2006 K1200GT Price and Stats

[Kempo-STer]

Yikes...:eek:

18,740..Oh and you want options??

Got this from bmwrt.com

Of course some of them are already defending it..(pay a price for exclusivity..blah blah)
I am sure it will be a nice bike. (Hell it better be for that money)

See that attachment for the spec sheet.

[Bones]

Ouch. I have grown to be skeptical of BMW "dry weight" figures, but that aside the performance numbers show a nice ride. Better be for the expense numbers.

What's this -- 33" seat height? Too tall for me unless I start riding in 3" platform shoes.:rolleyes:

[crazykz]

Well after I added the crap I got on the bike it was $17K. It looks like a real competitor to the ST though.

Curt

[tccox]

Just got my new copy of BMWON which covered the new BMWs. My Opinion ???

The KGT is without the most un attractive, heck downright ugly motorcycle I've EVER seen in my life. And the Price ?????? You gotta be kidding.

Interesting thread going on over on the big BMW list. Seems several BMW dealers are going out of business. Also BMWNA has cut dealer profit margins. That along with the dollar-Euro problems is sorta killing BMW in the marketplace right now. I'd be willing to bet BMW is out of the motorcycle business in the US within 10 years.

[GRN]

Well after I added the crap I got on the bike it was $17K. It looks like a real competitor to the ST though.

Curt

Curt, how much of it was crap you would have added to any bike? Where would that figure be if you started at $19-20+K?

I have a few extra $$ in mine too, but a very small %, say 10-15% of that is bike specific. Having paid just under $11K for mine w/ heated grips, my math still puts me way ahead IMO... at least of the K12GT I rode in fall of '04 which was with basic options an $18K bike then too, I can't speak specifically to this new one. What I would find very interesting in you case, being one of the bigger mileage junkies here, is a comparo of cost by mile or year...

Exclusivity my :butt1: ... might be an interesting bus ride to NYC next month!

[Kempo-STer]

Well after I added the crap I got on the bike it was $17K. It looks like a real competitor to the ST though.

Curt


Yeah Curt, but hell you've got a NASA mobile command station on your bike;)
Most of which you would probably have to add to the GT as well.

[GRN]

Just got my new copy of BMWON which covered the new BMWs. My Opinion ???

The KGT is without the most un attractive, heck downright ugly motorcycle I've EVER seen in my life. And the Price ?????? You gotta be kidding.

Interesting thread going on over on the big BMW list. Seems several BMW dealers are going out of business. Also BMWNA has cut dealer profit margins. That along with the dollar-Euro problems is sorta killing BMW in the marketplace right now. I'd be willing to bet BMW is out of the motorcycle business in the US within 10 years.

TC, I've seen uglier, but it ain't the foxy ride it was previously, I'm with ya on that. I was wondering how BMW was doing even back when I looked in '04, they were offering insanely aggressive financing programs, certainly out of line with their "percieved position" in the market. Maybe we'll see a race between BMW MC's and the major American car manufacturers to see who can stay in business in the US the longest... a good long look at what's happening with Ford and GM yields some pretty ?able conclusions as well.
:confused:

[sherob]

Ouch. I have grown to be skeptical of BMW "dry weight" figures, but that aside the performance numbers show a nice ride. Better be for the expense numbers.

What's this -- 33" seat height? Too tall for me unless I start riding in 3" platform shoes.:rolleyes:

You can get option 776 for the 31" seat... ooo, N/C for that either :rolleyes:

If they made it as dependable, easy to work on(as our ST), and didn't discourage you working on it I think it would be a decent ride. The one thing BMW has that we don't is decent dealers... we have to hunt them down. :rolleyes:

[nm6r]

When it comes to dealers, we may not have quality but we have quantity.

I guess that just means we are more likely to have the convenience of a dealer no matter where we are. We just need to do the work ourselves to get it done right.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[Biddyman]

Maybe if he adds a soft serve ice cream machine, all the wingers will follow.

[Horst]

I'm not going to get into this again, but the K1200GT is not in the same league as the ST1300 .... it's in the hyper-sport-touring league along with Hayabusa .... compared to the ST, the GT is a Ferrari ... :rolleyes:

Do you guys ever wonder if the BMW guys sit around wondering what the Honda guys think of them ? .... :D


PS: BTW, I really like *that* avatar .... :)

PPS: BMW may not be the only m/c causalty ... like 'another famous' brand they seem to forget who got them there .... sad.

