Blown away by a sportbike in the twisties...

[IMFASTTOO]

Well, duh, key-keeper!

We actually ride gnarlier roads than that, but we do it on very quiet and isolated country backroads, not with all that traffic, no driveways and/or side roads to worry about like on like Tantalus, which appears to go up and down one smallish mountainside. Racing around on any serious, sustained, twisting downgrade is an invitation to disaster, too!

Some friendly competition on such a road as Tantulus is not only stupid, but shows a complete disregard for others not just using the road, but living on or near it. Take that road and put it in our sort of environment and we'll pee all over just about any sportbike rider where the only ones that would be at risk are us, them and any innocent or unfortunate critters that might pop out of the woods.

I think that road is a crash waiting to happen I wouldnt pick that road to race anyone on who knows whats going to jump out in front of you LOL

 

[Claviger]

The danger on tantalus mostly comes from moss on the road toward the peak, it's got quite a few 20mph or less hairpins in the area. It's actually the only place I have seen riders wear full leathers on island.

 

[IMFASTTOO]

Don't feel too bad. I had that exact sa me experience and reaction coming back from the Crystal Lake Cafe on the San Gabriel Canyon Road a couple months ago. Two Gixxers and an S1000RR absolutely blew through every corner. I kept them in sight for maybe 6 or 7 turns and then they were gone. Wasn't even close. Came away thinking I really need to get to a track day with the Rocket.

NO you dont have to ride like a maniac on your comfy cruiser just because some idiots pass you on sport bikes and are trying to kill themselves or go to jail

 

[Rocket4me]

So, I know this is a cruiser, but it's also much, much more, so I guess my expectations are very high for its handling. Well today, while on my usual ride through the canyons, a sportbike appeared in my rear view mirror, seemingly out of nowhere. So, I signaled for him to go by me, but then figured I'd try to keep up with him for a bit. Well he blew me away! I could reel him in on the straightaways, but then there was a series of several turns in a row, and then he was gone. Cornering on his bike just seemed so effortless! Meanwhile, I'm manhandling the beast around the corners at a pretty good clip, but just nowhere as fast and easy as his bike. I must say, I was kinda bugged that he was able to leave me behind so easily. I'm sure part of it was that he was a better rider, but man I wish I could throw the rocket around like that. Maybe I need another bike for canyon carving! I definitely need to work on my riding skills.

I saw your post and had to respond. I have ridden just about every major brand and model of liter class sport bike available, to include BMW, Ducati, Augusta, Aprilia and most of the Japanese bikes. I love the power to weight ratio, the incredible acceleration and as you mentioned the flickable nature of those bikes in the twisties. Beyond all of those characteristics, all of those bikes share one important common trait....extreme discomfort!
If you are willing to forego comfort while riding in a tuck that brings consistent pain to your wrists, neck, back and knees after relative short periods of time in the saddle, then the sport bike may be a substitute. Speed through the corners is fun, but the long ride to those twisties is a bummer, no matter what kind of seat you apply. I have been there and done that. I even thought that a compromised ergo bike, sport tourer like the Yamaha FJR1300 would be good, and it was fun but still not overly comfortable for two up and honesty, somewhat soulless.
So, for me the Rocket III is the unique, comfortable, fast cruiser with a long tradition of putting other bikes in its class to shame. As the other guys here are saying, don't expect one bike to do it all, they don't exist. Find out what you do most and pick a bike to that thing....mine is fast comfort and great looks. To each his own.
j

 

[IMFASTTOO]

I saw your post and had to respond. I have ridden just about every major brand and model of liter class sport bike available, to include BMW, Ducati, Augusta, Aprilia and most of the Japanese bikes. I love the power to weight ratio, the incredible acceleration and as you mentioned the flickable nature of those bikes in the twisties. Beyond all of those characteristics, all of those bikes share one important common trait....extreme discomfort!
If you are willing to forego comfort while riding in a tuck that brings consistent pain to your wrists, neck, back and knees after relative short periods of time in the saddle, then the sport bike may be a substitute. Speed through the corners is fun, but the long ride to those twisties is a bummer, no matter what kind of seat you apply. I have been there and done that. I even thought that a compromised ergo bike, sport tourer like the Yamaha FJR1300 would be good, and it was fun but still not overly comfortable for two up and honesty, somewhat soulless.
So, for me the Rocket III is the unique, comfortable, fast cruiser with a long tradition of putting other bikes in its class to shame. As the other guys here are saying, don't expect one bike to do it all, they don't exist. Find out what you do most and pick a bike to that thing....mine is fast comfort and great looks. To each his own.
j

YES right on I agree I still have sport bikes but dont want to ride the **** uncomfortable torture racks and the modded rocket is faster and more fun

 

[Hov]

There is a sense of achievement in taking such an enormous, ludicrous, monster of a bike out on twisty roads without going through a hedge. If you ride a sports bike you have to go twice as fast to get the same sense of achievement. So I wave them past.
Getting old enough to appreciate comfort too.