finally getting my rockster!

[bucky katt]

after many years of lusting for one, i can finally afford to get my first bmw and after riding all the new models in 2004, 2005 and 2006 i really fell in love with the rockster. after years of riding and enjoying my vintage japanese bikes i have really started to want something a bit heavier, more powerful and more comfortable (try putting 6000 miles on a cb750 cafe bike with clip ons and rearsets in one summer) to do some long distance rides. what i want to know is what kinds of prices are they selling for in your parts of the country and would you rather buy it from a dealer or a private owner? i think i've made up my mind but i'm always interested in other peoples opinions. i actually worked as a tech for a BMW/Triumph/Victory dealer in new england in 2005 and 2006 and i can do anything on one of these bikes with the exception of work that absolutely has to have the factory tools. i have a pretty decently equipped home shop and a ride on bike lift as well.

[jfslater98]

I think they're going for around $6K used, depending upon condition of course. Considering your pro wrenching background, you could probably save some $$$ and buy from a private party, as you could work through any issues that the PO didn't warn you about. But that all depends upon how much time you actually want to spend in the garage if something happens. A clutch spline failure will be around $300 in parts, and at least a day of wrenching. Although maybe not for you, if you have done it before.

Anyway, good luck, hope you find a tasty one at a good price!

[boxermania]

If you are looking for the R1150R model I suggest you get the newest model you can afford. There are some inherent, as in some years, issues that hopefully will be less of a concern on the newer models.

BTW, there are a bunch of good guys that post on this board around your neck of the woods, I'm sure they will help you anyway they can.

Welcome aboard

[bucky katt]

for the last 4 1/2 years my daily rides have been a modified 1974 honda cb750k and a 72 suzuki titan. i just finished the 18 month long restore on the honda and now i just want to turn the key, hit a starter button (electric start eliminated on the honda, the suzuki never had one) and go. i CAN do the work if i have to, i just dont want to. i'm going to have around 8 or 9 thousand to spend plus whatever i spend getting to there the new bike is so i can ride home. i learned to check and lube drive splines every time i replaced the tire or did brake work (cheap easy insurance) but if i can find one that all the recall work has been done on i'd be happy as hell about it. i've found 2 rocksters at dealers on the east coast (one in ft lauderdale, another in new hampshire) i'd like to find one that already has the hard bags on it and preferably no abs. the abs is kind of nice to have but in all my years of riding everything from a 51 triumph chopper, to a cbx1000, and all the new beemers and trumps i got to uncrate and ride, i've never felt that i'd have NEEDED abs. and one less electrical/mechanical thing to go wrong is a good thing in my book.

[iowabeakster]

I wish you luck on finding the right bike. Sounds like you have more than enough money in your budget. If you take your time, you should be able to find a peach of a bike, with low miles, and still have money for some extras.

[bucky katt]

i'm thinking that the onlky extras i want are a set of the hard bags, maybe painted to match. i'm not going to do any performance mods or anything like that. i have a hot-rodded 750four for that. this is going to be my touring and travel ride.