written by on 28/11/2010
I absolutely love this bike, lovely engine, an absolute joy to ride and it looks cool (yes, this is subjective). I have been on weekend trips and everyone was surprised how easily it kept up with some of the fastest bikes out there. Only two downsides are fuel consumption in city traffic and a couple of well documented quality issues (fork paint, fuel connects, shocks) - check out r11505.net. But it's relatively cheap and it does have a good BMW feel to it.
This is a real keeper - for once i am not browsing through every magazine for the next bike.
written by on 22/10/2010
Had this now since March, second BM had an R850 r ,before. What can i say its definately a keeper. Reliable , handles and performs, if you can ride ,will show up a lot of sports bikes on the twisties, panniers make it a viable tourer too. Usual BMW weak spot , paint finish on fork paint,otherwise superb.
GS equal for a lot less cash. Guarentee you wont see many of these on your bike meets, and always gets lots of admirers. Big thumbs up.
written by on 09/09/2010
Been ridding the rockster for 2 years now and it still puts a smile on my face and gets serious admiration from on lookers, funny thing my last bike was an XT 600e.
3 things -
great build quality
seroiusly good looks
so few built will always keep value.
written by on 07/09/2010
Love the Rockster!
Bought it second hand from an older guy who really decked it out!
It has a Leo Vince exhaust?
Sometimes misses gear going up, maybe me or the clutch?
Really is a great safe ride. Only had a XT 600E before so a much better upgrade ;-)
Cheers
sy
written by on 18/08/2010
Unbelievable all rounder, a keeper, and I'll have it longer. Nearing 95,000km and is still as good as new. I love this bike.
Commute, scratch and tour.
I wanted a bike I could just enjoy riding day in, day out for the sake of pure riding bliss.
Staintune Pipe, Panniers and Ohlins front/rear.
written by on 07/06/2010
Unique style, individual looks, bloody comfortable with the sports screen over 60mph. Its a winner, beats my old Katana any day. Fuel pipe connectors broke on tank removal, but new metal connectors work well. An all round winner for commuting up the A3 each day end to end.
written by on 30/05/2010
I picked up my R1150 Rockster new in Germany from BMW Military sales. It was a left over 2005 model still in the crate. I have only put 1,800 miles on the bike in the first year but this is due to moving back to the states from Europe. I have logged about 500 track miles on the bike however. It isn't the fastest bike on the track but it still feels good to stick it in under some guys with more money than talent on a Ducati or MV Agusta in a tight right hander. The stock tires are good for the street but they are not up too the rigors of the track. I went with Dunlop Q2's and they work well. The cylinder heads will touch down when really pushing it but that shouldn't be a problem for most riders on the street.
I did have to take the bike to the BMW Dealership because the quick disconnect fuel line broke in half. I was riding to work and my leg felt wet . I looked down and saw it was fuel! I was shocked! The dealership replaced the Q.D.'s at no cost and sent me on my way. Even if the bike is a 2005 model The warranty started when the bike was titled.
I love this bike and I think that it will be in my garage for quite some time. I just wish it had 100HP/100TQ. I will install a Ztechink exhaust and K&N air filter and a tuner to add a little omph.
written by on 29/05/2010
i have owned many japanese motorcycles in my 35yrs of motorcycling,and some british along the way,i still own a 1988 slab side gixer 750,the 75A model,which is my pride and joy,but i bought the bmw because i always wanted one,and for the first time i could afford one,i tried all the models in the bmw range,at great lengths thanks to my bmw dealer,Rainbow motorcycles rotherham,thanks Sean!,and the rockster came out on top for me,rideability,charisma,stance,individuality,rock solid,and so german,by that i mean quality,it ooses it all over,from front to back,like a good looking woman ,you cant stop looking at it,not that its one bit feminine,far from it,love it to bits,to coin a well known car manufacturer,once driven forever smitten,very true.
