The new BMW R 1200 ST

1. Technical Features, Special Features of the Motorcycle. 2. Range of
Equipment. 3. Engine Output and Torque. 4. Specifications. 5. Colours.
Technical Features, Special Features of the Motorcycle. The new R 1200
ST Sports Tourer by BMW Motorrad: even more athletic, more powerful,
and lighter. The epitome of sports
touring on a BMW Boxer now bears the name R 1200 ST. The successor to
the R 1150 RS, this is the third model in the new Boxer generation
launched in spring 2004 in the guise of the R 1200 GS. The R 1200 ST was
based in its development on the drivetrain and innovative suspension
features seen for the first time on the R 1200 GS. The "ST"
abbreviation stands for "Sports Tourer". In its design and
configuration, the R 1200 ST is derived from the R 1200 RT introduced
in December 2004. And the term "Sports" in its model name is
certainly most fitting and appropriate. An increase in engine output
by 16 per cent (81 kW/110 bhp) and weight of less than 230 kg (507 lb)
make this Sports Tourer simply ideal for agile motorcycle enjoyment in
bends and on winding roads, at the same time giving the machine
appropriate power for fast riding. The new R 1200 ST will find many
friends and aficionados among sports-minded touring riders with an
ambitious style of motoring. Excellent handling and riding
characteristics, combined with comfort-oriented but sporting ergonomics,
allow a dedicated, enthusiastic style of riding even on long distances.
The wide range of equipment and accessories, in turn, meets all the
wishes and preferences of each individual rider, the R 1200 ST
therefore setting new standards on sporting motorcycle tours with a
high level of comfort and safety. The most important features of the
new R 1200 ST at a glance: - Dry weight in road trim 229 kg (505 lb)
with a full tank, 205 kg (452 lb) dry weight. - Air-cooled flat-twin
power unit displacing 1,170 cc and featuring a newly aligned balance
shaft. - More power and performance: 81 kW/110 bhp maximum output and
115 NM (85 lb-ft) maximum torque. - Electronic BMS-K engine management
with dual ignition and anti-knock control. - Fully-controlled three-way
catalytic converter with two oxygen sensors. - Six-speed gearbox with
helical gears. - Innovative on-board network with CAN-bus technology. -
Highly stable, light frame in tubular construction. - Lightweight
Paralever with weight-optimised drive shaft, adjustable TDD spring
strut. - Extra-stiff Telelever ensuring a smooth and comfortable
response. - New cast wheels. - EVO brakes with BMW Motorrad Integral AS
(partly integrated version) fitted as standard. - Fuel tank made of
special, extra-strong syntehtic material, 21 litres (4.6 Imp gal)
capacity for long range. - Mechanical windshield adjustment. - Handlebar
adjustble for height. - Two-piece, adjustable seat in two versions and
seat height ranging from 780-830 mm (30.7-32.6''). Power unit -
special modifications for even more output. The all-new flat-twin power
unit featuring a balance shaft and displacing 1,170 cc presented for
the first time in the R 1200 GS is the "heart" of the new R
1200 ST. The concept and features of this new engine are described in
detail in the press kit for the R 1200 GS.
Now featured in the Sports Tourer, the engine offers even more power and
torque increased to 81 kW (110 bhp), as on the R 1200 RT touring model
(maximum output in France is 74 kW/100 bhp). The engines on the R 1200
RT and R 1200 ST are identical. Inter alia, this extra power versus the
R 1200 GS comes from an increase in engine speed by 500 rpm to 7,500
rpm, a different intake system, new silencers as well as modified
camshafts also serving to boost engine output. The power pack is
rounded off by an increase in the geometric compression ratio to 12.0:1
ensured, inter alia, by higher pistons. Featuring BMS-K
electronic engine management presented for the first time in the R 1200
GS and boasting both anti-knock control as well as separate oxygen
sensors controlling the fuel/air mixture individually for each cylinder,
the R 1200 RT carries over the technological leadership of the new
Boxer generation into the touring motorcycle range. As on the GS, this
latest generation of engine electronics combines automatic idle speed
control with an automatic cold start function. Anti-knock control
enables the motorcycle to run on lower fuel grades down to 95 RON
without suffering any damage (the engine is designed for 98 RON, the
only difference with 95 RON being a slight decrease in engine output).
Precise adjustment of the fuel/air mixture to each cylinder, finally,
together with the high compression ratio and dual ignition, ensures a
high standard of fuel economy; the R 1200 ST consuming just 5.1
litres/100 km (55.3 mpg Imp) at a steady 120 km/h or 75 mph. A fully
controlled three-way catalytic converter, finally, ensures supreme
environmental compatibility also on the R 1200 ST, offering the latest
generation of exhaust gas management and the technical features so
characteristic of BMW Motorrad for so many years. The transmission -
active riding features ensured by an extra-short sixth gear. An all-new
development for the R 1200 GS, the helical-gear transmission weighing
only 13 kg or 28.7 lb, is also featured in the R 1200 ST. Shifting gears
smoothly and precisely, and featuring extra-short gear travel between
the individual gears, the gearbox has been improved once again by
detailed optimisation of the shift mechanism. Designed for active
riding, sixth gear is particularly short and dynamic. In all, the
optimum gear increments allow fast acceleration from 0-100 km/h in an
impressive 3.5 seconds. The frame - re-designed in proven BMW
technology. The two-piece main/rear tubular steel spaceframe combines
maximum stiffness with supreme strength. Naturally, it retains the
weight-saving truss structure already featured on the R 1200 GS,
incorporating the engine as a load-bearing unit. But at the same time
the particular structural configuration of the new ST required a new
frame design largely based on that of the R 1200 RT.
The front frame is a welded steel structure, the rear frame is made of
straight steel tubes welded to one another. As on all four-valve
Boxers, the front and rear frame are bolted firmly to the
engine/gearbox unit, jointly forming the load-bearing structure. The
longitudinal arm incorporated in the front-wheel Telelever rests as
before on the engine block, the Paralever swinging arm pivots on the
rear frame. Telelever front-wheel suspension - stiff lightweight
construction carried over from the R 1200 GS. Stiff front-wheel
suspension is crucial to a roadgoing motorcycle with sporting qualities
and is indeed one of the prerequisites for precise handling and clear
feedback. Focusing on the R 1200 ST, the suspension and running gear
experts at BMW Motorrad therefore opted for the Telelever carried over
from the R 1200 GS with a fixed tube measuring 41 mm or 1.61'' In
diameter. As on the GS, this maintenance-free system is designed to
reduce brake dive to virtually zero, contributing, inter alia, to
greater stability when applying the brakes while leaning over at an
angle in bends. Front-wheel spring travel is 110 mm or 4.33''.
Rear-wheel guidance and suspension - the Evo-Paralever and TDD spring
strut. The lightweight drive shaft featuring the BMW Motorrad Paralever
(Evo-Paralever) is hardly heavier than a conventional swinging arm with
a drive chain. And apart from the modifications required for the wider
tyres, this wheel guidance system has been carried over completely from
the R 1200 GS, where this new design has already proven the significant
progress it is able to offer: Despite lower weight, the entire unit is
even stiffer than on the former model. Placing the support bar for
taking up forces on the rear wheel drive housing above the swinging arm
helps to provide extra ground clearance, the 10 per cent reduction in
weight versus the former model reducing unsprung masses accordingly.
The bottom line for the rider is a smooth and sensitive response at all
times plus load change reactions reduced to a minimum. The new design
of the rear wheel drive also comes in a particularly dynamic look
thanks to the 50-millimetre (1.97-inch) hole drilled through the axle
tube in the housing. A further advantage is the lifetime fluid filling,
with no further need to change the transmission fluid for the entire
life of the motorcycle. The rear central spring strut on the Paralever
swinging arm incorporates travel-dependent damper technology referred
to as TDD for short, ensuring a progressive increase in damper forces
as a function of spring travel. The suspension therefore responds
smoothly and comfortably to even the smallest bumps on the road, at the
same time offering generous reserves on bad roads and tracks with
grooves along the surface or a very uneven structure at the top. This
spring strut system was featured for the first time in 2002 on the R
1150 GS Adventure, with spring travel at the rear measuring 140 mm or
5.51''. Wheels and tyres - light-alloy cast wheels in new five-spoke
design. Newly developed for the R 1200 ST and R 1200 RT, the extra-light
cast aluminium wheels in almost filigree five-spoke design combine the
advantage of easy care with superior strength and stiffness. The front
wheel measures 3.5 x 17 inches, the rear wheel 5.5 x 17. Tyre
dimensions are 120/70 ZR17 at the front and 180/55 ZR17 at the rear.
