 Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 401
Adjunct
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 401 |
Had a Rocket 3 touring all day today as a loaner whilst mine is going through it's annual MOT. Lovely to ride, but a complete pig to manover in and out of parking spaces. Got the front wheel caught in a slight dip around a drain cover and couldn't get the bloomin thing out without getting off the bugger. The foot plates are just where yer legs need to be when trying to shuffle backwards. The rear brake is in totally the wrong place as you really have to lift yer leg to put your foot on it. Perhaps a Goldwing type reverse gear would make it a lot more practicle. Maybe I'm just a weakling but 10 minutes to turn the beast round in my narrow sloping driveway was no fun. 
The path of excess leads to the Palace of Wisdom
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,685 Likes: 20
Monkey Butt
|
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,685 Likes: 20 |
After you get used to owning a big pig like that you change your riding habits. You ride it like having a car with a broken reverse. You always treat it like you have to drive straight out. Backing into inclined parking places, allowing for escape routes rather than push it backwards, etc.
Once you have that R3 moving they are a joy to ride.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 261
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 261 |
Rode an R3T on Sunday and really liked it, but I agree a reverse gear would be great! My understanding is the GoldWing uses the starter motor to push the bike backwards somehow.
2007 America, Phantom Black/Sunset Red
Deposit down on 2010 Thunderbird - can't wait for it!
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,017
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,017 |
Quote:
Why I won't buy a Rocket
I just kinda figured this was another pointless pity-post stating again that you needed to raise £3,000...
Mark
|
|
|
 Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Quote:
Perhaps a Goldwing type reverse gear would make it a lot more practical
+1
Every bike over 700lbs needs a reverse!
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 517
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 517 |
Not sure I agree with you here. I rode one 135 miles last Sunday on a 62 bike ride-brand new dealer demo. VERY nimble and I did not have any issue getting it parked, unparked, pushed around or backwards or any other way. It's a heavy bike and you need to be a bit mindful as mentioned but if a rider thinks a few seconds ahead no problem at all. That big bike takes turns at 90 better than my America.
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
Most of the Harley cruisers (bigger than Sportsters) are also very difficult to back out of a sloping or tight driveway, if you don't plan ahead. Personally, I love having a lighter bike and not worrying about how I park.
The GWs do use the starter for reverse. You first change a mechanical gear lever and when you push the starter, the bike backs up. Once backed up, you set the lever to normal position, crank, and go.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 517
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 517 |
Reverse. One more thing to break.
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,464 Likes: 1
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,464 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Reverse. One more EXPENSIVE thing to break.
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753 |
my old man on his rocket can sometimes run away from me on twisty roads
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 432
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 432 |
You're kidding, right? Do you spend more time parking the bike than you do rideing it?
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 394
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 394 |
If you need a reverse for a bike , then you might as well drive a car
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
|
|
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Servicars and HD's with factory installed sidecars came with a real reverse up to the mid 60's.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
I rode one at the NH Rally - what a machine. If not for having the appropriate name of "Rocket," TWTF - Two Wheel-ed Torque Factory might be a good nickname.
It's not too far from the top of my Powerball toy list.
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
If I can get enough money together that I don't need for something else before I can do it I want to buy a R3T. Considered selling my Studebaker to get the funds.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 517
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 517 |
Wonder how many "G-Wingers" tip it over going backwards?
As for the pillion footplates-yes, they are close when pushing the beast back-however, they do flip up for such an occasion, unless the passenger is still attached-which points to a completely new set of problems.
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 738
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 738 |
I'm gettin' one! I like a physical challenge
One day as a tiger is worth a thousand as a sheep
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,459 Likes: 1 |
0 % over 3 years on the R3T offer in the UK.
Tempting, but I best finish of the America first.
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,113
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,113 |
Sorry Simon, Had one for the day yesterday (that test ride I booked in Birmingham), riding out of Birmingham was a pig, had to physically move it to make it lean, on way back (4hrs later), was throwing it around bends like a good 'un. No problems parking or reversing, although I had pegs on this one, not boards. Only problem I had was trying to work out what that lever by left foot did, as all it appeared to do was go up and down!!! 
Paul.
"If at first you don't succeed... So much for skydiving."
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 401
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 401 |
I just kinda figured this was another pointless pity-post stating again that you needed to raise £3,000...
Then your a complete Tw@t and pretty pointless yourself. So go fvckyerself
The path of excess leads to the Palace of Wisdom
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,715 Likes: 4
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,715 Likes: 4 |
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Finally... in a forum I don't control...
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,017
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,017 |
Quote:
I just kinda figured this was another pointless pity-post stating again that you needed to raise £3,000...
Then your a complete Tw@t and pretty pointless yourself. So go fvckyerself
Thanks man...I really needed that laugh!
