Is the rocket a dangerous/unforgiving bike?

[Chris141]

Hi guys.
I'm very curious about something and I hope you can help me form a clearer picture.
I want to get a '23 Rocket R for myself, I really like the bike. Not to mention that it is one of the few options I have as a tall rider (6'2) not taking into consideration the enduro/adventure bikes.
So I have a friend that says this bike is going to kill me because it is to powerful and has to much torque at low revs. In the past he recommended as options for me a Hayabusa and a Kawasaki H2 which a think they're rockets on wheels as well, but giving that they put the maximum torque at higher revs they are a bit safer. I haven't formed an opinion regarding that because I don't have much experience yet (only a few thousand miles)
What are you guys think?
Any input is much appreciated. Thanks

 

[atomsplitter]

You're only as dangerous as your right wrist. Any bike ridden past your skill limits can kill you, the key is learning where your limits are safely. The Rocket has phenomenal torque and acceleration, so if you can't do anything but full throttle starts stick with a Honda Monkey. What I'm getting at is any bike is dangerous when you have little experience, you can get a Rocket and gain experience by using the throttle and brakes judiciously until your skill improves allowing you to take more risks that aren't as risky with said experience and improved skills. When I want a relaxed ride I ride my Bobber Black, for peppier rides I'll opt for my T-120 or Thruxton R, highway drone I take my Thunderbird Storm, and when I want to act like a hooligan I ride this:

 

[Einar]

The rear tire is quite sticky, but also you don't even have full power/torque unless you set the throttle mapping to sport (which is default for sport mode but not the other modes). You can also configure the traction control to kick in sooner, if you're concerned. Also, the bike weighs more, so more pressure on the tire, which means better grip on average compared to lighter bikes. Frankly, the Rocket 3's torque is significantly but not drastically higher than the Harley-Davidson VVT 121's (163 vs. 139 lb.-ft. peak, or 17% greater).

I had a ZX-14R and it was far less forgiving. Don't forget that engine torque isn't what matters, it's the rear-wheel torque that does.

 

[Dr.D]

I’m sorry but your buddy is wrong. High torque at low rpm is very enjoyable and safe all day long. It’s the high hp at high rpm that requires you to wide open the bike to get the power and thrill. Most riding on public roads is done on the lower half of the bikes rpm range so the Rocket will be giving good power during the most commonly used rpm’s. Use your brain and right hand to live long and prosper.

 

[Journeyman]

The new and old rockets can be ridden very responsibly and I think there are a great number on this forum who don't really take full advantage of what this bike has the ability to offer- they just like being able to blast off if, or whenever, they want. Which is just to say that you can ride it like any other cruiser...... until you change your mind- then it definitely is no ordinary cruiser.

Like @atomsplitter I had a Speed Triple and that bike demanded to be twisted hard. Now, some of us do the same with the Rocket, but you have the choice. It's a wolf in sheep's clothing (especially the 2.3s by appearance only).

 

[Gregger]

When I first rode my 2012 Roadster the only experience I had was around 60,000 kms on an America. That's 800 cc with not a lot of hp or torque. I was really intimidated. My first few rides on the Roadster changed my opinion and riding experience. If anything, the Rocket was easer to launch from a stop. The bike had more torque idling than my America had at max power. I quickly learned to upshift early in wet weather to reduce wheelspin. I also had a much greater respect for the bike than my former model resulting in a more cautious approach when riding. I was also suprised at the cornering ability of this larger model. It isn't a liter bike, but it sure cornered better than a lot of crusiers. If you have some experience riding and have a head on your shoulders, you will do well with a Rocket, especially since the newer models handle so much better than the old.

 

[Mongler07]

the rocket is a MONSTER that is tame enough for a new rider and enough of a beast for anyone to enjoy. all motorcycles all do the same... FUN on 2 wheels. IMO the rocket is the way a motorcycle should be in every way. NOTHING WRONG with a little 250 pocket bike. the rocket is a little more advanced sue to the lack of drop protection and the high price point all things considered its by far one of the best motorcycles ever made for power and outstanding features that turn heads EVERYWHERE you go. its everything you want in a bike and 10x more. for the $ it provides more than most bikes can even hope to offer. its still small enough to lane filter or split lanes but more than enough to go 2 up with a ton of stuff strapped on. the only one downfall of the rocket and all its previous generations is its greatest strong point, being tame. its a HUGE ENGINE that when unleashed is more powerful than nay other motorcycle and most cars. IMO you can have as much fun on a 500 or smaller but NOTHING will compare to the ability to make you scream in your helmet in any gear in joy. If big fun things are your thing and big bikes like HD's and what not are not your style. THIS IS THE BIKE FOR YOU.
as far as safety.... thats 100% dependent on your skills. no bike big or small is going to "kill you" more or less. you can easy buy the farm on a 250cc just as easily as a 2500 cc. knowing your limits and how to ride correctly and training yourself to perform in an emergency situation is 1005 nothing to do with a machine weather it be a gun or motorcycle or ticked off partner, your ability to manage said danger is your responsibility. If you are not confident on a big motorcycle that's fine. go take a motorcycle course and EVERY WEEK you ride, spend 20 minutes practicing panic breaking and tight low sleep maneuvers.

 

[pica]

It's a great bike to ride, safe, stable at speeds, corners will with a lot of clearance, well planted. Saying so, practice panic braking... it stops fast but it's a lot of mass, so you have to be ready to handle it.

 

[acim]

R3 is not dangerous at all, stupidity is dangerous.

 

[Chris141]

Thanks guys!
I appreciate you took the time to explain and guide a newbie like me
It helped a lot to access different opinions and others' experiences
Ride safe!