Rocket 3-thoughts?
Discussion
I’ve owned three Tigers: 2002, 2006 and I’ve still got my 2009 Sport. I have an urge to get a Rocket 3 because it looks like a lot of fun.
Does anyone here own one? What has been your experience with it and any thought about the R vs the GT? I like the idea of the relaxed position of the GT but have heard all the bumps go though your back.
Thanks for sharing
Does anyone here own one? What has been your experience with it and any thought about the R vs the GT? I like the idea of the relaxed position of the GT but have heard all the bumps go though your back.
Thanks for sharing
Driller said:
I’ve owned three Tigers: 2002, 2006 and I’ve still got my 2009 Sport. I have an urge to get a Rocket 3 because it looks like a lot of fun.
Does anyone here own one? What has been your experience with it and any thought about the R vs the GT? I like the idea of the relaxed position of the GT but have heard all the bumps go though your back.
Thanks for sharing
Don't own one myself (BMW R1200GSA) but my mate has one. He has a place in the Italian alps and we've ridden down there on a number of occasions.Does anyone here own one? What has been your experience with it and any thought about the R vs the GT? I like the idea of the relaxed position of the GT but have heard all the bumps go though your back.
Thanks for sharing
We've also done the TT, NW200 and Ulster GP with a bit of touring when in Ireland.
He loves it.
I've ridden it and can't stand it.
Edited by babelfish on Sunday 6th June 00:53
Tbf the new one is night and day different. I ran one for a few weeks and loved it. Found the R riding position comfy, though after an hour on the motorway my legs felt like they were catching too much wind, but I’m 6’3”.
Loved how it handles, you have to be going some to deck it out, and although it’s heavy the weight’s down low. And obviously the acceleration is mad.
ETA: I’ve done a few videos of it on the YT (can’t add links because the PH Police won’t like it)
Loved how it handles, you have to be going some to deck it out, and although it’s heavy the weight’s down low. And obviously the acceleration is mad.
ETA: I’ve done a few videos of it on the YT (can’t add links because the PH Police won’t like it)
Edited by TimmyWimmyWoo on Sunday 6th June 08:38
Timmy, I’m in the middle of watching the excellent video review you sent me (great presentation style btw) but just in case there are any other interested parties listening: with your height, how did the riding position feel?
Was there enough space between the seat and footpegs to avoid leg cramp? What about the handle bar position? Even though I’m lanky, because of the setup on the Tiger I always feel like I have to hunch my shoulders and reach forward to the handlebars and this causes some back ache on long journeys.
Ps replied with my Hotmail address
Was there enough space between the seat and footpegs to avoid leg cramp? What about the handle bar position? Even though I’m lanky, because of the setup on the Tiger I always feel like I have to hunch my shoulders and reach forward to the handlebars and this causes some back ache on long journeys.
Ps replied with my Hotmail address
Edited by Driller on Sunday 6th June 10:40
foxsasha said:
My Black Edition R was delivered yesterday. Haven't ridden it yet but test rode the GT. Great fun bike but didn't particularly like the feet forward position. Love the cartoonish nature of them, they're just so daft. And fast, they do go well.
Sorry must have crossed posts. Congratulations! You must be itching to get out on it. Can you let us know how it compares to the GT when you do?As a former Daytona 675 and current Speed 1050 RS owner, having ridden Rocket 3 over Swiss mountains, I can give my very personal 2 cents.
1. It is typical Triumph, very smooth, very stylish. That could be called character, or it could be called lack of character, depending on the person. Depending on how much "life" you want from your bike I would also check out Diavel, it has less power but also less mass and it has more "life" imho, due to its twin.
2. It is big, long, heavy...but it goes really well, also around the bends. I would not call it particularly exciting, but, again, this is my personal imho.
3. 9 liter / 100km consumption going up and down some steepish hills. 2.5L engine is car-like in that respect. This is just as a note.
4. Sound and propulsion forward reminds me of a jet taking off. Strong propulsion and constant noise. Well, I am constrained by Swiss laws, of course.
5. I would train my biceps well on this bike, when accelerating I was constantly pulling myself forward on acceleration, and I was on a more "sporty" type of Rocket, not the cruiser one with pegs way forward.
6. Yes, it transfers all bumps into your spine. That is why I will NEVER buy a cruiser, I value my spine much more.
Overall great bike, but I rode it and forgot it.
On a separate note, I rode the new 1200 Speed RS.
Yes, it is now much more sporty than my 1050RS, feels like a racing horse compared to my old but meaty working horse of 1050RS.
