yes I think it was after they changed to the ST1300 they started running into trouble. I can’t remember the last time I saw a police bike down this end, but I think you’re right 👍🏼

[@TheRhythmicBiker]

I got so excited when I saw this thumbnail, thought you’d got another one 😢😂 They are such awesome bikes, the looks, the weight, the bulk, the protection, touring on one of these must be a dream, I’d have one of these over a goldwing any day🤘 It’s a bike you’re probably involved in, proper old fashioned motorcycling 💪 Nice to see you throwing the big girl about, that road does look a lot of fun, will have to visit it on the ZZR 👀 Great video mate, hope you’re doing well 🤘

[@Saddlebags73]

🤣 No, just using some old footage to fill a gap. It was a cracking bike and brilliant for big roads. Not so good for riding back lanes to the coast. I scratched an itch with it though, and a similar story with the Nomad. Next I hope to find the perfect all rounder. Lovely stretch of road that is, but you wouldn’t get out of 3rd gear on the ZZR 😎 Cheers Rhythmic. All good down here and I hope life is treating you well up there 👍🏼

[@throttle_up]

Luv me big bikes. ❤‍🔥

[@Saddlebags73]

They’re a bit impractical for the majority of riding I do, but yes I love them too 👍🏼

[@pureblood2020]

I have a black, mint condition '99 ST 1100 (Pan) model in the stable. Wonderful machine. Just put historical plates on it last month. Shifts smoother than my 2020 Goldwing tour. One of my favorites. Cheers

[@Saddlebags73]

Ah yes, amazing bikes. I still miss this one. Nothing quite like it for long fast rides. Many thanks, take care out there 👍🏼

[@Motoramblings]

I do like my Goldwing, a 2010 version! Honda does do a great job with motorcycles!!

[@Saddlebags73]

Yes they are so well built and take some beating 👍🏼

[@drdoolittle5724]

Nice to hear your voice again SB, years of putting up with you on 'concrete mixers' has ruined my hearing ( writ is in the post ), so that purr from the Almighty Honda is nectar!!! So hopefully seeing you soon on the 1200 DCT will rid you of nasty things like heavy clutches/moving gears with you feet, how primitive!! lol

[@Saddlebags73]

The Witch has feelings you know 🤣 Those Honda V4’s are gorgeous motors. I’m not ready for an automatic…yet 🤨🤣

[@flatcapcaferacer]

Never rode one myself but I always thought they were interesting. Those wobbles can bite you sometimes. 😂

[@Saddlebags73]

Gorgeous motors, Flat Cap. For big trips on big roads, brilliant bikes. For the roads I ride for the majority of the time, not so much. Ah yes, I don’t need to school you on death wobbles 🫣 Hope the healing process is going well my friend.

[@simonthomas5367]

Beautiful part of the world on a fantastic bike. I picked up an immaculate '95 model and have been running it for just over a year. Brilliant bike and i agree with everything you said about heavy traffic. Any regrets after selling? I see Alan Miilyard got another one!

[@Saddlebags73]

Yes they really are brilliant bikes. I took a chance on this one and it turned out to be a goodun. I wouldn’t say I regret selling it, but it would have been nice to have been able to keep it alongside my other bikes. If it’s good enough for Alan Millyard it’s good enough for anyone. Enjoy many safe happy mikes on yours. Many thanks 👍🏼

[@kenbrooks7794]

Just the sort of bike I'd go for if I was more into road riding. Shame you sold it, I know a friend that would have swapped it for an Africa Twin....... 😜😁

[@Saddlebags73]

Brilliant bike Ken. I took a chance on it and it happened to be a goodun. I wish I’d known you fancied it, I could have scratched another itch with the Africa Twin 🙃

[@markhutchings8281]

Yeah nice bikes!🤔🙄🤦🏼‍♂️

[@Saddlebags73]

🤣 you’re scratching the same itch with your Beemer Mark 🙂👍🏼

[@markhutchings8281]

@@Saddlebags73 I know!🤣🤣 can’t help myself!

[@Saddlebags73]

@@markhutchings8281 🤣

[@jimtoone1777]

Nice video, good lines on the roads too. Like it 👍🏻

[@Saddlebags73]

That’s kind and appreciated, thank you 👍🏼

[@economicalrides]

Hi Jeff, definitely a bike I would consider, should I ever find myself in a position where I was needing to do regular big miles on a motorcycle. I'd look for the best maintained one I could find and I'm sure that it would be bullet-proof, apart maybe from the odd little annoyance. I'm sure one of these will always get you to where you need to go and these days they are pretty cheap to get hold of. As long as it hasn't been neglected, should always be a great bike for the money. Yours certainly did the job for you in the time that you had it, so that's all you can ask for really, isn't it ? 👍🏻 Cheers Jeff, El Otro y Rubita

[@Saddlebags73]

Hola Garry, I took a chance on mine. No history of any kind, just a quick glance over it. It was ridiculously cheap and if it turned out to be a bad one I could have broken it and tripled my money on the parts easily. As it happens, it was a goodun. The common areas affected by rust were in excellent shape and the motor and gearbox sweet as a nut 👌🏼 Excellent bike for running the miles up but not very “economical”. There was always some concern over old parts failing and they’re pigs to work on with all that fairing, held on with seized screws and 20 summers worth of sun baked clips 🤣 Cheers Garry. Much love to Rubita. Jeff n Twinks 👋🏼

[@economicalrides]

@@Saddlebags73 Yes, we discussed it when you bought it. I think this was one of those bikes where there is a nagging in the back of your mind, something telling you to enjoy it for now but to get rid before it gets expensive. I've had several vehicles like that in the past, so I understand. Sometimes you just know that a bike isn't going to be a keeper. If you're not 100% happy with it then you are always looking for the best moment to move it on. You want to use it but you also want to move it on before something bad happens 😂 Cheers Jeff & Twinks, Garry y Rubita ❤🐕

[@lipglosshelmetsandhim]

A nice little review. Big touring bikes are easy to ride and i find relaxing. Try a GS!

