Honda or BMW tourer?

[CRM]

I was at this point last year - thinking I was needing a touring bike to replace my VFR800. I rode a Transalp and liked it a lot so went that way hoping I would be able to put a bit of adventure riding into my touring. As it's turned out I've really only just ridden on the road and so I'm looking at tourers again - a budget of $5-7k which means early to mid-90's bikes generally. It seems like I can get a pretty nice ST1100 or R1100RT for that amount.

I'd ridden a mid-90's RT before and was very impressed. After riding an ST1100 the other day I'm pretty keen on them - probably my pick at the moment.
Plusses for the Honda: I loved the flexibility of the engine, the solid feel, ease of use and the wind protection (the one I rode had a givi screen which was great). I'm familiar with Honda's and all the controls just feel more natural. Excellent local Honda support.
Minuses for the Honda: Seemed a bit awkward through tight bumpy turns - didn't feel like I could push it very hard without the suspension getting jiggly on me (possibly reflects the particular bike as it was higher mileage). Seat a bit higher than the Beemer - no problem in normal riding but could be a problem with such a heavy bike in an off-camber stopping situation.

I also tested a BMW R1100RT and while it didn't quite have the X-factor for me I'm wondering if that was just the bike on the day (I had already ridden in the rain and was pretty cold and wet).

Pluses for the BMW are: ABS, heated grips, more gadgets and adjustments, lighter and lower seat.
Minuses for the BMW are: even with the screen right up I got a draft down my back. It seemed to 'drop' more when slow-speed cornering - possibly because the rear tyre was quite worn in the centre. Also there is no local BMW shop locally so would have to take to Auckland for servicing. While they seem to be generally very reliable I know that if they need anything major it gets very expensive.

I like the look and feel of the ST's better, so they would be my natural choice, but the Beemers are very nice. I'm 5'9" with reasonably short legs and weigh about 80kg on a good day so with a big heavy bike I need it to be low. My sportsbike days are over - too hard on wrists and elbows. Also I love the thought of being out of the blast of the wind - gets a bit tiresome after 10 hours in the cold and rain .

Any thoughts to help me out in my choice?

[Spearfish]

Will the BMW be worth the mucking around in 6 months time considering your comfortable on the ST and probably one of the lucky few who are fairly happy on anything that will do the job?

[george formby]

A mate recently bought an ST 1300 to stick in the shed next to his Fireblade & his Fantic. Last years trip to Paeroa with the girlfriend pillioning on the blade was the clincher..... He has to ride a couple of K's of gravel before he hits a main road & then has to ride the Old Russell road ( twisty ) to get to the ferry. He loves it that much he makes excuses to go shopping on it. Highly recommended.

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

I like the look and feel of the ST's better, so they would be my natural choice, but the Beemers are very nice. I'm 5'9" with reasonably short legs and weigh about 80kg on a good day so with a big heavy bike I need it to be low. My sportsbike days are over - too hard on wrists and elbows.

You kinda have made your own mind up. Personally I would go for the ST.

[CRM]

You kinda have made your own mind up. Personally I would go for the ST.

Yeah I know - but I've made bad choices before . The Beemer makes more sense in that it is more hi-tech (ABS, Fuel injected), yet is easier to work on yourself. Plus it's lighter and lower - all important considerations. I just feel an affinity to Hondas. Like going from PC to Mac I guess - feels strange at first but then feels way better...

I think either would do me well. Anybody owned both and can give an unbiased comparison?

I guess it will probably come down to what is around when my bike sells and what is the best value at the time. I'm also aware that certain bikes - same model and year - can feel significantly different. So I guess it will be a matter of trying specific bikes and seeing if we get on.

[george formby]

The fast guy with shredded tires in the Twist of the Wrist II video rides an ST

[jafar]

In your situation I'd be inclined towards the ST,
1/you like it more,
2/service is available in your area
3/parts are easy to get

Not knocking the BMW, just your stated preference & the advantages of having a dealer for the bike nearby.

[MIXONE]

I'd go for the beemer.Lower seat height and easier to service yourself.

