Wicker Posted April 23, 2006 Share Posted April 23, 2006 I was speaking to a Scottish BMW dealer and was told that BMW have stopped making the R1200ST. He indicated that this model is to be replaced in 2007 with a 1200 engine version of the F800ST. Anyone else heard this story ? I only bought my R1200ST in December 05 so could look on this as an opportunity e.g. I own what will now be a rare BMW, however I suspect any future part-exchange offer has just taken a dive. Link to comment
Boffin Posted April 23, 2006 Share Posted April 23, 2006 I was speaking to a Scottish BMW dealer and was told that BMW have stopped making the R1200ST. He indicated that this model is to be replaced in 2007 with a 1200 engine version of the F800ST. Anyone else heard this story ? I only bought my R1200ST in December 05 so could look on this as an opportunity e.g. I own what will now be a rare BMW, however I suspect any future part-exchange offer has just taken a dive. Welcome to the board Wicker (if you put mor detail in your profile we can be friendlier ) The story that was going round at the end of last year was that production of the ST had been stopped until August '06. The bike took a lot of stick worldwide for its looks, so that may be part of the reason for the pause/cessation in production. I would doubt that a 1200 parallel twin would be in the offing, the vibration would be a killer. It will be interesting to see what we do get though. BTW, where in Scotland are you? a few of us are doing an end-to-end, leaving John O Groats on May Day. Cya, Andy Link to comment
John Bentall Posted April 23, 2006 Share Posted April 23, 2006 Good call - just after it won a 6-bike comparison test in a German magazine against Honda VFR, Triumph Sprint ST, MZ 1000ST, Ducati ST3 , etc. Link to comment
hophead Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 Hey John can you pass on any information on which magazine this test was done in? I and I'm sure others as well, especially fellow ST owners would appreciate knowing, and reading such a favorable review as well. Those of us who own an ST know what it is capable of as a sport tourer. Link to comment
steveknapp Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 I think it was "Blind Motorcyclist Monthly"... Link to comment
NakedRider Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 It was Motorrad. This is a copy of a translation summary from another site - The R1200ST won.They liked it except for the looks that at least stands out from the crowd to give it a positive spin but also like I thought the handling feels no as secure and planted as on the R11S riding fast.Last year ir was second after the VFR but the ESA changed that.The VFR second with it's gutless motor that needed a lot of shifting trying to keep up.Third the Triumph with most powerful engine but soso handling due to heavy weight/soft forks and not very smooth cycling ABS system.Forth the Duc ST3ABS that they liked except for the high maintenance costs and tendency to headshake riding fast.Last was the MZ that got docked for it's not smooth engine and shortcomings riding two up. Fastest was the Triumph with 10,7sec 0-125 but also heaviest with 255Kg wet weight and 126hp/102nm torque.Than came the R1200ST with 11,8 sec 0-125mph,241 kg and 112hp/113nm but the roll on on the Triumph was still stronger due to the too long gearing on the BMW. Ducti ST3;12,7 0-125,235kg,107hp/95nm.VFR;13.4 0-125,253kg 105hp/76nm as also the slowest roll-on by far.For comparison the last R1100S tested needed 15,3 sec 0-125,243kg an had 97hp/94nm...They don't test toppee anymore and only take manufacturers claims.The R1200ST had the best fuel mileage but the old R11S twinspark had even better mileage.5,2 liters/62 miles compared to 5,7 liters/62miles for the ST but still 20 miles more theoretical tankrange due to the 3 liter bigger tank... Link to comment
NakedRider Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 Oops...forgot to mention what I've heard. I heard they were going to suspend production until they modified the appearance of the front end. Could be interesting. Those of us that have one may have a rare bike in years to come. Maybe they will make "bolt-on" changes that previous owners could adapt...who knows. I don't know of any formal press from BMW on this yet. I DO know one thing. This is an outstanding bike!!! My wife thinks it's the best looking in my garage so it just goes to show - different strokes for different folks. Link to comment
Bill Murray Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 I certainly hope BMW does not discontinue the R12ST. I purchased mine about 8 weeks ago, moving to the ST from a K12GT. The R12ST is a fabulous bike! I've had many BMW riders compliment the bike, including the looks. Yes, the bike's appearance is at first -- unorthodox -- but it grows on you, and the overall deisgn is extremely functional. I believe BMW's biggest problem with the bike is it's price point relative to the R12RT. If they would reduce the price by $1,500 or so, I believe it would compete more favorably (from a value standpoint) with the R12RT (not that BMW wants to compete with their own models). Link to comment
TonyT607 Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 I just picked up my ST a week ago Saturday - I kinda heard about the model going bye bye but it didn't make a diffrence to me - it was love at first test ride. I test rode a blue/black my dealer had just uncrated - it had 000 miles on it. I loved it (even more than my R1150R). A couple of months later it was still on the showroom floor. Got a great deal on it, they made me whole on the trade. No complaints. The ST will be BMW's best kept secret IMO. I do get a hell of a lot of compliments on it. My wife even loves it. When I told her I was considering trading in the RR, she cut a picture of the ST out of the MOA magazine and stuck it on the fridge. My kinda bike, my kinda woman ! I'll keep 'em both Link to comment
