Value of 'Dropped' Rockster

[Xdot]

I've come across an '04 Rockster (White w/black stripes) with 8,900 miles for $6,000, naturally ABS and heated grips with system luggage. I talked to the guy on the phone who says it is mint except that he, "thinks it was dropped before he bought it." I asked for an explanation and he said it has a few scratches. My question is, if it is only a 'few scratches' this sounds like a pretty good deal for this bike. What do you all think?

-john

[Xdot]

Okay, I just received some very high quality pics of this Rockster. The only defect I can see is a very slight scrape on the right jug under the protector. Looks like somebody leaned it into the pavement while it was still then put protectors on it.

So a basically mint '04 Rockster, 80th anniversary edition, with 8,900 miles, all the bells and whistles, pretty good tires, luggage, windshield, and service records for $6K.

For you rockster owners, how does it compare to the R1100R. I haven't ridden a Rockster but very much like the sitting position of the R1100R. I understand the Rockster is a little taller and more lean forward which I don't really want. Perhaps a different set of bars could correct that? I'm 5'8". Am I going to be able to find a seat that will give me good purchase on the ground? I'd also been told the 6th gear wasn't geared high for long distance touring. I'm not sure I'll be doing that right away, but I'd like to hear what anyone has to say in this regard. I'd sort of decided to wait until after my ACL reconstruction in July to pick up a bike but I'd hate to let a great deal only 2 hours away, get away.

Comments?

John

[Lion_Lady]

Not a bad deal. Not a great deal either. If it were pristine, it might be worth $6K. I've put over 60,000 miles on mine.

As for size, I'm 5'8" but I've got really long legs and arms. I have no issues moving the bike around or holding it up. My shorter legged hubby has managed it no problems (his regular bike is an R1100RS). A number of folks switch to the Roadster bars to bring back the reach. There's a picture here someplace of a Rockster/Roadster side by side.

6th gear... It runs at around 5K rpm at indicated 90 mph. Still has "oomph" at that, if you need some. I find the gearing fine for mile-eating and the GS-like torque in 1st gear is super handy.

P

[Colin]

Every market is different. Around here, that would be a good deal. Just over a month ago, I bought my '04 Rockster (non-80th anniversary) for $6900. It had 11,xxx miles on it, no luggage or pannier racks, servo-assist ABS, Bagster tank bag setup, new tires, and a very recent 12,000 mile service at the dealer.

I wouldn't hesitate on paying $6000 for the bike you're describing.

[Jpainter187]

Hey guys, I'm an X K-bike owner and am kind of in the same boat as Xdot (found a dropped R bike for sale). I have been perusing through the forum researching this particular bike... I don't mean to be a thread hog, but thought it would be a waste to start another thread asking basically the same thing. Sorry Xdot... hope it's alright with you! Maybe it'll get you some more hits and we can get answers to both our questions!

I have found a '04 Rockster (black and orange) w/ ABS, heated grips, touring windscreen, and BMW side bags. Like I said, it has been dropped also, but this happened before the current owner put guards on it. And, of course, it has a couple of small scratches in the usual locations, some of which can be seen underneath the engine guard (see pics 3 - 5). This bike has a little over 30k miles on it and the seller wants a little over $5k. Another thing I noticed is that neither of the side bags have the BMW emblems, which I find odd. But he says the bags are in great shape and were not on the bike when it was dropped. With all considered, does this price seem a big high to any of you? I'm in East TX and the nearest BMW motorcycle dealership is the DFW area, which is about 2.5 hours away and where this guy is located.

[sweatmark]

xdot's Edition 80 - sounds like the usual Boxer jug rash that just happens when the porky Beemers plop to the ground.

jpainter's Copper - it takes something more than a casual drop to scratch that mirror... call it a minor crash, but I'd guess that a really nasty crash would have mandated parts replacements (bar end weight, valve cover, oil cooler cover, etc.) via insurance company protocol, which doesn't appear to be the case.

Differences between R1100R and R1150R Rockster are significant. Aside from the general Boxer oilhead naked bike theme common to both bikes, the ergos/transmission/tire options/attitude seem to demand an "if the shoe fits" approach... I'd guess that one or the other just feels like the better machine for you.

[Jpainter187]

it takes something more than a casual drop to scratch that mirror...

I was wondering about that... Are you suggesting a slow speed drop? My K bike had the same mirrors and I dropped it when pulling out of a steep and rocky driveway when the wheel shot left. But when that happened it did more than scratch the mirror, but knocked it loose and swung it around.

I have been pricing the parts to make it look "like-new" again, and it would be around $500+, so I think it is something I would rather just deal with than shell out that kind of cash to get rid of some small scratches.

[sweatmark]

I have been pricing the parts to make it look "like-new" again, and it would be around $500+, so I think it is something I would rather just deal with than shell out that kind of cash to get rid of some small scratches.

