rockets: do I purchase one

[ADVENTURERONE]

For the last nine years my adventurer has been a lot of fun with minor problems. I would like to purchase a rocket but this trans problem is scaring me. Is it a problem that truimph admits to and will take care of after warranty? Also how many of the current rocket riders would purchase another or go to different bike? All the forums have been open minded whether the discussion is good or bad for triumph and the answers to these questions will help me greatly.

[dougl]

I got a 2005 in Nov. 2004. There was a recall on a rear seal and they replaced it. No other problems in 2 years. Do yourself a favor and test drive one. By the way, there aren't any other heavy cruisers that come close.

[ This message was edited by: dougl on 2006-09-24 18:36 ]

I don't think you should buy one... Really... This bike is not for you. Besides, I kinda like the idea of not too many R3's on the road. Pretty soon all the bikers will know about it and won't want to race anymore.

[BATMAN]

I'm looking around as well. I usually put on between 8-10,000miles per year, do all kinds of riding, from commuting to work, cruising back roads, to doing a summer vacation on it, going out to Colorado and back. (from MN) I ride a Victory TCD now, but am thinking of getting something new. Not that I haven't been happy with it, it's been a great, reliable bike that I've put on a bit over 36,000 trouble free miles on it. It's just that I get bored easy, and would like to try something else. I'm looking at the Rocket Classic, and a Yamaha Stratoliner.

Any thoughts?

[RockIIIt]

I read this forum extensively to the point of loosing sleep over whether I should buy a Rocket or not.
Yes I was worried about the gearbox too and finally decided after a test run that life is too short not to have a machine that rides and feels as good as this.

Do yourselves a favor, take the test ride , make your mind up and buy it............ or stick with what you have.

I bet you will keep looking at them for years to come, because you wouldn't be here if you didn't want one!

[TallRocket]

Best advice - ride what you love.

With having the Adventure for so long, my only concern is are you really wanting a cruiser? Wouldn't the GS or a new Tiger be the sort of bike you are most familiar with?

If you are, then I think the Rocket is the best by far - just replace the stock shocks as soon as possible. No regrets, I have had warranty work to replace a cam bearing. I felt I was treated fairly. I would buy again.

Don't worry about what could happen, maintain the bike right, and the more you ride the more the bike will impress you. Your only worry should be picking out the right color and the right options.

[tbsrider2000]

I don't believe the trans problems posted are as wide spread as it looks on some of the forums.

Speaking as a former TBS owner, you should transition smoothly to the Rocket from the Adventurer. Similar sporty handling, with MUCH more POWER!..

If Triumph had built a 1500cc crusier, I probably would have went with it over the Rocket. But now that I've had the Rocket for 15,000 miles, I am more than happy with it and am glad the smaller option was not available at the time..

It's a typical Triumph. At first, shifting is clunky, there are rattles, etc. But, after about 10,000 miles, just as my TBS did, everything just smooths out. The transmission shifts smoother, motor runs smoother, gas mileage improves, etc.

If you're lookng for a larger bike that capable of thrilling acceleration as well as comfortable touring, you can't beat the Rocket..

[dunringil]

I've had my rocket for 3 weeks now. The more I ride it, the more I like it.

I've had my 96 adventurer for 10 years. For the first time, it's getting more polishing time and less riding time.

Dependability is a concern with me too. The adventurer has me spoiled. Never had to replace anything.

The rocket is turbocharged so I can probably expect to spend more that the average rocket owner. However, the makers of the turbo claim otherwise. Time will tell.

[6485]

I think ya oughta buy it, because I know I would if I had the $$$!!! And let me give ya a tip about all these guys telling ya to take a test ride, DON'T DO IT!!! Unless you're ready to buy that is, I took a test ride a couple of months ago, and man, she's an absolute hoot to ride! :-D

[ADVENTURERONE]

Thanks guys, everybody who replied and has a rocket likes it. Now is the time to test ride one and see how the performance really is. Today I did several rides on different Harley's, they seem to have a feel of staying straight up in the curves this I did not like, but the vrod was a nice ride with adequate power and abilities in the curves. It may get a second demo if the rocket is close to its performance in comparison. The drawback of the vrod its a solo rider. Has anybody ridden both? Two other choices is the Yamaha fjr and Honda st 1300. thanks