2013 R3R Review Update

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. :)

IMG_20130807_083755.jpg

IMG_20130805_143701.jpg
 
That's a pretty good review there Peter. I actually don't own a Roadster at the moment, and have been informed by the Minister For Finance (The Wife) that I/we won't be able to afford it until 2015. So I find it reassuring to find positive information and feedback on this forum. The more information I receive gives me a better chance of getting things right upon purchase. Keep the feedback coming:):):)
 
Thanks for the review

Well carlsonp the only thing I have to disagree on, that I find myself only using my middle finger, is when blowing the horn.

After checking out the second picture, if we go riding you pick out where we stop. :D
 
That's a pretty good review there Peter. I actually don't own a Roadster at the moment, and have been informed by the Minister For Finance (The Wife) that I/we won't be able to afford it until 2015. So I find it reassuring to find positive information and feedback on this forum. The more information I receive gives me a better chance of getting things right upon purchase. Keep the feedback coming:):):)

Keep an eye out for when we go for a ride and join in on your zuki:D
 
Keep an eye out for when we go for a ride and join in on your zuki:D

If you get out to Dayboro I probably won't miss you. We went out yesterday and noticed on our way through, there was a gold coloured Rocket parked opposite the Dayboro Bakery. Dam it looked nice:):):):). I've only ever ridden with Rockets once before and that was at the Wots Den Grand Opening in Sydney a few year's back, and f@©% me they get up and go:eek::eek::eek:
 
If you get out to Dayboro I probably won't miss you. We went out yesterday and noticed on our way through, there was a gold coloured Rocket parked opposite the Dayboro Bakery. Dam it looked nice:):):):). I've only ever ridden with Rockets once before and that was at the Wots Den Grand Opening in Sydney a few year's back, and f@©% me they get up and go:eek::eek::eek:

Eva Riden one?
 
Unfortunately I had to pay for the privilege of her cleaning the bike. She actually did a great job, however. It was the first time in a long while I'd thought how being 22 or so has it's benefits (I'm 37).

On that note, the Vrod couldn't be ridden 2-up for more than a few miles. My pillion passengers on the R3R have all felt very comfortable back there with the short Triumph backrest, even in a 250 mile trip.

Finally, it was interesting to me that in Sturgis, where I was seeing many thousands of bikes every day, I didn't spot one other Rocket until my third day there. I saw 3 on the whole trip: 1 Touring and 2 Roadsters. It was frankly nice not to see them everywhere, but on noticing one another, we captains enthusiastically waved to one another amidst the sea of Harleys.
 
Back
Top