New pictures R1200ST and RT

[cat0020]

I still don't know what to think of the R/ST..

http://r1100s.altervista.org/files/BMW_st1101727639.jpg

http://r1100s.altervista.org/files/BMW_st21101727602.jpg

http://r1100s.altervista.org/files/BMW_rt1101727622.jpg

[DarrylRi]

These pictures make both the RT and the ST look much better, IMHO. Continues the tradition of BMWs being different, but perhaps not bizarre. Dual headlights should ameliorate at least one of the weak points of the current RS. The saddlebags on the RT look especially well shaped and capacious. Tell me that the gas tank holds over 6 gallons, and I'll be very interested when my payments on the current RS end in 2 years!

Can't say I think much of the line the rider is taking in the second photo, however! =8-O

[MCMXCIVRS]

The RT fairing makes it look like a pocket gopher with a mouthful of seeds :heh The ST is better except for the stacked cyclops headlight. I also am not impressed with the lack of the lower fairing up front of the engine on either bike. I think it leaves the bottom half of the bike looking too naked. Overall though, the ST is nice, I would like to see what it looks like with the cases on.

Of course the tech advances over the old oilheads would certainly be incentive to buy, and I suspect that with time the looks will grow on me. All the same, I think I'll be keeping my 1994 R1100RSL for a while longer. I'm only just getting it setup the way I want after 8 years, and I know its good for lots of miles yet. Maybe in two or three years when all the teething issues are sorted out on the new ones.

[Rad]

Hey cat

Ya gotta start given a credit to Barbasma from ADVrider if yur gonna keep steal'n his pics and threads :laugh

[Braddog]

Of course the tech advances over the old oilheads would certainly be incentive to buy, and I suspect that with time the looks will grow on me.

That's my opinion as well. The new RT looks almost VStrom-ish (Suzuki), at least from the side. And the ST looks a little FZ1 or FZ6-ish (Yamaha).

If they fixed some stuff, increased the power, and reduced the weight, then it's all good. Maybe I'll even consider getting an oilhead someday. :brow

[hwunger]

Wow man, where is BMW going with this ? .... I just barely got comfy with the R1150RT look, then this ... I think even the ST1300 Honda is butt ugly. Ok so maybe it's my age (only 44!) but I'll stick with the ST11, RT11, and other well establised, modern (!) designs.

Why does every new bike have to look like the Mantra ? ..... :-(

[RTRandy]

That's my opinion as well. The new RT looks almost VStrom-ish (Suzuki),

Do you ever wonder if the Japanese mispelled the name of that bike and were too embarrassed to say anything ? :eek

If these are the final deal, I think the ST is a big improvement of the 04 model with the half faring. The 05 looks more balanced here. The headlight looks a lot better than the earlier photo shown on an earlier post. Kbasa had it right. They're not bad

The lower faring on the RT has the exhaust and bottom more exposed than in 04. A lot of mud and junk hit that part of the bike. Still looks good as is. I'd own one.

Does anyone know how these photos come about? Who's the guy sitting at a table like nothing's going on? I'd be fighting someone for the keys if that RT was sitting that close me.

[alien_hitchhiker]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not ready to turn my back on my frumpy '00 RT, but man, I'm liking the gams on both these babes!
Steve

[RT DOG]

I wondering if they were thoughtful enough to add a true cruise control?

[lorazepam]

Hey Rad, I saw these on the RS club forum, they are everywhere, not just adv rider. I think Cat got them there, he is a member.

[Emoto]

Cripes, the front of that ST looks like Robbie the robot!!

http://www.umich.edu/~umfandsf/film/img/forbidden-robby-2.jpg

Still, the 1200 engine and tranny are superb, and I think anyone who makes the jump will like it. I went from a 1996 R1100RSA to an R1200GS and I couldn't be happier.

:twirl

[Sully]

The ST reminds me of the F650. I wonder why they put the headlights behind the windshield? Hmm, you're gonna get LOTS of reflected light off that baby at night!
I like the RT, though. As said before, I'll keep my '97 for years to come. By then the '05 will become affordable!

Sully, worried more about the 6" of snow we got last Friday....