PaulW42 Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 I had a 1200ST as a loan bike the other day when my 1200RT was in for some work. Thought it was an excellent bike. Good fun to ride though not for me (I'm not built for the riding position ) Link to comment
q2bruiser Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 It is a great bike. I've never had a bike so planted. Planning on riding mine for years ... Link to comment
Hiawatha Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 I purchased my ST last December and let it sit on the showroom floor till a week ago. I had never ridden it till I got it home. Probably burning a tank a day for the last week. I was looking at a Triump ST; then the BMW ST popped up. Virtually the same ergos and specs but BMW quality. I bought site unseen and am I happy. I have been a professional skier all my life and this bike lets you totally forget about the bike and just ride. Feels like an extension of me, not a piece of machinery bolted to my butt! R1200ST Link to comment
R4ND0M_AX3 Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 BMW builds these bikes in batches. So they are always 'stopping production'. Link to comment
Wicker Posted April 24, 2006 Author Share Posted April 24, 2006 I live in Falkirk but work in Edinburgh. I am originally from Wick (17 miles from John O Groats) and still have family up there. First long ride I took the ST was on Sat 1 April 06 up to Wick & Groats and back home again on the Sunday. If you have time on your end to end route going round the north coast from Ullapool to Thurso is a fantastic ride on a good day. Otherwise, A82 Glencoe and up past Loch Ness is a good riders road; cut off at Drumnadrochit to A833 to Beauly before taking A9 north. If I am not in a hurry I will take these roads in preferecne to the rather boring A9 Perth/ Inverness road. Also watch out for fixed cameras between Perth & Blair Atholl and a mobile camera van which regularly sits 10-30 mile sth of Inverness. I have never actually done the end to end thing. Rode my R1110S to Plymouth last April (05) to catch a ferry to Spain and that was quite enough of congested English motorways. Tend to save my holidays to take my bike to Europe these days so will be working May public holidays. David Link to comment
camfarm Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 By the way, don't let those fascinated with 'profiles' demand more than you wish to share. It's a board on the internet, not an airplane ride. Link to comment
Boffin Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 By the way, don't let those fascinated with 'profiles' demand more than you wish to share. It's a board on the internet, not an airplane ride. Quite right Micheal, we should all feel comfortable with what we choose to disclose. I always feel a little distant refering to people by screen-names, but respect others rights to limit contact to that. As you can see however, it doesn't stop me asking for a name so I can be less remote. A rough location can help with queries - "how much value will my bike lose" will get very different answers in the UK to the USA (BMW's have high residuals here). As for the trip across the UK - we are avoiding motorways and trunk roads - thus taking five days to cover the 1000 miles. Motorways may be crowded and boring, but they are still relativley fast. Andy Link to comment
sardineone Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 I heard they were going to suspend production until they modified the appearance of the front end. Could be interesting. Those of us that have one may have a rare bike in years to come. Maybe they will make "bolt-on" changes that previous owners could adapt...who knows. I don't know of any formal press from BMW on this yet. No sale here as I'm still getting many unsolicited complements on my ST's appearance. On how BMW missed mark on the ST, I'm pretty sure with my experience I know the problem. The handle bars are a bit too aggressive and need to be a bit closer to the rider. The other point is to bolster it's sport touring prowess with ESA standard. Link to comment
NakedRider Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 I just picked up my ST a week ago Saturday - I kinda heard about the model going bye bye but it didn't make a diffrence to me - it was love at first test ride. I test rode a blue/black my dealer had just uncrated - it had 000 miles on it. I loved it (even more than my R1150R). A couple of months later it was still on the showroom floor. Got a great deal on it, they made me whole on the trade. No complaints. The ST will be BMW's best kept secret IMO. I do get a hell of a lot of compliments on it. My wife even loves it. When I told her I was considering trading in the RR, she cut a picture of the ST out of the MOA magazine and stuck it on the fridge. My kinda bike, my kinda woman ! I'll keep 'em both Great post. You should keep 'um both. Link to comment
wilsons Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Yea man, my girl thinks my bike is hot. So I do. with her on it. I had your nick in mind.. OH oh wait oh crap my bad oh that came out of my keyboard? oh jeez haha just kiddin. Anyway's, I've had a ton of compliments on the ST. I think the ones that don't like it are jealous cuz they didn't think it up first I have to contain myself if I even walk past it. I'll admit there are some funky appearance's from certain angle's that don't rub with me, but over all, it's all good. Link to comment
SAAB93driver Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 Anyway's, I've had a ton of compliments on the ST. I think the ones that don't like it are jealous cuz they didn't think it up first Sorry to say jealousy isn't it. I wish it was. Link to comment
hophead Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 "Anyway's, I've had a ton of compliments on the ST." Yeah so have I. But if pressed I'd admit it comes from mostly non motorcycling passeresby; this does not diminish the fact for me, although it does make me wonder about how much [little] it may have to do with labels. Can you say "BMW", automatic status here. Having said that, anybody who has ever ridden an R1200ST, to say nothing of anybody who has ever ridden a broken in ST, is more than enamored and impressed in strong ways. This tacit fact goes a long way toward discounting all those negative opinions, be it by the press or others, who couldn't get past the looks, to discern the value. "I say good day!" Link to comment