Much better gearbox and QS/B.
There is no sound from that stock exhaust, 1050RS sounds much better through double high Euro4 Arrow mufflers.
1050RS has more carbon fiber and is more color-matched all around, 1200 has all kind of colors everywhere, similar to V4S, which I also rode recently on Swiss alpine hairpins.
Side note, ride-wise I would prefer V4s to 1200RS, but I really do not like this clown color mix.
I also rode the new S1000R on hairpins, typical BMW, technically great, the best instrumentation in the business, I would not buy it ever.
For me, the best road bike is the latest SuperDuke 1290 R.
Roomy and comfortable, great instrumentation, QS/B not as smooth as on 1200RS/1050RS/S1000R, but it is a twin, and it works great in the end.
Fantastic handling, for me much more confidence-inspiring than 1200RS or S1000R.
It is fun from 3000rpm, because of the massive torque and fruity sound, just a little flick of throttle makes it brrrap and lunge, and that on standard throttle with 72 degrees rotation, I would replace this with KTM 65 degree throttle.
I even rented this bike for a day, after initial try in February, first bike I ever rented, just because I wanted to try it on my roads.
I took my gf to work on it, no problemo, she did not complain and I did not notice any negatives riding 2 up in city traffic, it is more than smooth enough at low rpms, it works great as a commuter.
I did not try 1290R before I bought my Speed 1050RS.
Now, thinking back, I would have bought 1290R even though it was many thousands more expensive than 1050RS (which I got on discount because of it being discontinued, and I wanted 1050RS since 2018 when I first tried it against all kind of supernakeds).
My next bike will be 1290R SuperDuke, 100%.
But, yes, if you like smooth stylish cruisers, the Rocket is great. 2.5L triple, this in itself is a thing of beauty, no question.
P.S. If I could build my own bike, I would take 1290R, put 1200RS gearbox and QS/B on it and S1000R instrumentation.
Reminds me of Clint Eastwood in Good, Bad, Ugly, when he took three good guns and built one great one out of them. :-)
1. It is typical Triumph, very smooth, very stylish. That could be called character, or it could be called lack of character, depending on the person. Depending on how much "life" you want from your bike I would also check out Diavel, it has less power but also less mass and it has more "life" imho, due to its twin.
2. It is big, long, heavy...but it goes really well, also around the bends. I would not call it particularly exciting, but, again, this is my personal imho.
3. 9 liter / 100km consumption going up and down some steepish hills. 2.5L engine is car-like in that respect. This is just as a note.
4. Sound and propulsion forward reminds me of a jet taking off. Strong propulsion and constant noise. Well, I am constrained by Swiss laws, of course.
5. I would train my biceps well on this bike, when accelerating I was constantly pulling myself forward on acceleration, and I was on a more "sporty" type of Rocket, not the cruiser one with pegs way forward.
6. Yes, it transfers all bumps into your spine. That is why I will NEVER buy a cruiser, I value my spine much more.
Overall great bike, but I rode it and forgot it.
On a separate note, I rode the new 1200 Speed RS.
Yes, it is now much more sporty than my 1050RS, feels like a racing horse compared to my old but meaty working horse of 1050RS.
Much better gearbox and QS/B.
There is no sound from that stock exhaust, 1050RS sounds much better through double high Euro4 Arrow mufflers.
1050RS has more carbon fiber and is more color-matched all around, 1200 has all kind of colors everywhere, similar to V4S, which I also rode recently on Swiss alpine hairpins.
Side note, ride-wise I would prefer V4s to 1200RS, but I really do not like this clown color mix.
I also rode the new S1000R on hairpins, typical BMW, technically great, the best instrumentation in the business, I would not buy it ever.
For me, the best road bike is the latest SuperDuke 1290 R.
Roomy and comfortable, great instrumentation, QS/B not as smooth as on 1200RS/1050RS/S1000R, but it is a twin, and it works great in the end.
Fantastic handling, for me much more confidence-inspiring than 1200RS or S1000R.
It is fun from 3000rpm, because of the massive torque and fruity sound, just a little flick of throttle makes it brrrap and lunge, and that on standard throttle with 72 degrees rotation, I would replace this with KTM 65 degree throttle.
I even rented this bike for a day, after initial try in February, first bike I ever rented, just because I wanted to try it on my roads.
I took my gf to work on it, no problemo, she did not complain and I did not notice any negatives riding 2 up in city traffic, it is more than smooth enough at low rpms, it works great as a commuter.
