Bmw R 1200 St
The Bmw R 1200 St has a top speed of 210 km/h, produces 98 hp and weighs 229 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.8/10.
The BMW R 1200 ST (Sport Tourer) was introduced in 2005 as a successor to the R 1100 S, blending sporty handling with touring comfort using the Boxer twin engine platform. It was produced until 2008, offering a middle ground between the full-faired RT tourer and the more aggressive S models. Though never a high-volume seller, it was praised for its versatile character and the refined, oil-cooled 1170cc Boxer engine inherited from the GS lineup.
98 hp
Power
115 Nm
Torque
229 kg
Weight
210 km/h
Top Speed
5.5 L/100km (approx. 18.2 km/L, typical real-world average)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Boxer Engine Reliability
The air/oil-cooled 1170cc Boxer twin is known for exceptional long-term durability, with many examples surpassing 100,000 miles when properly maintained. Regular valve clearance checks every 6,000 miles are essential to keep it running smoothly.
Watch for Final Drive
The shaft final drive can develop spline wear if lubrication is neglected — always inspect and grease the rear wheel splines during purchase inspection. This is a known weak point across the R1200 lineup when service intervals are skipped.
Steady Resale Value
The R 1200 ST holds its value better than many sport-tourers due to BMW's strong brand reputation and limited production numbers. A well-documented service history can significantly boost resale price in the used market.
Generations & Specs by Year
Only generation produced. Air/oil-cooled boxer twin, sport-touring fairing, discontinued after low sales.
"BMW's forgotten sport-tourer deserves more respect than it got."
The ST sits in an awkward middle ground that BMW never quite sold to the public, but living with one reveals a genuinely capable machine. That air/oil-cooled boxer pulls hard from 3,000 rpm with a satisfying mechanical growl, and the half-fairing keeps highway wind off your chest without turning you into a sail. At 249 kg wet it feels every gram in slow parking-lot maneuvers, but once rolling, the weight disappears and the chassis rewards committed corner entries with real confidence. The biggest real-world gripe is heat soak in traffic — your right leg gets properly cooked by the exhaust side on summer days, which isn't a quirk, it's a flaw.
Pros
Cons
Used Buyer Review
"A seriously capable sport-tourer that rewards patient, mechanically sympathetic buyers."
$5,500-$9,000 usedThe R 1200 ST is BMW's forgotten sport-tourer, and honestly that works in your favour when buying used. It sits between the RT and the S 1000 XR in concept but predates both, and the air-cooled boxer twin gives it a character neither of those bikes can match. Power delivery is smooth and tractable, the shaft drive means zero maintenance headaches, and that wide-set handlebar makes it genuinely comfortable on 300-mile days without feeling like you're riding a sofa. That said, go in with eyes open. The Telelever front end feels alien to anyone used to conventional forks — you'll either love the feedback or spend months second-guessing it. Boxer heads stick out and take knocks in parking lots, so inspect them carefully. ESA suspension adjusters seize on neglected examples, and the integrated luggage system, while clever, is expensive to replace if damaged. Service history is non-negotiable on these — skipped valve checks become expensive fast.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Bmw R 1200 St — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 2 CRITICALClunking on acceleration, inspect rear wheel splines
Rough idle, surging at low speeds
Ticking noise, ask for valve service history
ABS warning light on, test brake system thoroughly
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid tourer, maintenance-dependent, watch drivetrain
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Bmw R 1200 St
Triumph Sprint Gt
Yamaha Fjr1300es
Triumph Trophy Se
Bmw K 1200 Gt
Bmw K 1300 Gt
Compare Bmw R 1200 St Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Bmw R 1200 St vs Triumph Sprint Gt
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Bmw R 1200 St vs Yamaha Fjr1300es
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Bmw R 1200 St vs Triumph Trophy Se
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Bmw R 1200 St vs Bmw K 1200 Gt
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Bmw R 1200 St vs Bmw K 1300 Gt
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Bmw R 1200 St? +
Final drive spline wear and failure: Clunking on acceleration, inspect rear wheel splines (serious) | Throttle body synchronization issues: Rough idle, surging at low speeds (moderate) | Airhead valve clearance neglect: Ticking noise, ask for valve service history (moderate)
Is the Bmw R 1200 St a good motorcycle? +
A seriously capable sport-tourer that rewards patient, mechanically sympathetic buyers. Rating: 7.8/10. Best for: Experienced tourers wanting character over modern anonymity. Avoid if: You want modern electronics or hate maintenance surprises.
What is the horsepower of the Bmw R 1200 St? +
The Bmw R 1200 St produces 98 hp @ 7,000 rpm, with 115 Nm @ 5,500 rpm of torque. Top speed: 210 km/h.
Is the Bmw R 1200 St good for beginners? +
Not really — the Bmw R 1200 St is better for experienced riders. Experienced tourers wanting character over modern anonymity Avoid if: You want modern electronics or hate maintenance surprises
Is the Bmw R 1200 St reliable? +
Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Bmw R 1200 St, notably: Final drive spline wear and failure (Clunking on acceleration, inspect rear wheel splines). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Bmw R 1200 St good for daily use? +
Experienced tourers wanting character over modern anonymity Fuel: 5.5 L/100km (approx. 18.2 km/L, typical real-world average).
How fast is the Bmw R 1200 St? +
The Bmw R 1200 St reaches a top speed of 210 km/h, producing 98 hp at 229 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Bmw R 1200 St? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Bmw R 1200 St, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/bmw/r-1200-st/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
