How to make the Rockster R1150R(2004) more comfortable and a better fit for the rider

[rescudero]

I am a relatively new novice rider. I've only been riding less than 2 years. I am in my 50's. I bought my first BMW a 1975 R90S and the traded it a few months later on a new 2004 R1150R RocKster(citrus green). I am short, 5'9" 215 lbs with short arms and legs. I have never felt comforable or a part of the bike on the Rockster. When I bought it I had bar risers (moto I think) put on it. It was too tall for me, my feet wouldn't touch the ground. I had the seat customized where my feet touched the ground and this helped me tremendously. I still feel awkward on the bike, the handlebars seem to be too wide or far apart me for and not far enough back. I have to lean forward and it makes my forearms and wrist tired even after a short peiod of time. I ordered the Roadster's handle bars but when ther arrived at my dealers (who is not a bmw dealer anymore) the salesman or service rep said I couldn't use them with the bar risers (which I was hoping I could do) because the cables,hoses,etc wouldn't be long enough and it would cost considerably to change those out. Using the new Roadster bars withjout the risers was not going to seem to move them that much back for me. The people at the dealership said just ride it and it probably didn't feel comforable because I wasn't experienced enough and needed more time in the saddle. That was approximatey over 6 months ago. The Rockster just doesn't feel comfortable to me still and I feel it prohibits me from controling the bike effectively,leaning in the corners,etc. and being a better rider. I am frustrated because the Rockster/Roadster has a reputation for being great fun all around bike. It just doesn't seem to fit me and I don't enjoy riding it that much. Any suggestions to help make this bike a better fit without spending a ton of money. Thanks for listening. Bob

[Cliffy777]

sorry to learn of your plight. did you test ride the rockster before you bought it? (the main reason i bought one was because of the comfort factor, but i am 6'3" with long monkey arms.)
it sounds to me like you need the bars to be narrower in addition to coming back toward you. maybe you need to have someone make you a custom set.
you mentioned that the dealer is no longer a bmw dealer - do you feel like they are approaching your problem with any enthusiasm or are they dusting you off? is there another beemer dealer anywhere near you or another dealership that might be more responsive to your needs?
i bet there are some people on here who can help solve your problem - don't give up yet!

[gsjay]

I agree with the dealer, ride it!

The seating position on that bike is great, spreading weight over your legs, seat and arms which is by far the most comfortable mix!

I'm only 5'6" and have spent a good bit of time on my SO's 1150 and find it very comfy except for the lousy stock seat.

Go take a training class like www.stayinsafe.com or a local MSF course and learn how to handle the bike. I highly reccomend stayin safe, could be way cheaper in the long run than trying to change your bike or trading on yet another machine.

gsjay

[soldemall]

Suggest you try various bars. They're available cheap at most parts houses, easy to change and available in just about any shape you might want. Rockster uses a standard 7/8" bar. What I do is sit on the bike and move into the position I'd like, and then work out how much higher/lower, or
forward/backward the bars need to be. Normally that gets it right for me the first try. Good luck, and once you get it right, you'll be very happy with the Rockster.

[BobFV1]

Dude - sounds like you have a short inseam. Try an F650 - might be a better fit. Also, you sound like a candidate for a cruiser - maybe try one of the nice rice-burer cruisers in a 750cc or so. I think that the big, torque-ey boxer engine might be more than you need or want given your position on the motorcycle riding "learning curve". I would not mess around with a bunch of aftermarket accessories to try to get the bike to be something it is not. find a bike that fits (or comes close) and pick it up.

I really had my heart set on a K1200GT, but I rode it for an hour, then rode the R1150RT for an hour and I was just much, much more comfortable in the natural seating position of the RT - so I bought it!

Hey - best of luck, hope you find something that works. Keep us posted.

[Luckies]

Bob, I think you’re being too hard on yourself, take it easy and don’t get rid of the bike. Make some changes, as Paul suggests, and maybe a lower seat too. I have seen guys a heck of a lot shorter than you riding GS’s and RT’s. One guy had even modified the seat himself, looked like it too! :jawdrop Sometimes you need to make modifications to make the bike fit you. Give em a try and keep us posted on the results. Good luck.

Dave

[bobclift]

Bob - I'm not your size - I guess I'd be on the other end. I'm 6'3" and weight about 250. I have a new R1150R. I added risers and I've replaced my (shortish) BMW touring windshield with a Parabellum Super Tour. I found a great deal on a nice used Corbin seat on-line. Last week, my peg lowering kit arrived and I installed it this morning. Today (60 days after purchase) I went for a long and comfortable ride. My beakster was clearly OK when new but I consider it good (for me) now for the way I ride.

My other bike is a Honda Valkyrie. Several years ago when I purchased it, I went though somewhat similar modifications. I think this process has to be viewed as tailoring on a good new suit.

I agree with the "don't give up comment." I suggest you keep reading this board's excellent posts and make your adjustments. I'll bet your Rockster can be made comfortable.

[Grey Matter]

Not to muddy the water but I seem to recall a discussion on R1150R ergonomics over at R1150R.NET (http://www.r1150r.net/)

You may want to check in over there. It is a forum specific you your bike.

[rocksterboy50]

I have the same bike. I am 5'6'' with a 30" inseam and average arms. I bought the barbacks made by verholen which took all of the weight off of my arms. I also bought boots with a large heel and 3/4" at the toe. I can now almost flatfoot but not quite. The stock seat broke in after about 10k miles and i am now quite comfortable on the bike. I also dropped it in a parking lots 2 times in the process. Watch out for the large 1st gear as catching this bike until you are comfortable is hard. Don't give up, if i could do it you can. Another thing about reaching the ground is MOVING YOUR BUTT! It's not a barcolounger its a motorcycle. Plan which foot your putting down and shift toward that side just an inch or two and the foot will plant down in a confident comfortable manner. Please post again and let us know how you are doing. I will be sending good karma your way. :clap

[marcopolo]

I'm 5'8", 165 lbs, average build. I swapped the Rockster bars for the regular Roadster bars and I feel quite comfortable on the bike. I also have the low seat. All the cables fit the new bars quite easily.