carlsonp
.040 Over
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2013
- Messages
- 69
Hi All:
I now have over 4000 miles on my R3R and thought I'd update my original http://www.r3owners.net/rocket-iii-roadster/15851-2013-r3-roadster-review.html . It's a long post so thought I'd just create new thread.
- My original comments on the shocks were too negative. With only 400 miles on them at the time they had some wearing in to do. I will still change them out, but they're not nearly as bad as I'd originally thought.
- Upon re-reading my original review, I see that I commented on the brakes being good, but needing a firm right hand. That, too, must have been a wear-in issue. The front brake seems quite light and I find I usually just use my middle finger for front braking.
- After getting through the original engine break-in I've since got her on the road for some (relatively) longer trips. The R3R is an absolute dream on road! Stable, smooth, doesn't get pushed around in high winds, etc.
- I did go to the Sturgis rally this year, 600 miles from my home in minneapolis. I stayed off the interstate and kept her at 80-85mph all through South Dakota. The torque in 5th going up the long, steep roads is a joy. I had installed a Throttlemeister throttle lock and it was amazing how little I needed to adjust the throttle on these hills while loaded down with gear. I also passed Harley and after Harley, uphill, like they were standing still. Many Harley guys atthe petrol stations (after they'd caught up) were very surprised and impressed at how I'd whizzed past them.
- Again, just to emphasize, it is wonderful the rapidity with which the R3R pulls from 85 to 105mph while overtaking. A joy!
- My longest day of riding was 600 miles riding home. When I got back to minneapolis it was a beautiful evening, so I just kept riding. The seat thus works for me, but I'm guessing another would even be much better. It's likely that I'll invest in one before a long trip in the future.
- I continue to be amazed at the R3R's agility in the twisties and that became especially apparent in the Black Hills. Even without the extra power exiting corners, the Harley's can't keep up in the corners (higher lean angle, more athletic ergos, very low COG, etc.).
- At about 3500 miles (5600km) I could feel the stock Metzlers lose some stickiness. I just ordered the BS Exedra Max and the Commander II as recommended by so many here and they'll go on this week.
- In sum, this bike is a keeper. I look forward to many more miles and seasons. I plan to spend on performance mods after this first season is over, taking the R3R to another level next spring.
Finally, as I note in that other thread, I had a 2012 Vrod. Some predicted the Rocket would replace her and those folks were mostly correct. It frankly wasn't a good 'pairing' with the Rocket and I traded in the Vrod after a few weeks into the Triumph Speed Triple SE. Now these two bikes are a dream pairing! They're almost not comparable as they're such completely different riding experiences, each incredible at what they do.
Thanks for tuning in, everyone. As always, I appreciate the great community here and all fun, know-how, and advice.
Peter
Edit to add a couple of pics.... they're probably of more interest and say more than the blather above.
I now have over 4000 miles on my R3R and thought I'd update my original http://www.r3owners.net/rocket-iii-roadster/15851-2013-r3-roadster-review.html . It's a long post so thought I'd just create new thread.
- My original comments on the shocks were too negative. With only 400 miles on them at the time they had some wearing in to do. I will still change them out, but they're not nearly as bad as I'd originally thought.
- Upon re-reading my original review, I see that I commented on the brakes being good, but needing a firm right hand. That, too, must have been a wear-in issue. The front brake seems quite light and I find I usually just use my middle finger for front braking.
- After getting through the original engine break-in I've since got her on the road for some (relatively) longer trips. The R3R is an absolute dream on road! Stable, smooth, doesn't get pushed around in high winds, etc.
- I did go to the Sturgis rally this year, 600 miles from my home in minneapolis. I stayed off the interstate and kept her at 80-85mph all through South Dakota. The torque in 5th going up the long, steep roads is a joy. I had installed a Throttlemeister throttle lock and it was amazing how little I needed to adjust the throttle on these hills while loaded down with gear. I also passed Harley and after Harley, uphill, like they were standing still. Many Harley guys atthe petrol stations (after they'd caught up) were very surprised and impressed at how I'd whizzed past them.
- Again, just to emphasize, it is wonderful the rapidity with which the R3R pulls from 85 to 105mph while overtaking. A joy!
- My longest day of riding was 600 miles riding home. When I got back to minneapolis it was a beautiful evening, so I just kept riding. The seat thus works for me, but I'm guessing another would even be much better. It's likely that I'll invest in one before a long trip in the future.
- I continue to be amazed at the R3R's agility in the twisties and that became especially apparent in the Black Hills. Even without the extra power exiting corners, the Harley's can't keep up in the corners (higher lean angle, more athletic ergos, very low COG, etc.).
- At about 3500 miles (5600km) I could feel the stock Metzlers lose some stickiness. I just ordered the BS Exedra Max and the Commander II as recommended by so many here and they'll go on this week.
- In sum, this bike is a keeper. I look forward to many more miles and seasons. I plan to spend on performance mods after this first season is over, taking the R3R to another level next spring.
Finally, as I note in that other thread, I had a 2012 Vrod. Some predicted the Rocket would replace her and those folks were mostly correct. It frankly wasn't a good 'pairing' with the Rocket and I traded in the Vrod after a few weeks into the Triumph Speed Triple SE. Now these two bikes are a dream pairing! They're almost not comparable as they're such completely different riding experiences, each incredible at what they do.
Thanks for tuning in, everyone. As always, I appreciate the great community here and all fun, know-how, and advice.
Peter
Edit to add a couple of pics.... they're probably of more interest and say more than the blather above.
