BMW is renewing its flat twin series in one fell swoop. After the travel enduro GS and the tourer RT, the R 1200 ST has now come onto the market. “And one thing is certain: nobody will miss it.” The unusual appearance of the R 1200 ST has a polarising effect.
However, design is not just about appearance, it is in fact mainly about function. And in this respect, things are impeccable. There is nothing about the ST (S for Sport, T for Touring) which is random or simply added for simplicity or to reduce costs – just as for the GS and the RT.
Although there are of course many parts which are the same as in the RT “like for example the engine, the exhaust system, the gearbox and transmission, the lightweight paralever and the optionally available, perfectly functioning pannier. But all these identical parts simply fit perfectly into the concept – they are not a compromise but provide the perfect solution.
The R 1200 ST is not just sporty in appearance, it can also be ridden in a sporty, dynamic style: “Amazing power at all engine speeds, a flat twin which wildly revs its way towards the speed limiter. High refinement, excellent throttle response, no judders. Moderate vibrations, probably more perceptible at around 5,000 rpm. Certainly the most agile and high revving BMW flat-twin engine ever to be used in a serial production motorcycle.
With expensive 98 octane fuel – alternatively it also digests the low-octane brew without complaining – the ST is highly economical: in practice an average of six litres is enough for very rapid progress. Surfing the country roads is possible at hardly over 4 litres, a highway stretch at 150 km/h (in heavy traffic!) pushed up fuel consumption to 6.6 litres. In practice, the range of the 21-litre fuel tank amounts to a good 280 kilometres.
There are only very few motorcycles and hardly any sports tourers which will take you from Munich to Siena and back again within two days – a journey of some 1,700 km including many mountain passes -as quickly and as relaxed as the ST. And its pillion passenger comfort sets standards in the sports tourer category. Good marks go to the STīs chassis with front telelever and rear paralever single-sided swing arm and WAD spring strut.
Evidence of this is provided by the highway section Florence-Bologna, taken at an average of 120 km/h despite heavy traffic, brutal cross grooves, bumps and faults; some of the numerous tight bends were still taken at full banking angle at 140 km/h and more, and the chassis never seemed overtaxed.”
The effect of the triple-disc brake system with electrical brake booster is above all criticism. (.) The part-integral ABS was excellent in every braking situation over the total distance of more than 3,000 test kilometers. The ST instrument panels are both attractive and functionally impressive. Speed and engine speed are shown in analog form, everything else including fuel tank and gear are shown on an easily readable display.
The very useful remaining range indicator kicks in at 75 kilometres. The two odometers are controlled by pressing a button on the handlebars as for the travel enduro R 1200 GS – perfect.
No report on a BMW can go without mentioning the extensive accessories – this one will be no exception. The heated handles are great, the tight-fitting, practical and convenient luggage panniers are excellent. The ABS is a significant increase in safety. The main stand costs extra – we recommend it. We were not able to register any bottoming in road traffic. Indeed, the banking freedom of the ST seems to no bounds in practice.
Conclusion: There are more sporty sports tourers than the R 1200 ST, but there is none more comfortable. And there is no danger of BMW dropping behind in terms of dynamics.
