Bonneville America Forums Forums General Motorcycle Forums Other Bikes To Rocket or Not to Rocket

I have talked to some members about high-siding my Sprint ST at the end of May. Luckily, I still had my America too. However, I am missing the amount of power that I had with the Sprint because that was the bike that I used primarily. The America was a bar hopper only. Now that I am driving this as my daily driver, I am missing something.
I am headed to my local Dealer to ride the Rocket III tomorrow. Does anyone have any advice (good or bad) in relation to this potential swap of bikes.

Thanks.

You will notice the weight difference and probably the handling that is not to say that the R3 does not handle it does, just differently from the ST.

You will come back with a smile on your face and a hole in your pocket anyway

I really liked my Sprint, but had too much wrist pressure when riding around town or after riding for 100 miles.

There is one potential hazard. After you ride the Rocket III, people will be asking what you are smiling about and why won't you stop.

I have and love the Sprint......but if I could...
3-2-1...BLAST-OFF !

The Rocket is a hoot to ride but I hear not comfy on long rides, though a touring seat is available.
I didn't think the Rocket felt any heavier getting it off the side stand than the America.
You will have a great time on it, just take it steady!

The ST is faster at the top end and if wrist ache is a problem, there are slightly higher bars available.
These are standard, I believe, for the American market on the '07 model onwards but also available for pre-'07 models (part #: A9638022 non-abs model, A9638023 abs model).

Either way, I pity your dilemma

The Rocket did nothing for me. In fact, I didn't like it one bit.
After you test the Rocket, try a Victory Vegas or Kingpin. Their dealers are happy to give test rides.

Have you considered the Tiger?
Good luck.

Just Do It!!

Soren

I like the rocket more than I thought I would. Riding one is an incredible experience. I like the Victories too but would not take one over the rocket. Not sure if I would own either though.
I sat on the sprint and the 07 riding position was not much different than the tiger, just lower and a bit less leg room. Never been on earlier models. I would probably take the sprint over both though.

The rocket has all kinds of torc and power but is a bike you have to be careful of, you just don't realize how fast your going and contrary to what they say that heavy MF does not stop on a dime. They do handle well, but on long rides on even a cool say you will wish you had AC.
A Sprint St would be the perfect bike if only it had ape hangers and forward controls.

If this helps you at all, Triumph just announced a free 55 gallons of gas with each new bike purchase or the following R3 promo:

buy R3 or R3 Classic and get free leather jacket and free leather saddlebags, or buy R3 Classic Tourer and get free men's and ladies jackets.

I have only had the America for 1 year and have 2600+ miles on it. As I said, the Sprint was my primary until the crash. I may ride the Tiger today as well. I feel on the highway that I really have to keep the rpms elevated and I am constantly searching for "6th" gear. I really like my America and I am getting used to having the cruiser, but I don't know if it is an all-around bike for me since I have been used to 2 drastically different bikes.

Thanks for the input everyone. I will post after my ride today.

I rode the bike today. I really didn't like it. It was just too big. People have said that you get used to the maneuverability, but I just didn't like it. With my America lowered, I like the stance and the look much better as well.

The good news is that my dealer just found a Sprint exactly like the one that I wrecked and I can get it really cheap. It is a factory demo, so still full 2 year warranty, only 2500 miles and heavily discounted. Gotta love it. I may be back to two bikes next week. That way I have the best of both worlds.

Thanks everyone for the input.

I'm from the sport bike world, got older and went sport touring, then couldn't take the wrist/neck angle and went Speedmaster. You are correct, a lot less happens when you twist the throttle. My next acquisition will be a Tiger. rides like a dirt bike with 125hp.

rocket is a great bike, you get used to its size after a bit of riding. all in all a relaible bike with a few issues that seem to happen at random. if you like it just get it

Frank

One of the requirements to be happy on an R3 is to have arms like Popeye. Otherwise, it can get to be just a little much to hang on while going through the gears.

Actually you just need G.I. Joe's Kung Fu Grip to hang on...

Sean I have to agree with you. I took a Rocket out for a demo ride and just hated it. The demo ride leader's eyes almost fell out of his head when I told him that. I found it to be very difficult to handle at low speeds and didn't like the bulkiness of the whole thing.

I also took out a Sprint that day and fell in love with it. I'd love to get one myself.