I'm working my top 5 (more like a bucket list)...
Looking for some NHF experience/insight here...
Any particular year ST1100 stand out over the others? Any year ST1100 to stear away from?
Same goes with the ST1300?
Any other sports tourer that I should consider?
The pre-96 ST1100 had an oil cooled 28 amp alternator, the 96-02 had a 40 amp air cooled alternator. The 28 amp is fine for normal use but has a tenency to leak after a while. Many owners upgraded to 28 to a 40 amp. I prefer the ABS II over the ABS of the pre-96 models, but not for any specific reasons, just personal preference. Look underneath, some 1100s rusted out the bottom of he swing arm. Not a problem with proper maintenance, but you know how some POs are.
The 03 ST1300 non-ABS model didn't have the electric windshield, or some minor heat shielding on the inside of the lower plastic. There are some very minor differences here and there thru the model years, but overall, nothing to avoid. I love the 2004 - it's a one year only color; the blue shows well in the sunlight.
If you're looking for inexpensive, consider the Concours. It's a great bike for what it is and what you can find one for. They're tough, and I found mine to be very comfortable in the time I owned it. Some people have a problem with engine "buzz" and highway speeds, but many don't. I did, but it wasn't why I sold mine. CB can correct me, but I believe 96 and later had different wheels - with the front being larger than previous - better brakes, better seat and better instruments. The bags look a bit "tacked on", but for an inexpensive ST, it's an excellent choice. They made them from 86-05 (I think), so aftermarket support is still out there, and the COG (Concours Owners Group) is great.
