new Rockster owner need advice

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2wM3

new Rockster owner need advice

Post by 2wM3 »

I just picked up my first Beemer. I've been riding a heavy cruiser for about a year and always kept my eyes on BMWs. I like it a lot although the ride is completely different. When I first rode it off the dealer I was not ready for that lean forward position but after putting 165+ miles over the weekend it feels really good.
Anyway, Did you exactly follow the breaking in period as it say in the manual, keep the RPMs under 4K and always vary your speed for the first 600 miles?
Are there any 3/4 (I am not sure exactly but it's not full helmet) head helmets choices out there from BMW? I saw the one in the BMW catalog CD with the Rockster in citrus color? I really like it.

Thanks for your comments.
toner87
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Welcome!

Post by toner87 »

2wm3,
You've found the best place to talk R's and Rocksters! Welcome! As you know, opinions are like a-holes, everyone has one. Personally, I use a full face helmet and wouldn't use anything else. As far as break-in period is concerned, yes, take it easy those first 600 miles and vary the speeds and avoid excessive rpm's. But after that - ride it like you stole it!
T.
new2BMW
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Post by new2BMW »

2wM3,
Congratulations on the Rockster.You will come to love the handling of the bike and very usable powerband of the boxer engine.

As for the break in, a lot of people did floow the 4k rpm rule. I did too (more or less). After that though, I rode it like I stole it.

On a whim, I bought an AGV "dragon" helmet in flat black. It gets really hot here in the Tokyo summer and I needed an open helmet for the hot months. Since the Dragon was fairly cheap at $100, I thought I would give it a try. I simply love this thing. The pilot style shield doesn't fog at all and the bubble shape repels any rain for a really nice outlook. The only drawback I should mention is that the helmet fits a more rounded head. I have a high crown and the front applies just a little more pressure than I would like. Even with that minor issue, I use it every day.

Image

http://www.agv.com/Range/Range_Open.htm
Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please.

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leno

Post by leno »

here's the list of helmets avalible in the UK. I'm not sure about the open face lids at the bottom, but for hot weather they may have their place. I've been face first in to the tarmac and will only ride in full face.

http://www.spc-bmw.co.uk/erol/erol.html
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fnfalman
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Post by fnfalman »

I, too, stick with the factory recommended break-in procedures. After that, I'm opening her up!!!

Sorry, can't help you with the half-helmets because I only wear full-face ones.
Cogito Ergo Vroom - I think therefore I ride.
03 Rockster, 07 Aprilia Tuono R, 07 KTM 990 Adventure
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2ndM3
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Post by 2ndM3 »

fnfalman wrote:I, too, stick with the factory recommended break-in procedures. After that, I'm opening her up!!!

Sorry, can't help you with the half-helmets because I only wear full-face ones.
Thanks guys, I may just go with the full size helmet after all.
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Post by boxermania »

2ndM3............helmets.......try them all and pick the one that fits you best. Here the shape of your coconut, the climate, your riding habits all play a role in the selection process.

Regarding the break-in it is fair to let you know why you are getting the advice "follow 600 miles and then ride like you stole it"

You see these bikes have a very hard coating on the cylinders (Alusil) to mitigate wear. Unfortunately that hard coating also inhibits the seating of the rings to the cylinder wall.

The bottom line is that your bike will consume a fair amount of oil up to the point when the rings have seated......if ou flog the bike, that is take it to the limiter, often, your oil consumption will decrease significantly somewhere between 4000 and 6000 mile, on the other hand if you baby it it could take upwards of 20 K miles before the rings seat.

BTW, insure that you always have oil in the bullseye and the level is not higher than halfway, otherwise the engine will burn it.

The oil is checked on the center stand after the bike has been on it for 10 to 15 minutes.

Just so you know......:roll:
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Nakigara
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Re: new Rockster owner need advice

Post by Nakigara »

2wM3 wrote:
Are there any 3/4 (I am not sure exactly but it's not full helmet) head helmets choices out there from BMW? I saw the one in the BMW catalog CD with the Rockster in citrus color? I really like it.

Thanks for your comments.
???? Huh? A Rockster helmet? Where can I see a picture of this oddity?

Dan
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CH Racing M900
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Post by CH Racing M900 »

Welcome buddy!

May I suggest that you try the BMW Sportintegral full face helmet. I have one (matte black) and love it. It is comfortable and, more important to me, very very quiet.
Nekkid rulez!

BMW R 1150 R Rockster - matte black
Ducati M900 - Full chrome battledress
Est51
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Helmet choice

Post by Est51 »

Have a look at the Roof Boxer 05 helmet. You can ride open face or full face, to suit the season. They're mid-priced [£220 ish in the UK] and, IMHO, a great all round lid. If your Rox is Lime, Roof also do a helmet to match but I think that's full face.

Cheers
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