Bmw R 1200 St Review
"A seriously capable sport-tourer that rewards patient, mechanically sympathetic buyers."
Used Buyer Review
The 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.
Pros
Cons
You want modern electronics or hate maintenance surprises
Similar Touring Reviews
"The used bike market's most sensible luxury touring purchase, full stop."
Two-up touring riders covering serious interstate miles $8,000-$18,000
"The benchmark sports tourer that absolutely nothing has made obsolete."
Experienced riders wanting fast, fuss-free long-distance touring $5,000-$11,000
"The thinking rider's sport-tourer that embarrasses more expensive alternatives."
Commuters who weekend tour at pace $8,500-$12,000
"The ultimate touring machine if you respect its weight and wallet."
Long-distance tourers who ride seriously, often $12,000-$22,000