Do rocksters owners mod less than roadster owners?

[Grey Thumper]

This started off when I was looking through a bunch of "Post pics of your bike" threads. Most common mod seems to be an aftermarket seat, then the KRS mirrors. Rarer are aftermarket screens, rarer still are extra lights, while engine guards are practically nonexistent among Rocksters. It's quite a contrast to the Roadster pics (although both bikes tend to be relatively unmodded compared to, say, the average GS). I'm curious if this is generally true, or just my misperception.

[riceburner]

This started off when I was looking through a bunch of "Post pics of your bike" threads. Most common mod seems to be an aftermarket seat, then the KRS mirrors. Rarer are aftermarket screens, rarer still are extra lights, while engine guards are practically nonexistent among Rocksters. It's quite a contrast to the Roadster pics (although both bikes tend to be relatively unmodded compared to, say, the average GS). I'm curious if this is generally true, or just my misperception.

screen - check
head guards - check
extra lights - check
barbacks - check
suspension mods - check
gadget mounts - check

[BigCat]

What about the exhaust? must be one of the most common mods ?

[Lion_Lady]

screen
plastic head guards
extra lights
horn upgrade
suspension upgrade (Ohlins)
RAM mounts
audio/comm system

I suspect that it has more to do with why a given rider chooses a Rockster over the Roadster.

Just as there are some upgrades you would be sure to add to a commuter coupe (cage) there are certain upgrades you'd make (or not make) to a sporty car as well.

P

[riceburner]

What about the exhaust? must be one of the most common mods ?

oop - yes, have had virtually all variations over the last few years - now running OE cat and a tip.

[sweatmark]

The Rockster's style appealed to me (well, in a BMW parts bin kind of way). Subsequently no appearance mods.

Also, there's little to be gained in Type 259 BMW engine performance via modification. Unless you do some serious work like Oliver's beautiful R1100R, with pistons, cams, etc.

But do Rockster riders "mod less than roadster owners?"... not a chance.

2nd hand ZTechnik titanium system (saved 20 lb), Motolights, Sargent
valve cover guards (and jealous of riceburner's Stantons)
custom Ohlins awaiting demise of OE shocks
GS Paralever torque arm, horn, RAM mounts, SignalMinder, K1200RS mirrors, handlebar 1" riser, tankbag gizmos, etc. blah blah blah

and NO windshield

Many of these functional mods can be purchased used & cheap; some of this came with my Edition 80 (also used & cheap). For me it's the enjoyable process of tinkering and trying (not always successfully) to make things work better. It's NOT a pissing match to out-farkle the other guy. Plan to keep this old goat of a Rockster for a long time.

[Xdot]

I would imagine there are fewer options for modding a Rockster as well. They didn't make as many. Given the specialty headlight, it doesn't seem that many of the aftermarket windscreens and fairings would fit. I could be wrong about this. Do most R1150R aftermarket parts fit the Rockster as well? This question has been rattling around in my head.

-john

[sweatmark]

Do most R1150R aftermarket parts fit the Rockster as well? This question has been rattling around in my head.

Few differences separate the Roadster and Rockster. Search herein for itemized list.

As far as aftermarket - which was weak for the R1150** series, period - most all parts made for Roadster will fit Rockster, with exception of:

windshields
suspension (shocks are slightly different length front & rear)
rear tires (170 versus 180)
headlight stuff

And that's it IIRC. Everything/anything else should fit both bikes... and remember that the R1150R is very similar to R1150GS for all things powertrain related, plus electrics, switchgear, maintenance supplies, etc.

A note concerning the rear tire size:

During annual Memorial Day ride in northern California, both my riding buddy and I found ourselves in sudden need of rear tire replacements. Chip/seal roads chewed through each bike's rubber... I had a half inch of belt showing in middle of tire. We stopped on Saturday afternoon in smaller town with two "powersports" dealers. The larger dealer had maybe two dozen tires in stock... mostly knobby MX tires and ATV paddles for sand... but he did have 2 tires for my Rockster in 180/55-17 and 1 tire that fit friend's airhead. If I'd wanted a 170 rear (Roadster size) then my trip would have been over! The 180 is spec'd on so many sportsbikes from the past 5 years... makes it easy to find tire options for the 5.5" rear wheel.

[BigCat]

What about the exhaust? must be one of the most common mods ?

oop - yes, have had virtually all variations over the last few years - now running OE cat and a tip.

Based on your experience then, do you think the cat/tip solution is the best option in terms of power/weight and sound?
I did see some negative opinions about y-pieces (you'd loose low rev power etc). Still making up my mind what to do.

Sorry to be off topic

[jas]

Like Sweatmark, I installed a 2nd hand ZTechnik titanium system. I was looking for the weight savings as well as better heat dispersion than the cat provided. Although I have nothing to back it up, I felt the cat was cooking the transmission during my summertime commute (stop and go) and 90+ degree days. As far as low end torque goes, I do not notice much of a difference. Vibrations did increase, however I have not checked my valves for some time.

[riceburner]

What about the exhaust? must be one of the most common mods ?

oop - yes, have had virtually all variations over the last few years - now running OE cat and a tip.

Based on your experience then, do you think the cat/tip solution is the best option in terms of power/weight and sound?
I did see some negative opinions about y-pieces (you'd loose low rev power etc). Still making up my mind what to do.

Sorry to be off topic

errrm - I don't tend to care about weight, it's not a race bike, and it's a BMW so any weight loss/gain is pretty much irrelevant (imho).
But FWIW my experience is that before the bike is WELL run in (ie 40-50,000+ then the aftermarket Y-piece and Can options can give you a "bit" more "grunt" - the bike is a bit more eager to rev, and will pull slightly better. Once over that sort of distance, if you put am OE cat back on, you won't notice anything apart from the quieter exhaust - the bike will still feel as good. (controversial I know. ).

That's my experience with my bikes, neither was running any other engine mods, and neither had the CCCP fitted.

[louis2m]

I visit once or twice a year an meeting of the " German" BMW Rockster Forum and you can hardly find an 100% orginal Rockster...
I have on my 80 Univesery Rockster:
Rapid Bike motor management 100PS
Wider inlet tubes
Ohlins shocks
Akra exhaust
Bagster tank cover
Carbon BMW spoiler
Carbon rearwheel cover
Carbon BMW S Cup Cylinderhead protectors
Wheelrim stickers
Led white indicators
White rearlight
Xenon headlight
and not ready with Carbon items yet.........