How tall y'all

[Maelstrom]

Just picked up the September issue of "Motorcycle Cruiser" magazine which had an article on power cruisers including the new Rocket III Roadster vs the Ducati Diavel, the H-D Night Rod and the Yamaha Star VMAX. The author and 3 other test riders tried them all for comparison. As you might have guessed, the Rocket came in last according to the test driver's preferences. Regardless, they all agreed that the Rocket was the one they would prefer for long trips, it had the range, comfort, and power, and was the best priced of the lot...it was also stated that the Rocket came closest to maintaining the classic cruiser look. However, the consensus was that the Rocket was just too big...However it should be noted that one reviewer was 5'6", another was 5'10", another was 6' and all were under 200 lbs. The author himself did not offer his personal dimensions, but from the pics included in the article, these men all looked roughly the same size. I am 6'2" and I weigh 275...OK, I know I could stand to pass on second helpings indefinitely. With my height, I have absolutely no problems placing both feet on the ground with bent knees to boot. Anyways, I remember being a young kid and riding my BMX style bicycle all over he place while I could only barely touch the ground with one toe on my brother's 10 speed. That 10 speed was just simply too big for me then...I guess my point is that trying to compare the Rocket to these other bikes is like comparing apples to oranges. "Too tall" was a common complaint from the reviewers for all of the bikes. Perhaps the magazine should have chosen some taller guys to review these bikes?

 

[Grendel]

The thing I think is so awesome about the Rocket is that there is just SO much you can do with it. It is a great package of comfort and performance out of the gate, but you can take it up to over 500HP (Like Warp did) if you are so inclined. There is just so much engine to work with and it is such a distinct and unique looking bike.
I will say that I stand 6' tall and have a 34" inseam and I can put my feet flat on the ground - barely. I think it is not so much that the bike is too tall as it is wide. The only place that I feel odd on the Rocket is when I have to make near still speed turns because it is a heavier bike (I am coming from a Triumph Speed Triple SE). That said, man the bike is a great experience and I am thoroughly enjoying it.

 

[Battersea]

Load of bloody wusses, I'm 5'8", 29" inside leg and weigh 175lbs and it 'aint too big for me.

 

[rayjay]

I'm only short

RJ

 

[1olbull]

Having your feet flat on the ground is NOT the most important measure of handling ability or comfort. Only one foot is needed at stops.

Low seat height is not a factor that seriously affects motorcycle handling. Ground clearance and lean angle are way more important with the ergonomics of bars to pegs to seat next.
JMHO,
1olbull

 

[CanberraR3]

These type of comparisons are meaningless and I couldn't care where anyone puts a Rocket compared to those other three; they're not in the same league. They're not even really comparable to each other. Instead of a Rocket they should maybe have gone for a M109 to put against them.

To my thinking, the Rocket's in a class on its own, and in that company it wins hands down.

 

[TOMCAT]

I throw my RIII around like it's 200 kilos. Watched a new owner just yesterday wobbling around feet dragging and looking really nervous. Not if you can flatfoot at lights , it's being familiar with the bike. Likes been said for any tester to compare a RIII to a V-Rod is just ridiculous.

 

[RKTNMYPKT]

I'm 6'1" barefoot, 6'3" in stilletos.....

 

[mexican]

5'4.5" tall
can stillhold my own when it comes to riding the beast, who cares what the girly sissies say

 

[TURBO200R4]

like comparing a race horse to a shetland pony. it all depends on what you want. if you are looking for short a scooter works just fine.