Purchase advice sought, tall rider? Surging?

stubble · Post by **stubble** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 1:30 am

My local dealer says that a new 2005 Rockster is the perfect bike for me. Problem is, they don't have any, and would have to order one. Naturally I wouldn't buy sight unseen, but I wonder if it's even realistic to ask them to get one in to test?

I'm 6'4", 240 lbs. Long legs. I fit on the big GS, but I can't afford one. And as much as I love the F650, it's just too small.

I've heard a couple of people here mention they're tall. How does the rockster fit? Are lowered pegs a necessity?

Second question:

What sort of pricing should I expect to pay for a new 2005 Rockster here in California in 2006? (No ABS, I don't think I want it)

Third question:

It seems I read a lot about surging problems. Is it that common? What's the remedy?

Thanks.

R4R&R · Post by **R4R&R** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 7:36 am

Does the dealer have any R1150r's? They are (ergonomically) the same bike with a few small differences. The Rockster comes with a slightly higher seat and lower (flat) handlebar, but the footpegs are in the same place. The roadster comes with a standard seat where the rockster comes with the 'tall' seat - see if your dealer has a tall seat in stock and put it on the roadster for a test. Bike height is about the same too. I know the rockster uses different shocks so the ride will be a little firmer.

Good luck!

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 7:51 am

I'm 6'4" and ride a Roadster with the tall seat....it's peeeerfect!....that's why I bought it...

Try a Roadster and Rockster out for yourself and see what you think.

I say give the peg lowering a miss..IMHO...you'll get used to it...I have.

No idea what's a good price...down under is different...

Surging...Mine surged when new...only at a constant speed at low revs (about 3,000rpm)..if you ride a little over or under it's fine.

Mine doesn't surge at all now...with a good tune..and a few tweaks it'll be fine.

Go for it...(Rockster or Roadster)...there's not many other bike that fit tall guys like us.

DJ

Post by **toner87** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 10:02 am

6'4" here and the Rockster's worked great for me... I did add barbacks and a Sargent seat, which cost me about $350.00 total, but the investment was worth every penny.
T.

stubble · Post by **stubble** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 11:10 am

Thanks for the input. I'm glad to hear from the tall contingent!

My dealer hasn't got much besides GSs and RTs, and the new K bikes. It does sound like a rockster might be a nice fit, so I will push them to get one in.

On the price, they're (so far) quoting MSRP minus the $500 incentive that BMW offers. Blue-book on an 04 is 7800. Bluebook is 10K on an 05. That's quite a depreciation!

The dealer's pricing frankly seems a bit odd considering 1) how many 05's they seem to have left overall, 2) the new R1200R, and 3) the huge depreciation.

It seems to me that there's some significant haggle-room to be found on a new 05. Am I missing something?

I think I may need to go talk to another dealer.

Post by **duke** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 1:23 pm

I am a dwarf here - 6'2" - 6'3", 15.5 stones and the rockster fits like a glove. My problem is with the seat (a bit too hard long distance) rather than pegs or bars.

drevil · Post by **drevil** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 2:10 pm

go to cycletrader.com

i got a brand new 04 rockster last summer for 10k flat.

also lots of slightly used ones floating around.

i'm only 6'1, but it definitely fits great.

rockster.ch · Post by **rockster.ch** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 8:23 am

6'4" and about 215 of your pounds.....Rockster is very comfortable bar 100mph+ where your head attempts to leave your body

Surging? I think I know what you mean, if you gear-down and have a bad rev-to-speed ration then it could surge forwards a little....? But other than that, smooth and enjoyable.

fnfalman · Post by **fnfalman** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 9:10 am

Stubble,

I haven't had any surging problem with my Rockster. But don't buy a brand new one because they will charge you full MSRP if they have to order one. There should be plenty of used ones at extremely discounted prices. Rocksters are not popular vehicles in the BMW world and they are trying to empty the inventory.

Irv Seaver BMW in Orange, California has two orange/black ones that were slightly used.

stubble · Post by **stubble** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 11:02 pm

Thanks for the replies.

fnfalman I think you're right, the local dealer here wants MSRP, no negotiation. Are all the dealers that way?

I'm surprised, given that it's last year's model and is (allegedly) soon to be eclipsed by the 1200.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 7:53 am

I think you're right, the local dealer here wants MSRP, no negotiation. Are all the dealers that way?

I've found that most are...but you can often bargain with them for System cases or BMW gear at their cost price..and that could save you heaps.

Just a thought.

BTW...Have considered the Roadster...or is it the looks of the Rockster that you like?

DJ

fnfalman · Post by **fnfalman** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 12:20 pm

On new models you won't get them to budge on MSRP, but the Rockster is old and had been on the way out. Not to mention that it's not a popular sell with the BMW crowd. Your dealership can sit on the MSRP for a while if that's what they want.

Go buy it from somebody else. Check the web and call around. Irv Seaver BMW in Orange, CA has two slightly used ones that they would love to get rid of. Those two have been on their lot forever.

I also believe that Victory BMW in Chandler, AZ also has a slightly used green one that has been on their lot forever as well.

If your local dealer doesn't want to make business, then go elsewhere. These Rocks are a dime a dozen. It's hard to justify MSRP on something that isn't wanted AND being phased out.

MartyWadd · Post by **MartyWadd** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 11:41 pm

6'2" 210. No problems with ergonomics AT ALL! It's the most comfortable bike I've ever been on. (out of 3)

... Anyway, about this surging. FORGETTABOUTIT! I've been through 18000 miles, and have never had any type of surging in any type of weather. I don't think it's a major problem.
I think you could get one @ or below MSRP. Definitely don't pay over MSRP. If I was buying one full price, I'd ask for extras. These bikes have to be moved, and the dealers know it.

You cannot go wrong with this bike. It is a fantastic ride! Everyone on this board raves about the build quality, reliability, ridability, and practicality of their bike. Good luck with your decision.

fnfalman · Post by **fnfalman** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 2:35 pm

As of 30 March 2006, Victory BMW in Chandler, Arizona, has two orange/black ones on the lot. They both around 4500-miles. One is equipped with XM satellite radio and some sort of GPS (not the BMW/Garmin) and the other without. They wanted $9900 for the former and $9400 for the latter.

rockster.ch · Post by **rockster.ch** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 3:47 am

I think I've found what you might consider "surging". The turn off the main road I have on the way home is greater than 90 degrees and in 2nd gear with no clutch use, the throttle is sensitive when taking the corner (lean, turning angle). With a little clutch control, this is smooth.

I normally ride the clutch a little on this corner anyway but didn't last night to test this scenario.