Need a new bike: GS or ST?

[Gunboat Willy]

Probably the GS is more comfortable for longer rides as I suspect the ST is more sports rider style.

Yup. The ST is surprisingly 'sport' in its riding position.

The weather protection is better - on the legs but the screen is not much better (if at all) than the GS.

The ST will hustle along but it doesn't have the easy flickability of the GS as the bars are quite low and you don't get the same easy countersteering tip into the corners.

The engine suits the ST - it needs the right gear dialling in and won't slog from 2k rpm like the 1150 engine but that's more or less to be expected from a sports style bike (which was why, in the end I didn't get the RT and am unconvinced about it in the GS...tourers and big traillies should have that bottom end slog and not need to be kept revving).

The ST luggage is good compared with the 1150 system luggage - equal sized panniers.

I solved the dilemma by keeping the 1150GS....and getting an ST as well.

 

[rdover]

I could, of course, go on full barge mode and get an RT. Proper mile munching, panniers, weather protection, pipe, slippers etc. I've got the beard already.

 

[JohnC]

Hello

Still feel a wee bit farty on my GS1100 now and again, but not as half farty as I would on any other BM circa 1999


John

 

[Twotter]

I think the ST looks good, a real improvment on the the old RS models and definitely stands out from the crowd. Out of the the ST and the GS ?

Get the ST mate, GS's are common as muck

 

[rdover]

Now you're just trying to get rid of me

 

[Gunboat Willy]

I think the ST looks good, a real improvment on the the old RS models and definitely stands out from the crowd. Out of the the ST and the GS ?

Get the ST mate, GS's are common as muck

Oddly enough....I saw 4 of them (STs) out on the roads today...all in different places (OK, 1 of them WAS very close to the BM dealers) and no GSs. Usually see a few GSs but not today. V strange.

 

[blackburnlee]

I've tried the ST and was quite surprised at how high the pegs felt. Having said that the bike was very capable and during my test ride (On some lovely twisties around CW in Dorset) felt very confidence inspiring. "Deceptively quick" is probably the best way of describing it.

Of the two I'd still have my GS if only for the lower pegs (I'm 6'00") but there's no doubt that it's a cracking bike. Oh how lucky we are to have such a choice!!

 

[JAY]

I had the same problem with the peg height on my first test ride. I think it was the big difference from my lowered pegs on the GS. Now after 3 weeks or so of ownership of my ST, I find them pretty comfortable. Well, I've not noticed them so guess they must be ok! I'm 5'10" with 31" leg which I reckon is the optimum size for the ST - not 6' plus, 16 stone and 34" leg like the GS!!!!!!

 

[rdover]

Well I've gone and done it.

I sat on the ST and instantly hated it. If I wanted a head down legs up sportbike I'd buy an R6 at half the price. I rode it for about 1 mile and took it back. Lovely power spread and handling but I could live with that riding position for 5 minutes never mind 10k miles!

Next came the 1200RT. A lovely bike, quick, smooth, handles, great weather protection but horrible seat. After 50 miles I had a numb bum. sat on a 2001 1150RT and loved it. Not as accomplished as teh 1200 but at £4,000 less with full panniers and alarm with only 11k miles I think I got a good deal. I bought the GS for £4500 12 months and 10k miles ago and traded it for £4300 (it needs a new rear tyre and minor service). And I can transfer my autoswitch.

 

[blackburnlee]

Interesting what you say about the 1200 RT. I've not ridden one yet but will get around to it at some point soon. Was it just a case of the seat design or what.

I know what you mean about the 1150RT though, cracking bike. I was sorely tempted when I rode one a year or so back. the lightness of the 12GS sung it for me that time but I could see myself going the RT route in the future.