2008 BMW R 1200ST vs 2009 Honda ST 1300 Pan European
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Colours | - | Candy Dark Red/Metallic Silver |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | 820 mm / 32.3 in. | 790 mm / 31.1 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1,495 mm / 58.9 in. | 1,491 mm / 58.7 in. |
| Length | 2,082 mm / 82.0 in. | - |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 182 kg / 401.2 lbs | - |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.00 litres / 4.23 gallons | 29.14 litres / 7.70 gallons |
| Wet Weight | 204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs | 326.1 kg / 719.0 lbs |
| Performance |
| Max Torque | 115.00 | - |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.5968 HP/kg | - |
| Engine |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 101.0 x 73.0 mm | 78.0 x 66.0 mm |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 4.0 x 2.9 inches | 3.1 x 2.6 inches |
| Displacement (cc) | 1170.00 cc | 1261.00 cc |
| Engine Type | Two cylinder boxer | V4 |
| Stroke | 2 | 4 |
| Displacement (ci) | 71.39 cubic inches | 76.95 cubic inches |
| Fuel Control | SOHC | DOHC |
| Fuel System | Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin-spark ignition | - |
| Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Reserve | 2.00 litres / 0.53 gallons | - |
| Ignition | - | Computer-controlled digital with three-dimensional mapping and electronic advance |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Valve System | 4 | 4 |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated | - |
| Final Drive | Shaft drive (cardan) | Shaft drive (cardan) |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit | - |
| Suspension - Front | BMW Motorrad Telelever | 45mm HMAS cartridge fork |
| Suspension - Rear | Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever | HMAS gas-charged single shock with five-position spring-preload adjustability |
| Rake | 25.7° | 26.0° |
| Trail | 104 mm / 4.1 in. | 98 mm / 3.9 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 110 mm / 4.3 in. | 117 mm / 4.6 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 140 mm / 5.5 in. | 122 mm / 4.8 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | 10.4 inches | 12.4 inches |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | 265 mm | 316 mm |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | 12.6 inches | 12.2 inches |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | 320 mm | 310 mm |
| Brakes - Front | Double disc. ABS | Double disc |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc. ABS | Single disc |
| Tyres - Front | 120/70-17 | 120/70-ZR18 |
| Tyres - Rear | 180/55-17 | 170/60-ZR17 |
Verdict
⚖️
Too close to call
The 2008 BMW R 1200ST and the 2009 Honda ST 1300 Pan European are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.
Key Differences
2008 BMW R 1200ST - Advantages
- 🔧Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
- 🔄More rear wheel travel: 140 mm vs 122 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
2009 Honda ST 1300 Pan European - Advantages
- 📏Lower seat height: 790 mm vs 820 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
- 🔄More front wheel travel: 117 mm vs 110 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.
2008 BMW R 1200ST vs 2009 Honda ST 1300 Pan European - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 2008 BMW R 1200ST and 2009 Honda ST 1300 Pan European?
The 2008 BMW R 1200ST uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2009 Honda ST 1300 Pan European is powered by V4.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 BMW R 1200ST or the 2009 Honda ST 1300 Pan European?
The 2009 Honda ST 1300 Pan European has the lower seat at 790 mm, making it more accessible. The 2008 BMW R 1200ST sits higher at 820 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2008 BMW R 1200ST or the 2009 Honda ST 1300 Pan European?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 BMW R 1200ST has the edge in fuel injection and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2009 Honda ST 1300 Pan European stands out for lower seat height and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.