Bonneville America Forums Forums General Motorcycle Forums Other Bikes *BIG, BIG, HUGE PROBLEM*

Well went to the local Triumph dealer today and ordered a T-100 front sprocket cover, then I got to looking around and this is where the problem arises. I was talking to a salesman that was standing around and asked him about the rumor of a mid sized cruizer from Triumph. We got to bullS*#%*ing and he said he really had not heard anything about a mid size cruizer. Then he asked if I had ridden a Rocket yet and NO I had not, but that was all about to change. I grabbed my gear and down the road I went. He was sending me on about a 3 mile test ride but somehow I missed the turn and about 20 miles later I was back at the dealer. All I can say is WOW!!! This is where the problem comes in. I am thinking that I need one of these in my garage. I think the bike is GREAT less the quiet exhaust. I could not believe how nimble this bike is, it does not feel anywhere near as heavy as it actually is. I was able to pretty much throw this thing around just as easy as my TBA if not easier, and TORQUE, gobs of torque and then some to spare. At a stop sign or light you twist the throttle and the bike lurches to the right, But you take it down the road and she is unbelievably smooth. As I mentiomed before the only major thing that I would have to do from the get go would get rid of the stock exhaust. This bike does not have the nostalgic look as the Amrica or Speedmaster but d#&n does this thing run. I was doing 100 before I knew it. Anybody that has not ridden one of these bikes yet has to take one for a ride they are quite the bike. Now it's gonna kill me everytime I think about it. What to do??

So what's the problem?

When I rode one last summer I was giggling the entire time like a schoolgirl, er, I mean an evil mad scientist, yeah-yeah, that's it. Evil. Grrrrr...

I will have one, as soon as my bills are paid off and I can afford one without selling my TBA or Mustang. So, I'm thinking the year 2010.

Ron, if that bike suits you, and it sounds like it does, then go for it.

John, do you mean a laugh like an


Soren

I, too, was smitten by Rocket fever. My dilema is a little different than yours. On long rides the forward foot controls and short suspension travel aggravate my bad back. Instead of getting a huge version of the same setup, and not wanting to ever part with my America, my next bike will be a Sprint.

I rode one last week and realized that I wouldn't have my licence long if i owned one of these, I would never have a place to safely and legally use the power and torque. Besides theres something about the thump and the soul of a twin cylinder. They are nice, just not for me.

The only thing stopping me from selling my America for a Rockett III is the way it looks. The preformance is great but I can't get past the huge tank and industrial tracker looking engine. The black engine is better but I still prefer the look of the America.

The looks of the Rocket tend to evoke either hate or love.

The first time I visited the dealer I commented to the sales person that the Rocket was one FUGLY lookin thing ...and I noted to him how I thought that big wide water cooler on the front ruins the cut of the bike.

I guess you either love it or hate it. I have not ridden one. At my comment he simply said..... "Well, it goes like gangbusters"

You got it! I can get one if I trade in my America, I don't want to trade in my America. I want them both but I am not making any progress Not yet any way. I already want to go take it for another ride and maybe get lost for an afternoon or something Anyone out there who has not taken one for a ride yet has to do it, just to see how nimble it really is and how much torque and power this thing has. I am still working the issue. I would love to have one of these sitting next to my TBA and then my only decision would be which one do I want to ride today

You have no problem.
If you can afford one, the insurance isn't mind numbingly expensive and there's space in the garage - go for it!

Ron, I also finally test rode a R3 a couple weeks ago and the feelings are mutual . Just wished it would somewhat resembled the America and I'd have one. As far as insurance is concerned, it's buying more life insurance would pose a problem

Kerby

Its that very same reason why I havent rode one yet. Sitting only for now.

this might appeal to some

http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/photopo...=500&page=1

I'm not in love with the looks of the Rocket like I am with the Speedmaster and America. That being said my best friend got the Rocket and loves it!

In my opinion a better solution for me is a 1000-1500 twin in the Speedmaster. Maybe someday?

how about my link Kevin

I’ve ridden the R3 about 5 times now. All I can say is it WILL spoil you. Handles like a dream. There is also a lot of after market stuff for the bike now. (a lot of chrome do-dads and other stuff). I’ve also heard the R3 with D&D pipes on it and it will give you a woodie. If I had the room in the shed for the TBA and a R3, I’d def do both…

I've ridden a Rocket too. There is one in my future, just not sure when, two kids in college this fall . As far as the insurance, I checked with my agent and it's only ten dollars a month more than the SM .

Sounds like its time for a new shed

Erwin, good one. How about this?

Now......thats an ideal vision for a Rocket of sorts. Looks a lot better IMHO.

ITS A TOUGH CALL' BUT I THINK I LIKE YOUR VERSION BETTER

Sprint ST for me too. Took a test ride a couple of weeks ago. Smooth is it's middle name. I'm hooked. My wife wants me to get a Tiger instead, probably because it looks less sporty. But I am really hooked on the Sprint ST.

Oh Yes,
I was bitten a couple months ago. We are trying to budget a Rocket for next year, but with the news that my plant is shutting down in 2½ years kinda cramps the idea. Financially, I am stretched out like a gnat over a 55 gallon drum, so I can't afford it in that time frame. Maybe more blessings will come along and I'll get one.

Thats always the case for me too, Want to much and not enough money........... [image]http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=4495&sort=1&cat=500&page=1[/image]

ok! i couldn't stand it any longer. triple this and triple that. i had the oportunity to ride a brand new 2003 1200 trophy this afternoon. it had never been titled and had 5 miles on it. it was very disappointing. i hated the riding position and the the bike didn't scream down the road like i exspected from a triple. i was thrilled to get on my ba again.. i don't dare try the rocket. i sure my opinion would be much better!

If you're big and fast you can afford to be ugly. The Rocket is big, fast and unfortunately...ugly. Did I mention overweight?

Quote:

---

It may be overweight to some but once you get on one of these , It doesn't feel overweight at all, in fact I think it feels just as nimble as our bikes, the center of gravity is nice and low and I think it handles like a dream. I will have one of these yet!

---

I would have to say that I agree after riding one a couple of times. Very nimble and endless power.