FTR2: Why we do it.

[CanberraR3]

I find that even Rockets that don't look like my bike are attractive (in their way ). Only time a Rocket looks ugly is when someone has tried to turn it into something it's not ie tried to make it look like a Road King or Goldwing.

I do feel for you a bit, Dave (@scot in exile ). After 5 years I still enjoy the fact there aren't many around (here), although riding with a group of Rockets a couple of years ago has been perhaps the most enjoyable riding I've ever done. That they were being ridden by some of the best blokes I've ever met may have had something to do with it though......

 

[TOMCAT]

That was one ride that will most likely never be repeated .. all those blokes together in the one spot .. it's a ride i'll not forget either mate

 

[cusso ken]

That was one ride that will most likely never be repeated .. all those blokes together in the one spot .. it's a ride i'll not forget either mate

RDU Melbourne was the first time I had ridden with another Rocket of this type ,had a mate with the BSA Rocket and a few tridents were around back in the day, the guys and Lady I met at RDU were a great bunch and well worth the effort of turning up, God willing I will catch up with them again at the next RDU?

 

[steve59]

I rode to a dealership friday and there were at least 4 2013 speed triples they were giving away for 11,700 usd new and at least that many thunderbirds of various models so maybe it was a promo to help move some stale inventory, around here I see an R3 every time I ride(in season).

 

[Rocket Scientist]

I wonder if maybe Rockets have a small to none profit margin. Kinda like a Corvette. They just keep them around for bragging rights. That might explain why there is little to no R & D done on them. But if that's the case, you'd think they would show it off in any promotional video about the brand.

As for looks, it's kinda like one of these. Definitely has the look of power, but beauty ? I don't know.

 

[Steve Barnes]

Very well done, passion is a great part of this hobby (obsession) this piece shares some of that passion in my humble opinion

 

[GRAMPY]

Sometimes I look at "Rocksy" and think how beautiful it looks... Another time I see another side,& compared with "some-other" steeds, I think it's an ugly S.O.B.---But I ain't swapping it any time soon, coz at the end of the day, Rocksy is SO different, nothing can compare, or indeed beat it for the sheer mass and power;---- for good or bad.... people stare in disbelief , and in awe when they see the 2300c/c plate.----------
-& on top of that, a grey haired ol' fart piloting the beast.... Feckin' great

When you launch your Rocket from the traffic lights, and EVERYTHING, that was beside / around you, have vanished in the rear view mirrors, Then you realise why you own and love 'em

R111,s-- have a distinct presence, and attitude in spades...Embrace it ....

 

[CanberraR3]

I wonder if maybe Rockets have a small to none profit margin. Kinda like a Corvette. They just keep them around for bragging rights. That might explain why there is little to no R & D done on them. But if that's the case, you'd think they would show it off in any promotional video about the brand.

As for looks, it's kinda like one of these. Definitely has the look of power, but beauty ? I don't know.

If sold at RRP, there is a good margin on a Rocket, as with all the range (roughly proportional). A lot of it, though, is eaten up with the pre-delivery. There's a lot to do to get a Rocket - more than with any other bike in the line-up - out of the crate and then out the door and dealers really do earn their return.

Surprising how many people still haven't heard of one though. Had someone the other day arguing that the 140ci badge on my oil tank was the size of the oil tank not the engine capacity because if there was an engine that size "I'd bloody well know about it. Biggest bike engine you can get is on a Harley: I've seen it - 110ci." He was also sure a a rocket has 6 cyl. When I corrected him I got the "are your sure?". I actually like this about our bikes.

 

[bruce aussie]

Some of my mates still ask me when I'm going to sell the Rocket and go back to a Harley. Have had it said to me it must be an awfull thing to ride. My answer is always here's the keys, no one has taken up my offer, scared they'll like it I think. Peck is still the only mate of mine that has ridden the Rocket and he asked me, he couldn't wait to get on it and liked it. Might have brought one if he was still around.

 

[TOMCAT]

Barely a day goes by when i don't have someone comment on the 'appearance' of my RIII. Quite often it's people who know little or nothing about bikes .. just say "it's a beautiful looking bike". Occasionally they comment it looks nicer than all the Harley's around. Some are disbelieving when told it's got a 2.3 litre engine (like i don't know what size motor my own f#ckin bike has) .. and then the standard " that's bigger than my cars engine" .. follows