Is the Rockster for me?

[derhammer]

Hello all,

I have been riding a 650GS now for over a year. I love the bike, but what can I say, I would like to upgrade to something with a bit more power. I love the K bikes, but I don't want to kill myself either. I think it would be too much for me with only a year of riding under my belt.

I found a local one owner Rockster that I really like. It has 22k miles but all service history with the local BMW dealer. He just put on new rubber and has put on a few upgrades, like a $1,400 exhaust. The bike is a Canadian import but has been "officially" imported by the owner who moved down from Canada. I can pick the bike up for for a pretty good price.

What is the gas mileage of the Rockster - I know it won't be close to the GS but I am curious - I can't find anything published?
Anything to be wary of with buying a used Rockster?

Thank you in advance,

David

[timl]

The Rockster is basically an R1150R with some different body parts. Take a look at the R1150R forum which has a lot more content, in particular the recent post viewtopic.php?f=2&t=18157 for info on potential problems.

Most people get around 40mpg. I've never ridden a 650GS but suspect you will find the Rockster a good deal heavier. The bike has tons of torque so even with a 6-speed you don't have to shift that much. I spend a lot of time in 4th gear. And with the engine breaking - as soon as you back off the throttle, it stops.

[JonLean]

I went from an 1998 F650ST to a Rockster, basically (along with the Funduro), the predecessor of the F650GS. That was earlier this year. Actually, in terms of ergonomics and riding characteristics, you won't find going to a Rockster that much of a change.

The riding position with the flat bars and drop to the pegs is quite similar, but the overall bike is lower so height issues are not as bad with the Rockster as say your or esp. the big GS. In terms of engine characteristics the Boxer twin and the Rotax single are fairly similar in the sense they both like to sit at around 4k rpm but what you will find is a much wider spread of torque on the Boxer, i.e less lugging at low revs. So you can be alot lazier with the gear changes, which is nice. Then of course it just keeps going at the top end, and stays smooth, unlike the big single which tops out at 95-100 mph and gets pretty vibey at the top end. But it is not an intimidating bike - 85 bhp for the extra weight is by no means a massive change coming off an F650, you just get a noticably bigger "top end".

Gearbox - similarly clunky - bonus extra gear though

Other than that, it is a big heavy bike, but lower centre of gravity. Pushing it around is a chore. You will live in fear of dropping it (but not as much as a big GS). It will feel big when you first get on it but once on the move that goes away really.

I'd say it is not that big a transition to be honest.

Cheers

Jon in Maidenhead

[sweatmark]

Yes 40MPG is all you should expect.

Rockster riding position with OE handlebar does differ from the F650 thumpers: Rockster is lower and wider at grips, plus more forward.

If you ride any dirt, then keep your GS. If you only ride street, then you'll find the Rockster to be a lot more bike than your F650 - great if you want more of everything (power, size, weight) for eating miles on the open road, but not great if you want a lithe machine for city riding.

[derhammer]

Sweatmark - that is what I am thinking - I mostly use my bike for city riding. I guess the only other lightweight BMW's with more power would be the new F800's - the ST or GS.

[lionlady]

I generally get about 46 mpg on my Rockster. I've got the "big" OEM windscreen that may help reduce wind resistance. The toughest adjustment was for the extra 100 lbs weight from my F650CS. There were a few drops during our "honeymoon" period

I use the bike for commuting (4 drivers in our house and only 2 cars... but 3 motorcycles )

P

[Grey Thumper]

I've got an F650CS and a Rockster. Maybe I don't have enough experience with the Rockster yet, but I find the CS more nimble on really tight curves (it's 100 lbs lighter after all), while the Rockster is really stable on long sweepers. Urban commute; CS. Longer distances; Rockster. Fuel economy? Rockster: 40ish mpg, CS: 60ish mpg.

[riceburner]

TBH, the only real answer is "only you can tell".

Is there anyone near you who has a Rockster that you could have a spin on?

[rantee]

I get over 46 mpg on the highway cruising at 75+mph. 400 mile round trip last weekend to Lake Tahoe from the SF bay area averaged 46.5mpg. I have the factory windscreen and had the side bags on.
I think my rockster is the perfect bike for me. It's great around town and someone always comments on it. I think the handling is great, especially in the twisties. It's versatile and can be setup anyway you like. I take the windscreen and bags off around town. Installation and removal of the accessories is a breeze. Easy to self service too.