[tccox]

I'm not going to get into this again, but the K1200GT is not in the same league as the ST1300 .... it's in the hyper-sport-touring league along with Hayabusa .... compared to the ST, the GT is a Ferrari ... :rolleyes:

Do you guys ever wonder if the BMW guys sit around wondering what the Honda guys think of them ? .... :D


PS: BTW, I really like *that* avatar .... :)

PPS: BMW may not be the only m/c causalty ... like 'another famous' brand they seem to forget who got them there .... sad.



Welll, actually Horst, there was a BMW guy on the big board the other day complaining cause all his friends were buying ST1300s now instead of BMWs......

Actually Horst I'm a BMW sorta rider, love em to death and rode em for 11 years prior to my ST. I'm still a Prezz on the big list and still a member of BMWMOA (great Magazine) BUT it sure is streatching it to call the new KGT Ferrari like. Cycle World and other have got a top speed of about 165 for the K1200S. With only 152 HP compared to the S's 167 , greater weight and saddlebags. I'd be willing to bet the KGTs performance is more FJR like and maybe not that much faster than my STs. We'll just have to wait and see the first road test to find out I guess. But still, its ugly as hell and way, way overpriced.

[B11RGER]

Read it and beleive it ( well you will won't you if you ride a Beemer):D
They are still crap, and are a long way behind in the quality of a Honda and even Honda has its faults.

From World of BMW:Monday 19th December 2005

BMW Motorrad has released details of its latest 'authority' machine - the eagerly awaited R 1200 RT - at the recent Milipol exhibition in Paris.

With its ergonomic design, excellent performance and supreme rider protection and comfort, this specially adapted version of BMW's best selling touring Boxer is equipped with many unique features, fittings and modifications designed especially for authority use. The new R 1200 RT replaces the R 1150 RT in the authority line-up and will be available for security forces all over the world from March 2006. The new R 900 RT will replace the R 850 RT and production will start in May 2006.



The new R 1200 RT has significant advantages over its predecessor. For example, a large 27-litre fuel tank allows a greater range before refuelling. There's also a shorter first gear ratio, which offers better low speed stability and allows the motorcycle to be easily ridden at walking pace speeds for sustained periods (for example, when performing escort duties). The rear suspension strut has also been strengthened to cope with the extra stresses put on it during operational riding.

In addition to the options already offered for the civil version such as heated grips, seat heating and an anti-theft warning system, the authorities version also has several unique features. For example the panniers have upper lids, which can be opened with one hand while seated and without using the key. Matching inner bags will also be available.

A new, high accuracy authorities speedometer with two digital displays enables exact current speed to be viewed at the push of a button. Particular attention has also been paid to the siren's tone sequence system, with its significantly increased volume output (+4dbA). The new 'Light deactivation' option is only available for authorities' use and allows the possibility to switch off the main light while the engine is running.

BMW Motorrad has been operating for more than 75 years in this specific business, starting at the end of the 1920s. The first motorcycle prepared for authority use was an R 24 with 12 hp, sold in 1928. Since 1970, more than 100,000 authorities motorcycles have been supplied in 146 countries, with France, Germany, Spain and Great Britain being the biggest customers.

The current range includes F 650 GS, R 850 R and the R 850 / 1150 RT machines (available until the end of February 2006) and covers the major needs of this very special target group that includes courier services, escort duties, highway patrols etc.

BMW Motorrad is the only manufacturer to offer these specialised motorcycles completely developed and tested by its own R&D department. Furthermore, in the factory in Berlin there is a special assembly line which ensures that all BMW Motorrad's renowned quality controls also apply to these motorcycles.

Beside the product itself, BMW Motorrad also offers a wide range of training and service activities - either directly or via its highly qualified organsation.

Spare parts are available for up to 15 years after the end of a model's production.

For the safety of the rider himself, BMW Motorrad offers a complete range of BMW Rider Equipment, which has been specially adapted for authorities' needs including suits, gloves and helmets, as well as communications systems.

[Horst]

I can't help it ... resistance is futile ... I have been assimilated !

"I believe that Honda makes great motorcycles"

"I believe that BMW makes great motorcycles"

"I believe that Honda and BMW once made great motorcycles that looked awesome but now look like crap"

"I believe that BMW once made great motorcycles that were technically superior but now are a lot like many others"

I think I need to go for a ride on my beautiful ST1100 .... :D

[sherob]

.... it's in the hyper-sport-touring league along with Hayabusa ....


