HONDA
ST 1100 Pan European - 1989
Supreme grand tourer
Rare are manufacturers who
have dared to invest colossal sums on the development of an entirely new model
intended for a single market. Rarer yet is the instance of a Japanese
motorcycle specifically conceived as a grand tourer. However, the Honda Pan
European proved an historic exception to the rule.
Longitudinal V 4 Engine
Honda gave its all in
developing an entirely new engine to satisfy the exclusive requirements of the
European market (sales of GT bikes are negligible in the US and Japan). Its
most original feature – a V4 engine set longitudinally in the frame – had
rarely been seen in the history of motor-cycling but made for a very narrow
machine.
Eliminating the Torque Reaction
The longitudinal crankshaft
made it easy to adopt shaft drive. To eliminate the torque reaction of a
longitudinally-mounted engine, the gearbox rotated in the opposite direction.
The valve gear was driven by a cogged belt – as on the Gold Wing series – and
the engine was housed in a tubular double-cradle frame. For better weight
distribution, the tank was mounted below the saddle. Finally, the ST 1100 was
endowed in 1991 with anti-lock braking on the rear wheel. Despite its weight,
the ST 1100 handles extraordinarily well. Though its flexibility isn't
outstanding, the engine is remarkably long-legged, which makes it ideal for
long journeys where there is no necessity to play tunes on the gearbox. The
fairing offers effective protection; twin panniers are optional. The ST 1100 is
comfortable, but you're always aware of its weight of nearly 700 lb.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 1085cc (73x65mm)
water-cooled 90-degree V4 four-stroke
Power Rating: 102 hp @ 7500
rpm
Valves: twin
overhead-camshafts/ 16 valves
Fuel System: four 32rrun carburetors
Transmission: 5-speed, shaft
final drive
Suspension: telescopic forks
(front); swing arm with monodamper (rear)
Brakes: twin discs (front);
disc (rear)
Wheels: 18 inch (front); 17
inch (rear)
Weight: 624 lb
Maximum Speed: 135 mph
Sober and superbly finished, the Honda Pan European has established a
reputation as one of the finest grand touring bikes of its generation.
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Honda
