Martynn starts work on a winter project | Haynesâ World is where we share stories of what we've been getting up to with our own cars, motorbikes and other vehicles. | | This time: work starts on Project Rockster | | Bike: BMW R1150R Rockster
Owner: Martynn Randall
Autumn is here and, as any motorcyclist will tell you, itâs time for a âwinter projectâ. This is intended to provide an alternative to huddling around the TV on cold nights, waiting for the latest episode of âStrictly Bake-off Islandâ or similar nonsense.
Choosing the correct project is important. Instead of a complete restoration, a project should have a reasonably good chance of completion without too much effort or expense, and allow you to end up with something that you either actually want to ride or can sell easily.
After the R100RS, I really didnât have any enthusiasm (or cash) for another long-term full restoration, but I did want something interesting to play with in the garage that would be fun/useful come spring. So I settled on a bike that Iâve quietly fancied for some years: a BMW R1150R Rockster. | | These were manufactured for a few years at the beginning of the century and were a mix of parts from the standard R1150R and the GS model.
This particular example has very low mileage, as verified by the MoT history website, but itâs been left outside or in a damp shed for quite some time. Thereâs plenty of corrosion evident, along with semi-seized brakes, leaking forks, seized cables, etc. | | I started stripping the forks, then decided to remove the Telelever* wishbone to give the engine a good clean, then removed the battery tray for a coat of paint, then discovered the broken instrument cluster mounting, so took that off too⊠you can see where this is going!
I'll end up with just a pile of bits if Iâm not careful. Iâm determined not to separate the engine and frame, because then I might as well do a full restoration, but there may not be many bits still fitted soon. Costs are already mounting, so much so that the respray on the wish list may not get done.
Some bikes look better slightly tatty, and I think this may be one of them. Besides, if itâs not pristine and polished, it might just get used a bit more.
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