Triumphrat

pdbert · 02-25-2009, 12:01 AM

Although I'm fairly new to street bikes, I've got about 1,000 miles under my belt on a Speedmaster, I have a serious craving for a used Rocket III. I really enjoy the twistys on the Sdpmstr and can handle it fine, but I was wondering if it's too big of a jump to try to handle a beast like the Rocket? I mostly ride for therapy, so it won't be for commuting in traffic or anything like that. I'm 5'10" and about 170 and my wife won't go near it. What do you guys think? Thanks for any advise. Also, the dry weight difference is 200 lbs.,what do you think the wet difference would be?

HIM · 02-25-2009, 12:50 AM

I went from a Bonnie to Speed Triple then the Rocket 3 Classic ( 2 months ago) - and I bloody love it! 2500 miles so far and I don't miss a day of therapy on it.
I was very concerned about it's physical size, but honestly it realy does handle well under just about all conditions / speeds. I spent initial time in a big parking lot doing the usual stuff.
The power is shoulder dislocating but only if you want it to be.
Obviously a test ride would be a good idea. I didn't bother, just hopped on and took her home.
Let me know if you get it - do a ride sometime?

Diego · 02-25-2009, 01:37 AM

If the Speedmaster was your first bike and you're saying you've got only 1000 miles total experience, then I certainly don't recommend the Rocket!

If you have lots of street and highway experience on most any kind of bike, then it's not too hard to transfer that experience to the Rocket, for all the reasons you will undoubtedly hear mentioned concerning the Rocket's handling, controlability, balance, and such. Those things are all very true. But it's NOT honestly suitable for a newbie or near-newcomer, because you aren't yet aware of all the things that you don't yet know. At a thousand miles or even five thousand, there's no way yet to be so sufficiently aware of your limits that you can safely go testing those limits on something as big or as powerful as the Rocket.

Not trying to spoil your fun, but here is what every new rider needs to understand about sportbikes or power cruisers as their first (or nearly first) bike: It's not the machine itself that'll ultimately trip you up. It'll be overconfidence in matters you haven't yet experienced that will compel you to yield to the temptations that a big or powerful machine offers. And in general, a powerful bike will help you get yourself into trouble faster than a tamer one.

Pig9r · 02-25-2009, 06:39 AM

I had two street bikes before the Rocket, a '70 Bonneville then a '03 Speed Triple. I put about 5000 miles on the S3 before I sold it and got the Rocket. I think you'll be fine. The bike has a low center of gravity and is balanced well. Just respect the power and size. See if a dealer will let you take a test ride, that is what sold me.

crazyman · 02-25-2009, 09:27 AM

First piece of advice.

Take a riders course, like the MSF Basic Rider Course.

My first ever bike was a big Yamaha cruiser. It was hard to manage at first, but I learned a lot, and learned it quickly.

If you have the mental maturity to take your time and learn, you should do fine.

KingOfFleece · 02-25-2009, 10:01 AM

You have the strength to handle the bike-but you need to be sure your head can handle it. I have over 10,000 miles on a America, and now have a R3 (and 200,000+ miles on other bikes). Here is what I mean. As a newer rider, do you REALLY know what to do if you get into a curve too hot-do you REALLY have the practice to haul it down from 90mph-or in a curve-can you REALLY make a swerve to avoid a hazard and still stay in your lane? Do you REALLY know that the bike goes where you look and can do this to "save your bacon"? Why? All this is a bit eaiser on an America/Speedy. R3's are great bikes and handle really well BUT you better be good with your inputs and braking skills. My feeling is if you gotta ask you may not be ready. That's not a dig, not at all. But I think a rider needs to respect the "beast" and have the mental skills to be concise with the control of it.
We see lots of riders get in way over their heads on big cruisers. If you can drag that Speedie around curves all day, every day, if you can haul it down from 80 several times in a row and keep it pointed forward, and if you can keep up with the bigger bikes in the twisties (which the 865 can no problem) than by all means get the greatest bike ever-the R3!

pdbert · 02-25-2009, 01:17 PM

Thanks for all the the great advise! It's been a roller coaster ride reading the feedback, from don't get that BB gun you'll shot your eye out

to just go for it. You all really have valid points and my decision I think will have to be made after a test ride and possibly a riding instructional course. I know it's not quite the same thing, but I also went from a VW GTI to an Infiniti
M45. I guess when I have a little fun I want even more.

KingOfFleece · 02-26-2009, 10:54 AM

This may help. The pros say it much better than I. get the April issue of SportRider and go to page 88. Read it-really. It's well worth you time.

TRIIICK · 02-27-2009, 08:12 AM

After loosing two pairs of expensive sunglasses, a fullface helmet is manditory..

Lee · 03-07-2009, 08:33 AM

As big as she is she is a nimble girl. She does fine in the twisties. I had not been on a bike for a few years when I returned to riding. I had a bike previously that was smaller than the Speedmaster. Just be careful when you use the throttle I suggest you ease it back for a while to get use to it. She is a great bike.