Custom R1200C made to look like . . . a Rockster?

[Grey Thumper]

Wouldn't it have been cheaper to just buy, oh I don't know, a Rockster?



http://www.bikeexif.com/bmw-r1200c#more-11957

[sweatmark]

Wouldn't it have been cheaper to just buy, oh I don't know, a Rockster?

Perhaps, but then the satisfaction of creating such a unique machine would have been missed.

IIRC there's a topic thread buried here somewhere in which Mr. Levinson described the "Project C" design and build process. He's also documented the project on his web site:
http://www.robertlevinson.com/

Personally, I find this project inspirational, as very few folks take on true custom Beemer designs. The typical "custom" BMW oilhead is a collection of aftermarket bolt-ons (I myself stand accused), but there are not many people who take on the more significant challenge of frame changes and merging of components from other BMW bikes or other marques. Within ADV, a couple of guys have documented ground-up builds using oilhead motors with new frames allowing use of conventional forks. And my favorite - based on my own "wishful thinking" oilhead project ideas - is a particular bike built by a German craftsman that blended R1100 drivetrain with K-bike frame/tank and sportsbike components.

[hank]

Has anyone on here fitted Rockster headlights to a Roadster? Is it an easy swap?

Hank

[sweatmark]

Has anyone on here fitted Rockster headlights to a Roadster? Is it an easy swap?

Unknown re: install of Rockster/GS headlight on R1150R Roadster. The Rockster has Telelever top "triple clamp" which incorporates tabs/bosses for alloy pieces that mount headlight module. Roadster use of GS headlight would require that original R1150R bucket headlight steel mounts be correct distance apart, and long enough to allow for the fore/aft volume of deeper GS headlight.

A Roadster owner years ago did install aftermarket dual headlights to replace the 7" R1150R bucket.

[ECB]

Guys, thanks for all the kind words!

@ Grey Thumper: Looking like a Rockster was the last thing on my mind... the asymmetrical dual headlights was a last-minute detail, parts that became available. I was originally looking at some of the new micro-projectors from Hella that are made for custom or builder use. Sweatmark pretty much hit the nail on the head; an off-the-showroom-floor bike would have been nice, but there were many things I wanted to do and details that I wanted different. Along the lines of wanted to do, it was an exercise in figuring things out, building things that work, and seeing a project completed. Along the lines of wanted different, and no showroom bike can provide this, was the extra few inches between seat and bars and foot controls. Short of adding clip-ons to an 1150R (which would then be very low), there's not much else that could be done.

@ Sweatmark: thanks indeed for "getting" the project. As for other cool bikes on ADV and other sites, I saw one which tickled me that was almost the opposite of what you mentioned; it was a GS suspension-equipped frame with a K motor. A very interesting "what if" that BMW could have made at any time.

@ Hank: fitting Rockster headlights to the 1150R should be quite easy; they mount to two large tabs cast into the steering head (BMW calls it the "upper fork brace", p/n 31427669831 in silver, p/n 31427694758 in black) which directly replaces the standard 1150R head. Interesting detail: the headlight brackets are the same part numbers between the Rockster and R1150GS, but the lights themselves are different part numbers - physically interchangeable yet not the same. I have no idea what really is the difference.

- Rob Levinson

[sweatmark]

@ Sweatmark: thanks indeed for "getting" the project. As for other cool bikes on ADV and other sites, I saw one which tickled me that was almost the opposite of what you mentioned; it was a GS suspension-equipped frame with a K motor. A very interesting "what if" that BMW could have made at any time.

Yeah, I've seen pics of the K-GS of which you speak. IIRC, K75 motor, can't remember whether rear end was Monolever or Paralever.

Here's the site for craftsman builder and outstanding BMW projects... that yellow bike speaks to me:
http://www.technical-arts.de/
Thanks goes to Oliver for researching the origin of pics I'd seen somewhere.

[Xdot]

...
Personally, I find this project inspirational, as very few folks take on true custom Beemer designs...

Honda = cheaper; Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki = cheaper still; BMW = $$$

[towerworker]

Wonderful! Had seen the photos before and thought then how sharp it looked. I am certainly not very intelligent when it comes to styling themes and approaches but this one sure appeals to me.
Makes me that much more anxious to get strong enough to ride mine.

wayne