R1200 ST

[Wrinkly]

No specific section for the ST so thought I'd sneak it in here

Anyway, I've been looking for an every day bike to run along side my Stelvio, and came across a couple of 1200st's that the dealer who supplied my Stelvio had taken in p/ex.

I've always been a great fan of the 1100s and have owned about 7 of them but the ST was not a bike that had ever been on my radar.

Andy had offered me a very tempting deal on a 1 owner 14,000ml FSH 1200st with panniers, so without further ado I took it out this morning in the pouring rain for a little spin.

Just a short run of about 60mls,but what a nice bike, went very well, handling whilst not sporty was very neutral and predictable,engine ran very clean and smooth, and the gearbox ? well after owning a 1200 gs wc I think BMW could do to go back to their old gearbox clutch the one on the ST was a peach. Riding position was slightly cramped for my ageing limbs but nothing a set of bar risers won't fix.

A 9 year old bike, OK it's low mileage, but apart from some minor flaking on the front cover the bike is immaculate. Not the prettiest bike with that unusual headlight set up, but I've always liked slightly quirky stuff.

It rode really really well, and whilst I absolutely love the Stelvio it will be nice to have another Boxer twin in the shed to ride along side it.

So did I buy it ? yes I did.

Steve

 

[Mad_Accountant]

Excellent choice.

Enjoy your new (old) bike.

I couldn't agree more about the LC gearbox, I have test ridden 2x standard GSs, an RT and the new r1200r there's no way I'd give up Hexhead for any of them. I'm pleased that there will be further variants around the r-Nine-t so the oil cooled engine will live on. Plenty of people like/ own the LC so it's probably me but it's still a no

 

[wust588]

Have you seen the bloke riding a R1200St around the Nordscleife circuit?
Well worth a look!

 

[Wrinkly]

Have you seen the bloke riding a R1200St around the Nordscleife circuit?
Well worth a look!

It's a mightily impressive piece of riding.

I picked it up yesterday morning and have done a couple of hundred miles since. first impressions are that this is a very capable bike,engine is super smooth and responsive even at slow speeds,( I believe the compresion ratio is different on the ST to the 1200gs's and rt's of the same year, recommended to run on 98ron but runs fine on 95). Gearbox is very slick and precise even when everything is fairly hot.

A little slow to turn in, but handling is very predictable it holds it's line very well and doesn't mind being tweaked mid corner. A little spongy at the rear end but I'll need to have a play with the shock settings.

The headlight set up may be a bit bizzare and not to everyone's taste, but I've got to say I don't think I've ever had a more effective headlight on a bike.

I did initially think the riding position was slightly cramped but I've quickly got used to it and surprised at how comfortable it is.

As I said previously it wasn't a bike that was ever on my radar but I'm glad it appeared and I'm looking forward to putting a few miles on it.

Now,do I go to the 'Dent do' on the Stelvio or the ST ?

Steve

 

[dmilne]

I had one Very good.
I fitted bar risers and a higher screen. Let the dealer fit the extended front brake line, the ABS and power brakes are not easy to bleed at home...... I ended up driving to my local BMW agent - very carefully- with only the back brake working!

If you want a spare original front seat cover, let me know , I have one in the garage left over from having my seat modified.
D