Been back to look at that Rockster, Riceburner. Quick Poll?

[irich]

Ah, you must have the gift of tongues Riceburner.

I went back to look again at the Rockster. It is one funky looking gargoyle and I still covet it, whatever I have read.

Any chance you guys could jot down the following to assist in my decision?

Bike model & year (Rocksters only)

Mileage

FSH or not

Owned from new or from ?

Any significant maintenance issue. (Im not bothered about the odd blown bulb, but durability of finish, engine/brake/fuelling/drivetrain failures are of interest)

Think this would be useful in general.

Regards

Richard

[Lion_Lady]

2003 R1150RLE (Limited Edition) Rockster.

Purchased brand new in April '05.
Currently at 20,964 miles.

Do my own maintenance (except ABS system)- switched to synthetic engine oil at 600 miles. Other lubes to synth. at 12K.
Upgraded shocks to Ohlins last month.

<Yes. I've got the full service history> added

NO Problems. Minor or otherwise.

P

[riceburner]

I'll have to do this 3 times....

1)
Bike model & year (Rocksters only): 2004 (53 reg)

Mileage : 1198(ish)

FSH or not : yes

Owned from new or from ? : new

Any significant maintenance issue. (Im not bothered about the odd blown bulb, but durability of finish, engine/brake/fuelling/drivetrain failures are of interest) : Vauxhallitus.


2)
Bike model & year (Rocksters only): 2004 (04 reg)

Mileage : 45,000(ish)

FSH or not : yes

Owned from new or from ? : new

Any significant maintenance issue.: not in order (might miss one or two) :

• 15380 Gearbox output seal

• 18339 clutch actuator rod fell out of alignment (no idea how)

• 22000~ Coil replaced (had forgotten about that)

• 24041 Crankcase breather replaced

• 27635 front forks and other bits replaced (paint bubbling)

• 36000 sw/arm pivot bearing tightened

• 37000~ Coils replaced

• 44751 gearbox output shaft splines sheared (possibly caused by wheelieing it the day before?? ahem... )

• 45000~ Clutch & seals replaced

(this is all from my personal log - I cna't be arsed to go through all the receipts!)
Also the rear shock started to leak, but I can't remember when.

I should point out that I didn't pay for ANY of the above - it was all covered by the warranty. One of the benefits of doing high mileages with a new BMW.

I know it seems a lot - but that's 45000 miles on roughly 20 months, in ALL weathers, I only stop riding when it's physically impossible to stay upright (have ridden in snow before now), and the bike was cleaned when it was serviced.


3)
Bike model & year (Rocksters only): 2004 (04 reg)

Mileage : 20,000(ish)

FSH or not : yes

Owned from new or from ? : 1200 miles.

Any significant maintenance issue.:

• 3900~ speedo playing up - sensor was replaced IIRC

Have had both the drive seals replaced early on final drive then gearbox - the dealer had a new service manager in who didn't know the bikes well and didn't recognise the symptoms properly so it dragged on and it appears it was the gearbox seal.


I'm sure that's all going to look like a large amount of issues - but the way they have been dealt with by my dealer (part of buying into the BMW "family"), has been simply impeccable (apart from the last mentioned issue, but that was sorted to satisfaction).


I know for a fact that if I'd done that kind of mileage on my other two bikes (ZXR400 and Zephyr 550) I'd have had to replace about 5 chains (and sprockets), 2 camchains, a clutch, a few sets of cushdrives, 3 headgaskets and a tank! I treat my bikes pretty harshly (certainly when riding) and the BMW just keeps coming back for more!

[irich]

Only two rockster owners? Would like to see a few more responses..

[Rog(UK) - Yorkshire Dales]

irich,

No offence, but if you do a search, you will find this subject has been covered many, many times before. I don't think anybody is me meaning to snub you

Best wishes and safe riding.

