blkvelvt Posted July 11, 2008 Posted July 11, 2008 I took my R12RT in for service yesterday and got a R12ST loaner bike. I have never been a fan of the ST due to wanting something with a few more farkles. What a surprise it was to throw a leg over the ST. I've read articles comparing the 2 bikes but I never experienced both bikes on the same day. Back to back rides through the Santa Monica mountains proved to be an eye opening experience. I fell in love with the ST a few miles into the ride. It's amazing the difference for bikes with the same basic powerplant. The ST is a younger brother to the RT. The RT is mellower and flowing through corners with a mature nature in comparison. The ST is more point and shoot and has a lust for the road. I found myself driving harder into the corners and really using the brakes and being too low in the RPM range at first. I used the gearbox more on the ST and was in second gear a lot more than my RT. It was the familiar engine with a 10 year younger attitude. Truly a wonderful bike. Would I get one (if they still made them) instead of my RT? Not really sure of that. I do know now that it is a fine bike and a blast to ride. I look forward to the next 100 miles on it before I pick up my RT from service. Maybe breakfast at the "Rockstore" and we'll see after that. I would love to own both an RT and ST. It would be a pair of bikes that would satisfy any riding appetite you could have. Too much fun. You ST owners have a great bike there. (Disclaimer: These statements are solely based on the riders' opinion and subject to flaming if necessary)
Rideoften Posted July 11, 2008 Posted July 11, 2008 blkvelvt, No flaming from me. I know the styling is controversial, but what a fantastic bike. I've owned 5 BMW's and ridden dozens, the ST is far and away the best of them all. Ride Safe Rideoften
flars Posted July 11, 2008 Posted July 11, 2008 Not quite the same thing, but almost - I have had my 1100RS for 5 years, and my 1150RT for about 7 months. I like the protection of the RT, and the transmission is much nicer than the RS, but the RS is mucho mo fun to ride. I feel more relaxed on the RS still because I am more familiar with it. But the BIG thing I like about on the RS is that although there is a good amount of wind protection from the small windscreen, there isn't anything in front of you to spoil the 'dog with his head out the window' feeling.
Wheels Rollin' Posted July 11, 2008 Posted July 11, 2008 I took my R12RT in for service yesterday and got a R12ST loaner bike. What a neat thing for you, blkvelvt... Ya' know, a number of places I've been over the years for service, if they've even had loaner bikes available, would put you on some aged, 'well experienced' machine from their frequently eclectic, 'previously owned' pool, too few of them in confidence-inspiring condition... Seems to me your dealer has a progressive attitude here -- what a way to sell more bikes! ~ Bill
blkvelvt Posted July 11, 2008 Author Posted July 11, 2008 I took my R12RT in for service yesterday and got a R12ST loaner bike. What a neat thing for you, blkvelvt... Ya' know, a number of places I've been over the years for service, if they've even had loaner bikes available, would put you on some aged, 'well experienced' machine from their frequently eclectic, 'previously owned' pool, too few of them in confidence-inspiring condition... Seems to me your dealer has a progressive attitude here -- what a way to sell more bikes! ~ Bill This is why I choose to go there. I live 4 minutes from my local dealer (not impressed with them), but I ride an hour+ to get service in Ventura. Great dealer and people. The service rep felt bad the ST didn't have a full tank. I figured the least I could do is buy the gas I'm going to use. Very nice shop Pete and Charles run there.
Pete Peterson Posted July 12, 2008 Posted July 12, 2008 If I hadn't been on a fairly new LT I would have owned the R1200 ST... I think its such a good looking bike and really wish I could have afforded both at the time............Pete
BMWSTeve Posted July 14, 2008 Posted July 14, 2008 You know the resale on used on a used ST is not that high, you could always add one to the stable. BTW, I have 40K miles on my ST and still lovin it.
blkvelvt Posted July 17, 2008 Author Posted July 17, 2008 Well the party with the ST is coming to a close. I get my R12RT back on Thursday. It took an extra week to service. I guess the bike had issues. I asked them to check the ESA. The rear shock was bad and had to be replaced. The transmission seal was leaking and had to be replaced. The clutch disk was replaced and now the new shock doesn't talk to my computer so the main computer that controls the ESA was ordered and should be in tomorrow. All this and a 12,000 mile service with new tires. It should be as good as new. Thank the big guy upstairs for warranty work. I'll get one last blast through the Santa Monica mountains on the ST before she goes home. The affair has been wonderful with her. I think I'll have a cigarette after I'm done with her. (Ewwwww...)
Ben_Ricci Posted July 17, 2008 Posted July 17, 2008 Glad you enjoyed your foray with an ST. I think it's a great bike, too.
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