2008 BMW R 1200ST vs 2009 BMW K 1300GT

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2008 BMW R 1200ST 2008 BMW R 1200ST

Sport touring

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
449.7 pounds
2009 BMW K 1300GT 2009 BMW K 1300GT

Sport touring

Engine
In-line four
Power
127 kW / 173 hp @ 9250 rpm
Top Speed
252.2 km/h / 156.7 mph
Weight
634.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year-2009
Colours-Beige, blue, red
Make Model-BMW K 1300GT
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-840 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-33.1 inches
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in.820 - 840 mm / 32.3 - 33.1 in (low seat 800- 820 mm / 31.5 - 32.3 in)
Wheelbase1,495 mm / 58.9 in.1,572 mm / 61.9 in.
Height-1,438 mm / 56.6 in.
Length2,082 mm / 82.0 in.2,318 mm / 91.3 in.
Width-965 mm / 38.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight182 kg / 401.2 lbs255 kg / 562.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity16.00 litres / 4.23 gallons19 L / 5.0 US gal
Wet Weight204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs255 kg / 562 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-252.2 km/h / 156.7 mph
Max Power-127 kW / 173 hp @ 9250 rpm
Max Torque115.00140 Nm / 14.3 kgf-m / 103 lb-ft @ 8250 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.5968 HP/kg0.6275 HP/kg
Standing Start ¼ Mile-11.4 sec
Engine
Displacement (ci)71.39 cubic inches-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxerIn-line four
Fuel ControlSOHCDOHC
Stroke24
Bore x Stroke (mm)101.0 x 73.0 mm-
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.0 x 2.9 inches-
Displacement (cc)1170.00 cc-
Displacement-1298 cc / 79.2 cu in.
Engine Detail-Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin-spark ignitionInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management including knock sensor (BMS-K)
Bore x Stroke-80 x 64.3 mm / 3.15 x 2.53"
Compression Ratio12.0:113.0:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Exhaust-Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Exhaust management-Fully controlled three-way catalyst
Fuel Consumption-6.2 L/100 km 16.1 km/l / 37.9 US mpg
Fuel Induction-Electronic fuel injection, Digital Motor Electronics with integrated knock control (BMS-K)
Fuel Reserve2.00 litres / 0.53 gallons4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle dry plate clutch, hydraulically operatedMultiple-plate clutch in oil bath, hydraulically operated
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Shaft
Gear Ratios-1st 2.398 / 2nd 1.871 / 3rd 1.525 / 4th 1.296 / 5th 1.143 / 6th 1.015:1
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTwo-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unitBridge frame, aluminium, load-bearing engine
Suspension - FrontBMW Motorrad TeleleverBMW Motorrad Duolever; central spring strut, Paralever; central spring strut with lever system
Suspension - RearCast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad ParaleverCast aluminium single swing arm with BMW Motorrad, spring pre-tension with infinite hydraulic adjustment
Rake25.7°29.4°
Trail104 mm / 4.1 in.112 mm / 4.4 in.
Wheel Travel - Front110 mm / 4.3 in.115 mm / 4.5 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in.135 mm / 5.3 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches11.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm294 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS2 x ∅320mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABSSingle ∅265mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front120/70-17120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55-17180/55 ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2009 BMW K 1300GT

The 2009 BMW K 1300GT edges out the 2008 BMW R 1200ST thanks to its liquid cooling. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2008 BMW R 1200ST - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2008 BMW R 1200ST matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2009 BMW K 1300GT - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2008 BMW R 1200ST vs 2009 BMW K 1300GT - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 BMW R 1200ST and 2009 BMW K 1300GT?
The 2008 BMW R 1200ST uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2009 BMW K 1300GT is powered by In-line four.
Which should I buy, the 2008 BMW R 1200ST or the 2009 BMW K 1300GT?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 BMW R 1200ST has its own strengths, while the 2009 BMW K 1300GT stands out for liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.