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In a moment or madness I sold my much loved R1100SS and bought a new Tiger 1050SE with all the gubbins from a friendly Triumph dealer. Three months into the new experience (forks!! chain!!) I realised we weren't gelling. It didn't help that the bike had escaped from Hinckley with a woefully adjusted headlamp and despite my best efforts to adjust (not to mention hopelessly unhelpful Triumph dealers...except the one in Carlisle) it had undoubtedly the worst headlamp known to a motorbike! The panniers were c-r-a-p, small and random in their closure and locking, exposed screw heads everywhere and the start of a dusting of corrosion... Yes, the 1050 triple is wonderful but the bike could easily have pulled a longer top gear which would have helped the mpg. I want an easy 200 miles from a tankful and the Tiger could just about make it...

Anyhow, I eventually found what I'd wanted originally thought would replace the 11S, an immaculate R1200ST. And I LOVE it! Goes great, seems to be doing over 60mpg (gulp, even if it wants super-unleaded) back to proper handling, Beemer indicators, shaft, big tank and a very acceptable headlamp. Proper panniers and top box which are a country mile better than Triumph's tonka toy versions.

So here is the question. My ST is the basic model, without even the OBC option. Anyone know whether it is possible to retro fit OBC onto the bike? I'm talking just about the mileage computer, so I can do mpg/distance calculations/tank range on the move etc. Standard fit is merely a press when filling up to know how many miles done. I am not talking about ESC, though that would have been nice.

And as an R1200ST owner, am I still allowed to be on here.....

Hi,
I reckon that as an ST owner your more than welcome here, Seems to be quite a few around these parts lately As to retro fitting the OBC I doubt if its economical to do, (had a quick look on motorworks site) Seems like lots of the electricals are different on bikes with the OBC.

Regards Peter.

My ST is an 05 with the standard computer. If I run it down to reserve the display changes to tell me how many miles you have left to go. I habe them run mine down to about 10 miles left which should mean less than a quater of a gallon left, however when filling up I could not get as much fuel in as I expected. I had done 214 miles and only got 17.68 (about 3/4 orf a gallon) litres in which is 3.32 litres short of the full capacity so it would seem that the computer is conservative in its estimations so a regular 200 miles between fill ups is comfortable.

I recall getting 280 miles till vapour once on a test with a gallon can strapped to the seat.

I don't think it's financially viable to fit the OE OBC even if it could be done.

The trip is far more reiable than the OE OBC IMO, HTH, BBFN...
\v/

grumpytwin wrote:
And as an R1200ST owner, am I still allowed to be on here.....

Your bike makes ours look prettier, so I think you can stay, a bit like the plain bird that likes to seen in nightclubs with an ugly friend.

Ah yes but the ugly ones do tend to ride better...
\v/

You have made a good choice in getting an R1200ST. My 2007 non-servo model has greatly impressed me in the 800 miles that I had a chance to ride it before the Scottish winter set in.

Thanks for all the feedback. I am remarkably pleased with my ST, I find it lopes along very nicely and on one trip have managed an easy 220miles from a tankful. The lovely long 6th gear undoubtedly helps, but there is a way this bike covers ground that encourages riding the wave of torque. It hasn't got the "come on, cane me" side that my 11S Sport had, but it is happy to perk up and have fun as and when required! Next stop is fitting a rortier sounding end can. That rids me of the ugly OE one, saves a few kilos and may find a sleeping horse or two. Anyone know much about Beowulf pipes other than the interweb discourse....?

I picked up an Akrapovic titanium end can on ebay in excellent condition for half new price. Not fitted it yet so dont know what it sounds like but will do so before the bike goes back on the road.