05 no. 05 had/have fuel strip problems, fuel pump control module problems, plastic cam break on throttle bodies, servo assisted brake problems which are not used on newer modles. There are still a lot of low mileage RT's out there at what I think at reasonable price. I bought an 09 3 years ago with 30k now over 70k. It really is a excellent road bike. ESA could be a problem on early models and shock rebuild can be expensive. Heated grips & seat, cruise control, Electric wind screen and no coolant to worry about. Tupperware is easily removed compared to an ST. Do some research on the specific year your looking at before pulling the trigger. No it's not as smooth as a v4 but it handles better, easier clutch pull, great wind/rain protection and at speed it's pretty smooth.
ST1100 - Love it or List it? (BMW R1200RT)
- Thread starter jacMA
- Start date
Split hairs? I'm not the one defending my purchases or reasons for doing so, ST or otherwise, lol. Again, if it puts a smile on your face, that's all that really matters. What works for you may not work for someone else. I'm not one who cares what, where, how, or the reasons one rides... I just care that they ride and smile while doing so.
I'm a bit confused about the tough life reference, but I think I understand... my last bike among several in the menagerie could have bought me a new GSA and a new RT with enough left over for a couple of low mileage ST's. Imagine the amount of justification I'd have to make if I really cared what people think! It's only as tough as you make it...
Well, it was sarcasm.. and I hope you don't think I'm defending my purchases... I won't ever do that because it's not necessary, and not anyone's business, assuming they even care.. just giving some input on different bikes and my experiences and observations.
I think his "tough life" reference was meant tongue-in-cheek. 
(Mellow beat me to responding seconds before I did.)
I think we're a long way from the OP's question and recommend we split the thread into two topics or maybe even close it. I'm sorry for stirring a hornet's nest. It was never my intention.
Chris
(Mellow beat me to responding seconds before I did.)I think we're a long way from the OP's question and recommend we split the thread into two topics or maybe even close it. I'm sorry for stirring a hornet's nest. It was never my intention.
Chris
You Beemer guys... always causing trouble... but then you have chains so it's expected.I think his "tough life" reference was meant tongue-in-cheek.
I think we're a long way from the OP's question and recommend we split the thread into two topics or maybe even close it. I'm sorry for stirring a hornet's nest. It was never my intention.
Chris
The OP probably got the most useful info from the 1st page then got a headache.. lol
There's nothing wrong with thread creep, IMO. The nature of the OP's "question" was likely largely answered before he even posted it and validation simply sought. The other bikes listed in his sig across a few makes shows he's probably not new to differing opinions across brands.
As an owner of more than a few bikes across more than a few makes, and as the lead Super Moderator of a once very prolific bike forum (before VerticalScope takeover) for a decade, I've learned never to make assumptions or judgements about people and their specific bikes/choices. Personally, I do care, if only to share information, stories, and experiences. But what I think doesn't matter, especially if you are smiling when you swing a leg over. #cheers
Donk
Site Supporter
Ok well back to the OP's questions.
The Triumph doesn't have cruise so you're not gaining anything there and it's not much different to ride than your VFR. I say that in spite of my '11 Sprint GT having been one of my favorite bikes.
'05 RT is ok but whizzy brakes may eventually cause trouble. Drive shaft boots and rear seals should be checked at that age. For very little more why not look for an '07 or newer and you won't sacrifice ABS if you do the bypass? ABS isn't a big deal until it is. If you like the bike or for that matter any bike you will live with its shortcomings. Daboo whas-a-matta-u you pick on Moto Guzzi?
Not sure I've been much help. Worse case if you buy an RT and hate it they have decent resale desirability so you should be alright. Although that may be another reason to avoid a whizzy brake bike as they are certainly less desirable than an '07 with normal brakes. It's not like you'd be stuck with aMoto G...ah.. MV Agusta!
The Triumph doesn't have cruise so you're not gaining anything there and it's not much different to ride than your VFR. I say that in spite of my '11 Sprint GT having been one of my favorite bikes.