[kbasa]

Notes on teh RA's site claim that the fairing is adjustable on the RT, not just the windshield. This reminds me of a bike I saw in Cycle World a year or two ago. The fairing could be angled out to provide more or less wind protection as the rider saw fit. Wouldn't that be cool?

[lorazepam]

Instant rainsuit. just push out the fairing.

[RTRandy]

The fairing could be angled out to provide more or less wind protection as the rider saw fit. Wouldn't that be cool?

Hope we're not thinking of those thick plexiglass fins that rotate on the sides like the Goldwing and LT.

[knary]

some more info...
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/30november04_bmwr1200.htm

http://www.bmw-motorrad.co.za/bikes/news/default.asp?Id=314

[knary]

http://www.motoring.co.za/site/30/bikepics/Suzuki%20V-Strom.jpg
+
http://www.st-riders.com/st1300/images/ST1300_ABS_LEFT_FRONT.jpg
=
http://www.bmw-motorrad.co.za/bikes/news/pics/BMW_R1200RT_1.jpg

:dunno

I like it, but it doesn't smack of "originality". But then the old RT was too automotive for my tastes.

[knary]

friggin' designers.

http://www.bmw-motorrad.co.za/bikes/news/pics/BMW_R1200ST_7.jpg

IMHO, the clear obvious best place to have put the turn signals was on the outer corners of the fairing. But that's where it is on the 'old' RS. So they invent a new odd place for them. harumph. I'm all for new and interesting, but sometimes the best place for something is the best place.

feeling like a real BMW owner today (translation: conservative wannabe luddite). :evil

[fparisi]

In the last five years BMW designs have been hammered in the Press. For instance, they took a very popular looking car, their 7 Series, and redesigned it into a car that was technically superior, but is generally not recieved very well for its looks. Ditto, two years later for their new 4 series.
Based on this, I wouldn't put it pass BMW to release bikes as BUTT ASS UGLY as these two.

The new RT looks like everything was bolted-on as an after thought. Look at the rearview mirrors. They are way goofy.

Hopefully, the final verison of this bike will look different.

[knary]

In the last five years BMW designs have been hammered in the Press. For instance, they took a very popular looking car, their 7 Series, and redesigned it into a car that was technically superior, but is generally not recieved very well for its looks. Ditto, two years later for their new 4 series.
Based on this, I wouldn't put it pass BMW to release bikes as BUTT ASS UGLY as these two.

The new RT looks like everything was bolted-on as an after thought. Look at the rearview mirrors. They are way goofy.

Hopefully, the final verison of this bike will look different.

This is the final version.

In BMW's defense, the press tends to be whiney and conservative. When they look for an "exciting new design", they're really looking for an updated version of that Ferrari or Aston Martin they lusted after when they were 15 years old. I'd say the same goes for the motorcycle press. They embrace everything from the VFR to the latest R1, but can't seem to get their heads around less 'conventional' designs - ducati 999, beemer GS (only finally accepted, and only partially, after 20+ years), etc. If they'd stop and think about it, they'd recognize that from outside the pop culture of the bike industry, all of these designs are pretty damn weird.

[MCMXCIVRS]

friggin' designers.

http://www.bmw-motorrad.co.za/bikes/news/pics/BMW_R1200ST_7.jpg

IMHO, the clear obvious best place to have put the turn signals was on the outer corners of the fairing. But that's where it is on the 'old' RS. So they invent a new odd place for them. harumph. I'm all for new and interesting, but sometimes the best place for something is the best place.

feeling like a real BMW owner today (translation: conservative wannabe luddite). :evil

They also chose to go with the cheapo bar mounted mirrors like the R1100RS had instead of the much nicer fairing mounted ones like the R1100S. If I did buy the ST, I'd be installing the S mirrors or something like them asap, just as I did on my RS.

[hwunger]

....that's what I mean ... all the new bikes look like the friggin' Mantra !