When my wife dropped her R1100R - really, placing it safely in a ditch to avoid car collision - she scratched a mirror, cracked a turn signal, bent a hand lever, dinged a valve cover, and scuffed a system case (which are thankfully tough!)... all cosmetic damage. Only the turn signal and hand lever needed replacement.

Bet you could cover (literally and figuratively) that copper Rockster's cosmetic damage with good parts for less than $250. Example: score some good used K1200RS mirrors to improve looks (subjective) and expand rear view (objective). Add a throttle locking set to replace that sketchy bar end. Leave up a scratched valve cover as momento for a used bike.

[Jpainter187]

Yeah, that's true.

[Colin]

Offer $4500.

For what it's worth, the front carbon fiber fender is stock. I haven't seen a rear hugger like that before - maybe it was a dealer option or an aftermarket addition.

[Jpainter187]

I think $4500 would be a bit of an insult.

[sweatmark]

Another thing I noticed is that neither of the side bags have the BMW emblems, which I find odd.

Wouldn't worry about this - the case lids might have been replaced, and the BWM Roundels (along with the case reflectors) are separate pieces at additional cost.

[Xdot]

I think $4500 would be a bit of an insult. The seller knows that the KBB value is $7280 and supposedly he has already dropped the price once or twice. Although the KBB price is assuming that the bike is in near perfect condition, which this one is not. I was thinking something along the lines of $4800 or $4900...

In this economy I don't think it would be at all. And he can always say no.

[Jpainter187]

Good point.

[riceburner]

Another thing I noticed is that neither of the side bags have the BMW emblems, which I find odd.

Wouldn't worry about this - the case lids might have been replaced, and the BWM Roundels (along with the case reflectors) are separate pieces at additional cost.

+1 My "normal" lids don't have emblems - but my "city" lids do - simply because they stuck the city lids on the panniers when I bought them.

[Jpainter187]

Well, I got off the phone with my brother who got done looking at and riding the bike earlier this morning. He found two things that he thought could be potential problems:

1) He said the ABS made a "whining" sound when the brakes were applied, and his experiance w/ 3rd gen ABS BMW bikes (which is mininal) is that they are silent. And out of curiosity, does the ABS only engage when needed, or are they constantly working? I even called the dealership located about 15 minutes away from the sellers house and the guy who answered said he didn't know about the sound and a tech. would have to look at it. So I'm probably going to ride the bike to the dealership in Forth Worth and have them take a look/listen.

2) The brake sensor light flashes red (even after both brakes have been applied) and does not turn off until you get the bike rolling. A guy at work said this is normal on the newer ABS BMW bikes, but I wasn't certain... Because my old BMW K75 had a brake sensor, but it would stay a constat red until both front and rear brakes were applied and then it would turn off.

But any of your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

[sweatmark]

Both items reflect normal behavior of the iABS system.

1. The power brake servos operate all the time and do make noise.

2. Upon system start, the iABS controller does a system check which is not completed until the bike rolls forward far enough for the wheel sensors to generate motion signals that confirm operation. When the iABS controller is satisfied that wheel rotation is detected, the blinking lights stop.

[riceburner]

Well, I got off the phone with my brother who got done looking at and riding the bike earlier this morning. He found two things that he thought could be potential problems:

1) He said the ABS made a "whining" sound when the brakes were applied, and his experiance w/ 3rd gen ABS BMW bikes (which is mininal) is that they are silent. And out of curiosity, does the ABS only engage when needed, or are they constantly working? I even called the dealership located about 15 minutes away from the sellers house and the guy who answered said he didn't know about the sound and a tech. would have to look at it. So I'm probably going to ride the bike to the dealership in Forth Worth and have them take a look/listen.

2) The brake sensor light flashes red (even after both brakes have been applied) and does not turn off until you get the bike rolling. A guy at work said this is normal on the newer ABS BMW bikes, but I wasn't certain... Because my old BMW K75 had a brake sensor, but it would stay a constat red until both front and rear brakes were applied and then it would turn off.

But any of your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Both sound normal to me.

[Jpainter187]

That is a relief. Apparently the guy I talked to at Fort Worth BMW didn't know anything about anything because he said I need to bring it in for a tech. to check out the ABS system. I guess that wont be necessary now. Thanks guys!

[garr2]

The electrically assisted (servo) brakes on many bikes in the BMW range are often
referred to on this forum as 'whizzy' brakes. 'Whizzy' because they are high tech (gee whiz!) but mainly because of the noise they make when applied. The whiz then is normal and when you think about it quite reassuring. What would be annoying/frightening is if you were out on the road and had to stop quickly without the whiz. If this feature of the brake system was not working you would need the hand strength of The Hulk to pull the bike up.
The blinking of the brake warning light after start up but extinguished once rolling speed is reached is also normal and reassuring - for much the same reason.