R1200st Review

[Shameka Roessler]

TheBMW R1200ST is a fantastic bike. I bought mine used with 44k miles on it. Solid bike. Drive Shaft makes it a bit tourquey in first gear and the front suspension is amazing at damping out the road but takes a while to really trust. The Servo Assisted brakes are the best brakes I have ever had on a bike. The headlight is brighter than most LED head lights that are coming on the newer bikes and I really like the bags and heated grips that came with it stock.

I see this bike as more of competition for BMWs RT than the VFR or Sprint (both of which I've owned) as the BMW St is for someone considering a BMW RT but wanting something a little lighter and sportier. IE if rideing across america, and its big highways get the RT , crossing Europe , ST is your ticket.The VFR and Sprint are more for keeping up with your sport bike friends and having some hard luggage along while you do it. With no shaft drive and cramped ergonomics for those over 5'10" a Sprint or VFR is not a serious long range tourer , probably the rational behind Honda coming out with the VFR1200.the VFR and Sprint are not great two up on any ride over an hour , where as the BMW is something you could take your pillion friend on for weeks abroad.New the BMW St was expensive , but used its 2K cheaper than an RT or a VFR. I paid 3900 pounds for mine with 25K on it , ABS panniers heated grips and every option . Bargin as VFRs and Sprints go for more than that. and the BMW is much much better built than either of those.

Done 3000 miles on the bike now, loads of grunt out the bends and for overtaking, great fun real world bike. Sorted the slow turn, tweaked the rear shock and my technique, dont even notice now the bike just goes where I want it to.

Bought second hand, owned for one month, 2000 cheaper than 1200RT of same age,this bike is such great value, handles well, goes well, over priced new but a great used buy. My only fault with the bike, a bit slow to turn in on the bends (slower than a RT1200}.

Not very inspiring. Like the engine but not as much fun as my old 1150 Adventure. However, good cross between sports & touring for myself an wife at our age (50s). Brakes are excellent as is weather protection. Its a little bit heavy on the arms in traffis but perfect at about 80mph+. Superb finish even after 4000 winter miles. Service on 1150 very good so expect the same with ST. Very easy to own - doesn't rot - which the journalists often (always) overlook. Dood bike butt probably it was the wrong choice after an 1150 Adventure. KTM was nearly bought but service costs, lack of dealers and reliability concerns ruled it out. Good tourer.

Have only done 1300 miles on the bike so it hasn't loosened up properly yet. The bike is expensive for what you get and the dry clutch certainly takes a while to get used to - nowhere near as smooth as a wet! After a week the bike was recalled for a clutch re-fit. An identical clutch was fitted which makes me wonder why? Especially as it came back with 4 faults after the fit. Needless to say, Cannon BMW's technical ability leaves a lot to be desired. After taking the older R1150RT out for a day while the clutch was being fitted, yes, it takes a whole day as the bike has to be dismantled, I am thinking about trading the ST in for an RT as the handling is far superior. Strengths: Reported reliability - will have to see, if I keep the bike. Weaknesses: Indicators - why?! Economy, am unimpressed so far.

Good job I read the reviews last year as this model seems to have disappeared from any follow-up reports. One thing I do agree with, is that BMW indicators still need thought and using the horn in an emergency could still result in a left turn being indicated. Still very happy with the bike, power abs brakes are superb and comfort/weather protection, especially against headwinds is excellent. First year service next week but nothing else has been required, used 1ltr. of oil which I am advised is normal with a new Beemer. 58-60 mpg and tyres will probably last beyond 8/9000 miles. Came with Michelin Pilot's which have compared well against my previous BT02 Bridgestones. Would still like to see a test where they use the correct 98octane fuel (Shell optimax is the only 98 otc available) and what a dyno run is like on 95 unleaded. Back-up and service from Ocean Plymouth has been as good as the BMW car support my son gets. Strengths: Power brakes, comfort two up, and reliability. Weaknesses: BMW switchgear for indicators, if only you could fit standard kit as supplied on every other Kawasaki/Yamaha I have owned!

Retracting the kickstand and steadying the bike is a breeze: where did all that weight go? Well, in truth, it was never there. Like an inflated hologram, the bike appears to have locomotive heft behind it, but under its wide, protective cowling lies an impressive tubular steel frame, using the engine and gearbox as stressed members. Without panniers, the R1200RT has a dry weight of only 505 lb (229 kg), 571 lb (259 kg) wet and ready to ride. This frame was once shared by boxer sport bikes within the range, the retired R1200S comes to mind. Now its DNA becomes more clear: this motorcycle has sport bike genes and it does not try to hide them.

Visibility is excellent with mirrors placed uniquely under your arms. The geometry works well, offering full view through both slightly convex mirrors with a slight lift of your elbows. The Motorrad engineers did a great job eliminating vibration from the glass, even at low engine rpm or on the highway. Rubber bushings also reduce vibration through the handlebars, a welcome addition to the smooth ride.

Riding position is slightly forward leaning with good body alignment for comfort over long distances, while still offering a commanding stance on the bike during sport riding. Your wrists ride weight-free, and knees are bent at a comfortable angle, but pegs are still placed under-hip such that you can readily transfer weight from peg to peg or stand at will to soak up the big bumps.

Overall, the thumping boxer is keen to spin up through the gears while the forgiving yet precise suspension setup gives the bike a very friendly personality, happy to carve corners and put a smile on your face.

The recently updated wind fairing and windshield have been reshaped to provide better aero-acoustics at speed. The large windshield is electronically adjustable on-the-fly, allowing you to channel the airflow onto your helmet at just the right angle to reduce buffeting and wind noise. The windshield can be raised 140mm (5.5 inches) at the touch of a button mounted by the left hand grip.

As earlier discussed, this bike will hold 113 liters of cargo when equipped with both side panniers and the optional tank case. Such cavernous storage space should keep back packs out of the equation even on long trips.

Cruise control will help erode the miles while the on-board computer offers up a plethora of important diagnostics. Fuel level, fuel range, trip computer, ambient temperature, coolant temperature, amenity settings, suspension adjustment, tire pressure warning, and an oil warning light are all provided through the system.

The open road is where the R1200RT is most at home. Over the long haul, the many safety and comfort features mentioned above become necessities. After 8 hours of riding in one day, I was limber, energized and relaxed: I can think of no greater endorsement.

We would like to thank BMW Canada for providing us with the R1200RT test motorcycle for our review. We would also like to thank Graham Allen of BMW Toronto Motorrad for his expert riding during our photo shoot.

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