'05 RT is ok but whizzy brakes may eventually cause trouble. Drive shaft boots and rear seals should be checked at that age. For very little more why not look for an '07 or newer and you won't sacrifice ABS if you do the bypass? ABS isn't a big deal until it is. If you like the bike or for that matter any bike you will live with its shortcomings. Daboo whas-a-matta-u you pick on Moto Guzzi?
Not sure I've been much help. Worse case if you buy an RT and hate it they have decent resale desirability so you should be alright. Although that may be another reason to avoid a whizzy brake bike as they are certainly less desirable than an '07 with normal brakes. It's not like you'd be stuck with a
BamaRider
Guy
I had a 2001 ST 1100; I put 95,000 miles on it. I also had a 2005 RT I put 50,000 miles on; it never gave any trouble. In terms of function, the RT is the better bike. It leans better, is more balanced, has cruise control, and has better wind control = quiet cockpit. Electronic suspension and fuel injection, better tire life and mpg. Gear indicator, more luggage capacity, and a good seat. You bring it home; you don't have to spend $2,000 to make it rideable. It's good to go. Is your ST ABS? Also heated seat and grips that work very well, and you don't have to alter the handlebars to sit up straight.
But it is not a Honda; I never had the confidence in the RT of getting me where I wanted to go, although mine always did.
But it is not a Honda; I never had the confidence in the RT of getting me where I wanted to go, although mine always did.
BamaRider
Guy
Can't hide money all these bikes, Joe gets
Donk
Site Supporter
I rode a '13 RT for a year never had an issue. My friend owned the same bike for the next 5 years also never had an issue. Of the RT's I think the 07-13 were the best years. I like the oil/air cooled engines.
Andrew Shadow
Site Supporter
That other manufacturers do not have failures is a claim that I never made and is a point that held not part in anything that I wrote. I did not even make any inferences about which brand I consider to have better reliability. I responded only to the specific issue of how drive-line failure rates should be tallied.
A BMW GS is designed and sold, according to BMW, as a dual on/off road motorcycle. My point is that under that paradigm one can not only count drive-line failures that occur as a result of on-road riding. Failures that are the result of off-road riding, or which off-road riding contributed to, count in those numbers as well. The fact that those numbers may be compared to competitors whose motorcycles never go off-road is irrelevant. BMW chose to include the GS in the off-road market so they accept the good and the bad that comes with that choice, and that includes failures that are a result of operating the motorcycle in that environment.
P.S.
I have no bias against BMW in general or the GS in particular. I just disagree with the methodology of failure tracking that was suggested. I have have been fortunate enough to have ridden an RT and a couple of different GS models for many miles. I found the GS to be probably the most comfortable model of motorcycle that I have ridden long distance.
P.S.S.
I wholly support your choice to buy whatever bike you like and, regardless of how it's failures may be tracked, I hope that those failures will be few and far between.
increasing
Site Supporter
I really like my ST1100 but I miss cruise control which helps me relieve my arms on longer trips. You mention the 2005 BMW R1200 RT which I also like, considering one as a winter project but the facelift on the 2014 model is very nice then 
About fifteen years ago, I bought a Honda CX400 from a guy who usually only restored BMWs.I would think the ST1100 bikes would be the most reliable bikes on the planet....well at least that's been my experiences.Im kinda disapointed at BMW's right now as there is talk or rumors that drive shafts are replaced at 36K as a maintenance item? I heard this from a bunch of BMW guys
He knew these Boxer-engined motorcycles very well and explained to me that the engine had an extremely reliable design, but that as soon as BMW started increasing the displacement beyond about 1000cc, the problems began.
According to him, this engine architecture wasn't originally designed for large displacements, and reliability suffered as a result.
Regarding the shaft drive, it seems to me that this mainly concerns the GS models used for hardcore off-road riding, but BMW has extended its replacement recommendations to all its models.
As for the electronics, in my opinion, only the Japanese truly master it; other manufacturers suffer from recurring failures in this area.