saw a rockster for the first time a couple of days ago in black and orange. don't usually go for the bmw bike looks (but love my bmw e30 incidently) but at least i know what model they are. didn't know what this was though until i got home and looked it up.
so... tell me guys (in a truly non-biased manner please) should i swap my zr750 (zephyr) for a rockster? (i might not be able to help it!) i've never ridden a beemer (will do so as soon as the opportunity arises) and don't know what to expect. 70 lb/ft sounds exciting though and the looks - well i can't get them out of my head now.
i'm 6ft 2 - having read your height posts it should fit. having read other posts the engine paint will bubble and the fins will fur up correct? does it wobble from side to side at idle? is the switchgear difficult to adjust to? prices seem to start at 4.5k - are they rubbish at this level? and finally should i wait till christmas for the seasonal price drop?
paul
why has the rockster passed by unnoticed?
Moderator: Moderators
Oh. Oh. Oh. I loooove my Rockster.
Sweet handling. Deep, authoritative, growl from the engine. Gets noticed when parked or moving. It is so amusing to realize that I'm being 'paced' by a carload of guys when travelling. They're all pointing and looking all 'Gee Whiz!' as we motor along.
The 1132cc engine has plenty of muscle for long, heavily loaded trips, AND to get out of the way of 18 wheelers at highway speeds, even in 6th gear. Amazingly 'flickable' in twisties. Always makes the front page of Killboy when one goes thru Deals Gap.
Gets 42-46 mpg doing 'regular' mixed riding, on 89 octane gas.
I can do my own maintenance on the flat twin engine, and HAVE.
P
Sweet handling. Deep, authoritative, growl from the engine. Gets noticed when parked or moving. It is so amusing to realize that I'm being 'paced' by a carload of guys when travelling. They're all pointing and looking all 'Gee Whiz!' as we motor along.
The 1132cc engine has plenty of muscle for long, heavily loaded trips, AND to get out of the way of 18 wheelers at highway speeds, even in 6th gear. Amazingly 'flickable' in twisties. Always makes the front page of Killboy when one goes thru Deals Gap.
Gets 42-46 mpg doing 'regular' mixed riding, on 89 octane gas.
I can do my own maintenance on the flat twin engine, and HAVE.
P
Paul,
Yes - you will fit on the bike without problems.
The torque is very VERY sweet. The traffic lights rally is yours, no clutch slipping, no revving. Just feed in the throttle as usual and let the clutch out as usual ... until the next set of lights!
Wobbling from side to side? I can feel it only while stationary when blipping the throttle.
The switchgear is a pig. While I have no problems with the indicators/cancel buttons (3 1/2 months old Rockster owner), I am yet to master 100% the horn.
I love it!
Why are you still reading this? Go and get one NOW!!!
Cheers
Francisco
Yes - you will fit on the bike without problems.
The torque is very VERY sweet. The traffic lights rally is yours, no clutch slipping, no revving. Just feed in the throttle as usual and let the clutch out as usual ... until the next set of lights!
Wobbling from side to side? I can feel it only while stationary when blipping the throttle.
The switchgear is a pig. While I have no problems with the indicators/cancel buttons (3 1/2 months old Rockster owner), I am yet to master 100% the horn.
I love it!
Why are you still reading this? Go and get one NOW!!!
Cheers
Francisco
The main thing that a new-to-BMW rider need to adjust to the Rockster or the older R bikes is the heaviness of the steering when at rest or at low speed. But once the speed gets higher, it's easy cruising.
The signal switch is a bit awkward but once you get used to it, it's not that bad of a deal.
The rocking motion is primarily for blipping the throttle while at rest. Although if you were to put a throttle lock on and try to cruise hands-off, you will see that the bike wants to go to the right side. But I think that's the function of the torque of the drive shaft than the flat twin's action.
The Rockster is only BMW that I can truly say I love. It's so weird and quirky with a ridiculous paint job that I can't help but love it.
The signal switch is a bit awkward but once you get used to it, it's not that bad of a deal.
The rocking motion is primarily for blipping the throttle while at rest. Although if you were to put a throttle lock on and try to cruise hands-off, you will see that the bike wants to go to the right side. But I think that's the function of the torque of the drive shaft than the flat twin's action.
The Rockster is only BMW that I can truly say I love. It's so weird and quirky with a ridiculous paint job that I can't help but love it.
Cogito Ergo Vroom - I think therefore I ride.
03 Rockster, 07 Aprilia Tuono R, 07 KTM 990 Adventure
03 Rockster, 07 Aprilia Tuono R, 07 KTM 990 Adventure
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rockster.ch
- Basic User
- Posts: 75
- Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2005 11:50 am
the Rockster is absolutely fantastic, I have the bestest colours and absolutely no problem as yet (touch wood).
