Longing for a Rockster - any riding impressions to offer?

bebecar · Post by **bebecar** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 1:34 pm

I'm new on this forum as I am thinking about going all the way and buy a Rockster, 04 80th anniversary version.

I currently have a very good condition R100RS Mono from 1994 which has served me well for the last year.

However I am not driving as much on motorways as I thought (in all kind of weather since its a commuter/fun bike) and the R100RS isn't exactly the easiest in the city.

I'm not after speed. I want good and nimble handling, superb brakes and even ABS, and I luggage cases since I use them every day!

Could you users here offer me any views, impressions or suggestions - especially those that have come from the airheads? I'm frightened that I will miss my R100RS - but at the same time I have wanted the Rockster since I first saw one.

Ohhh... and price vice, where I live - in Denmark, there is not much difference between a good condition R100RS Mono and an 04 Rockster

I don't have much experience with BMW's although I have had the opportunities to ride various types, R100GS, F650GS, HP2 (AWESOME, but way too expensive for me) and F800ST (which I wasn't really fond of).

One last thing... I have to be able to do a lot of mileage on the Rockster (day rides) but I am assuming that like most other BMW's that will not be a problem.

Thanks,
Ingvar in Denmark (although I am Icelandic)

riceburner · Post by **riceburner** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 4:02 pm

See if you can get a test ride on one.

The only airhead I've ridden was an R65LS and while being very different, it was reasurringly familiar in an odd way.

Post by **boxermania** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 5:01 am

Ingvar, welcome to the site

You already own a BMW and are familiar with it's operation/quirks. The Rockster is light years ahead in technology/riding quality from your present mount and will surely provide what you are loking for as well as put a smile on your face.

I side with riceburner, go on a test ride and include, stop and go, twisties, highway, you will be signing at the bottom of the purchase agreement soon after.

Good luck and keep us posted on your experience.....

Sunfire · Post by **Sunfire** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 8:44 am

That's what happened to me; I went on a test ride and came back ready to sign on the dotted line! This is my first BMW bike and I love it. Last week I went on a 1200 mile trip and I was very impressed with my Rockster. Very easy to maneuver, loves twisties, and enough torque to run from "cagers"!

It does have its quirks, but I can live with them.

Paul

bebecar · Post by **bebecar** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 8:53 am

boxermania wrote:Ingvar, welcome to the site

You already own a BMW and are familiar with it's operation/quirks. The Rockster is light years ahead in technology/riding quality from your present mount and will surely provide what you are loking for as well as put a smile on your face.

I side with riceburner, go on a test ride and include, stop and go, twisties, highway, you will be signing at the bottom of the purchase agreement soon after.

Good luck and keep us posted on your experience.....

I actually read Sunfire's post here... It was quite interesting - especially how it turned out

The thing is I have to sell mine first and it will probably have to wait until march-april to get a decent price.

Then there is the actual problem of a Rockster shortage so to speak in Denmark.... There aren't that many here - besides I would probably by mine in Germany. But I am on the look out already and think that my mind is already made up... even though I just need the test ride to confirm it.

I've been told that the HP2 is similar to drive ad the rockster. And if that is so I have no doubt that I will really enjoy the rockster... besides - it looks great with the luggage!

dragonmojo · Post by **dragonmojo** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 1:59 pm

I have the Citrus model (an '04) and enjoy it. Like has been already said here, test drive it to get your impressions. My fave is still my R12C for my long trips and because I am shy on inseam, but the Rockster is great in the twisties and stable while doing 'em.

I personally think the R100RSes are nice looking bikes, although technology doesn't stand still.

bebecar · Post by **bebecar** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 2:58 pm

dragonmojo wrote:I have the Citrus model (an '04) and enjoy it. Like has been already said here, test drive it to get your impressions. My fave is still my R12C for my long trips and because I am shy on inseam, but the Rockster is great in the twisties and stable while doing 'em.

I personally think the R100RSes are nice looking bikes, although technology doesn't stand still.

Thank you... It is a special bike, and looks a bit special as well. But... form follows function and I like it a lot. I can drive it for a long time and usually the friends on japanese bikes loose me in the beginning, but after 30-60 minutes they get tired and slow down - then I pass

Lion_Lady · Post by **Lion_Lady** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 4:13 pm

Well, here's my Ride Story (on my club's board) from my EXTENDED test ride of a Rockster...

http://www.bmwbmw.org/bmwforums/viewtop ... kster+love

I've now got 31,000 miles on my 80th Anniversary Edition.

P

Marku · Post by **Marku** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 4:50 pm

I just took the bike on a 7000 km round trip. With some 12-13 hour riding days. The bike seemed to run better the longer it went.

This bike is also an excellent city bike.

The only problem I had were the quick disconnect for the fuel line which I had to get replaced. Other than that the bike is rather solid. Only thing I personally don't like, is the seat. I find it slides me forward, which isn't a good thing for us males.

bebecar · Post by **bebecar** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 1:50 am

Wow... That was an interesting test ride!