I did not try 1290R before I bought my Speed 1050RS.
Now, thinking back, I would have bought 1290R even though it was many thousands more expensive than 1050RS (which I got on discount because of it being discontinued, and I wanted 1050RS since 2018 when I first tried it against all kind of supernakeds).
My next bike will be 1290R SuperDuke, 100%.
But, yes, if you like smooth stylish cruisers, the Rocket is great. 2.5L triple, this in itself is a thing of beauty, no question.
P.S. If I could build my own bike, I would take 1290R, put 1200RS gearbox and QS/B on it and S1000R instrumentation.
Reminds me of Clint Eastwood in Good, Bad, Ugly, when he took three good guns and built one great one out of them. :-)
Edited by Ho Lee Kau on Friday 11th June 09:15
Driller said:
Sorry must have crossed posts. Congratulations! You must be itching to get out on it. Can you let us know how it compares to the GT when you do?
First ride today. Immediate thought's were wow, that's a stretch to the bars. However it wasn't long before I settled into it and became comfortable. Prefer the riding position to the GT as when you want to hustle (as much as you can with such a heavy bike) you can get into a more aggressive riding position. Thats never going to happen trussed up like your at the gynecologist as per the GT position.Ho Lee Kau said:
As a former Daytona 675 and current Speed 1050 RS owner, having ridden Rocket 3 over Swiss mountains, I can give my very personal 2 cents.
1. It is typical Triumph, very smooth, very stylish. That could be called character, or it could be called lack of character, depending on the person. Depending on how much "life" you want from your bike I would also check out Diavel, it has less power but also less mass and it has more "life" imho, due to its twin.
2. It is big, long, heavy...but it goes really well, also around the bends. I would not call it particularly exciting, but, again, this is my personal imho.
3. 9 liter / 100km consumption going up and down some steepish hills. 2.5L engine is car-like in that respect. This is just as a note.
4. Sound and propulsion forward reminds me of a jet taking off. Strong propulsion and constant noise. Well, I am constrained by Swiss laws, of course.
5. I would train my biceps well on this bike, when accelerating I was constantly pulling myself forward on acceleration, and I was on a more "sporty" type of Rocket, not the cruiser one with pegs way forward.
6. Yes, it transfers all bumps into your spine. That is why I will NEVER buy a cruiser, I value my spine much more.
Overall great bike, but I rode it and forgot it.
On a separate note, I rode the new 1200 Speed RS.
Yes, it is now much more sporty than my 1050RS, feels like a racing horse compared to my old but meaty working horse of 1050RS.
Much better gearbox and QS/B.
There is no sound from that stock exhaust, 1050RS sounds much better through double high Euro4 Arrow mufflers.
1050RS has more carbon fiber and is more color-matched all around, 1200 has all kind of colors everywhere, similar to V4S, which I also rode recently on Swiss alpine hairpins.
Side note, ride-wise I would prefer V4s to 1200RS, but I really do not like this clown color mix.
I also rode the new S1000R on hairpins, typical BMW, technically great, the best instrumentation in the business, I would not buy it ever.
For me, the best road bike is the latest SuperDuke 1290 R.
Roomy and comfortable, great instrumentation, QS/B not as smooth as on 1200RS/1050RS/S1000R, but it is a twin, and it works great in the end.
Fantastic handling, for me much more confidence-inspiring than 1200RS or S1000R.
It is fun from 3000rpm, because of the massive torque and fruity sound, just a little flick of throttle makes it brrrap and lunge, and that on standard throttle with 72 degrees rotation, I would replace this with KTM 65 degree throttle.
I even rented this bike for a day, after initial try in February, first bike I ever rented, just because I wanted to try it on my roads.
I took my gf to work on it, no problemo, she did not complain and I did not notice any negatives riding 2 up in city traffic, it is more than smooth enough at low rpms, it works great as a commuter.
I did not try 1290R before I bought my Speed 1050RS.
Now, thinking back, I would have bought 1290R even though it was many thousands more expensive than 1050RS (which I got on discount because of it being discontinued, and I wanted 1050RS since 2018 when I first tried it against all kind of supernakeds).
My next bike will be 1290R SuperDuke, 100%.
But, yes, if you like smooth stylish cruisers, the Rocket is great. 2.5L triple, this in itself is a thing of beauty, no question.
P.S. If I could build my own bike, I would take 1290R, put 1200RS gearbox and QS/B on it and S1000R instrumentation.
