HONDA ST1100 PAN EUROPEAN (1989 - 2001) Review

Version: Europe

Year: 1998

Big stable, plush, mile eater, engine is a wondrous thing, two up distance work is easy. The weight of it is the only real downside. For a viable low budget tourer in the 2020s it makes a lot of sense. Reliable and the handling exceeds my expectations on twisty roads.

Buying experience: Bought online, unseen. A few things to sort but you take your chances buying online.

Version: ABS/TCS

Year: 2000

Annual servicing cost: £200

The only real downside is the weight when getting it in and out of the garage, apart from that I can't fault it. I've had all sorts of bikes in the 31 years since I passed my test and this will be my forever bike. It's not flashy or mega fast and it's starting to shoe it's age but there's just something about the way it rides. I can get around corners on it a lot quicker than I can on a lot of sports bikes. Perfect bike for me.

Version: St1100AY ABS/CBS

Year: 2000

Annual servicing cost: £150

Totally brilliant long-distance machine - even though the youngest ones are now over 20 years of age (!) they are still very competent and able. I have had several in between modern bikes and all their clever technology. Presently I have both a full abs/cbs low mileage Pan and a non abs earlier bike with a lot more miles - they both sound identical and both have the same reassuring feel that they will just keep on going. Have had the equally great 1300 in the past but for me the 1100 just feels more classy and definitely more stable in any situation. Worst features ? .... swingarm corrosion, oe exhausts corrosion and possible 28amp alternator issues on some earlier bikes. Like any ageing machine they need looking after, so my advice is find a nice one and look after it and it should just simply keep going on and on and on.......

Buying experience: Private - now as low a grand for a rough one with mot or what ? maybe 2500 or more for a nice one ...... ?

Version: Abs

Year: 2000

Absolute dream to handle

Buying experience: Very good!

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £200

Its a 20 year old bike and still rides well. people are compering it with modem bikes and they still do ok in the comparison.

Buying experience: I got it from a dealer about 5 years ago and it has devalued about £600 in that time

Year: 1997

Annual servicing cost: £150

Totally, totally reliable, great handling, plenty of grunt for normal use, totally reliable. ( Yes I know I said that once but it's true!)

Buying experience: Dealer

Year: 2000

A dam nice handling bike for its weight.

Buying experience: A lot of bike for the money 👍🏻

Version: Non ABS

Year: 2001

Look, ignore stupid reviews. Do your due diligence and find out what to look for when buying a Pan. There is a fantastic owners forum for a start. They are all at least 20 years old now. They were designed decades ago so manage your expectations. However, all that said find a well maintained one and it’s is a lovely thing. A great all rounder. Buy some cheap old nasty one and you get what you deserve.

Buying experience: Bought from a small independent dealer local to me. Low mileage, all old MOT’s, one owner bike. Paid a bit over but the bike was so good I did not want to let it go. No regrets.

Version: None

Year: 1999

Dont bother! You will be in tears!

Buying experience: Buyer be aware of major engine faults.

Version: Non ABS

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £300

The king of the 90's big tourers, one of the best bikes Honda have ever made.

Buying experience: I've owned two, both were £1000 privately, low mileage bikes will still make strong money, but a well looked after example with 75k on it will still be a lot of bike and substantially cheaper.

Version: Non ABS

Year: 1998

Annual servicing cost: £900

The Honda drops a mark due to the standard riding position and handlebars. It doesn't seem to know what it wants to be, too narrow and low for cruising but too high for sports riding. I cured this with some 10 inch westerns!

Buying experience: Private, 1400 squid. A lot of bike for the money.

Version: Non ABS model.

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £300

Mile muncher with good milage and tank. Plenty of room for a pillion and comfortable too with smooth power and good handling. It is a heavy bike to push around so be careful. Riding it is easy, with slow handling and manoeuvres no problems.

Buying experience: Bought this new for around £8k and still have it.