Saw a red Busa while having my PR's put on... sounded real quite when it went by... wasn't as ugly as the white :eek:

[Horst]

This is last year's model .... how can anyone not like this ? ...

[GRN]

This is last year's model .... how can anyone not like this ? ...

I do... almost bought it... if it weren't for my junkie shoulder, and the dealers being so far away, it woulda been between that and the Duc ST. New one is not nearly as sexy IMO. Ergos on the ST13 w/ risers is about all my shoulder will do for the real long days, and I enjoy them too much to give yp for the extra performance. I also didn't feel the performance of the KGT was better than the ST for where I ride, it was slow to make hard transitions... I love hard transitions!

[tccox]

This is last year's model .... how can anyone not like this ? ...
I did like it. And thats what I was bound and determined to buy to replace my 2002 R1150RA. And then I rode one. And then I bought a ST1300 after 11 years on BMWs. Only thing I miss is having a top dealer like Carolina BMW.

[Horst]

I miss ... 1) the Telelever front end ... 2) standard Heated Grips ...


Each of those are the best in the business IMHO ....


Aren't bikes fun ? .... so many bikes ... so little time ... and $$$$ :eek:


...yes, new one is 'challenged' shall we say :)

[tccox]

Sorry, forgot. Yep , have to agree with you. Telelever on the street is the best, my R1150RA DID come with heated grips STANDARD and it only cost me $30 to add a power outlet on it.

[tricky_micky]

Some years ago!

I used to ride BMW K1100LT's for work and had an St1100 as my own bike. Nice to have the change. BMW then brought out the R1100 LT I think that is what it is, I am not up on the numbers game, but it is the one with the twin cylinders and flat side!

We had one of these bikes on test and my opinion was they seemed to have gone backwards, in that I mean back to the flat twin like the old BMW R80. Anyway, I was not impressed with the bike, very easy to ride and forgiving when really pushed through bends, but this had a rev limiter fitted and sugar, was that dangerous.

Just going for a quick overtake using third gear and in came the limiter which left me floating for a while, alongside my prey!

Anyway, moving on, I had seen the ST1300 and I did not like it at first. The rear light cluster and triangular pipes, to me looked ugly! I was given a test ride on one, and as soon as I sat on it, I imediatly thought BMW! It seemed as though Honda had gone the same way as the BMW with the plastic round off curves by the riders legs, and the cockpit just put me in a BMW mood. Dont ask me why, it just did.

It took me 3 years to come round to buying the ST1300, I was happy with the St1100, but the price of the ST1300 was something I could not turn down. Since then, I have not looked back.

I think the new BMW tourers look big, ugly, and expensive to run and maintain, thank goodness I stayed loyal to Honda

Mick

[Mike]

I like the Beemer but as long as the euro remains stronger than the dollar it will be a no brainer for me as to what my dollar will go for.

I still have a great SPORT-tourer in the CBR1100XX at half the cost of the Beemer and it should still beat if not give the Beemer a run for it's money and certainly beat out the Beemer in the maint. cost dept. I really don't mind the chain maint that comes with the XX.

The ST 1300 has been somewhat of a dissappointment to me what with the delivery delays,recalls,continuing antifreeze leaks and so on but I do feel it is the best two up sport-TOURING machine out there.

If I had unlimited deniro I sure as hell would add the Beemer to the garage.....just for bling.

[nm6r]

I really didn't like the taillight on the ST1300. I disliked it so much, it was almost a dealbreaker. I didn't care for the pipes either, the triangular shape or the sound but they were easy to remedy. I suppose I have gotten used to the funky taillight, although it's still my least favorite part of the bike.

Overall we are very pleased with our 2004 with 33k miles on it. It's what we had hoped it would be. Are we looking for more in the future? Absolutely, as technology improves. That's what gets me excited about features on bikes I would never own. Some of the features are previews of coming attractions on many other bikes.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[Horst]

Micky - the tail lights and pipes still look ugly ! ... HA HA HA ... :D

But don't let the looks fool ya, boxers are LIGHT and they mean it ... almost 100 lbs lighter than the corresponding ST ... now the K1200LT is a PIG, just like the Wing is a PIG ... UGHHH ! :rolleyes:

But the new GT looks plain ... like Jodie Foster with no makeup ... :eek:

(she's still pretty inside !)


And yes, the CBR-XX (Dos Equis) will always be beautiful !