Mark
|
|
|
 Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,629 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
|
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,629 Likes: 7 |
I won’t buy one because I can’t afford the speeding tickets.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 641
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 641 |
I bought one today(the 26th)and left my america there on consignment.I am in love with the way it handled the corners,accelerate past cars/trucks and will become accustomed to the floorboards.So far I would never own anything else.The america is a wonderfull bike and I enjoyed my time but now it is a different time...waiting for daylite and the rain to stop so that I can ride!!
life is good..I am retired..sold my America in 2008,bought a Rocket and sold that in 3/2013 and now own a new Triumph Bonneville T-100
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
Bob, Keep your hands on the reins and your feet in the stir ups, ride safe man >>> jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I'm jealous!  
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,113
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,113 |
Hope you get to enjoy it soon. I pick mine up on Wed, yes America had to be P/X for it. No room for both bikes in shed.
Had the foot boards taken off though and have had pegs put on. Personal thing, I like to stretch legs out when on a long run.
Paul.
"If at first you don't succeed... So much for skydiving."
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 405
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 405 |
R3 and the R3T are totally different bikes in handling and performance, R3t has new frame , forks, diff tune in motor, diff wheels an tyres and the bodywork on it as well as diff bars,pegs/boards, lights and clocks.
When considering make sure you take BOTH out to compare and take for a Looooong ride on all types of roads.
Personally I Luurrrrv the original, driven correctly you will need new jackets with 2" longer sleeves..... streched arms!!!
"four wheels move the body
-two wheels move to soul"
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
I'd like to luv one, but at 30 MPG I couldn't afford it. On any given evening, I fire up one of my turnips and ride all evening for about $11. Fairly reasonable hobby at 45-50 MPG, but that would strain my tight budget with the R3.
Fidelis et Fortis
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
|
|
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
I've wanted a Rocket III for a couple of years now. After riding a R-III touring and then a '08 Tiger for a half hour each, I think I am cured of that itch. Now I want a Tiger instead. But I think I will try to hold off a while and see what the new Thunderbird is like. A year is not that long. 
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 176
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 176 |
ST1300A 725lbs Wet is no prob to move around. Is the levarage different because of the R3T's seating position?? Just curious 
Johnny
----------
"You never know 'til you know, then you forget" -- Jimmy Buffett
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988
3/4 Throttle
|
|
3/4 Throttle
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 988 |
I will own a R3 before its over! It only took about a 20 minute ride and I was sold, the only problem is that I don't want to trade my America, hence the problem. I need more storage space and some more cash would help too! It was an addicting ride to say the least! 
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 512
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 512 |
i painfully wanted one......too big for my size....went with an h-d. It is one of the best handle'n bikes I've owned. next to the speedmaster of course.
-Tony
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Have you guys seen the latest "Cycle World"(Oct-08) and their comparo test between all the big "retro" baggers, written by the one and only Peter Egan, and which traveled from Newport Beach CA to the Grand Canyon and through Prescott AZ on some of the route?
The R3T was picked first overall, followed by the Harley Road King, the Moto Guzzi California Vintage, and then all the Japanese baggers and the Victory Kingpin Tour.
Good article.(and not just because the Triumph "won", of course)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
I will own a R3 before its over! It only took about a 20 minute ride and I was sold, the only problem is that I don't want to trade my America, hence the problem. I need more storage space and some more cash would help too! It was an addicting ride to say the least!
I'm right there with ya, same exact perdicament. 
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Quote:
I bought one today(the 26th)and left my america there on consignment.I am in love with the way it handled the corners,accelerate past cars/trucks and will become accustomed to the floorboards.So far I would never own anything else.The america is a wonderfull bike and I enjoyed my time but now it is a different time...waiting for daylite and the rain to stop so that I can ride!!
How did I miss this post...I was wondering if you were going to pipe up about this.
Still cant wait to see it on Thurs!
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
I bought one today(the 26th)and left my america there on consignment.I am in love with the way it handled the corners,accelerate past cars/trucks and will become accustomed to the floorboards.So far I would never own anything else.The america is a wonderfull bike and I enjoyed my time but now it is a different time...waiting for daylite and the rain to stop so that I can ride!!
Yep! Sounds like the perfect bike to ride from the Great Northwest to the Great Southwest(Triumph Fest in May of '09) there Bob!!! 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: Why I won't buy a Rocket
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 641
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 641 |
taking it in tomorrow(wednesday the 3rd)for 500 mile service,hopefully installation of light bar,engine gaurd,sissy bar and rack and tors.Leaving thursday am with Z and Karen(maybe jhaggard) for the Baker City Rally.Definetely looking forward to Mays journey to Prescott..I am pumped!!!
life is good..I am retired..sold my America in 2008,bought a Rocket and sold that in 3/2013 and now own a new Triumph Bonneville T-100
|
|
|
|
|
