New BMW R1200ST

[B12Teuton]

For the love of God, if you live anywhere near a BMW motorcycle dealer, go look at this bike.

This is exaclty what would have happend if BMW had built the Bandit 1200.



Words and pics aren't enough.  You have to see it in person and toss a leg over it.  It's everything you love about the Bandit but BMWized.
A little sportier seating, but it feels so correct.

Air/oil cooled
1170cc
110hp
85lb-ft
452lbs dry

And pics don't do it justice.  It looks a lot better in person.

[PaulVS]

This is exaclty what would have happend if BMW had built the Bandit 1200.

Or maybe what would have happened if Suzuki made the Bandit for 15 large.  

[B12Teuton]

This is exaclty what would have happend if BMW had built the Bandit 1200.

Or maybe what would have happened if Suzuki made the Bandit for 15 large.  

No, even a $15K Suzuki (or Honda) isn't this good.

[PeteSC]

I'll wait until I see actual dyno, and weight figures from an independent source.  BMW always publishes exaggerated figures.
   :blahblah:

[Swamp Rat]

I'm not overly fond of the boxer engines anyways.....nothing specific...just don't like em....unless it's in a 911 turbo.

[B12Teuton]

I'll wait until I see actual dyno, and weight figures from an independent source.  BMW always publishes exaggerated figures.
   :blahblah:

From Motorcycle.com:

We just received an R 1200RT for further testing, and the first thing we did was strap it to our Dynojet. It appears that BMW was spot-on in their estimates; our new R 1200 RT just cranked out an honest 102.95Hp @ 7,300rpm and 80.95LbFt @ 6,250rpm   at the tire. These are some mighty impressive numbers for an air/oil cooled boxer-twin

[Red01]

One thing about the BMW boxer that has never stirred my soul is the sound...
seems boring, and agricultural.

I'll reserve final judgement on the styling once I see one in person, but so far it seems to be typical modern BMW styling - quirky. I know some bikes are like some people and just not very photogenic - and some bikes are a love-it-or-hate-it affair. I just wish BMW would either hire better stylists, or perhaps better yet, stick to more classic, traditional lines and quite trying to out-sex the Italians. Perhaps direct their energies for what made them famous - reliabilty, which seems to be on the decline lately.

[PitterB4]

Good word, Paul.  The styling is quirky.  With apologies to the many Vstrom fans on the board, it is way too Vstrom-ish for me.  That boxer engine has always looked really odd to me too.  Sounds like it's a heck of a performer, though.

[aussiebandit]

One of the local bike mags (AMCN) did a right up on it.  Gave it pretty good marks, but, sorry I'm not ready for a BMW yet and the price down under is to much for my back pocket - $21,500 plus on road costs, the B12 is currently going for $11,900 plus on road, and if you get the right dealer at the right time they'll throw in the on road costs for nothing.

[SV Larry]

I can't get over the headlights in the windscreen. The rest not too bad though.They are making improvements in power and weight.They also it seems have finally figured out how to make FI work properly  but for pete's sake keep the car stylist away from the bikes.Twins are in.

[B12Teuton]

I totally agree that the styling is questionable in pics.  I loved the concept of a lighter, high output boxer.  But when I saw it in person it was just so much better than what you see in print.  That's why I said you have to just go look at one in person.

[BBurton]

Have several guys on the V-Strom board that are ex BMW owners. Basically it all boils down to it that they ARE NOT worth the money. The DL1000 V-Strom is more powerful and will outrun a new GS1200. Also,  from what many others riders say, is MUCH more dependable. If a BMW breaks down, first problem is dealer locations, second problem is the price for parts and labor. If a person wants to be in the "BMW club" so be it. I can think of all the money that I can save to modify my bike and have a dealer nearby almost anywhere I ride. I will take a Japanese bike or high performance car over any BMW, Benz or anything else with their crazy price tags!!

[PaulVS]

I love German engineering.  I admire Japanese engineering.

If Japan was competing against a 'Big Four' of German motorcycle manufacturers, I will guarantee you that the Japanese would produce bikes of equal or better quality for the same price.  It would just be a lot more than we're used to paying.

The problem is... that BMW isn't competition to the Japanese Big Four.  Harley is.  How sad is that?

[BBurton]

I believe that the Japanese have done quite well against the German luxury car makers. Acura, Lexus and Infinity are truly amazing car companies that are really putting a thorn in the European luxury and high performance car companies. I agree, I have no doubt that if they wanted to bulid exotic motorcycles, they would do a marvelous job.

By the way PitterB4 I resent your remark about the V-Strom!!

[Steve]

That is a nice looking BMW bike! I could learn to love everything but the price. I spent just under 90,000 miles on BMW boxers. My '78 /7 met an early death (collision) but my R100/s (red smoke) was always reliable and spirited.

I drive a '85 735i, everything on the car works except the powered headrests. It uses no fluids other than gas, handles well, is a genuine pleasure to drive and work on, and looks very good inside and out.

My son's '87 325i is in slightly better shape than mine but uses a sip of oil between changes, probably always did.

One car is just under 200.000 miles the other just over. Both have made trouble free cross country runs at sustained "hwy" speeds. I found both for $3500. Both will easily last another 100,000 and most likely run much longer without any major repair.

The "BMW club" consists of loyal owners who love driving and riding, provide incredible mutual support for one another, and commonly take uncommonly good care of their equipment. Take a look around, you see more BMWs than ever.

A BMW bike may well be in my future someday, for me it would be like rejoining a very good friend. The new boxer looks fantastic to me!

In the meanwhile I love every minute on the b12 and feel now as I did when I bought it, that it is the best big bike for the bucks and that anything you want to change or upgrade is easily and inexpensively done, except that #!?!! headlight.

Steve