I've commuted whenever there hasn't been snow or ice around and hosed the thing down once to remove that cack in March.
God assists with the washing at the moment and it's due first service with 3000km on the clock soon.
It does rock on torque when revving - strange at first but after that you don't notice. Engine braking is fantastic but when you hit the bottom of a gear with no clutch work, it does bring itself to what it thinks is the correct revs - you might notice this on slow 2nd gear corners that you resolve by working the clutch.
I'm 6'4" and the only complaint I have is that I must ruin the beauty of the bike with a screen as I commute to work on the autobahn.
90mph everywhere gives 40mpg (imperial).
And people stare at the bike. Honestly. But I can't understand why it wasn't more popular
But common means something else so let's remain happy 
I've commuted whenever there hasn't been snow or ice around and hosed the thing down once to remove that cack in March.
God assists with the washing at the moment and it's due first service with 3000km on the clock soon.
It does rock on torque when revving - strange at first but after that you don't notice. Engine braking is fantastic but when you hit the bottom of a gear with no clutch work, it does bring itself to what it thinks is the correct revs - you might notice this on slow 2nd gear corners that you resolve by working the clutch.
I'm 6'4" and the only complaint I have is that I must ruin the beauty of the bike with a screen as I commute to work on the autobahn.
90mph everywhere gives 40mpg (imperial).
And people stare at the bike. Honestly. But I can't understand why it wasn't more popular
But common means something else so let's remain happy cheers guys - i figured that it would get a thumbs up on a forum such as this. there seems to be more of you stateside than anywhere else - i wonder how much of that is down to the english language side of things or did the bike sell well over there?
another question - is a low speed spill enough to write the bike off with those big sticky out engine casings?
i've decided to get one of these but won't have loads to spend on one - 4 to 5 thousand (of your english pounds) and so will probably have to wait for the cold season - so i'll keep looking out on here to see what's on offer....
paul
another question - is a low speed spill enough to write the bike off with those big sticky out engine casings?
i've decided to get one of these but won't have loads to spend on one - 4 to 5 thousand (of your english pounds) and so will probably have to wait for the cold season - so i'll keep looking out on here to see what's on offer....
paul
If you lay the bike down hard enough then the head casing may break through. But believe it or not, that's cheap to replace.
However, there are head protectors that you can buy in order to prevent the damage.
However, there are head protectors that you can buy in order to prevent the damage.
Cogito Ergo Vroom - I think therefore I ride.
03 Rockster, 07 Aprilia Tuono R, 07 KTM 990 Adventure
03 Rockster, 07 Aprilia Tuono R, 07 KTM 990 Adventure
I owned a Kawasaki XR7S (late model zephyr) for several years. Last year. I traded it in for a BMW R1150R. So, I'll give you a few comments.
I'm 6'-3" and both bikes fit me very comfortably. I also test rode the Rockster and was comfortable on that. With the BMWs you can choose different seat heights to allow for more legroom if needed.
I liked the Kawasaki. For the money, it's probably one of the best buys out there. It had a very strong engine, comfortable riding position, and was very reliable. I'd highly recommend one to others.
However, it's not in the same category as the "R". Much better handling, especially at higher speeds. On rough roads with the Kawi (and travelling fast), the bike tended to move around alot. The "R" stays planted. Cornering is excellent, and the brakes are the best that I've seen (I like the ABS system). The engines are different. Both have more power than someone with my skills will ever fully exploit. However, the BMW is all "torque". This was probably the biggest difference between the bikes. Throttle control (especially when slow cornering) takes some getting used to. When going slow, if you abruptly let off the BMW throttle, it's almost like hitting the brakes . There were a few times in my first month when I thought I was going to drop it (Again, this was most pronounced a low speeds -- 5 to 10mph) This is much different than with the Kawi's Inline 4 cylinder. The BMW pulls very strongly. Now that I'm used to the torque, I like the BMW engine characteristics better.
There are also the aesthetic reasons. Let's face it the Zephyr doesn't get many "wow, what a great bike" comments. With the BMW, it's almost a daily occurrence. .
I'm very happy with the BMW.
I'm 6'-3" and both bikes fit me very comfortably. I also test rode the Rockster and was comfortable on that. With the BMWs you can choose different seat heights to allow for more legroom if needed.
I liked the Kawasaki. For the money, it's probably one of the best buys out there. It had a very strong engine, comfortable riding position, and was very reliable. I'd highly recommend one to others.