Reminds me of Clint Eastwood in Good, Bad, Ugly, when he took three good guns and built one great one out of them. :-)
I've got a KTM 1290GT. If you're thinking of a Rocket then chances you aren't thinking about a 1290GT. Completely different experiences. Same with a Diavel. 1. It is typical Triumph, very smooth, very stylish. That could be called character, or it could be called lack of character, depending on the person. Depending on how much "life" you want from your bike I would also check out Diavel, it has less power but also less mass and it has more "life" imho, due to its twin.
2. It is big, long, heavy...but it goes really well, also around the bends. I would not call it particularly exciting, but, again, this is my personal imho.
3. 9 liter / 100km consumption going up and down some steepish hills. 2.5L engine is car-like in that respect. This is just as a note.
4. Sound and propulsion forward reminds me of a jet taking off. Strong propulsion and constant noise. Well, I am constrained by Swiss laws, of course.
5. I would train my biceps well on this bike, when accelerating I was constantly pulling myself forward on acceleration, and I was on a more "sporty" type of Rocket, not the cruiser one with pegs way forward.
6. Yes, it transfers all bumps into your spine. That is why I will NEVER buy a cruiser, I value my spine much more.
Overall great bike, but I rode it and forgot it.
On a separate note, I rode the new 1200 Speed RS.
Yes, it is now much more sporty than my 1050RS, feels like a racing horse compared to my old but meaty working horse of 1050RS.
Much better gearbox and QS/B.
There is no sound from that stock exhaust, 1050RS sounds much better through double high Euro4 Arrow mufflers.
1050RS has more carbon fiber and is more color-matched all around, 1200 has all kind of colors everywhere, similar to V4S, which I also rode recently on Swiss alpine hairpins.
Side note, ride-wise I would prefer V4s to 1200RS, but I really do not like this clown color mix.
I also rode the new S1000R on hairpins, typical BMW, technically great, the best instrumentation in the business, I would not buy it ever.
For me, the best road bike is the latest SuperDuke 1290 R.
Roomy and comfortable, great instrumentation, QS/B not as smooth as on 1200RS/1050RS/S1000R, but it is a twin, and it works great in the end.
Fantastic handling, for me much more confidence-inspiring than 1200RS or S1000R.
It is fun from 3000rpm, because of the massive torque and fruity sound, just a little flick of throttle makes it brrrap and lunge, and that on standard throttle with 72 degrees rotation, I would replace this with KTM 65 degree throttle.
I even rented this bike for a day, after initial try in February, first bike I ever rented, just because I wanted to try it on my roads.
I took my gf to work on it, no problemo, she did not complain and I did not notice any negatives riding 2 up in city traffic, it is more than smooth enough at low rpms, it works great as a commuter.
I did not try 1290R before I bought my Speed 1050RS.
Now, thinking back, I would have bought 1290R even though it was many thousands more expensive than 1050RS (which I got on discount because of it being discontinued, and I wanted 1050RS since 2018 when I first tried it against all kind of supernakeds).
My next bike will be 1290R SuperDuke, 100%.
But, yes, if you like smooth stylish cruisers, the Rocket is great. 2.5L triple, this in itself is a thing of beauty, no question.
P.S. If I could build my own bike, I would take 1290R, put 1200RS gearbox and QS/B on it and S1000R instrumentation.
Reminds me of Clint Eastwood in Good, Bad, Ugly, when he took three good guns and built one great one out of them. :-)
Edited by Ho Lee Kau on Friday 11th June 09:15
Didn't notice any impacts on my spine.
Edited by foxsasha on Saturday 12th June 14:53
Thanks for the valuable feedback chaps. Took a GT out today for 2 hours.
Loads of fun, the engine is just brilliant, monstrous, although not at all as much of a handfull I thought it would be. Love the bellow on acceleration and deep bubbling on over run. Took a while to get used to the weight especially for example some tram-lining on a rough road, filtering at low speed. Otherwise the handling was perfectly civilised for such a heavy bike.
If really felt like something special riding it. A real event and lots of positive attention from other road users fwiw.
I'm 6'3 and I found the bars and foward positioned foot pegs very comfortable for my arms and legs. Unfortunately the same can't be said for my back
The combination of relatively hard suspension, low profile rear tyre, short travel rear shock and lack of under body foot support meant that after 30 minutes or so I started to get a decidedly achey back. From then on every bump sent a jarring feeling up my spine and when I got off at the end I had shooting pains down both legs
Sodding back, made me feel old and I'm not fifty yet...
