After the demise of the R1150RS, I needed to look around for a new modern ride. In 2005, BMW introduced the R1200GS with its new counter balanced and lightened hexhead motor, just one part of BMW's leichtbau (lightweight build) program. Along with the GS, an RT, R and ST model filled out the Boxer line. For me, the GS and RT bikes are too upright for my longterm comfort. The RT in addition is uselessly too heavy with its full coverage fairing, and the GS is taller than I need for my onroad-exclusive riding preferences. The R is always a possibility, perhaps with a small windscreen on it. But the ST, the clear successor to the oilhead RS models, seemed most closely aligned with my requirements.