TonyT607 Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 I forgot to mention that last Saturday when I brought the bike home my neighbor Elizabeth was on my front porch chatting with my wife. She went nuts when she saw the ST, how pretty it was, nice color, etc etc. She offered to let me drive her new red Pontiac G6 if I took her for a ride on the ST. She's 80. Link to comment
hophead Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 "She offered to let me drive her new red Pontiac G6 if I took her for a ride on the ST." ...that's what I'm talking about... BTW welocome to the board! Link to comment
russg Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 8 to 80, blind, cripple, or crazy, no one rides for free! Link to comment
BMWSTeve Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 As far as complements are concerned, my ST has gotten the most positive comments from non-motorcycle people of any BMW I have ever owned. My wife likes the styling too, which helps at puchase tme. Link to comment
wilsons Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 8 to 80, blind, cripple, or crazy, no one rides for free! You mean from 80 to 8. She felt like a kid again! ... 80? really? thats cool Link to comment
Deans BMW Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 My ST just turned 20,000 miles after completing a 900 mile ride from Kerrville, Texas to Show Low, Az. in one day, yesterday, my longest one day ride yet.The bike is, and has been perfect and seems to live between 6,000 R's and the revlimiter. Just spooned on my 5th rear tire Sunday in San Antonio, Tx., Pilot Roads all. Link to comment
1hawkrider Posted April 25, 2006 Share Posted April 25, 2006 I forgot to mention that last Saturday when I brought the bike home my neighbor Elizabeth was on my front porch chatting with my wife. She went nuts when she saw the ST, how pretty it was, nice color, etc etc. She offered to let me drive her new red Pontiac G6 if I took her for a ride on the ST. She's 80. Hey, Tony, how's Cranford these days? I grew up in Iselin. BTW, how did she like the ride? Lou. Link to comment
TonyT607 Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 Hey Lou, Cranford's great. We've been here on and off since '94 and when we finished up a two year assignment in the UK (I'm with IBM) we decided to come right back. We bought a big 4 BR colonial in a very neat, quiet neighborhood. I pass through Iselin quite a bit on my way to my dealer (Cross Country BMW) in Metuchen. PS Haven't taken Elizabeth for a ride yet, maybe this weekend.. Link to comment
NakedRider Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 My ST just turned 20,000 miles after completing a 900 mile ride from Kerrville, Texas to Show Low, Az. in one day, yesterday, my longest one day ride yet.The bike is, and has been perfect and seems to live between 6,000 R's and the revlimiter. Just spooned on my 5th rear tire Sunday in San Antonio, Tx., Pilot Roads all. Try the new Metzeler M-3s some time. Just put a set on. I like the extra grip from these tires. Link to comment
HexST Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 I don't know why but for me metzlers have=cupping on Bmw's so I like Dean have stuck with the Fat Frenchman. Link to comment
hophead Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 I like the Bridgestone BT020's. Link to comment
Slumgullion Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 BTO020 on the rear and BTO014 on the front Link to comment
DUBLINCHRIS Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 Due to unavailability of Metz M-3's I decided to put BT014 on the rear as my original 020 needed changing. My dealer advises me that the 020 is a touring tyre rather than a sports tyre, I can now confirm this. The 014 definitely sticks better than 020. Much more confidence with this back tyre. I know I will not get the mileage but in my book the way the ST wants to be ridden grip is more important! I am retaining the 020 on the front and when the two Bridgestones need changing next I will put on the Metz M-3's front and back. The original 020 had 4000 miles up and was probably ok for max another 1000, due to my trip Spain/France next week I will need more than 1000 miles so had to change now and M-3's would not have been ready in time. Will post report on grip/mileage of 014 later Link to comment
CraigT Posted April 27, 2006 Share Posted April 27, 2006 I see we're going off thread a little here, but I have just fitted 020's and covered about 150miles now. The original tyres were Metz Roadtec Z6, which were reasonable in all grounds and gave about 5000miles of decent use. The 020's have made an immense difference, the bike is smoother on straights & sweepers and the handling is more crisp than the Z6's ever gave. I know the 020s are a 'sport touring', but I found these the best tyre to have fitted to the R1100S too. This tyre suits my riding style and I think i'll be sticking with these, as the first 150 miles have been my best and smoothest out of the 11,400 covered so far. "due to my trip Spain/France next week" Chris, we too are off to the Pyrenees next week. Leave Thursday on Hull to Zeebrugge crossing, drive through france towards Picos & Pyrenees, Barca, Millau home. Ten day trip from the 4th. What's your route/dates? Link to comment
DUBLINCHRIS Posted April 27, 2006 Share Posted April 27, 2006 Still off the thread but not the tread I have sent you private message with itinerary. Enjoy the trip Picos/Millau Link to comment
R12ST Posted April 27, 2006 Share Posted April 27, 2006 Still off the thread and tread, but has anybody thought about or installed Verholen mirrors yet? Link to comment
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