[Dave Austin]

Here's our story;

My wife wanted to go shopping for a motorcycle for (herself). I am like damm this is great! She had owned a few crusiers and was now wanting to step into a really nice sport/touring bike. So took a short ride on our 05 GL1800 and stopped at the Daytona Fla BMW dealership approx 140mi one way. We looked around a little and she noticed a preowned 2004 1150RT and the lines of the bike really appealed to her. We were treated nicely by the salesman "Tom" and he asked if we wanted to take the bike out for a ride? We thought about it and decided sure why not. So we rode the 1150 RT around Daytona Beach for about 20 or 30 minutes. Its not a good idea to get off the GL1800 and onto a 1150RT. Its a whole different world.

I am in no way an expert on BMW 1150 or the boxer. I have ridden a variety of motorcycles over the last thirty years. Mostly Honda. As for the 1150RT I can say that neither of us were impressed. I kept thinking I know the ST has got to handle and perform much better than this, and its a Honda product. We are both tall and just did not feel right on the RT. I am sure riding the Wing to the dealership did not help us in our decision. We decided tot the RT ride the 1150 back to the dealership and move on in our buyer search. We thanked Tom for his time and explained that the RT was a nice bike it was just not what we were looking for. Creature comforts it had a few. Power and the smoothness in shifting was not as precise or as smooth as a Honda product. I was not impressed at all. I am taking into consideration that I had never ridden an 1150 RT before and I am sure there are some great things this bike will do. On a quick 30 minute ride I was not finding these things. It just was not working for either of us. My wife had no desire to even test ride the RT. This was on a Saturday afternoon.

We felt like we needed to continue our search for the perfect ST. I am sure riding the Wing to the dealership set the bar pretty high. For all of the right reasons we would learn later a Beemer was just not in our future. Anyway...

Saturday night I decided to search the Jacksonville, Fla area on line cycle trader. To our surprise, I found a preowned 2003 ST1300a with 6500 orginal miles on it. One owner showroom condition. This was about 11pm. So now I had to hope that this bike was still available. Sunday morning fairly early I called the number hoping the bike had not been sold. The ad was placed Friday so the odds were 50/50. At 9:30 am we took a 50 minute drive and closely looked at the 2003 ST1300a, found it to be in perfect condition and everything the owner said it was. Showroom. All recalls were done, the owner held the title. I asked my wife if this was the bike she wanted. She said yes, and the check was inked for less than 10k. The 2004 1150 RT was $12,900? The ST IMHO is a superior bike. Its Honda smooth, powerful and handles like a dream, a true sport tourer. And takes the same oil filter as the Wing! A minor but important garage detail. Now I order OEM oil filters by the case. ;)

My wife and I are planning a trip June 5-10 to Americade in upstate NY. She on the ST and I on the Wing. We live in S.E. Georgia and ride year round. Infact today (sat) its going to be 72 degrees and sunny.

Life is good at the "Honda Hoot Garage". Happy New Year!

Ride Safe!

Dave:03biker:

[Putt]

Here's our story;

My wife wanted to go shopping for a motorcycle for (herself). I am like damm this is great! She had owned a few crusiers and was now wanting to step into a really nice sport/touring bike. So took a short ride on our 05 GL1800 and stopped at the Daytona Fla BMW dealership approx 140mi one way. We looked around a little and she noticed a preowned 2004 1150RT and the lines of the bike really appealed to her. We were treated nicely by the salesman "Tom" and he asked if we wanted to take the bike out for a ride? We thought about it and decided sure why not. So we rode the 1150 RT around Daytona Beach for about 20 or 30 minutes. Its not a good idea to get off the GL1800 and onto a 1150RT. Its a whole different world.

I am in no way an expert on BMW 1150 or the boxer. I have ridden a variety of motorcycles over the last thirty years. Mostly Honda. As for the 1150RT I can say that neither of us were impressed. I kept thinking I know the ST has got to handle and perform much better than this, and its a Honda product. We are both tall and just did not feel right on the RT. I am sure riding the Wing to the dealership did not help us in our decision. We decided tot the RT ride the 1150 back to the dealership and move on in our buyer search. We thanked Tom for his time and explained that the RT was a nice bike it was just not what we were looking for. Creature comforts it had a few. Power and the smoothness in shifting was not as precise or as smooth as a Honda product. I was not impressed at all. I am taking into consideration that I had never ridden an 1150 RT before and I am sure there are some great things this bike will do. On a quick 30 minute ride I was not finding these things. It just was not working for either of us. My wife had no desire to even test ride the RT. This was on a Saturday afternoon.