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £100

I have a 2012 BMW R1200GS but to keep the miles off it with doing a lot of touring bought 2nd hand Pan with 19,000miles on it and a few bruises. Serviced it myself, changed fork seals after sprung a leak and then rear shock went when I was in scotland with the wife on a test, replaced when I got back. As I had a French tour with the lads and a massive european 3weeker with wife I decided on the Pan for that as I know how much she likes to pack! 3,750miles in all weathers and never missed a beat. I got so used to it I loved being on it, loads of torque from the grunty motor and on fast roads you almost feel like your at tickover as 4krpm = 80mph. WOrst thing is static weight as she is a brute to move around fully loaded.

Buying experience: haggled down to £1600 private sale as it had a few bruises and had been dropped a couple of times no doubt at standing due to weight!

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £150

One of best bikes on the road well reliable

Buying experience: Paid 800 for it stripped it down did everything it needed another 400 and well worth spending the money

Version: Non ABS

Year: 1997

Big Bang for your motorcycle money!!

Version: ABS/TCS

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £200

This is my best bike ever.

Year: 1995

This bike is just brilliant at what I need it for: eating miles every day and coming for more in comfort.

Buying experience: Not easy to find a good one but it was worth holding out until one turned up.

Version: Non ABS

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £400

Excellent mile muncher but as noted getting the type of tyre that suits is important as she does get twitchy with Sportmax's and in the winter rinse off the front callipers with a bit of warm water otherwise you'll be stripping down and rebuilding the callipers every year, really bad fault and its why its only got a 4000 mile service interval. Also whenever I take the rear wheel out I clean and also slap on a coat of black smoothrite on the swingarm, I don't know what we use in Britain as road salt but it must have a PH of around 1

Buying experience: Latest one is a 2002 non ABS, 60k near mint condition £2200 from a dealer with 3 months parts & labour warranty, which is always nice

Version: 2003 ST1100P (Police Model)

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £500

Not much to be said, it's the perfect bike. I've had 2 previous ones and all 3 rode (ride) flawlessly. :) Plenty of room to shave 2" off the seat and put in a gel insert, put some handlebar risers on yours and the rest is up to you. So many ways to customize an ST. Average just under 50MPG on the highway. For a 700+ pound bike, that's AMAZING!!

Version: Police

Year: 1995

Annual servicing cost: £200

Buying experience: Privately, got a good deal

Version: ABS/TC

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £60

Best features are the light crisp handling. I also have a Kawasaki GTR1000 which is like riding an incredibly fast block of concrete in comparison. If anything, at the moment, the worst part of it is that the 5 speed high gearing means I'm often in 4th rather than 5th. Comparing the Kawasaki, the 6 speed gives more flexibility. I would have expected a bit more bottom end torque from the V4 at low revs. But, again, turn the throttle and it responds.

Version: 1997v

Year: 1997

Best feature has to be comfort, ride for 120 miles and get off fresh as when you started. If you're into touring it's a good bike, shaft drive is a massive plus here. If your looking for excitement, stay away. Worst feature static weight. Physically moving it around requires a lot of effort.

Buying experience: Bought the bike privately for an amazing £1400. Considering the work the previous owner had done and the near full service history, a bit of a bargain.

Version: NON-ABS or TC

Year: 2000

Annual servicing cost: £100

The best features are too many to count! Reliability, the effortless way it performs - too many positives.. Negatives - one - vibration through the twist grip. I blame the vibes on damaging the nerves in my right hand BUT I would still recommend this superb motorcycle.

Buying experience: I bought new from dealer and paid about $11,000 in 2000. Best money I ever spent.

Year: 1992

Annual servicing cost: £100

Best features everything except the seat. Worst feature, the stock seat, why do the slope it forward so that one's nuts get crushed?

Buying experience: Bought privately, from a guy off Craigslist. Asking $1800, took $1600. The bike was in okay conditon, needed a little love (carburetor leaked gas into one of the cylinders.) Odometer miles were 40,000. Feel like I stole it. I live in Tucson AZ, where rust & corrosion are pretty much unknown.

