I'll be honest. At least, I'll try to be honest. I never liked BMW motorcycles much. They seemed to be awkwardly engineered and inadequately styled. However, in all cases, they proved to be superbly engineered and awkwardly styled. 

This is why there might still be hope for the new Rockster. Again, it seems to be on the wrong end of a pummeling and, in the general world of motorcycling, the Rockster will have the crap beat out of it by the school bully. 

However, as I mentioned, I have been wrong before, in regards to the engineering. And, this is where the Rockster will have to excel. 

Still based on the standard flat twin "boxer" engine, the Rockster apparently has a 'distinct identity of its own'. What exactly that is, we are not sure, but expect the 1130cc, four-cylinder to pump out a characteristic 62.5kW at 6750rpm and a distinctive 98Nm at 5250 rpm. What makes this distinctive motorcycle distinctly distinct from the 'normal' R1150R is the fact that these figures are distinctly the same. 

Other performance figures include a 197km/h top speed and a rather impressive claimed fuel consumption of roughly five liters. 

Housing the engine is the usually impressive BMW chassis. The Rockster should be rock solid with its Telelever and Monolever suspension system. The previous R1150R left many riders complaining of vague front-end steering and poor feedback. However, after a few hours, you soon get used to this. We suspect that the Rockster will be similar in its attributes. 

The R1150R is one of the most sophisticated rides available and the Rockster seems to have added the character that the R so desperately lacked. 

Some technical information is the explanation that the Telelever system on the front of the Rockster. The forks are still telescopic, but feature no form of damping or springing. The forks are filled with lubricating oil, this keeps the unsprung weight down, and there is only one fork yoke. This structure is attached by the outer tubes to a rather substantial swingarm. 

Above the swingarm, there is a single spring and damper set that pivots on the engine casting. This system reduces dive under braking, reduces the weight of the suspension and in this way keeps the handling of the motorcycle predictable throughout the suspension's travel. 

Another handy feature on the Rockster is the standard BMW Integral ABS system in the partly integral version on the Rockster. This partly integral system activates the front and rear brakes simultaneously when activating the hand brake. At the same time, this innovative braking system enables active reaction to dynamic wheel load changes that occur during braking, thus enabling optimal braking power every time, and a very short braking distance. 

The Rockster features a twin 320mm discs EVO brakes at the front with a 276mm disc at the rear. This is exactly the same as on the previous R1150R, which is not a bad thing at all as the R1150R was able, in most aspects, to run with cutting-edge sportsbikes on less-then-perfect roads. 

Combine with this the same comfortable seating position and stable ergonomics and the Rockster might be worth a look. And, at a cheap price of just over R90 000, the Rockster is also one of the most affordable motorcycles currently on the market. 

Also, much like the R1150R, the Rockster will also be one of the most comfortable, stable and sophisticated rides that you will ever experience. If this is indeed what the naked market desires. With a 219kg weight, 835mm seat height and a 20-liter fuel tank, the Rockster will definitely be on the top of many people's wish lists. And, optional extras include heated grips, screens, panniers and a myriad of other unimportant objects. The Rockster certainly is an interesting prospect. 

However, this is where the good news stops. The R1150R was plagued by bland character, and the generally uninspiring spirit that surrounds the BMW brand just aid in making the Rockster seem a bit of an oddball. Much like the BMW 7-series car when it was launched. When we saw the Rockster at the local 'launch' in Johannesburg, our suspicions were reinforced. It remains to be seen if the characteristics of the Rockster will spill over into the remaining line-up of the German manufacturer. 

At the moment, the two colour schemes available on the Rockster is an orange metallic (making the Rockster look like bronze statue of a toad) and citrus metallic (making the Rockster look like a live toad). 

According to BMW, 'The Rockster is a basic bike with a strong sports emphasis and with looks that set it apart from the crowd. Its modern design re-defines the naked bike'. If it was my money, I will buy the Ducati MS4R or M1000s. For me, the Monster still dictates the modern naked market and, at the moment, the Ducati does not resemble a toddler's crayon rendering of his father's tractor. Also, keep an eye out for the soon-to-be launched roadster offerings from KTM.