Chris Parker
03-20-2007, 09:56 PM
Well, it has been just over a month with the new 06 R1200RT and about 1500 miles on the odometer now… someone asked me to give a write up and compare the new with the old, so here goes…
First, let’s get this out of the way… I think Honda has a jewel in the ST1300… I have said more than once that it is the long distant cousin that you see at family reunions once every three years and are glad to see. Honda makes a lot of bikes, some of which I don’t care for and some that I think are amazing… but the ST is in a class by itself from Big Red. I thoroughly enjoyed the bike for the two plus years I had it and find the allure of the V-4 irresistible.
I had some issues… coolant leaks, thermostat going out (if this isn’t a recall, I don’t know what is), but overall was pleased with my Steed.
But to the RT… wow. What a difference from my old RTs (01 1100RT and 02 1150RT)… not even the same ballpark these new hexheads… I have been removed three plus years from my last Beemer, but I remember enough to make this fair comparison… much better all around (wind management, weight, torque, HP, creature comforts – ESA, cruise, luggage designs)…
… and compared to the ST, the first thing is weight… I don’t have exact figures, but it is indeed a lot of weight difference between the two bikes… gotta be over 100 lb difference… I feel like I am riding a dirt bike that rides on rails (not that the ST1300 isn’t confidence inspiring at all either). The flickability of the RT is pretty amazing… I can’t decide if I am the better rider because of it or it just is a better handling bike, but taking corners has been notched up for me.
Couple of physical comparisons that stick out between the two… the BMW is taller and wider (taller by a wide margin, too… I could easily flat foot the ST in the highest seat position, on the RT, in the highest position, I flatfoot it, barely, and I am 6’3”). The other is that the RT seating position is a little more upright, not much, but more. I still prefer the ST position, more weight on the bars, but I think that is because I am still “programmed” that way after 2 years of it. Ask me in a couple of months and I may have changed my mind.
One the thing that BMW Motorrad has finally addressed is the shifting quality of the boxer series… my old BMWs were agricultural in comparison to the ST… now the RT has taken the lead over the ST, really smooth, except for the clunk into 1st, but my ST had that as well. And having a 6th gear is nice again, I found myself at times trying to go up one more gear on the ST when I was tapped out in 5th. I have heard complaints on the K1200GT not having a smooth shifting experience, but that is not the case with the RT.
I like the luggage designs of new BMWs as well, with one feature I never thought I’d go without, but now wonder why more don’t and it is this… the locks can be set to allow you to get into the bags without having to use the key… I know some ST owners make the shorted keys and leave them in there for convenience, but I like that the RT’s bags have that feature. I got the 49 liter topcase with the bike upon delivery and it has the same features. They also have the tie down strap in the side cases which has come in handy at the grocery store.
The digital display is a bit clear, easier to read in daylight and is chock full of info, I got the oil level computer with mine and the ESA, so it is equipped appropriately in the readout, plus a gear indicator again. Wonder why the ST doesn’t have one? Doesn’t the FJR have one?
And speaking of ESA, I like it so far… really a trip to be sitting on the bike in a stationary position and select different preload settings and feel the bike lower or raise according to the settings you select. I hear that the system is expensive to replace when the shocks go, but I have options like Ohlins, Wilburs, etc.
Differences between the two bikes are also the following:
The ST is faster off the line, given the horsepower differences (I think the RT has 85-90 at the rear wheel and the ST has 116, even with the weight disadvantage the ST has). Top speed is another nod to the ST, but not by much… 142-145 mph vs 136-138 for the RT, based on what I have read, not personal experience, mind you.
Heated grips on the ST (Hondaline) had four settings that would get hot on 3 and up… the RT has just two, but do the job almost as well, but the integration is better… on/off switch is right handlebar located, easy to get to while on the ST, you mount wherever you want, just not on the handlebar location.
No easy headlight adjustment on RT, under panels, not electrically adjusted like on ST, but lighting on RT is better.
Mileage on RT is much better, almost 8 miles per gallon more, according to trip computer. 7.1 gallons and farthest I have gone without risking running dry is 278 miles, probably could have gone a bit farther, but did not want to push the bike.
Two words: Cruise control… never had it before this bike… must have it on all my future bikes… Honda, you listening? Next ST, you gotta have this feature! Not ifs, ands or buts! Great to have!
Cost of ownership would probably be in the Honda’s favor, but I intend to do as much work on the RT as I can to defray costs (Oil and filter, valve adjustments, etc)… it’s funny the different approaches the Japanese and Germans have… a recent friend of mine put it this way… “the Japanese design for rock solid reliability without much intervention from the owner or serviceman all along the way… the Germans design for rock solid reliability which depends on consistent and meticulous maintenance to make sure everything is in spec.” I have a Passat that is pretty much the same way as the Beemer… treat her nice and she will bring you home… neglect her and she will let you know (oil consumption the first 12 K miles on the RT, keep an eye on it, after that, forget about it… it’s true, both my old RTs were that way… I hear it is the Nikisil liners on the cylinders).
This is my initial impression of the RT ownership experience (again) after just a month… I will be noting some impressions/problems/curiosities down the road from time to time as it comes to mind… one thing I have learned that no bike is without faults, and I am sure that I will have my run in with that with this one… the thing that matters most is that I am confident with the bike and it’s ability to get me from point A to B in the twistiest ways possible with a big grin on my face, after all, isn’t that what’s all about?