written by on 05/04/2010
hi, Having had yap sports bikes all my riding life, owning a bmw has been against my grain ? But I would not go back now ?. Changed my bars to R100, and the riding pos is much better.Hard luggage and tank bag gives me all the room to tour europe every year , abs and air brakes have came in a few times and god i needed them.handles well goes well.appy days
written by pattmloo on 20/05/2009
Last December 08,my new wife and I visited motorcycle stores...I did not have one at the moment and she was a bit nervous about me riding......SOOO we stumbled upon the new BMW store in Indianapolis.....I was looking at a Versys, or a Ducati.I learned to ride with my son on a Honda CBR F4i in 06...then traded for an Interceptor/with hard bags in 06...both motorcycles are wonderful....but I was single at the time.My new bride spotted a used 04 Rockster in Citrus (lime green)....the price was less than 5K. We bought it because she can sit on the back comfortably...She has not ridden on a bike since the 1960's.This bike makes it all work out. I first of all, have a motorcycle to ride....and secondly,my wife likes it,and wants to ride with me....!!!!
written by Bandit 12 on 08/05/2009
I have had lots of bikes over the last 20 years, sports, trailies and now this BMW R1150R Rockster beast. Owned it now for two years and in that time I have covered 5k miles of mixed riding. Whether its the 8mile commute to work or a tour of Ireland this bike handles it with ease. It has shown the way on a number of occasions to mates who ride Bandits, R6's TDM's etc on real road situations. It is as pristine as it was the day I bought it with the minimum of time necessary spent in looking after it. Easily adjustable rear suspension if you want to go two up with luggage and more than enough torque to handle any situation in any gear.
This is truly an all round machine which you can personalise to suit yourself. I have fitted centre stand, hugger, small screen, cylinder head guards,hand guards, fender extender Exhaust "Y" piece to do away with "cat" and a Remus end can.
written by on 30/04/2009
The BMW R1150R Rockster is a brilliant bike
written by on 03/03/2009
BMW R1150R Rockster is Simple , uncluttered , ABS , ultra cool. Although it does not always find 1st from neutral I am very pleased, underpriced, under-rated, good all rounder, fine commuter for a big bike, fine tourer .
written by skip8green on 04/10/2008
Great funky looking bike. You have a bike that's uncommon, different, special. Lovely handling with plenty of torque. It suites every bill, a tourer, a street fighter .Though I have had horrendous problems with the electrics, once sorted,I'll still keeping it, probably ~ for ever.
written by on 11/06/2008
Overall I love the bike so far. Fantastic boxer torque, great looks, bought second hand so got a real good deal.
written by on 21/05/2008
The BMW R1150 Rockster ticks two big boxes for me: It's different enough to appeal to my individuality (without compromising on reliabiliy or the unknown) and it's a Beamer, serious credability from both male and female - even if they don't know bikes!
written by on 06/04/2008
This bike costs heaps more than many bikes that are faster and lighter. I think it is outstanding value. If you don't understand why, you need to live with it over a long period and witness the way other bikes start to look tacky and shallow in comparison.
written by on 27/03/2008
A fantastic bike fully loaded with luggage and tank bag screen GPS it looks like a transformer. Funky and definitely not a Honda. Stand out from the crowd. Have ridden my bike to Austria Germany France on at least 12 occasions. Fantastic tourer once screen fitted. Reliable and comfortable two up. Tyres lasted 8000miles. Watch back pads completely gone at 8000miles fronts fine.
written by Ser on 09/02/2008
I have this BMW bike for one year and very satisfied with it. Handling, braking and driving is brilliant! Low REV tourque also. Will keep it for next few seasons.
written by on 09/12/2007
I have fitted a sports screen( the vario one) on my BMW R1150R Rockster it looks great and stops the helmet buffeting at speed , a centre stand ,bmw hand guards, cruise control, crash bars, carbon hugger and front mudguard extender, and adjustable risers ( these make a big difference for me and it is comfortable at any speed with the weight now off the wrists) I also have heated grips and bmw luggage and rack. with these mods it is perfect for me and is now easily the best bike I have ever owned, and I have owned a lot of bikes jap and european. Amazingly for a bmw it gets lots of admiring comments from non bikers whereas bikers think bmw pipe and slippers. This bike is far from that.
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As rated by our community of reviewers
Tex999's Comment
Written on: 20/04/2012
JUST to update you all, had it now 2 years plus, superb , best bike i have ever owned. fitted a gs screen and it made it even better. Wont be changing any time soon.