I read with interest on another form that its potentially possible to keep the forward footpegs in place even after fitting R style mid-placed ones and you can turn the springs round so they default to the up position so best of both worlds.
I have a test of the R with the mid foot pegs on Wednesday so I'll let you know it goes.
Loads of fun, the engine is just brilliant, monstrous, although not at all as much of a handfull I thought it would be. Love the bellow on acceleration and deep bubbling on over run. Took a while to get used to the weight especially for example some tram-lining on a rough road, filtering at low speed. Otherwise the handling was perfectly civilised for such a heavy bike.
If really felt like something special riding it. A real event and lots of positive attention from other road users fwiw.
I'm 6'3 and I found the bars and foward positioned foot pegs very comfortable for my arms and legs. Unfortunately the same can't be said for my back
The combination of relatively hard suspension, low profile rear tyre, short travel rear shock and lack of under body foot support meant that after 30 minutes or so I started to get a decidedly achey back. From then on every bump sent a jarring feeling up my spine and when I got off at the end I had shooting pains down both legs Sodding back, made me feel old and I'm not fifty yet...
I read with interest on another form that its potentially possible to keep the forward footpegs in place even after fitting R style mid-placed ones and you can turn the springs round so they default to the up position so best of both worlds.
I have a test of the R with the mid foot pegs on Wednesday so I'll let you know it goes.
In a nutshell. New one. Fantastic.
Older one. Too heavy and lacking in bhp and general oomph.
I also like the KTM 1290 mentioned but a far better street fighter is the Ducati V4 1103cc. Absolutely fantastic engine and really smooth and polished. 200+ Bhp is delivered in a very exciting way too. I rode one and was blown away.
Older one. Too heavy and lacking in bhp and general oomph.
I also like the KTM 1290 mentioned but a far better street fighter is the Ducati V4 1103cc. Absolutely fantastic engine and really smooth and polished. 200+ Bhp is delivered in a very exciting way too. I rode one and was blown away.
Driller said:
Thanks for the valuable feedback chaps. Took a GT out today for 2 hours.
Loads of fun, the engine is just brilliant, monstrous, although not at all as much of a handfull I thought it would be. Love the bellow on acceleration and deep bubbling on over run. Took a while to get used to the weight especially for example some tram-lining on a rough road, filtering at low speed. Otherwise the handling was perfectly civilised for such a heavy bike.
If really felt like something special riding it. A real event and lots of positive attention from other road users fwiw.
I'm 6'3 and I found the bars and foward positioned foot pegs very comfortable for my arms and legs. Unfortunately the same can't be said for my back The combination of relatively hard suspension, low profile rear tyre, short travel rear shock and lack of under body foot support meant that after 30 minutes or so I started to get a decidedly achey back. From then on every bump sent a jarring feeling up my spine and when I got off at the end I had shooting pains down both legs
Sodding back, made me feel old and I'm not fifty yet...
I read with interest on another form that its potentially possible to keep the forward footpegs in place even after fitting R style mid-placed ones and you can turn the springs round so they default to the up position so best of both worlds.
I have a test of the R with the mid foot pegs on Wednesday so I'll let you know it goes.
Did another few hours on my R today. Im now perfectly comfortable with the riding position and the more I ride the bike the more I like it. Was a mix of all types of riding. Fast, slow, bumpy, traffic, town, straight, lots of bends, filtering, over takes etc. You name it. Loads of fun, the engine is just brilliant, monstrous, although not at all as much of a handfull I thought it would be. Love the bellow on acceleration and deep bubbling on over run. Took a while to get used to the weight especially for example some tram-lining on a rough road, filtering at low speed. Otherwise the handling was perfectly civilised for such a heavy bike.
If really felt like something special riding it. A real event and lots of positive attention from other road users fwiw.
I'm 6'3 and I found the bars and foward positioned foot pegs very comfortable for my arms and legs. Unfortunately the same can't be said for my back
The combination of relatively hard suspension, low profile rear tyre, short travel rear shock and lack of under body foot support meant that after 30 minutes or so I started to get a decidedly achey back. From then on every bump sent a jarring feeling up my spine and when I got off at the end I had shooting pains down both legs Sodding back, made me feel old and I'm not fifty yet...
I read with interest on another form that its potentially possible to keep the forward footpegs in place even after fitting R style mid-placed ones and you can turn the springs round so they default to the up position so best of both worlds.
I have a test of the R with the mid foot pegs on Wednesday so I'll let you know it goes.
