BMW ? VS Honda ST1300

[Daris Pakar]

Need some help .

My buddy just bought a 2005 Honda ST1300
and he wants me to tour with him.

He spent $14k ....
I want to be able to brag that I only spent half as much ;)

Any suggestion as to which BMW 1997-2001 Touring Machine ?

TIA,
Daris Pakar

[twinrider]

An R1100RT is more comfortable, has better weather protection, runs cooler, weighs less and you should be able to find a good machine for 7k

[ridetwistyroads]

Originally Posted by twinrider

An R1100RT is more comfortable, has better weather protection, runs cooler, weighs less and you should be able to find a good machine for 7k

[Possu]

K100LT if on a budget as they;re cheap & very easy to service, 1100LT/RS if willing to spend a little more, not so easy to service yourself though?

But like Twinrider says, the 1100RT is the way to go.

[Cat0020]

My 2002 R1150RS is for sale at $7000.

[kfsinc]

The GS is the best all around bike IMHO. It will tour with the best of them, then strip naked and run through the woods!

I've owned an RS and put many miles on an RT -- both are outstanding. The RT's very comfy -- kind of like a BMW 540, the RS is sportier, kind of like a BMW 330, but neither compare to my GS for all 'round fun.

BMW K Bikes are worth a look also -- I'd compare the LT to my BMW 740 -- very plush, but spirited in a regal sort of way.

kfs

[AGreenPlace]

Well, as long as we're voting: R1150R.

Why?

Jack of all trades Master of none. I can go just about anywhere a GS can, bulk up with windshield and panniers to tour, strip down for hooligan fun around town, track days, 2-up is plenty comfy, well you get the picture.

[Lobby]

Yeah. What kind of bike do you want?

You can tour with all the BMW's. But an RT is different from a GS, is different from an RS.

The answer is: it depends. Tell us more.



Oh. Pretty much any BMW you get for $7k will get left far behind if your friend on the ST1300 wants to give it some gas. Those St1300's are quick!

[ridetwistyroads]

Originally Posted by AGreenPlace

Well, as long as we're voting: R1150R.

Why?

Jack of all trades Master of none. I can go just about anywhere a GS can, bulk up with windshield and panniers to tour, strip down for hooligan fun around town, track days, 2-up is plenty comfy, well you get the picture.

You described my bike EXACTLY. My exact use. Cool isn't it?

[GS Spirit]

Just so you know we are not exactly comparing apples to apples that ST1300 will leave you in the dust if he can ride and you are on a R style motor BMW.
I have an 1150 GS and love it and it can also tour. There are plenty of good used bikes with low miles out there but the bike should make you happy and fit your long term needs. If you are just going to tour with a friend you could just rent something.

[twinrider]

Originally Posted by GS Spirit

Just so you know we are not exactly comparing apples to apples that ST1300 will leave you in the dust if he can ride and you are on a R style motor BMW.

In a straight line, sure, but in tight twisties I'd give the lighter, more agile, instant grunt BMW the edge if the two riders were equal.

[GS Spirit]

Originally Posted by twinrider

In a straight line, sure, but in tight twisties I'd give the lighter, more agile, instant grunt BMW the edge if the two riders were equal.

Yea I know what you are saying about the twisties my GS has frustrated a sport biker or two but that goes away going up steep mountain passes with big sweepers when you are wide open and wishing fore more power. That is when I wish that I had more but most situations there is enough power to keep me happy. Oh that is also the time where a ST rider showed me how much more than me he had. He was a much better rider but that didn't even come into play because I my bike had no more juice.

[Daris Pakar]

[QUOTE=Lobby]Yeah. What kind of bike do you want?

You can tour with all the BMW's. But an RT is different from a GS, is different from an RS.

The answer is: it depends. Tell us more.

___________

Thanks for asking Lobby,

I've got a 1990 R100GSPD, a 89 Honda TransAlp
and an 02 MZ Baggie Street/Moto Low.

All of em are great bikes and keepers
but I want more wind protection and ABS
for 500 mile days.

My reaseach is leading toward the
Lease Returned Dealer Refurbed R1100RT-P
P as in Police Bike.

http://jeff.dean.home.att.net/rt-pspec.htm

Most have 60K miles and upto date service records
for around $6k.

It seems that the RT sweetens with miles
so 60K miles should put me close to sugar.

I don't care for the Black and White color
so I'd end up painting it a Paris Dakar
Red and White or a TransAlp White Red and Blue.

[Lobby]

[QUOTE=Daris Pakar]

Originally Posted by Lobby

Yeah. What kind of bike do you want?

You can tour with all the BMW's. But an RT is different from a GS, is different from an RS.

The answer is: it depends. Tell us more.

___________

Thanks for asking Lobby,

I've got a 1990 R100GSPD, a 89 Honda TransAlp
and an 02 MZ Baggie Street/Moto Low.

All of em are great bikes and keepers
but I want more wind protection and ABS
for 500 mile days.

My reaseach is leading toward the
Lease Returned Dealer Refurbed R1100RT-P
P as in Police Bike.

http://jeff.dean.home.att.net/rt-pspec.htm

Most have 60K miles and upto date service records
for around $6k.

It seems that the RT sweetens with miles
so 60K miles should put me close to sugar.

I don't care for the Black and White color
so I'd end up painting it a Paris Dakar
Red and White or a TransAlp White Red and Blue.

The 1100RT is an outstanding choice. Not the fastest in the world, but comfortable and reliable.

I think you'll love the RTP.

[RocketJohn]

with the bikes you have, a GS would be a redundant pig...

Get an RT and call it a day...