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £88

I scratched a long-tem itch in May 2014. At 56 years of age I passed my cat A licence. After seeking advice from my course instructor and my test examiner (both top blokes) and doing a bit of research I plumped for a ST1100. It went over 20,000 miles on my test ride and now sits at 25,000 just over a year later. Obviously I have little experience of riding other bikes. I trained on an ER-6N and 'fiddled around' on mates bike years ago. To be honest, my range of experience is likely to remain limited. My current 'Pan is brilliant. My next bike will probably be a ST1300 unless there is something out there I've missed....and I've looked at BMW's, Kawasaki GTR 1400's/Z1000SX's, Yamaha FJR 1300'S, Triumphs and V Stroms.Yep, it's a heavy bike but it all drops into the road as soon as you move. I imagine everyone has to watch that they don't park pointing downhill too close an obstacle, be it parked car, wall or kerb. You ain't going to pull a 'Pan far back uphill on your own. Worst features- honestly? It was getting the fuel cap off, but a smear of Vaseline took care of that. Best features- every time I reach for my Shoei and gloves the old pulse quickens at the prospect of spending time on my bike.

Buying experience: I brought from a local garage. They had known the bike for six years, knew the reason for sale and were happy to discount clothing purchases after I'd offered the asking price- £3,700.

Version: st1100as

Year: 1995

a lot of bike for the money. big & heavy but handles superb (worn tyres affect handling considerably- just put a new set of bt023 on - excellent even in this wet weather). commands a large presence on the road (which doesn't completely stop the SMIDSY's but definitely reduces them) and still gets through the traffic jams with all the panniers and wide mirrors etc. abs & tcs have got me out of trouble more than once! I have an ex police model (just under 25,000 miles atm) with the bigger alternator and have heated grips and power outlets for satnav, phone charger, video camera, comms set, mp3,etc. and it never fails to start. I invested in a corbin dual seat which is super comfortable. I travel around 160 miles a day in all weathers (to work and back- double or more on a trip out) -aside from obvious reduced visibility hardly ever notice the wind and rain. roughly 40-50mpg depending how I ride. plenty of storage - makes no difference to handling or speed fully loaded up +pillion. great bike.

I brought an ex MOD pan back in April 2013 ( 5months ago) and other than reliability its fantastic. The brakes have seize up easily so it pays to keep them clean. this has lead to cracked discs too. The handling is incredible for a bike of its age and size, I still play with sports bikes but without the bad back and having to stop for fuel, its a bike that rewards using your brain rather than relying on the bike to do things for you, and yet is completely comfortable at the same time. The ride is very smooth compared with the other two bikes I've owned (cbr 125 which I did 42000 miles on, and a Kawasaki ZR7, 15000 in 18 months). Equipment is fantastic, everything you need for a tourer, even down to the little cubby holes in the front fairing. Build quality was incredible but its showing its age with cracked fairing panels, and the cracked discs but I think they were originals, but thats about it. Reliability hasn't been great, she's currently off the road waiting for a rectifier (a common Honda problem NOT limited to the pan). The engine is beautiful. Keep the revs low and it just chugs along as you would expect, increase the revs and you have a comfortable sporty bike that catches a lot of sports bikes out. And as for value, I got mine for ONLY £1000 off a customer from my work. Sometimes a deal is too good to turn down. I have plans to get braided hoses on the brakes and clutch, and the clutch slave cylinder needs an overhaul too. Oh and I'm only 24

I brought an ex MOD pan back in April 2013 ( 5months ago) and other than reliability its fantastic. The brakes have seize up easily so it pays to keep them clean. this has lead to cracked discs too. The handling is incredible for a bike of its age and size, I still play with sports bikes but without the bad back and having to stop for fuel, its a bike that rewards using your brain rather than relying on the bike to do things for you, and yet is completely comfortable at the same time. The ride is very smooth compared with the other two bikes I've owned (cbr 125 which I did 42000 miles on, and a Kawasaki ZR7, 15000 in 18 months). Equipment is fantastic, everything you need for a tourer, even down to the little cubby holes in the front fairing. Build quality was incredible but its showing its age with cracked fairing panels, and the cracked discs but I think they were originals, but thats about it. Reliability hasn't been great, she's currently off the road waiting for a rectifier (a common Honda problem NOT limited to the pan). The engine is beautiful. Keep the revs low and it just chugs along as you would expect, increase the revs and you have a comfortable sporty bike that catches a lot of sports bikes out. And as for value, I got mine for ONLY £1000 off a customer from my work. Sometimes a deal is too good to turn down. I have plans to get braided hoses on the brakes and clutch, and the clutch slave cylinder needs an overhaul too

