1150 Rockster or new R1200R

[g4string]

In search for the perfect BMW............I am confused about the primary differences between the new R12R and the discontinued 1150 Rockster. I am unsure if it is worth it to buy a new R12R or go used for the Rockster.........What are your opinions - new R12R or used Rockster???

[Lost Rider]

You sure know how to ask questions with potential for diverse answers...

I'm just going to come out and say the first thing that comes to mind....

1150R = slow, heavy, outdated ABS, outdated electronics, outdated design, old, slow, heavy, and rough shifting compared. A nice bike, no doubt. 6 years ago...

1200R = state of the art, great ABS, much lighter, much better suspension, much better handling, better electronics (CANBUS), better trans, better gauges, much smoother engine, instant modern classic (pinstripes), way more power, linked brakes, better power delivery, better headlight, better visual design, more comfortable ergo's, way better hard luggage system, improved headlight assembly, NO BEAK!

Now I'm sure to piss off some 1150R owners, but I had one myself so I'm entitled to my opinions from first hand experience. The truth hurts... it is slow, heavy, and outdated looking compared to the 1200R.
But hey, I rotate my MacBook Pro for a new one every 10 months to stay with fastest Mac available.... I'm just that guy. BTW, four days left and counting for the all new Macs....

Ask me the difference between my E46 BMW and E90 and I could say the same thing as above... lighter, faster, better. BMW usually makes great improvements with new models, and they really got it right with the 1200R...


If money is an issue I would recommend a 1150R over any other bike in it's class, I loved mine until I rode a 1200R.... If you can afford the 1200R go for it, you only live once and can't take it with you....

[moonbandito]

I spent a day riding escort on an R1200R during a dealers demo day. My daily rider at the moment is an '04 Rockster. My comparison view follows.
listed below are the advantage I see to both models.

R1200R
Smoother Shifting (still clunks a bit)
Lighter
ABS brakes don't 'whine' - not a linked, power assisted irritant
Canbus system
Standard Riding position
Black is the new Black
50mpg/170 miles to the tank
throttle use effects fuel econ

R1150 Rockster
No more, and sometimes less, vibration from the motor to the rider
Built to withstand force 5 tornadoes
Luggage, with the three lids that can be used, is very flexible
Doesn't use the Canbus system
Wide bars, riding position a mild forward lean
Color combinations not normally found in nature (or anywhere)
40mpg/160 miles to the tank
Exhaust has to be changed to use a 'full' size BMW case on the left side.
Brakes are effective when needed in any emergency but are difficult to modulate at lower speeds

The R1200R is an improvement, in many ways. An R1200R would retail somewhere between 12k (used) up to 17k (new). A rockster would retail somewhere between 6k to 9k.

The 'Rock' has some parts from the GS, parts from the R1100S, and parts from the roadster. It's a 'bastard' bike assembled from a bit of this and a bit of that - by the factory. No one at BMW motorad would lay claim to fathering the 'Rock' - but most folks that own them like them. I number myself in that group.

Advice: Count your disposable income and buy the best bike you can with the money you have.

[gibbo111]

I recently sold my 1150GSA and thought about a rockster, but didnt like the ride position but still liked the look of them. I thought Icould live with the wide bars and forward riding position, then by chance a used 1200r came along and although it cost me a little more I went for it and yes it is "next generation" after the 1150s. This is the best BMW i've owned )had 7 now) and is a keeper I just love it

[celticus]

I really love my R1200R and am happy to have picked it to be possibly my first and only NEW bike purchase. All that everyone said about it is true. I personally don't see the CAN bus as a positive attribute.
The Rockster IS cooler looking and may be collectable some day.


Mark

[MikeCam]

Joe said, "1150R = slow, heavy, outdated ABS, outdated electronics, outdated design, old, slow, heavy, and rough shifting compared. A nice bike, no doubt. 6 years ago...

1200R = state of the art, great ABS, much lighter, much better suspension, much better handling, better electronics (CANBUS), better trans, better gauges, much smoother engine, instant modern classic (pinstripes), way more power, linked brakes, better power delivery, better headlight, better visual design, more comfortable ergo's, way better hard luggage system, improved headlight assembly, NO BEAK!"

I will offer the rejoinder as the owner of 2 Roadsters and one EDition 80 Rockster...

