From Speedie to Rocket...at last

[Yandi]

Hi guys,
I have been out and about on my S3 for 18 mths and now I want to go the Rocket path.
I was originally going to buy a Rocket, however at the dealership I was distracted at the last second when I was given S3 keys and an opportunity to test ride a noice black hooligan bike. I bought it. It has been wonderful, all that I hoped for, but now it is time to move forward.
So... do I go the basic R3 or the classic? I think we will like to go cruising/touring a bit, but really only guessing. She isn't too keen!!!
What do I lose by going Classic? I know I get a ****ty paint job, but not sure what else. Its a big spend and I want to get it right. I haven't test-ridden a Classic yet. And what about that new mutha...all dressed up and everywhere to go! Maybe one day..

[bkrbil]

I personally went with the basic. I didn't want floorboards or the pullback bars, but it's all a matter of preference. Take them both out on a test ride, and see which one suits you best.

[felixEOD]

I say keep them both, 'cause some days you feel like a nut and some days you don't. I have both and cherish them equally for different reasons. S3 for carvin' the twisties and the R3 for the fuzzy around the edges jump to a ton.

Just my opinion, I could be wrong. I'm happily wrong if I am!

Vince

[tbsrider2000]

I did a similar thing, going from a Thunderbird Sport to the Rocket III for the same reasons.(with a 6 month stint with a Harley Road Glide in between)

I went with the standard Rocket because I still wanted some of the sportiness of my Thunderbird Sport. I do have the tall Roadster screen, that I put on for longer trips, but I stick with the fly screen 99% of the time because I like riding in the wind. The fly screen offers just enough wind block to keep me from feeling like a parachute at 80 mph. The fly screen will fit the Classic as well.

I think, if you're planning on longer trips, get the Classic, or even check out the new Touring. You get the bags and shield already, instead of buying them extra like I did, although I have Corbin bags. The fly screen will fit on the Classic, and the Touring has a pretty cool looking small windshield as an option. I'm stating this about the smaller screens because you will probably miss your Speed Triple at times like I miss my Thunderbird Sport.

Also check out http://www.r3owners.net anf http://www.r3owners.com

[Molinoman]

What is wrong with the paint job??? MY 2007 Classic paint job was pretty sharp. I do like the pull back bars and really like the floorboards. I've also addied lots of stuff since I bought it, it is a great trip bike, but for my size (250 lbs) I either need to lose a lotta weight (which I do) or next trip I will have the seat redone to make it more comfortable.
Dennis

[Pig9r]

I went from a '03 S3 to a '06 R3 Classic. I miss the S3 but the R3 is just as satisfying and I can ride it for more than 45 minutes before my hands go numb.

[Haket2000]

Similar history here, I went from an 02 SP3 to an 05 Rocket, the R3 is fantastic, but I missed the higher speed twisties soo much I picked up an 05 SP3 as a stablemate. Best of both worlds

[Yandi]

Oh yes...I'd love to have both. But that is very unlikely. It already seems a little selfish to be buying a R3 when I am not sure m'lady will even join me for long rides. She'd freak if there were two bikes in the garage and no swimming pool in the backyard.
I will definitely take a classic for a ride this weekend and after that I should be more certain.
Mmmmmmm...two bikes???? that's sorta sounding good, tho.
Wonder which one I'd be choosing most often?
Yeah...best I break the ties with Speedie. Might get a 2-stroke 125cc cafe racer type thing, just to be an idiot on.
See...I'm confused.

[Legman]

Hey Yandi......I went the same route. After 2years and 30,000k on my Speedy I test rode a Rocket 3 and was hooked. So Speedy went and I bought a black standard rocket. No pillion seat, no bags or windscreen or any unneccessary s#%t. Its just a bigger hooligan. I got the TORS and cat bypass, and it makes a wonderful noise. I test rode a Classic with all the gear and I felt like an old man perched up there with a screen and footboards (not that there is anything wrong with that). I have added tuneboy which has unlocked a s#%tload of power. I don't miss speedy any more.

[bkrbil]

Originally Posted by Yandi

Oh yes...I'd love to have both. But that is very unlikely. It already seems a little selfish to be buying a R3 when I am not sure m'lady will even join me for long rides. She'd freak if there were two bikes in the garage and no swimming pool in the backyard.

Just do the right thing...buy her a pool, inflate it, fill it with the hose, go out and buy your Rocket and keep your Speedy.

Problem solved.