BMW Rockster feedback

[el rancherito]

those of you that own Rocksters, likes/dislikes of the bike...i like the look of it but have not ridden it yet..this coming sat if everything holds..i have ridden a honda shadow, a suzuki bandit 1200 and my current kawasaki ZX-7R. the dealer has a leftover model that i liked, but the price is too much i think...is this model worth the extra dough somehow or am i better served waiting for an used K1200R...what say you folks?

[mrzedexsixargh]

No real input here, as I've never been on one, but I pass a guy on one just about every day on the way to work, and they look hella cool. That kinda horsepower with that kinda wheelbase has got to be fun.

[Moon]

Originally Posted by el rancherito

those of you that own Rocksters, likes/dislikes of the bike...i like the look of it but have not ridden it yet..this coming sat if everything holds..i have ridden a honda shadow, a suzuki bandit 1200 and my current kawasaki ZX-7R. the dealer has a leftover model that i liked, but the price is too much i think...is this model worth the extra dough somehow or am i better served waiting for an used K1200R...what say you folks?

There is a tremendous difference between the Rockster and the K12R!
1st engines: the K12 has something like 40%? more HP. Different feel power character. Boxer vs I4. Both are fun in their own ways. Rockster is comfortable mount that you could easily ride all day cross country. The K well it make you WANT to do "mischief" so you might get to know the local "constabulary/ revenuers " well due to "fast moving awards"

Handling/ chassis: K 12 has the latest improvements on the rear as well as a different front suspension Telelever vs duolever. Both work well w/ the K12 maybe a slightly better feel. Anti dive and stability are exceptional on both.

Sound: muffled radial engine sound vs F1 rip at high rpm

Additions: available bags and other stuff....Rockster factory bags hold more. Seat height is lower, if that is a concern. Servicability it you are a do it yourselfer is easier on the R.

Both are fun rides just depends on what you want it to do.

[cherrypicker]

I just bought a used R1150R which is basically the same bike as the Rockster. I used ot ride a ZX9R. I don't miss the top end pwoer at all. I'm actually suprised that it "only" has 85HP. The low end and midrange power is excellent and feels effortless. At speeds under 110mph, it will keep up wiht any sportbike at 8/10ths pace a do it effortlessly and in total comfort... and on rough pavement, I think it will outperfrom most anything else out there.

The fuel injection is very smooth, the gearbox is below average and I'm still learning how to shift smoothly on it. The combination of wide gear ratios, dry clutch, shaft drive the torquey motor make shifting a little less smooth compared to a sportbike. Awesome brakes and almost no brake dive from the wacky front suspension. The motor is supremely smooth between 2200-3700RPM (50-75mph 6th gear) where it likes to be when crusing. There's a nice surge 5000+ if you need it, but there's a enough torque that I usually upshift early.

Passenger ergos are awesome and it feels like it actually desiged for a passenger. A little floaty, but not too soft in the rear end, remote preload adjustment knob as well.

Overall, it has to be one of the best do-it-all motorcycles out there. Part sportbike, cruiser and touring bike all rolled together. I have detachable side cases and a top case, heated grips, and a midsized windscreen. I can't wait to load up for a week long ride.

[g®eg™]

I had a Rockster for my rental last trip through Europe.



I liked the bike a lot. The BMW system luggage is first rate, waterproof & easy to use. the anti-lock brakes worked well, and over-all the 1150 engine was happy doing everything I asked it to do. Only drawback I can see is the premium price tag. For me, it's not a +$10-K bike, but to each their own. A lot of people don't like the graphics, but I didn't mind at all. Might as well make a statement right?