Let me introduce myself

[GA Rockster]

I guess it's time to say hello. I bought a 2004 Rockster a month or so ago. Discovered this forum around the same time. Been lurking, reading old posts. Looks like a helpful, friendly place.

Although this is my first BMW, it's not my first bike. I've been riding almost daily for, uhh, mumbly mumble years. I'm looking forward to making this oilhead "mine." I'm a pretty fair mechanic, but right now I have more questions than answers. Those can wait for another post.

Hi, all!

[Sunbeemer]

Hi GaRockster, and welcome. This is the best forum I know of for this bike...and lots of good riders willing to help with your questions. Ask away!

[billbeemer]

just got an '03 r1150r. here's what i did myself...........

parabellum 26" touring windshield
kisan running lites module
upgraded cam chain tensioner
fuel filter, air cleaner, odyssey battery
right front fork seal
highway pegs
sargent seat
kuryakyn soft bags
1" up X 1 1/4" back barbacks
checked valves and synched throttle bodies
had machine shop bend a 1"X 1 1/4" strap of metal in a U shape to fit under the soft bags to hold them out away from exhaust.

my bike only had 5K on it, apparently owners had stored more than rode. it used considerable oil until 10K, at which point it stopped using oil completely. i had the bmw k model before, but i like this r better. i use an airhawk II over my seat for added comfort. i'll prolly eventually get a russell day long seat for comfort. i ride long trips. i'll prolly spend over $1500 to get things the way i want them, and that's doing all the work myself. if u need any help, let me know and i'll share what i did. we have a great dealer here in tampabay...Eurocycles, but i just can't afford $100 per/hr.

[towerworker]

Welcome!

I've been hanging around here for near 10 yrs now. A great bunch of folks with a lot of knowledge to share. I've not been able to ride for a while now due to an illness but hopefully that will change by spring.

The R bike is a great choice. But there is one thing the maintenance manuals all seem to overlook. It's imperative to keep a watch on the antifreeze levels in the tankside radiators. Especially with winter nearly here.

best regards,

[GA Rockster]

Thanx, Towerworker. I was aware of the antifreeze issue, from reading a few of your prior posts. It was one of the first things I checked. While the bike was in the shop, I also replaced the unknown engine oil with 20w-50 EVOO, swapped out the blinker fluid to cure intermittent rapid flashing, and exchanged the old stale summer air in the tires for fresh winter air. I'll probably need to do the air again, as here in Georgia, the season is still changing.

[acejones]

Don't forget the annual horn bearing checkup