New member with R1200ST questions

[phalcon51]

Hi, new member with some questions about the R1200ST. Hope this is the right forum.

I'm hoping to buy a 2005 R1200ST in the near future, but I haven't had the opportunity to ride one yet. I'm going to make it down to San Diego next weekend where the local dealer has one that I can take for a test ride. I'm wondering if anyone here can give me any first hand feedback on this model. Wondering if there's anything I should be aware of on this model such as known problems, quirks, etc. Also, I'm curious about the power assisted brakes, which I think this bike has. How are they compared to standard brakes? Do you really need power assist on a lightweight sport touring bike? I've heard they're a bit noisy when actuated - any opinions? How is the handling in the twisties with the Telelever front end - vague or precise? Is the stock seat good for all day rides? (I'm 6'1" and 180 lbs). How aggressive is the seat/handlebar position? (I've been riding a Suzuki SV1000S with Helibars) Were there any recalls I should be aware of? I know a lot of this is very subjective, but I'd appreciate any opinions on these questions or anything else you think I should be aware of.

Thanks,

Gary

[tobes]

This is the R1200R forum. I'm not sure on the recall/problems question but can give you my impression of the ST. I've taken the ST out 3 times as a loaner when having my R serviced. The service tech warned me about the power assist brakes the first time I took the bike out as a loaner. He said they were like the hand of God coming down and stopping the bike. I didn't think it was that bad. Basically you just need to get used to it and not apply too much pressure. The whizzing sound didn't bother me. Just like anything else it's something you need to get used to. You do not need power assist brakes. The R doesn't have them and I love the braking on the R. The ST did okay in the twisties. I took it up through Rt33, Ojai to Lockwood, and through the snake on Mulholland. I liked it in the sweepers and thought it was just okay in the tighter turns. Not as flickable in the tighter turns as the R but still fun. Where this bike really shines is the freeway. The screen and the riding position work well at blocking the wind. I thought the stock seat was very comfortable, at least for the 4-5 hours at a time I had the bike. What I didn't like about the ST is the fairing, which rattled at idle, and the look of the headlight. I know that's subjective. Also, I prefer a more upright riding position. The ST pitches you a bit more forward into that sport position and I didn't care for the weight on my wrists. In short, if you like the forward riding position, the ST would make a great touring bike. If you want a bike with a higher fun factor that can tour as well check out a R. Hope that helps.

Here is an image me on the ST on Mulholland.

[NakedRider]

I had one for two years. One of the best all-round bikes I've ever had. Did some 400-600 mile days on it. At your height my biggest concern may be the distance between seat an pegs. I'm 5'10" and it was a little cramped for me.

Excellent quality freeway ride. It also carries it's weight low in the twisties. Next to my R1200R it may be the best bike I've ever owned.

[craigleo]

I rode one several times on short test rides. I am 6'2" and while it wasn't quite as comfy as the R, it wasn't bad. seemed very good and was also easy to ride at slow speeds. I preferred it to the R1200GS. I believe as others have stated, that you owe it to yourself to ride an R1200R. Once you ride it you will be spoiled regarding other bikes. In fact, if you want to save a bundle and get a great bike, look at R1150R's up for grabs. Big, yes, a bit retro but cool. Comes with very practical and good looking analog guages and a clock, all very easy to read at speed. Like the R, the 1150 is super stable at speed. You can mod the snot out of them performance and creature comfort-wise and still not spend a bunch of money.

[craigleo]

By the way, I live in Carlsbad and bought my 09 R and BMW of San Diego, which is, I think where you are going to ride the ST. Both San Diego BMW dealerships are good people. That being said, BMW of San Diego has a group that seems like they are all friends and they are all happy to be there. Very welcoming vibe.

They have a black, 07 R1200R, up for grabs. In case you don't know, that is the first year they made all the weight, power and various upgrades in the bike. Perhaps you might test ride this bike.

[celticus]

I'll bet you could put super bike bars on the ST and it would be more manoverable. One reason I chose the R is the nice wide tubular bars.

Mark

[NakedRider]

I'll bet you could put super bike bars on the ST and it would be more manoverable. One reason I chose the R is the nice wide tubular bars.

Mark

The ST has clip ons and they are adjustable up and down. I agree a more upright position may be more comfortable on a long trip.

[TonyT607]

I had an '05 for three years which I traded in last July for a new GT. I loved the ST from the minute I test rode it. An all around great bike which was my daily driver. The only change I had to make was the installation of the risers -I think they were Verholen.

You'll love it !