Guy (BamaRider) has got some more info on his two bikes (ST and RT) and he has said a lot about the comparison between his two from all standpoints. I recommend reading his take at http://www.bamarider.com/.
First, let’s get this out of the way… I think Honda has a jewel in the ST1300… I have said more than once that it is the long distant cousin that you see at family reunions once every three years and are glad to see. Honda makes a lot of bikes, some of which I don’t care for and some that I think are amazing… but the ST is in a class by itself from Big Red. I thoroughly enjoyed the bike for the two plus years I had it and find the allure of the V-4 irresistible.
I had some issues… coolant leaks, thermostat going out (if this isn’t a recall, I don’t know what is), but overall was pleased with my Steed.
But to the RT… wow. What a difference from my old RTs (01 1100RT and 02 1150RT)… not even the same ballpark these new hexheads… I have been removed three plus years from my last Beemer, but I remember enough to make this fair comparison… much better all around (wind management, weight, torque, HP, creature comforts – ESA, cruise, luggage designs)…
… and compared to the ST, the first thing is weight… I don’t have exact figures, but it is indeed a lot of weight difference between the two bikes… gotta be over 100 lb difference… I feel like I am riding a dirt bike that rides on rails (not that the ST1300 isn’t confidence inspiring at all either). The flickability of the RT is pretty amazing… I can’t decide if I am the better rider because of it or it just is a better handling bike, but taking corners has been notched up for me.
Couple of physical comparisons that stick out between the two… the BMW is taller and wider (taller by a wide margin, too… I could easily flat foot the ST in the highest seat position, on the RT, in the highest position, I flatfoot it, barely, and I am 6’3”). The other is that the RT seating position is a little more upright, not much, but more. I still prefer the ST position, more weight on the bars, but I think that is because I am still “programmed” that way after 2 years of it. Ask me in a couple of months and I may have changed my mind.
One the thing that BMW Motorrad has finally addressed is the shifting quality of the boxer series… my old BMWs were agricultural in comparison to the ST… now the RT has taken the lead over the ST, really smooth, except for the clunk into 1st, but my ST had that as well. And having a 6th gear is nice again, I found myself at times trying to go up one more gear on the ST when I was tapped out in 5th. I have heard complaints on the K1200GT not having a smooth shifting experience, but that is not the case with the RT.
I like the luggage designs of new BMWs as well, with one feature I never thought I’d go without, but now wonder why more don’t and it is this… the locks can be set to allow you to get into the bags without having to use the key… I know some ST owners make the shorted keys and leave them in there for convenience, but I like that the RT’s bags have that feature. I got the 49 liter topcase with the bike upon delivery and it has the same features. They also have the tie down strap in the side cases which has come in handy at the grocery store.
The digital display is a bit clear, easier to read in daylight and is chock full of info, I got the oil level computer with mine and the ESA, so it is equipped appropriately in the readout, plus a gear indicator again. Wonder why the ST doesn’t have one? Doesn’t the FJR have one?
And speaking of ESA, I like it so far… really a trip to be sitting on the bike in a stationary position and select different preload settings and feel the bike lower or raise according to the settings you select. I hear that the system is expensive to replace when the shocks go, but I have options like Ohlins, Wilburs, etc.
Differences between the two bikes are also the following:
The ST is faster off the line, given the horsepower differences (I think the RT has 85-90 at the rear wheel and the ST has 116, even with the weight disadvantage the ST has). Top speed is another nod to the ST, but not by much… 142-145 mph vs 136-138 for the RT, based on what I have read, not personal experience, mind you.
Heated grips on the ST (Hondaline) had four settings that would get hot on 3 and up… the RT has just two, but do the job almost as well, but the integration is better… on/off switch is right handlebar located, easy to get to while on the ST, you mount wherever you want, just not on the handlebar location.
No easy headlight adjustment on RT, under panels, not electrically adjusted like on ST, but lighting on RT is better.
Mileage on RT is much better, almost 8 miles per gallon more, according to trip computer. 7.1 gallons and farthest I have gone without risking running dry is 278 miles, probably could have gone a bit farther, but did not want to push the bike.
Two words: Cruise control… never had it before this bike… must have it on all my future bikes… Honda, you listening? Next ST, you gotta have this feature! Not ifs, ands or buts! Great to have!
Cost of ownership would probably be in the Honda’s favor, but I intend to do as much work on the RT as I can to defray costs (Oil and filter, valve adjustments, etc)… it’s funny the different approaches the Japanese and Germans have… a recent friend of mine put it this way… “the Japanese design for rock solid reliability without much intervention from the owner or serviceman all along the way… the Germans design for rock solid reliability which depends on consistent and meticulous maintenance to make sure everything is in spec.” I have a Passat that is pretty much the same way as the Beemer… treat her nice and she will bring you home… neglect her and she will let you know (oil consumption the first 12 K miles on the RT, keep an eye on it, after that, forget about it… it’s true, both my old RTs were that way… I hear it is the Nikisil liners on the cylinders).
This is my initial impression of the RT ownership experience (again) after just a month… I will be noting some impressions/problems/curiosities down the road from time to time as it comes to mind… one thing I have learned that no bike is without faults, and I am sure that I will have my run in with that with this one… the thing that matters most is that I am confident with the bike and it’s ability to get me from point A to B in the twistiest ways possible with a big grin on my face, after all, isn’t that what’s all about?
Guy (BamaRider) has got some more info on his two bikes (ST and RT) and he has said a lot about the comparison between his two from all standpoints. I recommend reading his take at http://www.bamarider.com/.