Joe is right.

But, the Roadster/Rockster will cruise at 80 mph all day and stay happy. A variety of windscreens can be fitted to match the wind management needs of short, medium and tall riders (less so the Rockster). Some people prefer the older wiring to the CANBUS as it makes modification to the lights, horn, and related farkles less challenging. Also the alternator has a much higher output (thus a deeper accessory reserve). Many riders prefer the looks of the Beak, the lines of the design and the wisdom of the designers to the more modern, Teutonic styling of the 12. I particularly prefer the locomotive headlamp and the oil coolers location. Finally, on the R1150 series, the user can avail himself of a huge support network to do up to 95% of his own maintenance and repair. Not true for the R12.

The number one advantage to the 12 is the lighter chassis, number 2 is the engine refinement and response, number 3 is the improved fuel management, number 4 is the improved braking system.

[outnabout]

^^170 miles to fill up for the R1200R? I regularly get 225 before the fuel light comes on.

[Lost Rider]

I personally don't see the CAN bus as a positive attribute.
The Rockster IS cooler looking and may be collectable some day.


Mark

I don't have any solid data, but a portion of the 70 some-odd-pounds they shaved off the 1150R is due to the CANBUS system... that's a real good thing. I do agree it's cool looking...

Finally, on the R1150 series, the user can avail himself of a huge support network to do up to 95% of his own maintenance and repair. Not true for the R12.

.

what do you mean?
The only thing I don't do myself is balance the throttle bodies... and dealers have done it for me for 15 minutes of labor... every other valve job.

^^170 miles to fill up for the R1200R? I regularly get 225 before the fuel light comes on.

170-190 for me....



Don't take me wrong, I loved my 1150r, and think the rockster looks way cool. It's just the "older" model and doesn't have nearly the performance as 1200r.

Now a 1200R Rockster, that would be sweet!

[Paul-from-VA]

I think a ride would on both will help you out a lot. I personally really liked the way the Rockster sat and handled but wanted ABS and did not like the old 'power' system. The R1200R is a big improvement engine wise and luggage, I don't like the seat and have adjusted the riding position to kind of match the Rockster.

[sweatmark]

a portion of the 70 some-odd-pounds they shaved off the 1150R is due to the CANBUS system

That's a big part of the weight loss, plus many tweaks like the forward subframe. Gotta say, I applaud BMW for the overall performance boost, both a function of engine output and decreased mass.

But speaking of mass, one aspect of the R1200R performance envelope I'd like to investigate is "slab stability": you know, those moments on the superhighway to nowhere when the combination of crosswind and tandem-truck-turbulence threatens to upset your motorway XM radio groove. The R1150R is "blessed" with enough extra pork & beans to resist twitchy handling. This aspect of Roadster/Rockster life is near & dear, as I regularly compare the R1150R's stability to my overly responsive Buell XB: the Buell wears you down subconsciously during a road trip, while the R1150R has sufficient mass to dampen some mental and physical fatigue.

Now a 1200R Rockster, that would be sweet!

Absolutely. It wouldn't take much more than the right handlebar (make it a fatbar clamp for Magura SX bar), the appropriate perch, sharper steering geometry, adjustable Paralever.

[AllanCook]

Now I'm sure to piss off some 1150R owners, but I had one myself so I'm entitled to my opinions from first hand experience. The truth hurts... it is slow, heavy, and outdated looking compared to the 1200R.

I had an 1150R, too. I thought it was the best motorcycle on the planet until I rode the 1200R. Simply no comparison.

[johnnydee]

I have to chime in!

All the previous comments were made by the same people saying the same thing about the R1150R when they made the move up to the new and improved r1150 back in 02.
The bottom line is do you want better for more money or will you settle for great for less money!

John

[deilenberger]

But speaking of mass, one aspect of the R1200R performance envelope I'd like to investigate is "slab stability": you know, those moments on the superhighway to nowhere when the combination of crosswind and tandem-truck-turbulence threatens to upset your motorway XM radio groove. The R1150R is "blessed" with enough extra pork & beans to resist twitchy handling. This aspect of Roadster/Rockster life is near & dear, as I regularly compare the R1150R's stability to my overly responsive Buell XB: the Buell wears you down subconsciously during a road trip, while the R1150R has sufficient mass to dampen some mental and physical fatigue.

