R1200ST or R1200GS - Really that different?

[Bubwheat]

Trying to do a compare on the GS and ST (2007) Can't find a lot of info to compare the two, but at first glance they seem to be real close to each other in size, price, and weight.  Is it that the GS may sit a little more upright, may be more dirt worthy? Is it the ride? Is the ST that much better of a ride? Heck, given the choice, what which would you buy and why?

Please school a brother, and consider it your good deed for the new year!  

[Mr Sunshine]

Of course they are very much the same but their egos and styling are all different.

[sagerat]

The GS; those bikes can do almost anyting an ST can whereas an ST cannot go where a GS can go.

You'll also be amazed how the combo of tall bike, wide handlebars really pays off on the twisties.  

And the fugly of the ST makes the oddball look of the GS seem almost acceptable.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

And the fugly of the ST makes the oddball look of the GS seem almost acceptable.  

[twist]

GS is taller and more upright.  GS has different wheels (19" front, the rear is 17" but takes a 150 size tire).  I believe GS has more suspension travel and ground clearance.  GS has a skid plate under the engine.  You can get Jesse cases for the GS, I don't think they are available for the ST.

Which one would I take?  I already took the GS .  Why?  I like the versatility and those huge Jesse cases.  If you are tall enough, get the GS Adventure - that comes with an 8.7 gallon tank, instead of the pathetic 5.4 on the GS.

[Nesbocaj]

  I have not ridden the R1200ST, but I do have a R1150GS.

  The GS is a great all around bike, highway, trails (within reason), dirt roads, and a blast on the
tight and twisty stuff. It will haul a ton O' shit without a problem.

  The GS has less plastic 'in the way' for maint work, a big plus for me.

  For the colder months I have put on a larger screen, excellent protection.

  Slab work? No sweat.

[twist]

Add to that the huge 7.1 gallon fuel tank

ST does not have 7.1 gallons.  You're thinking of the RT.  ST only has 5.5 gallons.

[Bubwheat]

Thanks guys, so far, doin' good. One more question. The 2007s, any difference other than colors offered on the ST. I see you have to special order them, but if nothing any different, it seems a pretty decent '05 can be had in the 10,11K range with some farkles, which would seem a pretty good deal.  

[twist]

Thanks guys, so far, doin' good. One more question. The 2007s, any difference other than colors offered on the ST. I see you have to special order them, but if nothing any different, it seems a pretty decent '05 can be had in the 10,11K range with some farkles, which would seem a pretty good deal.  

I'm not sure why they are special order - you might want to ask your local BMW dealer.  I think all (most?) BMW's lost servo brakes for 2007.  I'm not sure if ST had servo brakes before that, the GS certainly did.  Whether servo brakes are a plus or a minus is up to you.

[grasslander]

R12ST is 12 lbs heavier (non Adventure), basically the same fuel capacity (non Adventure), 45-50mpg, better weather protection, very clean air around the rider and passenger, wife loves riding on it, 10HP more, 100HP - 78ft/lbs at the rear wheel stock (I dyno'd my 05), unbelievable smooth-solid handler in the twisties, a rock on the freeway, excellent luggage options.  Looks much better from at least 7 out of 8 directions (I say it's bad__s from all directions - almost every non-BMW owner I've come across agrees). It gets attention everywhere you go.  It does OK on gravel (it is a BMW you know), it isn't a DR650 or R100GSPD however.

If you choose to order an 07 you can get ABS nonservo brakes and could maybe get traction control.  You might want ESA, but I'd save my money for Ohlins or Wilburs.  I'd order Night Black and add a smoked windscreen and Remus full system with a carbon can!  Used R12ST versions are an unbelievable value

[cbsnbiker]

Of course they are very much the same but their egos and styling are all different.

So many people talk about bikes having soul. Now they have egos as well?  

[cbsnbiker]

Bubwheat, everyone has pretty much summed it up for you. The GS is taller; the ST lower. The GS is the adventure-tourer; the ST the sport-tourer. Both are worthy bikes, but they go about their jobs a bit differently and fit riders a bit differently.

My advice? Head over to a BMW dealer and take a test ride of each, and let us know what you think of them.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

My advice? Head over to a BMW dealer and take a test ride of each, and let us know what you think of them.  

Yes, please do that and stop the insanity!!  

[Boxerdawg]

I was able to have extensive test rides of both at Americade.  I was expecting to totally love the GS, but I didn't.  I really enjoyed the ST and even think it looks OK in a bulldogs-are-cute sort of way.  It was subjective preference.  It was not because ST really performed better; it just "felt" better to me.  The 1200 boxer motor is truly awesome.  
I am pleased to have the '04 R1100S I got in July because the price was right.