We felt like we needed to continue our search for the perfect ST. I am sure riding the Wing to the dealership set the bar pretty high. For all of the right reasons we would learn later a Beemer was just not in our future. Anyway...

Saturday night I decided to search the Jacksonville, Fla area on line cycle trader. To our surprise, I found a preowned 2003 ST1300a with 6500 orginal miles on it. One owner showroom condition. This was about 11pm. So now I had to hope that this bike was still available. Sunday morning fairly early I called the number hoping the bike had not been sold. The ad was placed Friday so the odds were 50/50. At 9:30 am we took a 50 minute drive and closely looked at the 2003 ST1300a, found it to be in perfect condition and everything the owner said it was. Showroom. All recalls were done, the owner held the title. I asked my wife if this was the bike she wanted. She said yes, and the check was inked for less than 10k. The 2004 1150 RT was $12,900? The ST IMHO is a superior bike. Its Honda smooth, powerful and handles like a dream, a true sport tourer. And takes the same oil filter as the Wing! A minor but important garage detail. Now I order OEM oil filters by the case. ;)

My wife and I are planning a trip June 5-10 to Americade in upstate NY. She on the ST and I on the Wing. We live in S.E. Georgia and ride year round. Infact today (sat) its going to be 72 degrees and sunny.

Life is good at the "Honda Hoot Garage". Happy New Year!

Ride Safe!

Dave:03biker:

Savannah area Dave???

Putt..

[Bones]

This is last year's model .... how can anyone not like this ? ...
It's sharp in blue (one of my riding buddies has one) but the Mint Green? That is just confusing. BMW has had some real issues in color selections over the years.

[B11RGER]

An intersting snippet from a BMW owner about the K1200 .............
"K1200R Experiences
Just want to connect with a few K1200R owners out there to share info.
The only major issue I have with the bike is the motor on a closed or constant throttle were the engine sounds rough and vibration kills any vision you may have in the mirrors above about 60mph,
From what I have read the prime suspect is a deliberatley lean fuel mixture setting to perhaps aid fuel consumption. I know that there is no immediately likelihood (if ever?) of a power commander for the K1200R/S and questions addressed to BMW direct meet with no repsonse. Whilst I and others apparently think this is a problem all at BMW keep tight lipped ... surely thay must have sorted this for the Powercup bikes so why not share the secret and let road bike owners benefit as well".

And the "K" is supposed to be the smooth engined Beemer??????? this punter is obviously being treated by BMW in the same way as the rest of us who were unfortunate to own an R1150 RT that didn't run correctly. Blaming fuel emmissions etc. Isn't the new K1200 GT going to have the same engine as the R ??

[Bones]

Isn't the new K1200 GT going to have the same engine as the R ??

My understanding is the GT has the same inline-4 motor as the K1200R and K1200S but with its own fuel injection map that bumps up mid-range performance at the expense of top-end output.

I'm surprised to hear about all that vibration but not surprised to hear that BMW doesn't care.

[Fireball18]

Micky - the tail lights and pipes still look ugly ! ... HA HA HA ... :D

But don't let the looks fool ya, boxers are LIGHT and they mean it ... almost 100 lbs lighter than the corresponding ST ... now the K1200LT is a PIG, just like the Wing is a PIG ... UGHHH ! :rolleyes:

But the new GT looks plain ... like Jodie Foster with no makeup ... :eek:

(she's still pretty inside !)


And yes, the CBR-XX (Dos Equis) will always be beautiful !

Horst,

Have you ever ridden a GL1800 Wing? Don't "dis" it before trying it out. It's definitely no pig.

[STnAV8R]

Yikes...:eek:

18,740..Oh and you want options??

Got this from bmwrt.com

Of course some of them are already defending it..(pay a price for exclusivity..blah blah)
I am sure it will be a nice bike. (Hell it better be for that money)

See that attachment for the spec sheet.

A lot of us Americans think that expensive European cars and motorcycles are worth it because of the common perception that high cost = high quality. Unfortunately they don't consider that they are expensive not because of superior quality but because of 1) the exchange rate and 2) their socialist policies results in a high cost of production.

[RoadSurfer]

Germany? Socialist????

Bwaahahhaha hah.

