BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Posted: **Sat Feb 18, 2006 11:24 am**

I am a new devotee to Rocksterism. I have been riding about 25 years and have always had a daily rider and a hack (currently a 1975/6 with a Velorex.)
Around Christmastime I thought it would be a good idea to finally get rid of my older bike and "save thousands." (according to BMW) on a new scoot. Anyway I have the halloween colored 04. I bought it untitled new, with touring cases, ABS, heated grips and tank bag for $9500 (it had 1700 miles on it)

I added a set of regular R handlebars and the Rockster touring windscreen (I like RT's but I'm not ready for a fairing just yet.) I must say, I love this bike. I've ridden older bikes (and just maintained them) my whole life and having all the modern goodies is sweet. The bike is way swifter than any Airhead I've ever owned and I love the braking and suspension. I am still having problems getting used to the cold starting system (I have yet to start it without stalling it once) but it couldn't be a bike thing because it runs great as soon as I get it moving. But wow, what a bike. I am pretty tall, so any ergonomic recs are appresiated although I can tell you so far that I think the 32.5 seat is pretty comfy and I'm not sure whether I'm going to drop the pegs or not. Anyway, Rock On, eh.

Posted: **Sat Feb 18, 2006 3:09 pm**

Yepper,
Big difference between the mighty Rockster and 70's vintage airheads:) I took my r75 out this am just to keep a charge on the battery:) Anyhoo, enjoy that rockster, have fun maintaining the ABS:)
Tony D

Posted: **Sat Feb 18, 2006 3:20 pm**

Welcome to Rocksterville! I've never had a cold starting problem on my Rockster. I assume you are using the fast idle lever, right? Start the bike while holding the fast idle lever all the way up for about 5 seconds, then release the lever and leave it in the normal "up" position for the first 10-15 minutes of your ride, then push it down all the way. You probably know this, but once in a while someone will leave the dealer w/out being given the proper start up procedure drill...
T.
Ed 80 #968

Posted: **Sat Feb 18, 2006 4:35 pm**

Yep, toner, mine requires a little more thinking than that. I have to use the lever, start the bike, roll on a little throttle, release the cold start lever and then use a little extra throttle when I get going. Then a few minutes later I shut off the cold starter. Anyway, with temps in the 30's I still figure its just being a little cantankerous. When temps get up in the 40's, I bet it will behave better.

Posted: **Sat Feb 18, 2006 4:37 pm**

Tony;

I have already decided "hands off" on the braking system. At the mighty age of 40 I've decided there are a few things I can now afford to have a master tech work on; that thing will be the ABS. I do love it though. It really does stop in a hurry, doesn't it.

Posted: **Sat Feb 18, 2006 6:01 pm**

Oh, I see what you mean when you say "cold" starting!

Posted: **Sat Feb 18, 2006 7:32 pm**

Yeah, man. Its real cold. You know its cold when I would rather be in San Fran riding in February. Its been a very mild winter though. I never "stored my bikes. It gave me a nice opportunity for the Rockster trade-in in December, though and I've done a little riding when there's no snow on the roads this winter.

Cheers

Posted: **Tue Feb 21, 2006 4:15 pm**

Welcome to Rocksterville!!! I don't know what it is about this bike that makes me love it. I've owned plenty of Beemers before and they were really just good, reliable albeit quirky conveyances to me. But The Rock had called to me in that strange siren voice. While I know that it will never be the equal of any crotch rocket, I couldn't help but "tune" it up a bit.

Posted: **Sun Feb 26, 2006 6:10 am**

You'll be surprised how well you can keep up with the crotch rockets once the going gets a bit twisty. I've had to modify my riding style after shifting from one of the aforementioned motorcycles to one of the "old man bikes" that my friends keep teasing me about, but, by God they get a bit of a surprise when I am on their ass getting up and down the ranges around Cairns. Is'nt it lovely to see that long stream of black rubber peel of the rear tyre of the Aprilla Mille you're chasing down the hill!?!

Posted: **Tue Mar 14, 2006 8:12 pm**

Brownw3 wrote:Tony;

I have already decided "hands off" on the braking system. At the mighty age of 40 I've decided there are a few things I can now afford to have a master tech work on; that thing will be the ABS. I do love it though. It really does stop in a hurry, doesn't it.

I purchased a non ABS rock, I'm a cheap ole bastard