[@Saddlebags73]

Cheers Heath. Yes very relaxing to ride but a handful in the lanes. A big GS wouldn’t work for me either. I think a middleweight adv is probably the way to go for comfort, 2-up, manageable in the lanes but still capable of touring 🤔 When I’ve flogged the Nomad I have a couple in mind to try out.

[@jimsadler8704]

A chunky old beast, SB, but ideal if you want to do a trip around the world in a couple of days. And to think you got rid of it and bought a tank.

[@Saddlebags73]

Hey Jim 👋🏼 Yes for big trips on big roads, perfect. For a jaunt to the coast, not so much. The “tank” will be moved on and something more manageable will take its place. Hope you’re well my friend.

[@NooBiker]

It sounds like a great bike. Never had the pleasure of riding one

[@Saddlebags73]

Give it a go if you get the opportunity. They have aged well 👍🏼 Cheers Noob 😎

[@davidhawkins120]

Yeah, I've had heavy clutches in the past & its a real pain!!

[@Saddlebags73]

Literally 🥴

[@frankysworld]

Ah, it can be surprising how some older discarded footage can actually be good content. It almost makes me want to hunt down old footage of Piggy, my old Suzuki VZ800 - perhaps a good thing, because those V&H pipes wouldn't let me get a word in on the audio (maybe not an entirely bad thing).😄 I never owned a Honda, but I heard very good things about them. Perhaps the best description is one when I heard someone comparing Suzuki and Honda: "Suzuki is like the Royal Enfield of the Japanese bikes - the basics - (engine, frame, etc) is right up there with the more expensive bikes and you can upgrade the bikes with some aftermarket parts to upgrade the quality until you basically end up with a Honda."

[@Saddlebags73]

Off the top of my head, the only Suzuki I remember owning was a TL1000 which was bada55. I’ve only had a couple of Honda’s, but they were so well built. Bit of a Kawasaki fanboy really. BUT, I could be replacing the Nomad with a middleweight Suzuki 😯 We shall see. Cheers Franky 😎👍🏼

[@frankysworld]

@@Saddlebags73 I just have to ask since you mention mile weight 😀; have you ever contemplated the Interceptor 650 or the GT continental? or are you just secretly a kawa-hooligan when no-one is looking?😁

[@Saddlebags73]

@@frankysworld I was considering an Interceptor before I bought Ernie. I really really like the GT650’s. But neither the GT or Interceptor would be ideal for long days 2-up 🫤

[@frankysworld]

@@Saddlebags73 Valid consideration. The pillion pegs are not the greatest in term of position. I even had to modify the front pegs to be a bit more comfortable for my big old pig trotters 😆. I am curious to see if they will bring out the new Bullet with the 650 engine - if it has the foot peg layout of the Classic 500 it would be (for me, at least) a big improvement.

[@Saddlebags73]

@@frankysworld I think a 650 Bullet/Classic would turn a lot of people/pigs on. I’ll be sticking with Ernie though 🙂

[@Motoramblings]

Sure looks like a fun bike to ride!!!

[@Saddlebags73]

I imagine in a similar way to the Goldwing, it’s very involving for the rider and quite rewarding 👍🏼

[@Motoramblings]

@@Saddlebags73 I have not been on that bike, or even the ST 1300, but I’m sure the similarities are numerous. For me, the Goldwing is just such a joy to ride!

[@craigyllyn]

Always admired the Pan. Felt it would be too big for my little legs.

[@Saddlebags73]

Hmm, I don’t think they’re particularly tall. Bit of a lump for your little lanes though.

[@craigyllyn]

@@Saddlebags73 but you’re tall and I’m short. 😂😂 Regards the weave my understanding was it was at 120 plus or something like that. Have you noticed it around that or say 130 ish?

[@Saddlebags73]

@@craigyllyn the 1100 was fine at 120 km/h 🤪

[@craigyllyn]

@@Saddlebags73 😂😂😂 I can almost say the same about the Monkey . I think it was 117 clicks

[@Saddlebags73]

@@craigyllyn 🤣

[@moonshinepz]

Great bikes, Pans.

[@Saddlebags73]

Yes, gorgeous motors 👍🏼

[@hachewie]

I miss my GTR1400 loads. Love a sports tourer.

[@Saddlebags73]

I bet you do mate. Any developments on that?

[@hachewie]

@@Saddlebags73 bike was written off. I bought the Rocket 3.

[@Saddlebags73]

@@hachewie and you don’t like it so much? Sorry mate, been hectic this end 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@hachewie]

@@Saddlebags73 No apologies needed. I’ve not made many videos past two months. I love it. It’s just very different. It’s also been ist the bike mechanic for over two weeks waiting on valve shims and gaskets from the UK.

[@Saddlebags73]

@@hachewie Getting proper technical 👍🏼