(I thought I was getting more liberal in my old age but not when it comes to motorcycles .... the designs since 2001 just floor me)

[GregFeeler]

friggin' designers.

http://www.bmw-motorrad.co.za/bikes/news/pics/BMW_R1200ST_7.jpg

feeling like a real BMW owner today (translation: conservative wannabe luddite). :evil

Proud of you, boy! :brow

[knary]

Proud of you, boy! :brow

Do I now get the secret shaver that allows male BMW riders to proudly construct facial hair arrangements the likes of which we haven't otherwise seen since the 19th century? :lol3


Having said all that, it makes more sense to me to choose the better ride than the better look. The new ST might not have the 'timeless' (or is that forgotten? :evil) look of the old oilhead RS, but I'd bet that it's a better machine. :nod

I want Rad to buy one. He's good at finding the flaws in a design. How many final drives has he been through in his oilheads? :lol3

[GregFeeler]

Do I now get the secret shaver that allows male BMW riders to proudly construct facial hair arrangements the likes of which we haven't otherwise seen since the 19th century? :lol3


Having said all that, it makes more sense to me to choose the better ride than the better look. The new ST might not have the 'timeless' (or is that forgotten? :evil) look of the old oilhead RS, but I'd bet that it's a better machine. :nod

I want Rad to buy one. He's good at finding the flaws in a design. How many final drives has he been through in his oilheads? :lol3

Some will like the looks of these new bikes, like they like the look of the UJM's - I don't. I think this "edge" design is just a styling gimick that will last until someone comes up with something actually attractive. It seems fashion and styling both go through alternating periods of "beautiful" and "ugly". People will differ on which is which, but most all agree there are indeed cycles.

So, those who don't like whatever passes for the current style will have to decide if something else about the bike justifies getting one. I won't say I wouldn't get one because they are butt ugly (lots of people - me included - thought the /5's ugly when they first came out, but I bought one anyway). But, I would have to want one a hell of a lot more than I would if it were attractive. They didn't put any ugly bikes in the Art Of The Motorcycle - and they still had more bikes than they could use.

As for the "secret shaver" you have to get the secret handshake down first. :doh

[knary]

They didn't put any ugly bikes in the Art Of The Motorcycle

:lol3
Yer kiddin' right? :lol3
:lol3

In the end, it's a simple matter of taste. Some, for example, find the current RT very compelling. Others don't. Some boast that their GSs are ugly. I've always liked the looks of the GSs, especially the old R80's and the recent 1150s. Some think the R1200C belongs in an exhibit of beautiful motorcycles. Some don't (me). Attempting to quantify what is "good" and what is "bad" in terms of style and design never quite works in a public forum. There's always some clump of lunatics who think a particular bike is hideous or stunning.

I'd bet that these bikes are wicked fun. :nod

And they're much nicer looking than some of BMW's current bikes. So how is that K1200RS? :evil :lol3

[hwunger]

...IMHO the new K1200S looks pretty good ... even conservative :-)

[GregFeeler]

In the end, it's a simple matter of taste.

I'd bet that these bikes are wicked fun. :nod

And they're much nicer looking than some of BMW's current bikes. So how is that K1200RS? :evil :lol3

Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder. :stick Personally, I'll take the K1200RS over the two new oilheads any day. Jury still out on the K1200S, could be a winner.

[kbasa]

I've never managed to come to terms with the K12RS or GT. I'm not sure why. There's a shape to the bodywork that suggests tadpole to my eye; kind of roundish with a little tiny tail. :dunno

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, that's for sure, no matter which bike we're talking about. For example, I think the Aprilia Tuono's are horrid, though a lot of folks think they're pretty slick.

[knary]

I've never managed to come to terms with the K12RS or GT. I'm not sure why. There's a shape to the bodywork that suggests tadpole to my eye; kind of roundish with a little tiny tail. :dunno

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, that's for sure, no matter which bike we're talking about. For example, I think the Aprilia Tuono's are horrid, though a lot of folks think they're pretty slick.

:nod
I'm reminded of the Tuono when I open the junk drawer in the kitchen.

[kbasa]

:nod
I'm reminded of the Tuono when I open the junk drawer in the kitchen.

:lol

No kidding.

[Rad]

I want Rad to buy one. He's good at finding the flaws in a design. How many final drives has he been through in his oilheads? :lol3


:cry

[GregFeeler]

I've never managed to come to terms with the K12RS or GT. I'm not sure why. There's a shape to the bodywork that suggests tadpole to my eye; kind of roundish with a little tiny tail. :dunno


I have to agree. I've thought that under some conditions it looked like a buffalo from the side: big head and little butt. That effect is stronger with some colors than others, and adding bags, to my eye, makes it goes away.

