I dropped my Rockster a few weeks ago. I'm OK but I can't say the same about the bike (it high sided). After a hefty parts and labor quotation I'm pretty sure that the insurance company is going to write it off. I have always liked the RT. I sat on one (never rode it) for a few minutes at a dealership and found, both the R1150RT and the R1200RT, to be pretty comfortable. I also like Honda's ST1300. I have yet to ride it, but I am concerned about its handling and the brakes. THere are no BMW Motorrad dealers in Puerto Rico, so for me to get another one, I would have to go through many headaches (like with the Rockster). I can get the ST locally. It is not only cheaper, but everything else seems easier with this bike. Has anyone ever able to ride both bikes? Will I regret it if I get the Honda? Your input will be very valuable.
You will regret it if you get the BMW and you have no dealer or parts or people to work on your BMW... BUY A HONDA!!!
I live 80 miles to the nearest BMW dealer, and it gets to be a pain when I need service, no one works on BMW'S here in VERO BEACH, I HAVE TO TRAVEL TO ORLAND OR DAYTONA.
A buddy of mine went from a st1300 to a BMW K1200RS. The ST and the Rock are 2 completly different bikes. The ST is a Tourer, I do recall that he had lots of fun with it it, good in the twisties, big bike, heavy, nice bags, abs. he was happy, but not happy enough I guess cause he bought a Beemer.
GeoffJ wrote:I'd choose a Yamaha FJR1300 over the Honda ST1300, provided a dealer is available in the area.
As much as I like the ST, I agree with the FJR over the ST for an island the size of PR. In fact, given the weather and the size, I believe I'd go with something like a VStrom 650 or even a mid sized sportbike. I spent quite a bit of time there over the last 25 years (mostly split between San Juan and Las Piedras) and it seems like the ST is overkill for the roads, weather, and traffic. By the way, the brakes and handling of the ST are first rate. An RT handles a bit more nimbly, but above walking speed the ST loses a lot of its heft. - Lee
I wouldn't go so far as to knock the Honda, & I think it probably has running costs less than the BM, but I've been riding one at work now for 3 months, & it's satisfied me that I made the right decision in buying the 1150RT when it came to parting with my own cash.
I find the Honda riding position not QUITE to my liking, & the air flow buffets my head, whereas the Cee Bailey screen on my RT leaves me sat in an area of still air. The brakes are fine, & the handling is OK - not great IMHO, but OK.
Having said that, it could well be like comparing wine to beer - neither is wrong, it's just that personal tastes vary.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I can get any of the 4 Japaneese brands in the Island, plus Ducati, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi to name a few. God knows why there isn't a BMW motorcycle dealer in here (after all, their cars are extremely popular in here). I have read plenty about the FJR, but it seems to offer the sportiest riding position of this class and if I have a chance I will try to go for comfort. I learned to appreciate the EVO, the ABS and the telelever on the Rockster. Although the touring bikes are heavier, they won't be as heavy as my former cruiser bike. The Rt continues to be the subject of my dreams, but reality point to the Honda...
I've ridden an R1150RT since 2001 and wouldn't part with the bike for anything. If I owned a Honda ST1300 I might feel the same way. I dont think that there are such huge differences that would prevent me from owning either bike.
Without knowing all of the details of your preferences, logically I would go for the bike where I can get the best backup for service and parts and I don't think that Honda can be beaten in that respect. The other advantages,as you stated, are also the purchase price and the availability of the ST.
I've never ridden the ST but when sitting on one, I couldn't locate my body in just the right position for comfort but that's a personal thing that only the individual can assess.
Another consideration is the fact that the ST is liquid cooled and if you're in a hot climate, the cooling fans can give off some heat to the rider when in traffic. It may not be a big issue for you.
Good luck with your choice.
Last edited by KHaynes on Thu May 18, 2006 3:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I can get any of the 4 Japaneese brands in the Island, plus Ducati, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi to name a few.
If you are near a Moto Guzzi dealership, check out the Breva 1100. In addition to my R1150R, I have a Breva 750. I bought the 750 because I wanted to "experience" Guzzi and it was a chep buy-in. The bike is amazing. I've put 4400 miles on it in less than a year which is alot for me. It's alot more nimble and easy to throw around than the R. Coming from a 1150, the 750 Breva probably wouldnt have enoguh power for you but you could always check it out at $8K. The Breva 1100 gets great reviews and the new Griso should be showing up soon.
I own an '04 ST1300 with now 21k miles on it. I love it and would not get rid of it. It is a bike bike, but it rides much smaller than it is. It is a tall bike, so if you are vertically challenged you may have a tough time with it. I am 5'10" with 30" inseam and cannot flat-foot unless I am 2-up.
The windshield has 7.5 inches of vertical adjustment, so finding a clean spot of air around your helmet should not be an issue.
Like most stock bikes, the stock seat is best for the showroom. There are numerous alternatives; I chose Sargent and like it.
The bars are in a very good position, but a lot of ST owners (including myself) install bar-backs. There are 2 manufacturers of these.
The V4 engine is really sweet too! Plenty of smooth power all over the power band. Trust me, it will smoke the RT. I average between 42-45 mpg, which is better than a buddy with an '04 k1200gt. The 7.5 gallon gas tank is good for 300 miles too, which is great on trips.
Don't hesitate on looking at the ST. It is a larger, heavier bike than most. But once moving you would never know.
Thanks for letting me ramble a bit - this is my first post on this sight. I am a new owner of an '02 R1150r to go along with my ST.