However, it's not in the same category as the "R". Much better handling, especially at higher speeds. On rough roads with the Kawi (and travelling fast), the bike tended to move around alot. The "R" stays planted. Cornering is excellent, and the brakes are the best that I've seen (I like the ABS system). The engines are different. Both have more power than someone with my skills will ever fully exploit. However, the BMW is all "torque". This was probably the biggest difference between the bikes. Throttle control (especially when slow cornering) takes some getting used to. When going slow, if you abruptly let off the BMW throttle, it's almost like hitting the brakes . There were a few times in my first month when I thought I was going to drop it (Again, this was most pronounced a low speeds -- 5 to 10mph) This is much different than with the Kawi's Inline 4 cylinder. The BMW pulls very strongly. Now that I'm used to the torque, I like the BMW engine characteristics better.
There are also the aesthetic reasons. Let's face it the Zephyr doesn't get many "wow, what a great bike" comments. With the BMW, it's almost a daily occurrence. .
I'm very happy with the BMW.
I hate to bring up something as grisly as this but I just crashed a Rockster on the slab last month (hit a superslick piece of slab about 70MPH) Except for some cosmetic stuff and new valve covers (the bike slid on the valve covers and crushed its touring cases) (and some Metzelers) the bike was in suprisingly good shape. It ran great after the crash and is being meticulously repaired.
My crash gear did not fare so well and I got off with broken ribs, so not a complete disaster (one tough mother of a bike, though)
My crash gear did not fare so well and I got off with broken ribs, so not a complete disaster (one tough mother of a bike, though)
drevil - so right. i pay extraordinary prices for my e30 parts.
fnfalman - a good tip thanks! is there much you don't know about these bikes?
dans58 - a fascinating post for me - thank you. i bought my zephyr for the looks and do get comments about how nice it is believe it or not. (it's a c1 in red and in pretty good condition which helps) i've run a paralell twin before and know that engine braking for torque laden engines is ripe to say the least! the zephyr has to go however as it's just not tall enough - great for town riding and flicking through traffic but my legs are just too folded up for any comfortable distance work, hence the (primary) appeal of the rockster. the r1150r is also a great looking bike to my eyes but the rockster looks blew me away - all function and attitude all at once. before discovering the rockster's existence i was thinking about the just discontinued fazer 1000 as it's tall enough. why are there so few tall bikes outside the trailie market?
brownw3 - sorry to hear about your mishap and i hope you're back to fighting strength soon. experience tells me not to rush recoveries, no matter how tempting. the hardy nature of your bike inspires confidence however.
paul
fnfalman - a good tip thanks! is there much you don't know about these bikes?
dans58 - a fascinating post for me - thank you. i bought my zephyr for the looks and do get comments about how nice it is believe it or not. (it's a c1 in red and in pretty good condition which helps) i've run a paralell twin before and know that engine braking for torque laden engines is ripe to say the least! the zephyr has to go however as it's just not tall enough - great for town riding and flicking through traffic but my legs are just too folded up for any comfortable distance work, hence the (primary) appeal of the rockster. the r1150r is also a great looking bike to my eyes but the rockster looks blew me away - all function and attitude all at once. before discovering the rockster's existence i was thinking about the just discontinued fazer 1000 as it's tall enough. why are there so few tall bikes outside the trailie market?
brownw3 - sorry to hear about your mishap and i hope you're back to fighting strength soon. experience tells me not to rush recoveries, no matter how tempting. the hardy nature of your bike inspires confidence however.
paul
Just got in from a ride today, all the guy and gals i ride with are sportbike purists and poo poo my Rockster, espically when i can pass them in the twisties and sit for 100+ miles with out cramping up.
I truely love this motorcycle
I truely love this motorcycle
You think chicks dig guys who look like road-grimed astronauts and have interesting x-rays?
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dragonmojo
- Basic User
- Posts: 255
- Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2006 3:23 pm
- Location: Sacramento, CA
- Contact:
Yup. The bike goes unnoticed mainly due to these "sportbike purists", those who are more consumed by paper stats and the machine's potential on a dyno or in the hands of a professional rider than actually riding and living with it. Let us not turn up our noses (Beemer riders included) toward the underdogs, lest we be humbled by those who can truly pilot them.rock712 wrote:Just got in from a ride today, all the guy and gals i ride with are sportbike purists and poo poo my Rockster, espically when i can pass them in the twisties and sit for 100+ miles with out cramping up.
I truely love this motorcycle
Traffic signals timed for 35mph, are also timed for 70mph.
'04 R1150Rx (GRN)
'88 Hawk GT
'04 R1150Rx (GRN)
'88 Hawk GT
Sometimes people buy a bike and found out that the handling characteristics don't suit their likings.