[bygdawg]

I'm curious how much of that 152 hp makes its way to the rear wheel, and I don't like the boxey look of the front fairing. I'm sure it does offer good protection though.

[nybryan]

a friend with a lt bmw just spent 1600 bucks for a standard large service < i hope he got ripped off that price just can;t be right> I think the bike has 12000 miles on it. I know it has under twenty k on it. I get confused cause i got stuck on $1600 for service. I think i have to get a better job before i think about bmw as an option.
bryan

[racer1735]

Yeah Curt, but hell you've got a NASA mobile command station on your bike;)
Most of which you would probably have to add to the GT as well.

No kidding. When he rode down this way for the Moonshine run, most communties of under 10,000 populace suffered brown-outs as he sped by!

[Horst]

re: GL1800

no have not ridden it ... it may not be a pig, but it is a Wing-o-Bago .... :D

some friends own it and yes they ride better than the GL1500 I had ...

about the Beemers ... they do co$$$$$t a lot ... that's really too bad :(

[UNTMatt]

I just don't understand BMW. 18,800 for the RT or GT, sticker price. Add TTL and delivery charges and you have a 20k bike. Add your farkles and you better have a bottomless wallet. You haven't even touched service yet...not to mention, BMW's service schedule sucks.

As for BMW having better dealerships than Honda...please...they suffer the same dealership issues we do. We just have a much larger selection...esp if we have issues on the road.

The only item that I think BMW has that Honda missed was the suspension. For a lot less money I can upgrade the Honda suspension. The ST has a much better engine, better service schedule, better reliability, smoother ride, and, after all is said and done, more money to farkle with.

[bygdawg]

Good pt. Artcwolf. I've found that I have to farkle every bike I've ever owned. I've never found one that was just perfect without some farkle or two, or three...or fourteen. LOL My pt. being, it's all about what you like to ride and what you enjoy. Well...and it's about money $$$ too, at least for me. I'm kind of froogle so I like to try to find the best bang for the buck. That's why I rode a Concours for so long before coming here to the "darkside" as my COG friends say. Seriously, they're a great bunch just like here and they always welcome folks no matter what they ride. Moving from the Conk to the ST, I just wish I could've kept the old saddle. It was better IMO. Other than that, the ST is hands down a winner in my book, and I'm finding I love it more everyday. So, until the GL 1800 achieves 140hp or better, I'm sticking with my sweet ST.

[John Anthony]

We saw one of the 1200 GT's up close and personal last weekend. I think it's a pretty sweet ride. Can't get our hands on one for a test drive until late this year as the allocations are pretty small. Will be interesting to see how the reports come in on this one. Went to one of the Beamer sites and a new owner had very positive comments. Only downsides: jerkiness at low speed/RPM; lousy seat; windshield could be better; and no option for radio. A fully loaded 1200 goes out the door in Washington for about $22.5K.

John

[bygdawg]

That's a pretty good chunk of change for two wheels.

[2005c6]

That's a pretty good chunk of change for two wheels.

It is. But in all fairness, its no more than a Goldwing. If you think about it, it may not have the absolute comfort of a Goldwing, but at the same price is has all the amenities AND a ton more performance.

Just an observation.

[bcst1300]

The new 1200 gt k bike is pretty pricy here. Your 18500 price at current exchange rates shold make this bike around 20,362 Canadian Dollars but it is a lot more than that Like 7 or 8000 more.
A loaded 1200 rt is arond 30,000 and starts at 23000. or 21000 to 27000 USD.

The Canadian premium exists on a lot of things we buy because of the smaller market. A gerbings heat controller is over 200 and yet less than 80 USD.

Mind you not all prices are rediculous north to south as i just talked to a guy that payed over 400 for a Metzler Z6 on his 1150 RT. The same tire is 246 installed at my Honda dealer.

[Horst]

the reason Beemers are costing more is the sinking US dollar, folks ... and it's not going to get better ... but their Telelever is superior to any fork front end, I've owned and enjoyed it ... plus their standard heated grips.

but, there comes a point where I say enough is enough ... Honda is better value :)

[B11RGER]

the reason Beemers are costing more is the sinking US dollar, folks ... and it's not going to get better ... but their Telelever is superior to any fork front end, I've owned and enjoyed it ... plus their standard heated grips.

but, there comes a point where I say enough is enough ... Honda is better value :)
I find the front suspension and brakes on the ST1300ABS far superior to that of my R1150RT. Even some of the motorcycle journalists recommended an after market upgrade for the R1150 RT.