Rog

[MartyWadd]

irich,
welcome to the board

2004 Rockster Edition 80
30,000 miles and no problems. Honestly, it runs better now than 15,000 miles ago. So smooth.
Biggest issue I've had is that the paint on the right cylinder cover is bubbling up (very little). I am going to sand both covers and paint them black. WHFO (when hell freezes over).

The shocks are pretty much shot, though. I've done quite a bit of 2-up and keep it all the way tight. The ride still is nice compared to most bikes. I think I'll go for some aftermarket shocks pretty soon.

Like Riceburner, and most Rockster owners, I highly recommend this bike. A little low on HP, but it's got torque. Everyone who rides my bike are surprised at how quick it is 20-100mph. (I am too)
+Plenty of power for road use
+Handles very well
+Stops very well
+Durability is on par with any other bike I know
+Tours well

-If you pay for maintenence, it's kinda pricey.

Don't make your decision until you test-ride one. Good luck!

[Lion_Lady]

I'm drawing a complete blank on "FSH" ?

P

[Tripton]

04 Orange Rockster

25000 miles.

What is FSH?

The only major problem that I have had with this bike is 60 year old women that dont watch when they are turning left across your lanes.

Hit her in the right rear wheel, and sort of bounced off to the left, and eventually landed on the right side. Damage was bent fork arm, shredded front fender, twisted lower telelever crossmember with the ball joint, scratched bag, scratched head cover, and a tiny ding on the head. All fixed now, except for my fender, backordered from ilmberger.

Had I not had a boxer motor, her car would not have had the rear fender torn open about 18 inches, and I would have broken my right leg. The antilock brakes helped too.

Far as problems, um, drive shaft seals covered by warranty, and a ever growing rock chip on my headlight cover.

Just buy the bike. You will enjoy it.

[Rog(UK) - Yorkshire Dales]

FSH =Full Service History

[single650]

03 Tiger

10,000 miles

Own servicing

No problems so far

No ABS

[riceburner]

I'm drawing a complete blank on "FSH" ?

P

Full Service History.


ie - have all the services been done on time, by a Dealer, and can be proven. (by dealer stamps in the handbook and receipts).

[jfslater98]

2004 Orange Rock - ABS

owned since new, May 2003

10,500 Miles.

All major service and recall work done by dealer

Not one problem, although the miles are woefully low.

[duke]

Bike model & year (Rocksters only): Tiger Stripe 2004 (please note I bought it pre-registered January 2006 with 0 miles on the clock - i.e. spent 18 months in various shop windows)

Mileage : ~4700

FSH or not : yes

Owned from new or from ? : new (well technically it wasn't new, being dealer pre-registered ... but I was with 0 miles/never ridden)

Any significant maintenance issue: front shock died after 3 weeks from new, must have dried out during the 18 months hibernation, got it replaced FOC

[Tony D]

Ah, you must have the gift of tongues Riceburner.

I went back to look again at the Rockster. It is one funky looking gargoyle and I still covet it, whatever I have read.

Any chance you guys could jot down the following to assist in my decision?

Bike model & year (Rocksters only)

Mileage

FSH or not

Owned from new or from ?

Any significant maintenance issue. (Im not bothered about the odd blown bulb, but durability of finish, engine/brake/fuelling/drivetrain failures are of interest)

Think this would be useful in general.

Regards

Richard

Richard,
I have a 2004 rock, bought new with 36,000 on the clock. No maintenance issues 'cept headlight bulbs and a broken fuel quick disconnect. I've been to Canada and back to Florida on the mighty rockster.

[irich]

Thanks for the feedback and keep em coming .. its useful to get some facts.

Looks like it will take me a week to get my KSA bike licence so I've got some time before I take the plunge.

The rockster is shaping up pretty good at the mo. Heres a couple of pics of the landscape outside of Riyadh.. and no, I won't be taking a Beemer out here... its a long walk if you break down

[riceburner]

I think I'd take my Rockster out there! Looks like fun!