As far as ABS versus non-ABS. Stick with the non-ABS model if you could. I have the ABS model and at first I thought that it was swell, but now, it's more of a hindrance. It requires additional maintenance. It links the front and the rear brakes with the front lever, so if you were to ride sportively and wanted to activate the front brake only to help tip into a corner better, you can't do it.
Supposedly the new generation of ABS that's to be featured on the new R1200S is not going to be servo-activated and NOT LINKED, and switch-offable too. That's a set-up that I wouldn't mind having. I think that BMW had finally taken a page from Honda VFR's design book on how a proper ABS system should work.
As far as ABS versus non-ABS. Stick with the non-ABS model if you could. I have the ABS model and at first I thought that it was swell, but now, it's more of a hindrance. It requires additional maintenance. It links the front and the rear brakes with the front lever, so if you were to ride sportively and wanted to activate the front brake only to help tip into a corner better, you can't do it.
Supposedly the new generation of ABS that's to be featured on the new R1200S is not going to be servo-activated and NOT LINKED, and switch-offable too. That's a set-up that I wouldn't mind having. I think that BMW had finally taken a page from Honda VFR's design book on how a proper ABS system should work.
Cogito Ergo Vroom - I think therefore I ride.
03 Rockster, 07 Aprilia Tuono R, 07 KTM 990 Adventure
03 Rockster, 07 Aprilia Tuono R, 07 KTM 990 Adventure
So, have you bought one yet? 
All I can say is that the information above is very true. I bought my Rockster Limited Edition 80 last year and I am very pleased with it. It is a pleasure to only just look at it when you come home from work and see it standing in your garage.
You're right in stating that there is not many Europeans on this forum, but I believe that they are more active on local websites.
Few reactions to what was stated above:-
blinkers - they do turn off automatically, if you wait long enough
brakes - great. i do like the ABS. in wet countries like mine it might come in useful one day...
fuel consumption - i have trouble doing better than 13.5 km/l or 32 mls/USgal or 38 mls/IMPgal
power - enough... wind at speeds above 145km/hr or 90mls/hr are uncomfortable for long periods of time
torque - fantastic in every gear. personally, i would have preferred more of an overdrive 6th gear to reduce rpm's on long highway distances
horn - sucks. not loud enough and sounds cheap
height - almost perfect for someone 1.84m or 6'1'' although my right knee tends to touch the oil cooler outlet sometimes
weight - yes, it is a bit heavy at low speeds but at medium to high speeds it is very steady
When is the next Rockster meeting?!?
Have a good day!
All I can say is that the information above is very true. I bought my Rockster Limited Edition 80 last year and I am very pleased with it. It is a pleasure to only just look at it when you come home from work and see it standing in your garage.
You're right in stating that there is not many Europeans on this forum, but I believe that they are more active on local websites. Few reactions to what was stated above:-
blinkers - they do turn off automatically, if you wait long enough
brakes - great. i do like the ABS. in wet countries like mine it might come in useful one day...
fuel consumption - i have trouble doing better than 13.5 km/l or 32 mls/USgal or 38 mls/IMPgal
power - enough... wind at speeds above 145km/hr or 90mls/hr are uncomfortable for long periods of time
torque - fantastic in every gear. personally, i would have preferred more of an overdrive 6th gear to reduce rpm's on long highway distances
horn - sucks. not loud enough and sounds cheap
height - almost perfect for someone 1.84m or 6'1'' although my right knee tends to touch the oil cooler outlet sometimes
weight - yes, it is a bit heavy at low speeds but at medium to high speeds it is very steady
When is the next Rockster meeting?!?
Have a good day!
Rockster Ltd
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dragonmojo
- Basic User
- Posts: 255
- Joined: Fri Mar 31, 2006 3:23 pm
- Location: Sacramento, CA
- Contact:
I suppose (judging from many posters) that everyone is saving up for the 1200-engined bikes, be they Rs or Ks. A common comment goes something along the lines of the 1150s feeling like a tractor after having test ridden the 1200s.
I'm afraid to test ride 'em, thus spending sleepless nights on figuring ways of abandoning the 1150 for a 1200.
But, I like the Rockster's looks much better than the newer bikes'.
I'm afraid to test ride 'em, thus spending sleepless nights on figuring ways of abandoning the 1150 for a 1200.
But, I like the Rockster's looks much better than the newer bikes'.
Traffic signals timed for 35mph, are also timed for 70mph.
'04 R1150Rx (GRN)
'88 Hawk GT
'04 R1150Rx (GRN)
'88 Hawk GT