Getting to know the Rockster hick ups

[Hidalgo]

It’s now week two of my Rockster. The previous owner told me that all fluids had been changed except for oil and filter back in April so I had little worries until yesterday. After riding it for a few hours I came out of the store and I felt my brakes were hard to press and to stop. The brake light was on solid. I pumped the brakes and it finally stopped properly. For the rest of the 20 mile drive home it was perfect. I was hoping before I start checking fluid levels or wrenching anything open to check here first.
My other minor observation is that this bike feels a little rough at times. It does feel like when I run over tough terrain or bumps the bike transfers that vibration all over the bike. Is this a normal feel to the bike?
Other than that, this bike is really great. Still getting used to how it rides but I am head over heals over this bike. I am hoping to shorten the learning curve by getting feedback from season Rockster owners.

Best,

Gil

[Buckster]

If the bike still has the stock shocks, it would be time to replace them.

[peels]

have you flushed the abs, yet? you could have a dangerous problem...should that happen at speed.

another potential reason I deleted the abs.

Mine rides rough, I know its time for shocks... but Im far too cheap. Ive adjusted the rear shock a couple times... its better...but its still bouncy.

[Hidalgo]

I assumed the shocks were recently flushed but I bet not. It seems like a time consuming and complicated required service with specialty tools. I have seen a few PDF tutorials on how to do it. I was hoping there would be an instructional video as well. I am also considering removing the ABS which I have read is an ideal retrofit.

[peels]

I assumed the shocks were recently flushed but I bet not. It seems like a time consuming and complicated required service with specialty tools. I have seen a few PDF tutorials on how to do it. I was hoping there would be an instructional video as well. I am also considering removing the ABS which I have read is an ideal retrofit.

no, sorry, I meant the abs system flushed. not the shocks. if you've got something lodged in there, or air... in any of the 4 brake lines... it could be dangerous. I read a few horror stories.

The system, I agree is revolutionary. All things nominal, its an amazing system. But when things go wrong, its more complicated than I like. And did not trust it. Didnt care for random flashing... and ESPECIALLY disliked having to flush 4 lines.

removing is not terribly difficult. save for the re-wiring, if you remove it all including the module. (like I did) but its well documented. i DO believe there are differences with the Rockster, having to do with speedo wiring. well documented on the web, hers is a GREAT thread from this site, I think there are some posts that deal directly with the rockster wiring difference?



viewtopic.php?f=3&t=13571




Chris Harris video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xZMewBazMI

basically, all youre doing, is "cutting out the middleman" You have two lines IN to the ABS, then two separate lines OUT of the abs. you are turning the "IN" to the ABS line into a DIRECT TO BRAKE CALIPER line, and removing the OUT. My removal only cost me about $1 in connectors.

whatever you do, you need to flush them now, all 4 circuits. I wouldn't trust if they're randomly becoming hard to squeeze.

[peels]

edit. I went back iand read that... its "sweatmark" who had a rockster for that thread. just read through, its pretty much all covered.