The best bit is that its fun to ride for the sake of being sat on it. Doesnt matter if its in traffic, town, at speed. Its an occasion to ride. Usually I get annoyed with excess traffic etc but couldnt care less on the Rocket, fast, slow, whatever, its all good. Cornering is challenging as you need to pay attention. Its not like youre going to get yourself out of a hole with 300kg of bike if you screw up corner entry speed etc. I mean, the bike has a bit of forgiveness built in but theres only so many liberties you can take. Which is a good thing as its hugely rewarding to power through a series of corners feeling the big fat rear tyre sling you out of the bends.
Good stuff.
To add, Im 100% happy with R over GT.
foxsasha said:
Did another few hours on my R today. Im now perfectly comfortable with the riding position and the more I ride the bike the more I like it. Was a mix of all types of riding. Fast, slow, bumpy, traffic, town, straight, lots of bends, filtering, over takes etc. You name it.
The best bit is that its fun to ride for the sake of being sat on it. Doesnt matter if its in traffic, town, at speed. Its an occasion to ride. Usually I get annoyed with excess traffic etc but couldnt care less on the Rocket, fast, slow, whatever, its all good. Cornering is challenging as you need to pay attention. Its not like youre going to get yourself out of a hole with 300kg of bike if you screw up corner entry speed etc. I mean, the bike has a bit of forgiveness built in but theres only so many liberties you can take. Which is a good thing as its hugely rewarding to power through a series of corners feeling the big fat rear tyre sling you out of the bends.
Good stuff.
To add, Im 100% happy with R over GT.
Yes absolutely agree with that. Just sitting on it at low speed feels like a real event. The best bit is that its fun to ride for the sake of being sat on it. Doesnt matter if its in traffic, town, at speed. Its an occasion to ride. Usually I get annoyed with excess traffic etc but couldnt care less on the Rocket, fast, slow, whatever, its all good. Cornering is challenging as you need to pay attention. Its not like youre going to get yourself out of a hole with 300kg of bike if you screw up corner entry speed etc. I mean, the bike has a bit of forgiveness built in but theres only so many liberties you can take. Which is a good thing as its hugely rewarding to power through a series of corners feeling the big fat rear tyre sling you out of the bends.
Good stuff.
To add, Im 100% happy with R over GT.
No back ache? How tall are you if you don’t mind me asking?
Ho Lee Kau said:
1. It is typical Triumph, very smooth, very stylish. That could be called character, or it could be called lack of character, depending on the person. Depending on how much "life" you want from your bike I would also check out Diavel, it has less power but also less mass and it has more "life" imho, due to its twin.
2. It is big, long, heavy...but it goes really well, also around the bends. I would not call it particularly exciting, but, again, this is my personal imho.
3. 9 liter / 100km consumption going up and down some steepish hills. 2.5L engine is car-like in that respect. This is just as a note.
4. Sound and propulsion forward reminds me of a jet taking off. Strong propulsion and constant noise. Well, I am constrained by Swiss laws, of course.
5. I would train my biceps well on this bike, when accelerating I was constantly pulling myself forward on acceleration, and I was on a more "sporty" type of Rocket, not the cruiser one with pegs way forward.
6. Yes, it transfers all bumps into your spine. That is why I will NEVER buy a cruiser, I value my spine much more.
Overall great bike, but I rode it and forgot it.
That's pretty much what i would say about it too.2. It is big, long, heavy...but it goes really well, also around the bends. I would not call it particularly exciting, but, again, this is my personal imho.
3. 9 liter / 100km consumption going up and down some steepish hills. 2.5L engine is car-like in that respect. This is just as a note.
4. Sound and propulsion forward reminds me of a jet taking off. Strong propulsion and constant noise. Well, I am constrained by Swiss laws, of course.
5. I would train my biceps well on this bike, when accelerating I was constantly pulling myself forward on acceleration, and I was on a more "sporty" type of Rocket, not the cruiser one with pegs way forward.
6. Yes, it transfers all bumps into your spine. That is why I will NEVER buy a cruiser, I value my spine much more.
Overall great bike, but I rode it and forgot it.
It handles quite like an articulated lorry - get the front end round and leave enough room for the rear to follow and you will be fine, never forget just how loaded you are and think twice about where you want to park.
Torque is good (well, it would be with that size of an engine) but it just never seems to really take off when you gas it; I spent a lot of the time wondering where the extra ponies were stabled.
Personally, I found both old and new versions seriously uncomfortable after less than an hour and couldn't imagine a day in the saddle without painkillers.
I would also have a serious look at the Diavel.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff