By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Tourer
BMW R 1200 RT (K26) vs Honda ST 1300 Pan-European (ST1300)
BMW R 1200 RT vs Honda ST 1300 Pan-European: long days, loaded bags, one choice to make.
Roll across a broken patch of pavement on the BMW R 1200 RT and it's soaked up the hit before your spine hears about it. The Honda ST 1300 Pan-European's soft springs swallow it whole.
So which one do you buy?
The R 1200 RT has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Narrow edge: R 1200 RT
In the twisties, the R 1200 RT asks a bit less of you to go quickly. Most of that is better suspension and a sportier chassis. Call it a modest edge.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Inches ahead: R 1200 RT
Over a full day's ride, the R 1200 RT noses ahead on comfort. Put it down to more stability at speed. A long test ride could easily flip that.
What makes each one tick
R 1200 RT
Long days in the saddle are the RT's home ground, with a calm pocket of air behind the tall screen and a padded seat that keeps fatigue away. There's a deep boxer thrum and plenty of shove from low revs as soon as the throttle cracks open. It doesn't need revs to pull. Fully loaded, the Telelever still turns into bends willingly.
ST 1300 Pan-European
In a parking lot the Pan-European's weight sits high, and slow traffic asks for muscle and a careful clutch. Once it's moving, that heft disappears. There's real bite at the brake lever when it's time to haul 708 lb (321 kg) of touring bike down. Its odometer's still climbing on nothing but basic servicing.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The ST 1300 Pan-European has the lower seat: 31.7 in (805 mm) vs 32.3 in (820 mm).
- The R 1200 RT has the lower wet weight: 571 lb (259 kg) vs 708 lb (321 kg).
- The ST 1300 Pan-European makes more peak power: 126 hp (93 kW) vs 110 hp (81 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Not built for it: ST 1300 Pan-European
There's no daily-ride verdict for the ST 1300 Pan-European. Getting to work isn't its job.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Both fall short
As first bikes, both are a stretch. Starting smaller isn't a step down.
Look at running costs and you'll find two bikes doing the same job equally well. Fit is what breaks the tie.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
R 1200 RT
What owners say
Strengths
- Robust and characterful boxer engine
- Impressive weather protection
Trade-offs
- Hefty weight at low speeds
- High cost of clutch and final drive repairs
- 2005-2006 servo brakes can be problematic
ST 1300 Pan-European
What owners say
Strengths
- Confident handling and powerful brakes
- High comfort levels
- Outstanding reliability and durability
- Supreme touring comfort and luggage capacity
Trade-offs
- High-speed weave controversy
- Heavy at low speeds
Known problems to check before you buy
R 1200 RT
- Fuel pump flange cracking The fuel pump flange can crack over time, allowing fuel to seep past the seal. BMW revised the part; a cracked flange is usually replaced with the improved version.
- Servo brake unit failure (2005-2006) The servo pump in the ABS modulator can fail, especially if corrosion sets in. When it fails, residual braking performance is dangerously poor. Replacement of the complete unit is the usual remedy.
- Final drive bearing/spline wear The final drive can develop oil leaks or noisy bearings, and the drive shaft splines may wear or corrode. Regular inspection and fluid changes are recommended. Failures can lead to rear wheel lock-up in extreme cases.
- Fuel pump controller failure The original silver-coloured fuel pump controller is prone to corrosion and sudden failure, leaving the rider stranded. A revised black-coated unit is more durable.
ST 1300 Pan-European
- High-speed weave At high speeds, some bikes develop a weave or wobble, exacerbated by load, tire choice, or windscreen position. In extreme cases, this can cause loss of control.
- Rear brake hose leak (recall 11V-356) Recall 11V356000 On 2008-2010 models, the rear brake reservoir hose can get damaged from repeated suspension bottoming, causing fluid leakage and loss of rear brake.
- Electrical wiring defects (recall on early models) Recall 04V549000 Faulty wiring harness on 2003–2004 models could cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk. Honda recalled affected units (NHTSA 04V-549, 04V-568).
- Rear brake reservoir hose rupture (2008-2010 recall) Recall 11V356000 Repeated rear suspension bottoming can damage the rear brake reservoir hose, leading to fluid loss and rear brake failure. Honda recalled affected models to fit a revised hose.
- Coolant system issues (thermostat and leaks) Sticking thermostats can cause overheating, and occasional coolant leaks from hoses have been reported, though neither is widespread.
What they share
- Peak torque at
- 6,000 rpm
- Final drive
- Shaft
Where the spec sheets split
| R 1200 RT | ST 1300 Pan-European | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.3 in (820 mm) | 31.7 in (805 mm) |
| Wet weight | 571 lb (259 kg) | 708 lb (321 kg) |
| R 1200 RT | ST 1300 Pan-European | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1170 cc | 1261 cc |
| Engine | Flat-twin (boxer) | V4 |
| Cooling | Air/oil-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Power | 110 hp (81 kW) | 126 hp (93 kW) |
| Peak power at | 7,750 rpm | 8,000 rpm |
| Torque | 89 lb-ft (120 Nm) | 92 lb-ft (125 Nm) |
| R 1200 RT | ST 1300 Pan-European | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 6.6 US gal (25 L) | 7.7 US gal (29 L) |
| R 1200 RT | ST 1300 Pan-European | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Fork | Telelever | Telescopic |
| Front brake | 320 mm | 310 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 | 120/70-18 |
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 | 170/60-17 |
| Wheelbase | 58.5 in (1485 mm) | 58.7 in (1490 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| R 1200 RT | ST 1300 Pan-European | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Option |
| Traction Control | Option | Not offered |
| Cruise Control | Option | Not offered |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) | Option | Not offered |
| Luggage System | Standard | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