I can't speak vs the R1150R - but I can vs the K75S and the R1150RS - the R1200R is MUCH more stable if you resist putting to big an aftermarket windshield on it. If you look at the side view of an R12R you'll see why. Much less resistance to air flowing through the bike vs pushing it around. It also has a steering stabilizer/damper that keeps fast wind gusts from moving the front end around.

The bike is amazingly stable in wind-blast wake effects off the back of trucks and is about immune to the push from a trucks bow-wave as you pass it. Side gusts up to 30MPH are non-issues and I've ridden up to 40-45MPH gusting and enjoyed it.

It's one of my favorite things about the R12R.. As I said - can't compare it to an R1150R since I haven't ridden one - but the R12R is outstanding compared to other bikes I've ridden - which were considerably heavier. Weight isn't the answer IMHO. Slipping through the air and also allowing the air to slip through the bike - is.

[ShinySideUp]

+1 with Don's experience. The R12R is MUCH more stable in cross winds than my Honda ST1100 which weighed 200 lbs more.

There's one stretch in my commute. (US 101 between San Francisco and South San Francisco) that almost always has very stiff steady winds (30 to 50 mph) that are 90 degrees to the roadway. There's a section with lots of trees planted as a windbreak, but when I come to a stretch that's devoid of trees, the wind hits the bike like a fist. I had to fight on many occasions on the ST1100 to maintain my lane. With the R121R I barely notice it.

And this is WITH the tall shield on the Parabellum Scout fairing and a BMW tail box. This is one slippery machine!

[Bill Stevenson]

I am an old fart and have been riding Beemers for a long time and a lot of miles. My first one was a new R75/5 in 1970. Every once in a while BMW does a complete revamp and then it takes a few years to work out the bugs. But the new models are constantly being refined. My 2002 Rockster was a very nice bike, but my friend's 2004 Rockster is much nicer. The R1200R is just simply a whole bunch nicer than the Rocksters yet again. As someone else said earlier in this thread there is simply no comparison.

Bill

[gibbo111]

I am an old fart and have been riding Beemers for a long time and a lot of miles. My first one was a new R75/5 in 1970. Every once in a while BMW does a complete revamp and then it takes a few years to work out the bugs. But the new models are constantly being refined. My 2002 Rockster was a very nice bike, but my friend's 2004 Rockster is much nicer. The R1200R is just simply a whole bunch nicer than the Rocksters yet again. As someone else said earlier in this thread there is simply no comparison.

Bill

hey Bill I agree ,but didn't the roc first come out in 03?

[Bill Stevenson]

I am not sure when the Rockster first came out. Mine was a 2002. That model year it was only available in Yellow with grey trim, black engine, and ABS all standard. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I always thought the bike was an ugly duckling. My R1200R in black is visually much more appealing to me. Like others have mentioned the new one is lighter, faster, just a whole lot nicer to ride.

Bill

[MikeCam]

Bill, Your 2002 was not a Rockster. It was a limited production paint scheme on a standard Roadster. Same forks, same headlight, same instruments, same handlebars, same rear wheel as the base R1150R. Rocksters featured a different front end (R1100S),instruments, lighting (R1150GS), flat bars, and wider rear wheel. First offered in the U.S. as 2004 models. True, the "Yellow Jacket" paint scheme was a styling experiment that clearly predicted the Rockster scheme. But mechanically, a Roadster.

[Bill Stevenson]

I stand corrected. Interestingly enough, though, the sales receipt described it a Rockster as did the description from the insurer. This could have been an error by the salesman. No big deal either way. A friend has a 2004 Rockster and the instruments are different and his is double plugged which gets rid of the surge. I don't recollect the wheel size on his and assume you are correct.

Bill

[gibbo111]

I stand corrected. Interestingly enough, though, the sales receipt described it a Rockster as did the description from the insurer. This could have been an error by the salesman. No big deal either way. A friend has a 2004 Rockster and the instruments are different and his is double plugged which gets rid of the surge. I don't recollect the wheel size on his and assume you are correct.

Bill

All the roc's were twin spark which started in 2003- at least here in australia, the dakar yellow R was a nice looknig bike