Considering a Rocket vs an Indian

[BigNorm]

Welcome from Northern Nevada. I thought I was going to end up on a Chieftain as I had been looking at it for a while. It has the R3 beat as far as comfort. The Indian dealer in Boise had a R3T out front that someone had traded in with only 2000 miles on it. I rode it once and traded my old road glide in like I didn't even like it. I love my rocket. It produces stupid amounts of power instantly and effortlessly. I did work on the stock seat myself to make it more comfortable. Now I have the best of both worlds.

 

[TURBO200R4]

if u like speed,comfort and style u need a rocket.

 

[TURBO200R4]

some one wake up jim

 

[EasTexRIII]

Ok, I'll do my best attempt at a Jim impersonation..............
If you choose the Rocket, you will look just like your avatar within a few miles

 

[BillyIndiana]

I have an Indian Dealer right across the street from my office. I looked at the Springfield and the Chieftain. I took the Chieftain for a test ride for the weekend. Then I went to Windy City Triumph 3 hours away and tested a R3T. I bought the R3T. All it took was a twist of the throttle. Main things that won me over was like the Indian the R3T is a complete ready to go motorcycle. I may have to add cup holders, but that is about it. Second was the price. For the engineering in the R3T there is no better value on the market. Oil Change at 500 miles then see you in 10.000 miles. I bought the R3T this November and the dealer is storing it for the winter. There are some great deals out there and I saved $11,000.00 over the Indian, and I promise when I start making the ride circuit this spring it will gain the attention and respect from the other riders. Don't get me wrong this was not all about the money. Just tighten your grip and give that throttle a twist.

Oh and welcome from Indiana

 

[Tripps]

Welcome. That goofy guy should be along shortly. @RKTNMYPKT

 

[1K9]

Place them side by side and ride them.

Hello,

I am about to venture back into the world of motorcycling after a 10 year absence. I have owned Harleys, Hondas, a Yamaha and a BMW K bike.

I am looking hard at a Rocket Roadster. There are a few new and used around at two different dealerships in my area.

I am also strongly considering and Indian Chief Dark Horse. I know it seems kind of weird as they are quite different bikes. I do not see myself in the position to buy two bikes in the future any time soon.

My philosophy of use for the motorcycle is primarily a toy and recreation. I will use it to commute to work which is only 4 miles each way. Cruising about town, and short to medium length touring.

I'm going to test ride some bikes this Wednesday and Thursday. I'll let you all know on my impressions are and what I find.

Jamie

Jaime;
The RIII is surprisingly light between the legs when straddled and brought to balance. You can buy two Rockets for the price of an Indian. Twins have a special vibe @ 60 to 80 mph. The RIII has a buzz. The Indian certainly has presence but I get several stares and at least one thumbs up each time I take the Rocket out. The Harlistas have never complained when I have had to park beside them. The twins have a hard time accelerating past 80 mph and, if you keep them there for long, you will be going to the mechanic soon. @ 70 mph on the RIII you can throttle down or downshift to 3rd and Take Off. 70 to 100 before you know it, not even a chance to peek at the speedometer. Nothing with a motor can challenge you. For me @ this stage this option it is a matter of safety. On most cruiser twins, turns are led by the handlebars. The RIII requires a sport-bike forward/lateral (Body English) lean into turns. At first it feels strange but it grows in to your mind.

You have lots of experience so we can't wait for your test ride impressions.

 

[RKTNMYPKT]

I've been riding motorcycles for over 35 years and I have never owned any brand of motorcycle for more than two years at a time.

However I rode the R3T for 5 yrs and the Roadster for 3.
The reason for that is because the Rocket is such a fabulous motorcycle. And is in a class all of its own.


I would agree with everything everybody has to say about the Rocket, except for perhaps BillyIndiana's comments about the R3T being a complete and ready to go Motorcycle as compared to the Chieftain. as far as touring motorcycles go the R3T does not hold a candle to the Indian chieftain.

The chieftain has all of the amenities that a true touring motorcycle should have, where as the rocket touring has a windshield, floor boards, bags and a ton of torque and horsepower.

The rest of the stuff could be added of course.

Where as adding horsepower and torque to the chieftain would be an expensive and very limited proposition.

The only reason I no longer own a Rocket is because after eight years I was ready to try something new and I loved the looks of the Indian , and I could not afford to have both.

of course the biggest adjustment from going from a Rocket to an Indian is the horsepower and torque or lack there of.

The first time I ran out of throttle on the Indian and had to downshift while going up a long uphill grade my thoughts were WTF!

But now I am used to the Indian I know what to expect from the bike and I absolutely love it. I routinely get my Indian up to 100 to 110 mph without any trouble at all. The only difference being is that you cannot maintain that speed on a hill without downshifting on an Indian,but on Rocket you wouldn't even have to think about it

It all comes down to what you want from a motorcycle.

Test ride both, let us know what you decide.

EDIT:

If it helps you make up your mind your not going to find a better group of guys and gal's that are on this forum

The guys over on the Indian forum are mean to me

 

[RKTNMYPKT]

You may have come to the right place with that question because it just happens we have a lunatic addled touched insane wacky barmy dingy unbalanced bonkers, oh hell, we have a member that traded his magnificent Rocket in on a plush Indian. He can probably give a short dissertation (if he can control himself that long) on the pros and cons of both brands.

bob

I am not signing this so no one will know who wrote it.

 

[kipper]

The best idea would be to test ride them both . Then buy the ROCKET!!