[CRM]

Favouring the ST because:

• Local support
• Like how they ride better
• Like the look better
• If something does go bad it shouldn't be as expensive as the Beemer
• Economy of fuel consumption and range seems about even
• No great weight advantage as the Honda seems to carry it lower as fuel is under the seat
• I've read all the reviews I can find on both - Beemer fans like Beemers, Honda fans love the Honda
• It's a Honda
• I can cope without ABS

There's lots to choose from on TM at the moment. I'm liking the look of this one in Dunedin best, but quite a few nice ones out there. Just need to sell my TA or do a trade. Might do a trip at the end of the month if it doesn't sell in the meantime and do a trade at one of the dealers that have a good one.

[george formby]

In your situation I'd be inclined towards the ST,
1/you like it more,
2/service is available in your area
3/parts are easy to get

Not knocking the BMW, just your stated preference & the advantages of having a dealer for the bike nearby.

Except for clutch gaskets & knock sensors.... Basic servicing on the ST is simple, don't even need to take many, if any panels off & it has a lovely stick under the seat to hold the tank up. Clever.

[blackdog]

1200 Trophy.

Thank me later.

[martybabe]

I have owned an ST1100 and I now own a R1100rs (same as RT but not so touring orientated). Both are very good at what they do, not much to choose between them as far as capability goes but I find the Beemer much more engaging and characterful. I can't offer you anything tangible really but for me, The Beemer is a real riders machine, the ST, whilst very capable feels a bit bland by comparison.

If you get the chance go for a looong run on both, the beemer makes more sense as the miles rack up. I wasn't that bothered when the time came to sell the ST, when the time comes to sell the Beemer it'll be like saying goodbye to an old friend. Just my opinion, enjoy whatever you choose.

[Highlander]

I have owned an ST1100 and I now own a R1100rs (same as RT but not so touring orientated). Both are very good at what they do, not much to choose between them as far as capability goes but I find the Beemer much more engaging and characterful. I can't offer you anything tangible really but for me, The Beemer is a real riders machine, the ST, whilst very capable feels a bit bland by comparison.

If you get the chance go for a looong run on both, the beemer makes more sense as the miles rack up. I wasn't that bothered when the time came to sell the ST, when the time comes to sell the Beemer it'll be like saying goodbye to an old friend. Just my opinion, enjoy whatever you choose.

Still liking the Beemer then Marty?
Loving mine.

CRM, when I was looking and contemplating and a BMW came up that ticked all of the boxes on my "The new bike MUST have..." list (including price) I was advised that if you haven't done the Boxer engine thing before take it for a good couple hundred km test ride. By the time I had the CB just felt all wrong. Having gone back and ridden every other bike on my "possibles" list I don't regret my choice at all.
As for looks, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I have concluded the only view that counts is the one you get from the riders seat.

[martybabe]

Still liking the Beemer then Marty?
Loving mine.

I have concluded the only view that counts is the one you get from the riders seat.

Honestly, it's the bike I've been looking for all my riding life, I'm really struggling to find a worthy (younger) successor.

Here's the view from the riders seat by the way OP, epic adventures start with this view

[CRM]

I have owned an ST1100 and I now own a R1100rs (same as RT but not so touring orientated). Both are very good at what they do, not much to choose between them as far as capability goes but I find the Beemer much more engaging and characterful. I can't offer you anything tangible really but for me, The Beemer is a real riders machine, the ST, whilst very capable feels a bit bland by comparison.

If you get the chance go for a looong run on both, the beemer makes more sense as the miles rack up. I wasn't that bothered when the time came to sell the ST, when the time comes to sell the Beemer it'll be like saying goodbye to an old friend. Just my opinion, enjoy whatever you choose.

What kind of protection does the RS give compared to the RT (of ST for that matter)? I travel year-round so wind and rain protection is a big factor. I like the idea of the RS as they are a lighter bike - but not sure whether so suitable for long hours riding in unpleasant weather. I've also ridden an R1100R and really liked the feel (and look) of those, but again a bit lacking in weather protection compared to the RT or ST.