well what can i say about this bike i bought one the other week its a joy to ride yes its heavy but so what it handles great you can see why the police used them very comfortable go for miles on it i love it to bits my ST1100 i found one with really low mileage 1999 model with 11900 mls on it what about that then and one owner to boot its a great bike get one a mile muncher :)

Bought an 02 reg pan from a dealer last March. I wish I had had a test ride first ! By the time I rode home (50 miles) I was already thinking of the wording of my classified ad. I know everyone thinks there the best thing since sliced bread but the one I had was the worst bike I have EVER rode. Far to heavy in the turn, gutless engine and no character at all !!! Weather protection is great, which is the only thing good I have to say about it but if that's your main reason to buy one then buy a car

I bought a 1990 ST1100 in 1992 at about half retail and only 3,200km on the clock. This bike has been the best long distance ride ever (my other rides were V65 Sabre, FJ600, XS650). I also commute on it. Great city bike but after 22 years of Toronto road work the fairing needs some TLC for rattles.

Apart from being classed as an old man's bike, they're brilliant. No different solo than two up. Loads of grunt. Great weather protection. Don't ever drop it. Mines been knocked over twice, no damage though, those crash protectors do a good job, but the bike's so heavy it takes two to pick it up.

I was converted to the St1100 after riding my mates for 2000 miles in France and they really are a very good touring bike economical as any other excellent build quality and super comfy solo, two up fully loaded it just don't matter. Replace the tin exhaust box with a s/steel one change the oil and filters regularly and you will have a bike that will last years. BUT DON'T BE CONFUSED THIS IS THE ST1100 I am talking about NOT the newer ST1300 that is rubbish by comparison DO NOT BUY ONE pick up a good 1100 and you won't be disapointed.

I Bought my 1998 non abs model in june 2007 with 10k on the clock yes 10k it cost me £3750 which was quite expensive but with 8 service stamps in the book it has been well looked after & garaged all its days.On riding it 200 yds down the road i was really disapointed with the wind noise fron the 16" standard fairing needless to say its the first thing i changed i have now got a 20" screen fitted but still getting loads of wind noise so i am changing it again to a 24" so hopefully that will sort the problem out.other than that its been superb & really looks the part it will keep up with most bikes on the road if you open it up,Has a great riding posistion & god for long distance riding gives you around the 200 per tank of fuel insurance it reasnable too So if your looking for a great all rounder that will hold its money better than anything else BUY one

Ive owned my Pan since 2001 when i purchased it new yes it is heavy but its a man`s bike after all. I have done 130mph in Germany two up with more to spare unbustable motor loads of grunt making really lazy riding. Will blow 600 sports bikes off as it corners on rails. well over 40 mpg tank capacity over 6 gallon. The build quality is excellent except for mild steel collector, once replaced with stainless steel you can forget it. Bridgestone BT020 tyres give really good grip rear lasts 6k and front 8k. Brakes are ok Only synthetic oil due to wet clutch Bike will cover 200,000 miles easily with only few parts wearing out cam belt change 80k Thats why they keep their price. Will i ever sell it NO I WONT Loads of accessories to fit good weather protection use it all year round. Buy one you will not regret it.

i only bought one because i had a 130 mile commute everyday. i hate everything the pan european "stands for" IN BIKING but i cant fault it in ANYWAY THE THING goes round corners in a way a steel framed 280kg motorcycle should not... if big miles are your thing NOTHING comes close

Keeps you dry even in terrible weather, serious grunt in the engine, comfy enough for all day riding, you quickly forget the size and weight, not cheap to buy or put fuel in.