Brakes - EVO brake system with partly integrated ABS for safe and
dependable deceleration. The proven EVO brake system featuring BMW
Motorrad Integral ABS available as an option offers supreme safety
under all conditions. Like the R 1200 RT, the new R 1200 ST comes
exclusively with the partly integral version of ABS for an even more
active style of riding. Maximum, easily controllable deceleration using
minimum brake power gives the rider additional safety especially when
applying the brakes in an emergency. Diameter of the front brake
discs is 320 millimetres or 12.6''. To reduce unsprung masses and allow
an even higher standard of brake precision, the diameter of the rear
brake disc now measures 265 millimetres or 10.4'', as opposed to 276
millimetres or 10.9'' on the former model. Woven steel cladding on the
brake hoses and brake callipers stiffer than on the former model offer
not only a slight decrease in weight, but also a more precisely
defined, consistently stable brake pressure point. On-board network -
enhanced range of functions based on CAN-bus technology. The new
on-board network ensures a high standard of reliability plus an even
wider range of functions on fewer cables than before: The single-wire
system introduced on BMW motorcycles for the first time on the R 1200
GS transmits all relevant data via one single wire to the respective
control units. Physically, this is a double-wire system, CAN-bus
(Controller Area Network) technology consistently interconnecting all
control units and the central vehicle electronics (CVE) to form a
permanent data network, the various units exchanging data among one
another. Apart from simpler design of the main wiring harness, this
also allows efficient, comprehensive diagnosis of all relevant vehicle
functions. A further advantage is that the system no longer requires
conventional melt-down fuses, CAN-bus technology automatically
switching off the component involved whenever necessary and checking
whether the function is still defective when the rider starts his
motorcycle again. The network also serves to feed all data to the
cockpit displays featured in the info-flatscreen. To easily adapt
electronic accessories and ensure their simple integration in the
on-board network, there is also a plug for special equipment. The
low-weight alternator supplying the energy required by the motorcycle
has an output of 720 W at 60 Amps. The battery is maintenance-free,
offering a capacity of 19 Amp-hours.
Electronic immobiliser featured as standard. BMW Motorrad's electronic
immobiliser is an integral part of the modern on-board network. Making
life very difficult for the potential thief, this security system
offers the best technology currently available to prevent unauthorised
use of the rider's machine. The authorised rider, in turn, benefits
from a supreme standard of convenience: All you do is pull the key out
of the ignition, the immobiliser intervening in the engine management
software and deactivating both fuel injection and the ignition. Then,
as soon as you start the engine the next time, a chip in the key
compares its data with the engine management data to determine their
compliance. Once the proper match has been established, the engine
control unit switches on the ignition and the rider can start the
engine. Instruments - everything clearly in sight. The easy-to-read,
all-new instrument panel exactly in the rider's line of vision provides
a clear view of all relevant functions in the interest of secure
control and absolute clarity at all times. Carried over from the R 1200
GS, the control panel comprises a round speedometer, a rev counter in
slightly oval design, as well as the information display to the right
of the speedometer, providing permanent information on the oil
temperature, tank level, residual range on the fuel remaining in the
tank, the time of day and the gear currently in mesh. Current overall
and trip mileage are available on demand, and any defects are presented
together with an appropriate warning. The entire instrument panel is
in digital technology. The road and engine speed signals, as on the GS,
are presented by needles with analogue dials finished however in a
different design. Headlight unit - clear glass look and free-form
technology. To meet growing demands for optimum illumination of the
road ahead, the main headlight incorporates free-form surface
technology featuring geometrically optimised surface contours. Two H4
headlights in vertical arrangement and featuring reflectors for the
dual low and high beams ensure very good illumination of the road ahead
and give the R 1200 ST a truly unmistakable and unique face.
