2009 Honda ST 1300 Pan European vs 2008 BMW R 1200ST
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Colours | Candy Dark Red/Metallic Silver | - |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | 790 mm / 31.1 in. | 820 mm / 32.3 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1,491 mm / 58.7 in. | 1,495 mm / 58.9 in. |
| Length | - | 2,082 mm / 82.0 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | - | 182 kg / 401.2 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 29.14 litres / 7.70 gallons | 16.00 litres / 4.23 gallons |
| Wet Weight | 326.1 kg / 719.0 lbs | 204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs |
| Performance |
| Max Torque | - | 115.00 |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | - | 0.5968 HP/kg |
| Engine |
| Stroke | 4 | 2 |
| Fuel Control | DOHC | SOHC |
| Engine Type | V4 | Two cylinder boxer |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 3.1 x 2.6 inches | 4.0 x 2.9 inches |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 78.0 x 66.0 mm | 101.0 x 73.0 mm |
| Displacement (ci) | 76.95 cubic inches | 71.39 cubic inches |
| Displacement (cc) | 1261.00 cc | 1170.00 cc |
| Fuel System | - | Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin-spark ignition |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| 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 | 5-speed | 6-speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | - | Two-section frame consisting of front and rear sections, load-bearing engine-gearbox unit |
| Suspension - Front | 45mm HMAS cartridge fork | BMW Motorrad Telelever |
| Suspension - Rear | HMAS gas-charged single shock with five-position spring-preload adjustability | Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever |
| Rake | 26.0° | 25.7° |
| Trail | 98 mm / 3.9 in. | 104 mm / 4.1 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 117 mm / 4.6 in. | 110 mm / 4.3 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 122 mm / 4.8 in. | 140 mm / 5.5 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | 310 mm | 320 mm |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | 12.2 inches | 12.6 inches |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | 12.4 inches | 10.4 inches |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | 316 mm | 265 mm |
| Brakes - Front | Double disc | Double disc. ABS |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc | Single disc. ABS |
| Tyres - Front | 120/70-ZR18 | 120/70-17 |
| Tyres - Rear | 170/60-ZR17 | 180/55-17 |
Verdict
⚖️
Too close to call
The 2009 Honda ST 1300 Pan European and the 2008 BMW R 1200ST 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
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 - 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 vs 2008 BMW R 1200ST - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 2009 Honda ST 1300 Pan European and 2008 BMW R 1200ST?
The 2009 Honda ST 1300 Pan European uses V4, while the 2008 BMW R 1200ST is powered by Two cylinder boxer.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 Honda ST 1300 Pan European or the 2008 BMW R 1200ST?
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 2009 Honda ST 1300 Pan European or the 2008 BMW R 1200ST?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 Honda ST 1300 Pan European has the edge in lower seat height and higher front wheel travel, while the 2008 BMW R 1200ST stands out for fuel injection and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.