In 1995, Honda issued a voluntary recall for the bank angle sensor in 1991 - 1993 STs. Originally, a request for replacement had to be submitted by December 31, 1995. However, many listers had their's replaced much later than that at no charge. This sensor is an oil-damped pendulum switch which serves to shut off the ignition and the electric fuel pump should the motorcycle be dropped. The first generation sensor was prone to have the oil leak out, resulting in inopportune engine shutdown when the bike hit a bump or the rider made a sudden, short steering input. When the shutdown occurred, the rider had to first switch the ignition key "Off" and back "On" to reset the system logic. Doing this while the engine is spinning results in a loud backfire. I consider this malfunction to be a safety issue.
There are several ways to see whether your ST has had this sensor replaced.
1. The dealer is supposed to metal stamp an "X" on the frame cross member under the seat. Evidently, many dealers failed to perform this marking, so absence of the mark doesn't necessarily mean that the switch was not replaced.
Examination of the sensor is necessary if there is no "X". It is mounted under the fairing, just in front of the clock. It has a semi-circular bottom, and can be touched if you reach through the fairing opening next to the right hand mirror housing.
2. The switch has a date code ink stamped on the housing, facing the rear of the bike. Trust me, this is hard to see, even with a mirror.
If you believe your bank angle sensor is faulty, you will have to talk to your dealer.
Last updated on January 27, 2014 © 2001-2014 M. E. Martin, All rights reserved