GS or ST... I'm confused.

[XboxSteve]

Deep breath, here we go...

I'm in the lucky position to be able to sell my 2000 W 1150GS and upgrade to a newer, lower milage bike.

I only ever do roads, with a big trip in the summer, commuting everyday and occasional weekend trips here and there.

I've been looking at later 1150's, early 1200GS's and other bikes here and there, hence the mention of the 1200ST.
For the 1200ST, I'd get the sports bike handlebar conversion and bigger screen, yes I hear you say, why not stop arseing about and get the 1200GS!

I took out a 1200RT at the NEC and didn't like it. The screen in the full 'up' position cut right through my field of view, it felt like a GS with a door bolted to the front.

Anyhoo, I've not *yet* ridden the 12GS or ST and have booked test rides for next week at Vines.

I've also been trawling the interweb looking for suitable bikes and came across this ST...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/05-BMW-R-1200-ST-R1200ST-R1200-MUST-BE-SOLD-Bargain_W0QQitemZ250372777548QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Motorcycles?hash=item250372777548&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A7%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

As the eagle-eyed of you will see, the pictures were taken outside of Vines.

Then I see this on Vines website, http://www.vinesbikes.co.uk/bmw-view-stock.asp?SP_ID=1666176&BRA_ID=35&PAGE_CODE=USED

So a great price on Ebay and you know it was checked by Vines (and I've been to see the bike today and it *looks* great).

Of course I'm also asking myself how is it on Ebay when its also in Vines approved used stock (check the plates in the pics, it's the same bike)

Anyway, I was looking at the ST as not many people like them and therefore in times like these, I will get it for a better price than an equivalent GS in the same condition with similar miles.

Your collective feedback on GS or ST much appreciated.
My budget is approx. £5 - £6k and I don't do ADV's as I'm a short-arse!

 

[Posh Pete]

Try out the ST. If you like it, buy it!

I imagine it'll come down to riding position. The ST shares the 1200 engine but the riding position is on the sportier side of touring. I tried one and found it a bit cramped compared to my 1100RS and if you're used to a GS style upright position then there's no comparison.

The ST never really caught on partly due to the cyclops headlight design which by all accounts is actually very effective at lighting up the road ahead! (Why should we be surprised at that I wonder????)

The reason for the bike being on both sites is probably that they are keen to sell it which augurs well if you like it and wave a wodge of cash at them ...

 

[GSmonkey]

Done about 2000 miles on an ST as a loan bike (final drive being fettled on the 12GS). Probably the worst bike I've ever ridden. Poor riding position (for me) worse than my sportsbikes, but without the power. There's a reason they don't make them any more!!!!

Just my 2p

 

[Wicker]

Owned an R1100S. Tried the 1200GS and the ST. Bought the ST. If most of your miles are tarmac then its a fine tourer without the weight of the RT or a Pan. Still hanker after a GS for some light off roading but tending towards the 800 version as it is a bit lighter for when I would inevitably would drop it; just a pity they did not make the new 800 as a boxer with shaft drive.

As you have noted, used ST's are available for not too much money and there is a certain scarcity value to owning one. I quite like the looks; it tends to be either love or hate.

Perhaps the only downside is that BMW have stopped making the ST and bike specific parts may become an issue in future. Lots of GS about so unlikely to be similarly affected whereever in the world you may be.

Generally speaking you will not here too many good words said about the ST on this forum. This does not make it a bad bike, simply that GS'er are loyal to their marque.

 

[Deleted Member I]

The last ST I saw sold on ebay was nearing end of 2008. It went for 5100 I think and was newer and better spec than this one, as I remember seeing that being advertised at the silly price.

 

[Navy Boy]

I rode an ST a couple of years back whilst one of my bikes was being serviced at CW's.

In short I liked it. Nice enough riding position and the motor was as good as any of the other 1200s I've ridden. With the luggage et al it would make a fine touring machine and it has that knack of covering ground deceptively quickly like most Boxers seem to have.

I didn't buy it as I prefer the RT however like you all of my riding/touring is on tarmac and I'd imagine it'd make a cracking machine for your touring jaunts.

Plus when you're riding it you don't have to look at that headlight unit...

With compraratively few of them having been sold they also have far more exclusivity than the other R1200 models. Could be a good thing I reckon.

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

Is your current bike high mileage? Are you thinking of changing just because of that? I reckon a 2000 1150 is already a bloody good bike, can't you keep it and spend the extra on bits? I've just done that to my '05 1200GS and it's like having a new bike.

If you really want to change, I'm tempted to say go for a 1200gs, but a part of me says a later model 1150gsa.

 

[SilverFish]

Falling somewhere between the ST and GS is the R1200R.

This is a nice one at Pidcock's

Shame its over your budget at £6500 but might be worth a punt - they're a smashing bike.

Mike

 

[Twotter]

How about leaving it to fate? Heads you go for the GS and tails you go for the ST

I double dare you

 

[XboxSteve]

Well, I *did* upgrade.......

I read a lot of posts of how many of the peeps on here like the later 1150's to any 1200's. I think I always knew I should stay with what I know and love so I swapped my bike (72K miles - W plate 2000 - 1150GS) for this...

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=175800

It's later than mine by 4 years, it has 29500 miles on an 03 plate and it has an adv tank, adv suspension and alloys.
To put my mark on it, I'll be fitting a new front mudguard, some HID's and maybe even an adv screen and tobinators.

Thanks for all of your input, and here's to the next 30,000 miles and beyond.

Happy Days!