This seems to be everything I am looking for - I don't even mind it not having a screen - as long as the airflow is uninterrupted I find it ok to get some windblast. Besides it keeps me from going to fast.

I have two bikes, both 80th anniversary, in my sights. I will see if it is reasonable to sell my R100RS in the next couple of months but i don't think much will happen until february.

Until then I will have to find a bike to test ride!

And Marku - 12-13 hour days, that isn't exactly short. Did you do that with the stock seat?

dragonmojo · Post by **dragonmojo** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 7:09 pm

Hopefully you will not have a problem finding a buyer for the R100RS.

In 1977, BMW introduced the R100RS which was proclaimed to be the most powerful motorcycle in production, and was a first having a frame-mounted fairing. A pioneer of sorts.

I did 700+ miles in 14 hours about 5 years ago on my Cruiser (no windscreen). A lifetime ago when I was a much younger lad, I rode my R80RT over 800 miles between Sacramento, CA and Phoenix, AZ (but that's a full fairing and youth) taking roughly 15 hours to do it.

I think any modern Beemer will comfortably carry you the distance, perhaps with minor adjustments to accommodate each individual (i.e. saddle, windscreen, shocks).

I'm a lightweight, logging only 11,000 miles/year on my bikes.

bebecar · Post by **bebecar** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 5:11 am

dragonmojo wrote:Hopefully you will not have a problem finding a buyer for the R100RS.

In 1977, BMW introduced the R100RS which was proclaimed to be the most powerful motorcycle in production, and was a first having a frame-mounted fairing. A pioneer of sorts.

I did 700+ miles in 14 hours about 5 years ago on my Cruiser (no windscreen). A lifetime ago when I was a much younger lad, I rode my R80RT over 800 miles between Sacramento, CA and Phoenix, AZ (but that's a full fairing and youth) taking roughly 15 hours to do it.

I think any modern Beemer will comfortably carry you the distance, perhaps with minor adjustments to accommodate each individual (i.e. saddle, windscreen, shocks).

I'm a lightweight, logging only 11,000 miles/year on my bikes.

Yes, the R100RS is a special bike - which is also why I'm sure I will miss it!

And then one starts to think about safety etc. The new bikes are a world apart ususally. Although my R100RS is a late model monolever and handles decently, but it is stil not nearly as stable as I would like it to be.

Marku · Post by **Marku** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 5:51 pm

bebecar wrote: And Marku - 12-13 hour days, that isn't exactly short. Did you do that with the stock seat?

For some reason I had no interest in stopping in Eastern Washington and Oregon. On highway 97, the best thing out there seemed to be the road.

Ya, I did it with the stock seat. I just can't see to justify $1000+ for a better seat.

bebecar · Post by **bebecar** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 8:57 am

Marku wrote:
bebecar wrote: And Marku - 12-13 hour days, that isn't exactly short. Did you do that with the stock seat?
For some reason I had no interest in stopping in Eastern Washington and Oregon. On highway 97, the best thing out there seemed to be the road.

Ya, I did it with the stock seat. I just can't see to justify $1000+ for a better seat.

Well... I actually get numb in my seat only after 3 hours... so if you can do 12-13 hour days on the stock seat it must a least slightly better

cone · Post by **cone** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 7:24 am

Hi, yes I think you have had good replies but if I could add my tuppence worth, after selling my 100RS I really missed the fairing seeing I live on the coast in South Africa and it is usually windy. I fitted a Wunderlich screen to my Rockster and am happy with the result. In fact I think the bike looks better with a small screen

bebecar · Post by **bebecar** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 3:05 pm

cone wrote:Hi, yes I think you have had good replies but if I could add my tuppence worth, after selling my 100RS I really missed the fairing seeing I live on the coast in South Africa and it is usually windy. I fitted a Wunderlich screen to my Rockster and am happy with the result. In fact I think the bike looks better with a small screen

It's also windy where I live and sometimes also really cold like today when it was literally freezing.

This fairing, is it like the one here?

This actually looks very nice but doesn't look like it can deflect much of the wind blast...

Post by **jfslater98** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 7:25 am

I think that's it Bebecar. I have installed (and removed for summer) the Wunderlich

http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?t=9208&highlight=

I am very happy with the results. It gets cold where I am too, and I found it really helps take the edge off. Add the handguards like I did, and I don't even need electric clothes (yet) for those 30F days.

bebecar · Post by **bebecar** » Fri Oct 26, 2007 5:54 am

jfslater98 wrote:I think that's it Bebecar. I have installed (and removed for summer) the Wunderlich

http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?t=9208&highlight=

I am very happy with the results. It gets cold where I am too, and I found it really helps take the edge off. Add the handguards like I did, and I don't even need electric clothes (yet) for those 30F days.

This would be a very welcome addition and of course the handguards as well. I don't use electric clothes since I park the bike from november to february (because of salt on the roads here!!!).

That time is coming - but then I can set in motion my plan to buy a rockster.