Height-adjustable handlebar for an individual seating position. A
particular feature of the R 1200 ST is the short handlebar adjustable
for height on its vertical fixed tube: Overall adjustment travel of 25
mm or 0.98'' gives the rider exactly the right body position - crouched
low down for a sporting style of riding, sitting higher up in a more
relaxed style. Together with the variation of seat height, this ensures
a high standard of individual body freedom. Control and electric
switches carried over from the R 1200 GS. The controls and switches
first introduced on the R 1200 GS are also featured on the R 1200 ST.
Grab width on the clutch and brake levers is variable, and the
hydraulic clutch system comes with a lifetime filling. BMW's typical
principle of switches and direction indicator control has also been
retained on account of its many proven values. Body structure -
sporting and dynamic, but with an appropriate standard of riding
comfort. With its modern and unmistakable design language, the new
Sports Tourer is dynamic, ambitious but suitably comfortable all in
one. Clear lines and striking surfaces, combined with a perfect finish,
exude a touch of class and perfection. The dual headlight dominating
the front area with its sharp contours gives the new motorcycle a truly
unique look, ensuring clear strength and presence. Subdivided into
two sweeping sections, the fairing conveys a powerful impression of
forward-striving performance and light handling. The overall design
concept and configuration with various colour schemes on the fairing
components and front wheel mudguard enhances this effect. The R 1200
ST is available in three basic colours: Sydney Blue Metallic, Piemont
Red Metallic, and Granite Grey Metallic. The upper section of the
fairing and the front wheel mudguard are both finished in a contrasting
colour, offering the customer the choice of either Light Magnesium
Metallic or Dark Graphite Metallic. These highly attractive colour
combinations give the machine a very personal, individual touch. The
seat is finished in Black in all cases. The new R 1200 ST conveys a
particularly powerful expression in Sydney Blue Metallic combined with
Light Magnesium Metallic on the upper section of the fairing and the
mudguard. The Piemont Red Metallic version with Dark Graphite Metallic
as its contrasting colour gives the new motorcycle a particularly
dynamic look, but retains a very harmonious style. Finished in
Granite Grey Metallic with contrasting Light Magnesium Metallic, the R
1200 ST is very modern in its appearance. Indeed, this colour scheme
interprets a classic colour combination with a particularly attractive
metallic effect. The windshield featured on the R 1200 ST with three
different positions adjusting very conveniently by manual control
ensures optimum protection from wind and weather, together with a
pleasantly low level of noise. Starting from its lowest position, the
windshield may be set to a higher position in two steps of 20
millimetres or almost 0.8'' each, giving all riders exactly the right
position. The seat and seating position - superior ergonomics and a
firm position on the ground. The new, highly comfortable seat of the R
1200 ST is split up into two sections, with manual adjustment of the
rider?s section for height - either 810 or 830 millimetres (31.9'' and,
respectively, 32.7'''). A lower seat is available as an option,
adjusting to a level of either 780 or 800 millimetres (30.7 or 31.5'').
The particular layout and configuration of the "ergonomics
triangle" made up of the footrests, the seat, and handlebar,
ensures a particularly active seating position, giving both the rider
and passenger a very comfortable and convenient knee bending angle.
Offering the rider exactly the right step arch length - a new dimension
introduced on the R 1200 GS measuring the distance from one rider's
foot to the other over the seat - the R 1200 ST enables even a short
rider to reach the ground with his or her feet much more easily and
conveniently in the interest of easy manoeuvring. To provide absolute
perfection, the step arch length measured considers not only the height
of the seat in absolute terms, but also the shape and width of the
rider's seat section. Equipment features - the side and main stand. A
new side stand complete with starter interruption function holds the
motorcycle securely in place on any surface and is easy to operate. The
side stand folds out easily with the rider on his seat, a main stand is
available as an option.