Still maybe trading in, but not for the 12GS

[bakernks]

Today was a watershed day on the possible trade in of my 2004 R1150R this year. I rode all over town, as temps reached 66F here, a freakish Texas style winter we're having. I love the 2 spark 50R, and have it equipped just as I want. But I'm really wanting to step over to the new engine, the R1200. I have considered the R1200GS only, so far, but since I'm having such good luck with my F650GS the bigger GS doesn't really make sense. The RT is just more money and more plastic than I want to be involved with. I looked seriously at the R1200ST today. I will need to move the bars up 2". I will need to replace the windshield with one 2" taller. Other than that, only the twin headlight arrangement is worth pause, and I've heard that once you RIDE behind them at night, you'll be over that.
I've been looking online, but I'm not sure, do the R1200RT bags fit this bike? Or are there BMW hardbags of some kind that do? BMW's website is next to useless.
The next time I ride to Kansas City, Engle Motors will get a chance to tell me what kind of deal they can do for me on a trade.

[collyers]

FWIW, the official (US) scoop on the ST is this: because of the impending release of the new 1200S, the ST will NOT be imported for '06 to the US. It is still a "current" model for BMW, they just don't want to compete with themselves against the S. Just as when the 1100S was released, the RS disappeared from the US lineup, only to reappear the next model year. So get 'em quick, the next "new" ones will be for '07.

[Biff's R]

There are several dealers in my area that have some former demo bike STs.

[bakernks]

S'ok, if I can't get exactly what I want, a silver/silver model without ABS, with heated grips and hard bags, so be it. I can ride my '04 50R for many years until I can. Heck, I just bought the thing, it has a whole 3k miles on it. (I ride the 650 alot)

[hotzuk]

Hey bakernks,

I see you own a 1150R and well as an F650GS. I own a 2002 R1150R. I am also very interested in purchasing a F650GS (probably Dakar version). What is your overall view on the R1150R vs the F650GS on the road, handling, etc....

Also, which bike do you find yourself riding more? Thanks for any info

[Deans BMW]

The R1200RT and R1200ST bags are the same, a vast improvement over the bags for the R1150 series.

There is a barback for the ST, they work very well and San Jose BMW keeps them in stock, Lisa the GM at SJBMW has them on her ST and will be glad to give yoy a report. Don't discount the stock windscreen until you have tried the bike, my windscreen is stock, I ride with it in the lowest position and you get the cleanest, quietest airflow that I have experienced so far. 17,000 miles plus ....so far.

What you have heard about how good the head lites, is correct.

[gelbe Kulter]

They can't be too hard to find. BMWMoC has one. maybe they can ship it.

End of the year clearance on in Magnesium Silver 2005 R1200ST. Full 3 yr / 36k warranty in effect, bike has 20 miles. Comes with Verholen bar risers installed, luggage rack, ABS, chrome exhaust, heated grips and a center stand ...

http://www.bmwmotorcyclesofcolumbus.com ... gename=BMW

I don't work there, I just spend money there.

[tomski12]

I have an ST. My BMW motorcycle experience started with an '03 1150R went to an '04 1150GS and was planning on waiting for an R1200R or pulling the string on an r1200gs when I spotted a demo silver/blue ST. Got a smoking deal and am very happy. The leaned over position takes a little getting used to compared to the gs, but its a heck of a lot more fun. The key is to lean over enough with your back straight and arms with a little flex. Its actually very comfortable and much more athletic.

As for the bags, they do make them. I paid full retail for the bags and they were about $1k, keyed and reflectored.

As for the much maligned looks of the headlight, you don't see it when you're riding, but you sure can appreciate it. It is, by far, the best headlight on any motorcyle I've ridden. I actually thing it looks pretty good.

[Airman]

Bakernks,

Why are you going to the KC dealer ? Doen't Nickel's still sell BMW ? Or did BMW force them out of the fanchise due to the multi-brand issue ?

Airman

[bakernks]

Hey bakernks,

I see you own a 1150R and well as an F650GS. I own a 2002 R1150R. I am also very interested in purchasing a F650GS (probably Dakar version). What is your overall view on the R1150R vs the F650GS on the road, handling, etc....

Also, which bike do you find yourself riding more? Thanks for any info

I love the F650Gs, for me, being 5'7', 155#, it's a great adventure riding bike, the 1150/1200GS would just be too big and heavy even for decent dirt roads. I have no plans to ever part with the 650, I like it that much. The engine is as bullet proof as any made. I'm getting 67-71 mpg out of it. I do recommend changing the rear sprocket to one with 3 less teeth if you do any serious highway work with it, makes for a much more relaxed ride, 80 mph at just less than 5k rpm's, which is just about where the engine comes onto the cam for the top end rush. I use the 650 for around town errands, adventure riding dirt roads, and 300-400 mile touring days also. I'll be doing a 625 mile day on it in June to Colorado, fully loaded with camping gear.
The R1150R comes into it's own when I have just highway miles, it's cold out (bigger windshield, CeeBailey vs Wunderlich on the 650), farther to go, or just want to enjoy the bigger torque rush. I love them both, and the real beauty of having both is I can ride as much as I want, and I'm not putting all the miles on just one vehicle, so both end up being lower mileage bikes than otherwise.
If it's real windy out, and I have highway riding in mind, the R1150R's added 75#s does make it more comfortable, but then when I'm in the adventure riding mode, comfort- "only" isn't what the focus is anyway. If anyone buys the GS, the Dakar seat is a must do, the stock GS seat is a plank. For really short folks only, it's just too hard to enjoy riding the bike.
I have the ABS on the 650, and without servos and whining pumps, it just works when you need it, and otherwise it's invisible. What all ABS should be like, IMHO.

[bakernks]

Bakernks,

Why are you going to the KC dealer ? Doen't Nickel's still sell BMW ? Or did BMW force them out of the fanchise due to the multi-brand issue ?

Airman

Nichols, or MAP now, is still the dealer here in Wichita. Superior BMW support, better service and friendliness in general are leading me to at least let the new dealer shoot me a deal. MAP has almost too many irons in the fire to satisfy my obsession over quality service. MAP has given me top dollar on trades, however, which is important, as it's difficult to sell a used BMW in Wichita. I've tried several times, and, with our laws, the more I get for a trade, the less 7.35% sales tax I pay for the new bike. And new bikes are expensive. MAP has a good bunch of folks working there, but the KC dealer has 50 years dealing BMW and Triumph ONLY, and really know how to do a great job.

[hotzuk]

Hey Baker,

Thanks for the info. I really love my 2002 R1150R but I was actually considering trading it for a 2005 F650GS Dakar. I have not test ridden one yet but plan to when the weather breaks. Most of my riding is on paved roads but it is always sport touring riding. The R1150R has been a great bike for me but I have always loved the look of the F650GS Dakar bikes.

[Airman]

Yeah, I suppose it might be tough to sell a BMW in Wichita. Last time I was down there I stopped in at Nickols, but they were closed that day.
So I went down to Big Dog instead. What do they ride in Wichita ?