Need advice re: BMW touring bike choice

[Deleted account 180524001]

Hi all,

I have a budget of £3,500-£4,000 and want to get a touring bike. I will be doing solo UK/European trips, maybe at most 3-4 a year. The rest of the time the bike will sit outside my house in North London, or on the pavement (ie no garage).

My biggest "wants" in a bike are comfort and wind protection. I don't like any 'sports bike' riding positions and I would like hard luggage.

For this money I can get...

- a nice R1150RT with about 30,000 miles on it
- a R1200RT with about 60,000+ miles on it
- an ex-police R1200RT with 20,000+ miles on it
- an R1150RS
- an F800ST

I have never owned a BMW before so forgive my ignorance.

I understand the R1150RT is heavier (and servo/ABS issues?), ex-police bikes are cheap for a reason (bits missing, thrashed, abused etc) and pre-2008 R1200RT had servo-brakes, which people don't seem rate at all.

What's everyone's opinion?

 

[Karlread]

You will get a multitude of opinions but at the end of the day it's what bike fits you, they are all great in their own way. The R1200RT is a big step up from the 1150 although on the 06-08 which is probably in your price range the bike will have servo brakes, some people hate them and you need some decent kit to bleed them. Find a friendly dealer, tell them what you are thinking of and see if there are any trade in's which come in. At the end of the day it will come down to which bike you enjoy riding and feel most comfortable on.

 

[JJH]

I would go for the 1200 having had at least 1 of each. The only issues with the 1200 are brakes and fuel pump controller. The drive shaft can give grief too. Not the X plod one. If you are looking for comfort don't discount the st1300 JJH

 

[Deleted account 180524001]

I thought about a Pan European, but they don't seem to get such reviews as the R1200RT. And they are much heavier.

 

[oddshapedballs]

Honda ST1300 Pan European - job done.

I've spent time on both ST and RT and you won't notice the additional weight (over the RT) after a few days. Unless you're 6'5" and built like a brick shit-house you'll have to get off both if you need to push backwards uphill anyway.

 

[woodman]

I thought about a Pan European, but they don't seem to get such reviews as the R1200RT. And they are much heavier.

I had a st1300 for ten years and now an RT for the last 4 years
I do miss the v4 engine of the ST1300 and it is a great touring bike
In my opinion better build quality than the BMW
You money, your choice.

 

[Deleted account 180524001]

I've had Hondas for years and I have no doubt the build quality is better than BMW, I just fancy a twin cylinder bike and a 1200RT will be heavy enough, so I don't want to go even heavier.

 

[JJH]

You want a RT end of so just go out and get the best one you can. Mileage is not so important condition and histroy is. Good luck with your quest. JJH

 

[oddshapedballs]

You want a RT end of so just go out and get the best one you can. Mileage is not so important condition and histroy is. Good luck with your quest. JJH

+1 - go with what you 'want' you'll only be looking backwards otherwise.

 

[Gordyman]

Hi all,

I have a budget of £3,500-£4,000 and want to get a touring bike. I will be doing solo UK/European trips, maybe at most 3-4 a year. The rest of the time the bike will sit outside my house in North London, or on the pavement (ie no garage).

My biggest "wants" in a bike are comfort and wind protection. I don't like any 'sports bike' riding positions and I would like hard luggage.

For this money I can get...

- a nice R1150RT with about 30,000 miles on it
- a R1200RT with about 60,000+ miles on it
- an ex-police R1200RT with 20,000+ miles on it
- an R1150RS
- an F800ST

I have never owned a BMW before so forgive my ignorance.

I understand the R1150RT is heavier (and servo/ABS issues?), ex-police bikes are cheap for a reason (bits missing, thrashed, abused etc) and pre-2008 R1200RT had servo-brakes, which people don't seem rate at all.

What's everyone's opinion?

Hi DS I suggest that you buy the August issues of both Bike and Ride magazines as Ride magazine has a tourng bike special feature including second hand tourers. Bike has a special on Adventure bikes (not what you asked about but will probably give you something else to consider maybe). If you read these and also the opinions of the many on this forum Ireckon you will have all the information and help you need to make your decision. Good luck.

 

[mrjim130]

If you can get a ride on the bikes you have on your short list, it will give you a much clearer idea. Also be prepared to travel for a good bike!
Good luck.

 

[Mr Bean]

You want a RT end of so just go out and get the best one you can. Mileage is not so important condition and histroy is. Good luck with your quest. JJH

All good advice.

However, my 67,000 miler sits outside all year round - like the OP I have no garage. A 'mint' RT would be wasted in these circumstances.

The paint is bubbling on the rims and rust is showing on various fasteners etc, but it is perfect for me. A newer BMW bike would look shite after a year or two (a Honda would be different) of sitting outside.

But, it is still a superb tourer!

I can see a few more tours for the wife and I on the RT!