Hi there,
I owned an M109R for 9 years and put around 50,000 km on it without a single technical issue—extremely reliable. Sold it last year. For my height (192 cm), it was incredibly comfortable. The riding position was just perfect, and the bike itself felt massive, a real heavyweight cruiser.
Now, after about a month on the Rocket 3 R Storm, my biggest takeaway is how much more compact it feels in comparison. Riding the M109R was like being on an XXL-sized cruiser, whereas the Rocket feels more like an XL or even L in terms of size and ergonomics. The riding position on the Rocket isn’t as comfortable, also due to the seat—it’s significantly firmer and smaller than the one on the M109R. Suspension much firmer on Rocket also.
Performance-wise, though, the difference is absolutely massive. Comparing a 1.8L engine to a 2.5L, with 125 hp vs. 182 hp and 160 Nm vs. 224 Nm of torque, the Rocket is on a completely different level. The extra gear (6-speed vs. M109R’s 5-speed) also helps, and the Rocket comes with modern safety tech like ABS and traction control, which the M109R lacks.
In terms of sound, the M109R had that deep, throaty rumble—pure joy. The Rocket sounds sportier, and while it’s still powerful, the Euro 5 regulations definitely mute its character.
Other notable differences:
- Fuel tank: M109R – 19L, Rocket – 18L
- Service intervals: M109R – 6,000 km, Rocket – 16,000 km
- Weight: M109R – ~347 kg wet, Rocket – ~320 kg wet
- Fuel consumption: M109R did around 5L/100 km, while the Rocket is noticeably thirstier.
Overall, both are incredible bikes, but they offer very different riding experiences. The M109R is a classic muscle cruiser—big, comfortable, and with that unmistakable V-twin character. The Rocket, on the other hand, feels more compact, much more powerful, and sportier in its handling.
Cheers