Old England Vs New England and a Rockster Vs GS

[jon pierce]

We moved to Vermont from England a year ago to become inn keepers and were not allowed to import our bikes (emissions or tax reasons apparently!). Have ridden BMW GSs since the early 1990's. It seems that the GS here in the US is very popular, even common maybe - so I decided to have a look at other models......... I bought a new Orange Rockster withe ABS a couple of months ago. I remember looking at it when it was released in the UK and thinking it looked interesting (I had a KTM Duke II as a second 'fun' bike - the Rockster looks almost like a big Duke).

I wasn't so sure at first (maybe I shoudl have just bought another GS?)but after a few hundered miles - it just felt right! Definately a more attractive looking machine than the GS. I very much like the riding position and the fact that there is no screen to cause any turbulance (also keeps the speed down - the cops here are just mean - I was taken away in 'cuffs for doing 80 in a 50!). My wife tells me that the pillion is just as comfy as the GS. Obviously it has the same straight line performance as the GS, though the handling isn't quite as 'cheeky' as the GS or maybe I need a few more miles to get used to it!

If I could change one thing it would be the brakes - I am a big advocate of ABS brakes but the servo assistance is too remote.........I guess I'll get used to it.

I did very much enjoying riding the GS models ( we used to do a good 10,000 miles a year) but I think that the Rockster is a keeper, and boy does it get attention from other road users - never heard anyone in the UK compliament my bike before.

I have been reading some of the posts here for a couple of months regarding things to change - but I think I'll leave it just the way is is - it fits (at least I hope with a few more miles that my seat will fit the Rockster seat a bit better!).

[riceburner]

Well done for crossing over.


In fact the Rockster is faster than the regular GS - the top gear is a bit shorter which allows you to rev the bike right out which I understand the GS won't do. (the Adventure shares the same top gear). Also I think the Rockster has a very slightly smaller frontal area than the GS.

Very worried to hear about the 80 in a 50 incident!!! that's Scary!!

[shelion]

...the cops here are just mean - I was taken away in 'cuffs for doing 80 in a 50!

Now you know why US drivers are always pissed off! Seriously, some cops really need to take a chill pill.

Congrats on your Rockster. As for your seat adapting to it's seat...I've had mine for a year now and didn't think too much about the seat, until I did a four hour ride. Oy. I'm now on the lookout for a Wunderlich seat.

[jon pierce]

I just hate the idea of replacing seats............why oh why can they not get it right?? I lived and worked in Germany and know that they are about the same shape as the rest of us . I like the look of the Rockster seat and feel that most replacements just look silly. In fact I like the complete look of the bike and would rather not change or add anything.

As for cops .............we have travelled and lived extensivley around this World and never met police like this before!........I have always respected the police and never had any bother before Did you know that in the rest of the World if you get stopped it is best to get out of your car / off your bike and meet the officer half way? I have been advised not to do that in the US!!

[riceburner]

You'll get used to the seat after a while. I've done some all day riding on mine and been ok at the end.

[gutsibikes]

Obviously it has the same straight line performance as the GS, though the handling isn't quite as 'cheeky' as the GS or maybe I need a few more miles to get used to it!

If I could change one thing it would be the brakes - I am a big advocate of ABS brakes but the servo assistance is too remote.........I guess I'll get used to it.

I did 35000 miles on an 1100 GS before buying a Rockster. Whilst it took some getting use to the Rockster handles better for me because the larger contact area and firmer suspension make it more stable when you're sat right on the edge of the tyres.

Agree about the brakes though, I'd rather have a set of Brembo goldlines any day.

[jon pierce]

I am still not sure about the handling........I used to be able to get the GS right over on it's ear with confidence. It really used to chew up the tyres. The Rockster still has a couple of mill either side of the rear tyre untouched - I actually wonder if the rear tyre is too big...........?? I think that tyre sizes these days are more to do with fashion than requirement. I am not convinced that the bigger tyre really does give a bigger contact patch - or is it just me!

I also wonder if the more upright seating position of the GS suited my riding style.

I was at the dealers today and looked again at the 1200GS......(and the K1200R and the R1200R and the R1200RT)........I do like it but then I look back at the Rockster...............she's a keeper