My K12RS is black, which is one of the colors I works better, and I have bags. I use the standard lids during the touring season, and the really thin city lids the rest of the year. Black bike, black "thin" bags, and then you can start to see the other lines of the bike.

The GS's have been mentioned as an "ugly" bike. Well, they are not beautiful in the sense of an R100RS, but they aren't what I would call conventional ugly. Rather, they have a utilitarian look (well, maybe but for the beak :) ) that actually gets better and better the more **** you strap on it. Kind of like those pictures you see of loaded Land Rovers in Africa from the 60's.

[YB in IN]

friggin' designers.

http://www.bmw-motorrad.co.za/bikes/news/pics/BMW_R1200ST_7.jpg

IMHO, the clear obvious best place to have put the turn signals was on the outer corners of the fairing. But that's where it is on the 'old' RS. So they invent a new odd place for them. harumph. I'm all for new and interesting, but sometimes the best place for something is the best place.

feeling like a real BMW owner today (translation: conservative wannabe luddite). :evil


Does this shot make it look like a Multistrada to anyone else but me?

[YB in IN]

:nod
I'm reminded of the Tuono when I open the junk drawer in the kitchen.

I like the Tuono myself. I got to sit on one at a local dealer and the feeling of hooliganism that welled up inside me was almost uncontrollable. There's just something about those Italian bikes that I like a lot.

[lorazepam]

Looks like a multistrada to me too.

[RTRandy]

For example, I think the Aprilia Tuono's are horrid, though a lot of folks think they're pretty slick.

Aw camon KBasa, they're not that bad. It's I-talian. How ugly can it be?

[kbasa]

I only see a couple parts I really want to look at. The rest of it looks like it should be powering a drilling rig or something.

For balance here, I should tell you I think the same thing about the motor in our VFR. It looks like it got yanked out from under a washing machine.

[GregFeeler]

I only see a couple parts I really want to look at. The rest of it looks like it should be powering a drilling rig or something.

For balance here, I should tell you I think the same thing about the motor in our VFR. It looks like it got yanked out from under a washing machine.

With all this discussion about bike styles I've been trolling a lot of Eurobike sites and damn, there is some really radical stuff out there. I've seen a number up close and some look pretty good, but it's a sign of the times that you can't make up your mind about a bike until you see one up close and personal.

[MechanicSavant]

I think I'll wait & see what the R1200r looks like,hope they don't hit it too hard w/the ugly stick.. :doh

[R80RTJohnny]

I first saw these pictures in an email from a fellow club member. I've been too ashamed to pass them along. Can we say Ducati wanna be boys and girls.

At least Ducati has the racing reputation to back up their bikes.

Ah well maybe BMW will come back to it's senses.

Have a great weekend.

Jean

[Braddog]

I like the Tuono myself. I got to sit on one at a local dealer and the feeling of hooliganism that welled up inside me was almost uncontrollable. There's just something about those Italian bikes that I like a lot.

I went to the local International Motorcycle Show a couple of years back with my then-15 year old daughter. I sat on a Tuono, which fit me surprisingly well (the MilleR did not). My daughter exclaimed, "Ohmigod, Dad, you look good on that motorcycle!"

Hmmmm...bike felt good, has gobs of power, teenage girl said her forty-something overweight dad looked good on it....Nah, I'll stick with the old airheads for now. :clap

[cat0020]

Another vote for the Tuono here, if I ever get to replace the RS with another bike, this would be the one:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v502/cat0002/2000TuonoR3.jpg

[MarkF]

I'm looking for a Hi-Res pic of the R1200ST in the silver color with a big blue stripe down the middle. All the pics I have seen are the silver and gray. When I went to the dealer thats all they had. I just wanna see how that bad boy looks. Help, anyone? POst a pic or a link, please.

[lorazepam]

I'm looking for a Hi-Res pic of the R1200ST in the silver color with a big blue stripe down the middle. All the pics I have seen are the silver and gray. When I went to the dealer thats all they had. I just wanna see how that bad boy looks. Help, anyone? POst a pic or a link, please.

I am not posting one. I will not be held responsible for you typing with one hand once it has been put up here.