Considering a 2004 Rockster

Ghibellino · Post by **Ghibellino** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 3:49 pm

Hello everybody, I have been looking for a while for a naked bike. I had the two final picks: a Ducati M695 and the Speed Triple, leaning more towards the monster.

Yesterday I went to see a BMW dealer 50 miles from my house, just because. And there she was. An orange 2004 Rockster with 2,800 miles on it. I could not demo ride it on the spot as it was getting late, but tomorrow morning I am getting there at 9am for a test ride.

I like the bike and the price seems right. I just want to make sure I look for the right things during the demo.

The overall condition is excellent except for four white simmetrical scratches on the fork that I saw mentioned in previous posts. The paint seems to be peeling and I will ask if the dealer will fix that now under warranty.

The bike has not been used often (less than 3k miles in 3 years). Is there any specific location I should examine for gas varnish/gum buildup? Could this be an issue with this bike?
Any other spots I should examine for possible troubles due to the bike sitting for a long time?

The bike has 2,800 miles but only a couple of months left of std warranty. Shall I get the extended warranty while I can?

Thanks all in advance!

Max

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 4:07 pm

I think you should buy it..

...it would be a wise choice over the Triumph and the Duke..(btw they are two other bike that I considered also)

Once you test ride it you will know...they are a great around town bike and interstate trips are no problem..they do it all great.

Don't worry about any issues..there aren't any IMO..I don't know of any gas varnish/gum buildup problems.

They are pretty bulletproof bikes and will last you a very long time I'm sure...let us know how you go with the test ride.

DJ

sinned · Post by **sinned** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 5:53 pm

I am a recent Rockster owner and it is the best purchase I have made in recent history. I just got in from a great day riding in the South Florida sun and I am still grinning like a kid. I fell confident in every move I make on the bike, well balanced and very little to no maintenance out side of the scheduled stuff. Buy it, you will love and like me you will find a reason to take any place you can. BTW the board is a great resource for all you questions. Keep us posted on your test ride.

Post by **boxermania** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 6:00 pm

Ghibellino

If the bike has a couple of months warranty left, I would work, as part of the sale that the warranty cover the paint issues. That should not be a problem since the warranty is transferable.

Also since the bike has such low mileage ask the dealer if he can run it through the Certified Pre-Owned Program, where the dealer checks the bike out and if OK BMW will give you an additional 2 years, 24K miles of warranty.

If the dealer plays ignorant.....Hmmm.....buy the extra insurance but only after the dealer marks it down. The bikes are fairly sturdy and if you play with tools the maintenance is easy.

Last but not least, comparing to the other bikes, the Ducati, is lighter and will perform about the same as the BMW, the Triumph, also lighter and more powerfull, wiil run circles around it performance wise, but not too comfortable on long rides. I think you will be convinced after the test ride.

Good luck and keep us posted...........

reload · Post by **reload** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 6:00 pm

I recently got an 04 rockster that only had 1700 miles.I traded an 01 speed triple in on the rockster and I really like the BMW better.I feel more confident in the twisties on the R than I did on the sp3.Also I could see myself doing some serious touring on the BMW.The rockster is just a joy to ride.If you get the rockster ask the dealer if there is any warranty left and you can probably opt to extend.

riceburner · Post by **riceburner** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 6:49 am

who bought these low mileage Rocksters??

I picked my current one up in April with only 1,200 miles on the clock!!

reload · Post by **reload** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 7:36 am

I think the guy who had mine was two short for it because the valve covers have scratches on them from drops in parking lots.

m@rco · Post by **m@rco** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 7:49 am

Go for it! You basically can't go wrong with a 2004 BMW. It is no wonder that our streets are still filled with old BMWs. Somewhat like yourself, I was convinced to buy a Monster until I changed my opinion about only old men driving BMWs after seeing a Rockster one day. Ducati's might be smaller, lighter, cheaper (?), and image wise may perform better, but if I think about the trouble a friend of mine goes through on cold mornings trying to crank his 2001 Ducati.... Don't even mention his maintenance bill.

Try to get the extended warrantee. And if not.... Don't worry too much. Keep in mind that the bike is not new anymore and that you might could have a minor thing come up. But eh, that's why you don't pay the original price.

Ghibellino · Post by **Ghibellino** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 2:04 pm

Love at first ride!

Rides beautifully. The bike is extremely easy to handle and feel way lighter in motion than on the stand. I Love the way the bike shakes and moves sideways when throttle is opened

Left a deposit and as soon as my certified check gets to me I will bring her home.

homer j · Post by **homer j** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 2:16 pm

if carlsberg did choices they would say,
tis one of the better choices you have done on this fine & wonderful day

fair play to ya man , you won,t regret it

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 4:06 pm

Congrats....and I'm not surprised..

DJ

fnfalman · Post by **fnfalman** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 1:58 pm

Congratulations!!!

The Rock is a BMW (nay, a bike) that I will keep forever!!!

Ghibellino · Post by **Ghibellino** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 3:51 pm

Pure exhilaration!

Just rode back 60 miles from the dealer, what a rush

I hadnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t been on a bike in almost a year and, by all means, this is a confidence inspiring bike. The bike has an excellent stability, immediately tested by a very strong side wind on the FL Turnpike.

I did finally understood what you all meant by Singer sewing Machine noise.
What a beautiful thing.

----------------------------
2004 R1150R Rockster

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 4:36 pm

Congrats...and ride safe...and remember ATGATT (all the gear all the time)..

About that Singer sewing Machine noise..there's an easy way to fix that.. http://members.optusnet.com.au/~djp1/mypic2880.jpg

DJ

Ghibellino · Post by **Ghibellino** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 4:42 pm

Yep, I bet that covers pretty much any other sound...

BTW, nice ride!

riceburner · Post by **riceburner** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 10:55 am

I still remember my first test-ride on a Rock.

to quote Will Smith... "Waahoo! I have GOT to get me one of these!! "

joejeweler · Post by **joejeweler** » Mon Nov 13, 2006 3:04 pm

Yep,.......and with a windshield added you can hear it even more,.......all them illegal German hampsters up inside there pounding away to keep my fat a$$ moving down the highway!

For someone new to a BMW Boxer like myself i thought i did something wrong mounting the windshield,.......the sound of the engine being all the more pronounced with the wind noise lessened. But it's just the normal sound...................

Ghibellino wrote:................

I did finally understood what you all meant by Singer sewing Machine noise.
What a beautiful thing.

----------------------------
2004 R1150R Rockster

sinned · Post by **sinned** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 3:18 pm

Congrats Ghibellino,

I am in Miami, let me know if your in the neighborhood I'll meet you for a ride. I am also on a '04 rock.

mitchxout · Post by **mitchxout** » Sat Dec 02, 2006 6:11 pm

Here's my 04...
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c292/ ... C02914.jpg

flyboyaviator · Post by **flyboyaviator** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 5:36 pm

Ghibellino wrote:Pure exhilaration!

Just rode back 60 miles from the dealer, what a rush

I hadnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t been on a bike in almost a year and, by all means, this is a confidence inspiring bike. The bike has an excellent stability, immediately tested by a very strong side wind on the FL Turnpike.

I did finally understood what you all meant by Singer sewing Machine noise.
What a beautiful thing.

Ghibellino; Congrats, did you buy that Rockster from 441Cycle be Peter's Rd??
----------------------------
2004 R1150R Rockster

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