Is this a good deal?

EasyE · Post by **EasyE** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 3:03 pm

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004-Lim ... otohosting

I really want one, but i'm curious as to a long distance trek sans windshield. Anyone give me an idea how the ride is, say on a 1200 mile journey without the shield?

Also, was the Limited ABS?

thanks Ed

adg44 · Post by **adg44** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 3:15 pm

Wow, that is a great deal.

It may need tires soon though...

I don't know if the Edition 80's came with ABS standard.

Lion_Lady · Post by **Lion_Lady** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 3:31 pm

ABS is standard on the LE 80. What is NOT standard on that model is a centerstand.

Had one installed before I picked mine up.

The statement : 'good for beginner or experienced rider' is SO not true. At over 500 lbs and with a 33+ inch seat height. I'd consider it rather newbie UNfriendly (Unless one were perhaps a 6' tall linebacker).

Oh. YES that is a really GOOD price. Low miles. Might ask what makes it "NEAR perfect" instead of "Perfect" condition... other than the miles.

P

EasyE · Post by **EasyE** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 4:20 pm

Thanks for the replies. I've got about 8k miles under my belt in the last year and took the beginner MSF course, so moderately experienced. About 5'11" and sat on an '07 r1200r with a mid height seat and was perfect.

Post by **OU812** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 6:09 pm

Go for it. I think you will be a happy rider.

m@rco · Post by **m@rco** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 6:49 am

Go for it!
Yes, the bike itself is somewhat heavy but once you start rolling... Piece of cake. Also for beginners - if you ask me. The bike "forgives" you your mistakes...

Lion_Lady · Post by **Lion_Lady** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 8:14 am

See if that dealer has a deal available on at least a luggage rack. You can always pick up the system cases piecemeal on ebay or ibmwr.org.

Makes the Rockster the ULTIMATE touring/commuting machine.

P

adg44 · Post by **adg44** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 8:59 am

m@rco wrote:Go for it!
Yes, the bike itself is somewhat heavy but once you start rolling... Piece of cake. Also for beginners - if you ask me. The bike "forgives" you your mistakes...

I have to agree. The Rockster is my first bike (I've taken the MSF course), and I find it amazingly easy to ride.

I am 6'2 and 220 lbs, so the bike fits me perfectly. The low center of gravity due to the boxer engine helps a lot with stability.

- Anthony

EasyE · Post by **EasyE** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 9:16 am

what about a long distance trip without a windscreen? Does the slightly forward position hold you into the wind so as not to cause too much fatigue? My wifes, Suzuki C50, at about 65 really pushes you back because you're so upright. My M50 isn't as bad because of a slightly forward lean. Wondering if the Rock's got a similar feel.

adg44 · Post by **adg44** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 9:18 am

I don't have a windscreen, and at 80mph on the highway it does get fatigueing.

I think a windsheild would help a lot.

Sparky · Post by **Sparky** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 10:39 am

EasyE wrote:what about a long distance trip without a windscreen? Does the slightly forward position hold you into the wind so as not to cause too much fatigue? My wifes, Suzuki C50, at about 65 really pushes you back because you're so upright. My M50 isn't as bad because of a slightly forward lean. Wondering if the Rock's got a similar feel.

I can speak to this one, even though I have a standard R1150R instead of the Rockster.

I rode from Washington, DC, to Wisconsin for the BMW MOA rally in July and left my touring windscreen at home. As a general rule I greatly prefer to ride without a windscreen because:
1) there's no buffeting and there is less windnoise
2) the bike just seems smaller and more maneuverable when I don't have a big windscreen in my line of vision (the bike just seems much more fun in the twisties without the screen)
3) I think it looks best naked.

All that said, for long distance highway riding the windscreen is nice to have. While the riding position is sufficiently forward that the windblast in your chest will keep you upright, I found my hands and forearms getting very tired by the end of 500+ mile days from simply hanging onto the grips.

Lion_Lady · Post by **Lion_Lady** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 12:40 pm

Okay the windscreen/no windscreen has a LOT to do with how YOU fit on the bike. How long your torso and your arms are will effect how much of your weight is on your hands/wrists.

I've got long arms, and a shorter torso, so I sit nearly upright (a BIT of a forward tilt, perfect for long distance comfort in general). I HATED riding distances without a screen. I felt like a sail hanging on for dear life.

The OEM screen knocks the wind upward so it hits at around my forehead and continues over me.

A friend who is over 6 feet tall did a Saddle Sore 1000 with the OEM screen on the Rockster. The next morning, he couldn't move his head from the neck fatigue/strain he had. I think the top of the screen comes to about his neck, so his head took the blunt force of the redirected air.

P

m@rco · Post by **m@rco** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 2:34 am

High-way?

The bike is made for curves!

Plus the bike looks so much better without a screen. I have to admit, on my way to the Eifel in Germany (bikers' paradise), I made use of the highway. And you're right, at a cruising speed of 180km/hr (~112MPH), you do train your neck muscles. But for speeds below 65MPH you don't really need a screen. And that is more than fast enough for curved roads...