I've had my X-reg ABS/TCS Pan for 18 months or so, apart from a couple of silencers, no probs. Took a while to get confidence, but two new BT020's transformed the handling; you can lean at improbable angles, at least in the dry. Keeping up with most sports bikes is possible as long as you plan your corners; it's not really chuckable, but handles very well for a big bike. The anti-dive forks work well, brakes are capable, the linked system is not obvious in operation. Economy and comfort ? 300+ miles to a tank, then you might want to stretch your legs. If you are looking to buy, like all faired bikes, the plastic can hide a lot, most don't get cleaned behind, so have a good look. Parts are expensive, a full exhaust is several hundred £'s, as is an ABS unit. Pans tend not to get thrashed, so last a long time if they get regular oil changes. Get one while you still can !

Had a 2000 ABS Pan 2 years now, 42K miles, no problems except exhaust corrosion. Big bucks... If you're buying one, get down on the ground with a torch and have a good look! Take the panniers off. Also check the radiator, alloy can corrode under the paint. Big bucks... No mistake, a heavy bike, takes a while to master. Most Pans get dropped at a standstill, usually no damage except £12 crash bar cover. Avoid gravel car parks! Once moving, a peach to ride, if well ridden easily stays with sporty stuff on country roads, but keep your wits about you, sudden tight bends remind you you're on a third of a ton..! 40 mpg typical. Oh, and did I mention it was heavy?

Bought with 500 miles on the clock in 1990, px'ing a VFR for approx. £4200. I reckon its still worth £2000, so that is a depreciation of about £138 per year. By common consensus within the motorcycling fraternity, the ST1100 has turned out to be a fabulous motorcycle, but in 1990, if you listened to the pundits, i.e. motorcycle journalists, it might have seemed a bit of a punt, being slated as 'too heavy and ponderous'. Time has proven the ST1100, amongst both the private and public sectors of the motorcycle market. I fully expect to still be riding my ST1100 in ten years time, unless Honda or another manufacturer manage to improve upon the ST1100 Pan, in all areas. It should be easy as the ST1100 was designed in the late 1980's but they have'nt managed it yet. In my opinion, the ST1100 model is faithful to the ideals of Soichiro Honda. Strengths: Total reliability, low maintenance, reasonable performance, astounding 'survivability'. Weaknesses: The exhaust collector box. Thats it.

After comeing into some handy needed cash. I thought go get myself an other bike so sold the old bmw k100rs after lots off happy miles and got a zzr1300 only to meet with a young girly comeing the wrong way down the a406 me and the bike went under her car and walked away lucky or wot?? Was left with a lot off pain so sport bike days were over at 54 years old in come the pan and cant find any thing wrong with it 100 out of 100 for the beasty love it and the new 1300 looks good to slurp slurp. Strengths: The pan handles two up and lots of luggage easy and still handles good. Weaknesses: Exhaust box bit dear to replace .

The bike is the best bike ive ever owned and as they dont make them anymore im going to keep it. Ive never had any mechanical problems at all, only things ive change in 12k are the tyres to Bridgestone 020`s rear pads, oil and filter they are that reliable. Strengths: The ease of touring two up cornering stability and that grunty motor sports bikes have problems in bends keeping up Fact. Tank range 270 miles, comfort lugage resale price. Weaknesses: There isnt any unless you say its a bit heavy but its a tourer.

This bike is truly amazing, would buy another one now if I could afford to. Bought 3yrs old with 40,000mls, did 5000 in 6 months. Had to sell mine due to mariage and house move.(What was I doing) 20 mile round trip daily comute in all weathers not a problem, it had heated grips(godsend)It was supremely comfortable even 2 up and loaded, never a lack of power or grunt, and the handling was flawless once used to weight. By the way I am 26yrs old and sold it 18 months ago. You can stop laughing now.(Not that I care) Strengths: The best things were its ability to keep suprising you in its ability. The handling suprised me most, it was so stable. It didn't matter how hard you counter steered it just turned and asked for more. Weaknesses: The only weaknesses I can think of are that I found the bars to low (STX 1300 are better)this may just be a personal thing as I have quite short arms. Her indoors aslo complained of the wind beating her to death at speeds in excess of 85mph on the back, but no-one else I spoke to said the same?