[Coal Man]

Let me add to the "why I sold my BMW and bought an ST" list. My local BMW dealer just closed up, the second to do so in the Miami Valley(ohio) area since I"ve been riding them. So that leaves the closest one about a hour and a half away in northern Columbus, Ohio. With internet parts suppliers etc. that still wasn't a huge problem, but the ARROGANCE IS/WAS I have never had dealers try to talk down to me because my bike wasn't the latest greatest thing on the floor like these people do! I'm 51 and have been riding since I was 14, owning more bikes and brands than I actually can remember and to be treated like a woman at a car repair shop just moves me out their door quicker than someone yelling FIRE.
My ST is so much smoother and more comfy than my K100Rt that I hope the guy I sold it to doesn't ever ride a ST and want his money back.
I wanted an ST to trim my stable from the K100Rt and a 1200s Bandit and get the best of both bikes in one but the ST beats both of them at their own game so I didn't comprimise anything at all:biker: :D

[Horst]

to each his own ...

I still miss my Telelever front end, and ...

those BMW ABS power brakes ... best I've ever had, any vehicle, bar none.

but the cost is not justifiable ... still my R1150R was a work of art ... pics posted under my thread 'BMW Design' ....

warning - some BMW-bashers here could face an eternity of ROUNDELS dancing in your heads ... :D


"after market upgrade for the R1150 RT" ... after market what ? ... shock maybe ?

[Putt]

As to modern bike design, one man's Rolls is another man's Yugo... No bike
is all things to all people.. If YOU like the bike YOUR riding, GREAT!!! Welcome
to the group... FJR's, Connies, Beemers, 'Busas, Triumphs, XX's, 'Strom's, all others, and yes, even Wings :) it don't matter to me, lets go ride!!!!

Putt...

[Actionfigurejoe]

I got a chance to ride the BMW after spending several thousand miles on the ST. If I hadn't already experianced the smooth nature of the STeed, the BMW could've been on my short list. While I could get used to the vibration on the Beemer, I have to ask the question..............why pay $20some grand to get used to vibration?

Vrooooom:biker:

[Actionfigurejoe]

Let me add to the "why I sold my BMW and bought an ST" list. My local BMW dealer just closed up, the second to do so in the Miami Valley(ohio) area since I"ve been riding them. So that leaves the closest one about a hour and a half away in northern Columbus, Ohio. With internet parts suppliers etc. that still wasn't a huge problem, but the ARROGANCE IS/WAS I have never had dealers try to talk down to me because my bike wasn't the latest greatest thing on the floor like these people do! I'm 51 and have been riding since I was 14, owning more bikes and brands than I actually can remember and to be treated like a woman at a car repair shop just moves me out their door quicker than someone yelling FIRE.
My ST is so much smoother and more comfy than my K100Rt that I hope the guy I sold it to doesn't ever ride a ST and want his money back.
I wanted an ST to trim my stable from the K100Rt and a 1200s Bandit and get the best of both bikes in one but the ST beats both of them at their own game so I didn't comprimise anything at all:biker: :D

The salesman at the local Beemer shop laughed when I told him what I ride. Didn't cowboys used to shoot each other for insulting another man's horse? Or was that assaulting another man's horse? Sheeeet.......I forget.

[patentcad]

I love my 2004 ST1300A. And with the top box and all the farkles, it's only $4500 away from being paid for in full. Not $18,500. So the comparison about which bike is 'better' ends on THAT part of MY spec sheet : ).

I'll engage in discussions about which new bike is better AFTER my 12 year old graduates from COLLEGE. Let's talk in um, say... 2015?. By then it will be the ST1600A with Warp Drive and mind-linked GPS.

[bygdawg]

As to modern bike design, one man's Rolls is another man's Yugo... No bike
is all things to all people.. If YOU like the bike YOUR riding, GREAT!!! Welcome
to the group... FJR's, Connies, Beemers, 'Busas, Triumphs, XX's, 'Strom's, all others, and yes, even Wings :) it don't matter to me, lets go ride!!!!

Putt...

I like your attitude. Ditto for me.

[Horst]

WINGS ??? :cool:

We have to welcome WINGERS too ? ...... ;)

[Putt]

I can just see Joe's finger hoovering over the "delete" key :crackup

Putt..


WINGS ??? :cool:

We have to welcome WINGERS too ? ...... ;)