Is the rocket a dangerous/unforgiving bike?

[sunny]

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

First, you like the bike, second, statistically a lot more people have died on 1000cc so 1000cc are bad, no, its the rider not the bike. Third, rocket has several modes, ride in rain mode to get used to it for few weeks and dont do stupid things, its a forgiving bike, do not override your skills. Have you tried taking a test ride of Rocket?

 

[Mongler07]

I'll add to the "don't ride dumb"/ statistics.
Nearly 25% of all motorcycle crashes involve the consumption of alcohol from the rider.
And nearly 80% of all the fatalities of riders involved a lack of adequate head protection overall.
Imo a rider who generally follows road laws, speeds limits, and is a same sober moral prudent person with adequate beginner level skills and is practicing diligence and attention to all reasonable surroundings and has a mental readiness of an escape plan, you are much less likely to even be involved in a accident in any way other than an act of God or just search bad luck. You have a 18% chance of being in an accident in a car nationwide (USA) and if you remove the bad behavior and do as I suggested above in some way with at least a full face better than DOT helmet and good riding boots and gloves, you have a much less chance of being in an accident that damages you and or the motorcycle.
There are some great studies and research being done in the last 20 years to back this up.
Never ride in a group of anyone doing anything mentioned above as bad behavior, stay sober, and wear a helmet.... Your better off than being in a car because you have to pay attention on a motorcycle.
Anyone telling you they had to "lay her down" or that a motorcycle is dangerous or loud pipes save lives or you have to lean to a tear a bike is just plain wrong.
There is a level of danger in motorcycles for sure. But imo it's much less than in a car save for bad luck or being foolish.
The rocket is awesome. Ride safe!

 

[dfresh]

So for street bikes I started with a 999cc bike and then added the rocket 3 to the stable around 6 months ago. It’s definitely managable torque wise but to be honest I’m still growing into the bike in some respects and haven’t come close to pushing it to its limits. I also retook an advanced riders course to initially to help me get accustomed to the weight difference and displacement. You also have to work a little harder in slow speed manuevers due to the wide rear tire and wide handlebars. Probably the only thing I’ve noticed in normal riding is that I have to be careful not to open the throttle too fast while in a curve on the highway as I can feel the tire start breaking free which isn’t a great feeling at 85 mph haha.

 

[Bosco15]

As this is a Rocket forum, you are going to get nothing but glowing reviews and rightly so. The R3 is a very well designed and engineered bike and as a result is very safe, in the right hands.
You state that you don't have much experience. Imo, the R3, although you could quite easily ride it, is not the bike for you at this stage.
There is a VERY high probability that you will drop your bike, regardless of what you are riding, at some stage purely through inexperience. I'm not saying that you are a bad or unskilled rider, but riding motorcycles is a skill which develops through experience. There would not be one single member of this forum who hasn't dropped their bike, at some stage. When I say "dropped" I'm not talking about crashes, but slow speed spills through over balance or gravel or slick grass, etc.
Usually more embarrassing than injurious, minor damage can result to your bike. The R3 being such a heavy bike, if she decides to go down you'd have to be well placed or Arnold to stop her. The way they are designed, even a small fall can cause substantial dollar value damage.
So, my point is, hold on to your goal of owning and riding a Rocket but garner another twelve months or so experience riding before pulling the trigger and investing big $$$.

 

[Tal]

...i think your 'Friend" talks nonsense...

 

[Gimlet]

There's nothing inherently dangerous or difficult about the Rocket because of it's power. It's a very easy bike to ride and it isn't going to rip your arms off. It doesn't produce hyper-sports bike levels of acceleration through the gears, more a gargantuan sense of shove which is a different thing and something you can't get in the same way from any other bike, except possibly a custom-built big inch Harley.
Echoing what Bosco15 says above, low speed manuoeuvring is a possible pitfall for the inexperienced, especially the GT with its forward controls. If you fumble or make an error doing a taxiing turn with the steering on a tight lock and suddenly hit the front brake the biek can tuck and topple simple because of its mass. But this is only a matter of getting used to it. It's not in any way a handful to move around at low speed.

The only possible "danger" I can think of is its slight tendency to understeer on slow bends off the power if you don't consciously add a touch of countersteer. But it's no different in that respect to most big Harleys. If you jump off a supermoto and try and ride the Rocket in the same way on narrow twisty back roads it isn't going to work. But frankly your instincts will tell you immediately not to do that. At speed, especially if you keep the power on, it handles with incredible nimbleness and is more than capable of hustling much smaller and lighter bikes.
If you want one, buy one and don't be scared of it. Just treat it with respect and take your time to get used to it.

 

[Jagster]

As this is a Rocket forum, you are going to get nothing but glowing reviews and rightly so. The R3 is a very well designed and engineered bike and as a result is very safe, in the right hands.
You state that you don't have much experience. Imo, the R3, although you could quite easily ride it, is not the bike for you at this stage.
There is a VERY high probability that you will drop your bike, regardless of what you are riding, at some stage purely through inexperience. I'm not saying that you are a bad or unskilled rider, but riding motorcycles is a skill which develops through experience. There would not be one single member of this forum who hasn't dropped their bike, at some stage. When I say "dropped" I'm not talking about crashes, but slow speed spills through over balance or gravel or slick grass, etc.
Usually more embarrassing than injurious, minor damage can result to your bike. The R3 being such a heavy bike, if she decides to go down you'd have to be well placed or Arnold to stop her. The way they are designed, even a small fall can cause substantial dollar value damage.
So, my point is, hold on to your goal of owning and riding a Rocket but garner another twelve months or so experience riding before pulling the trigger and investing big $$$.

I tend to agree with what Bosco15 is suggesting.
Why rush into buying the biggest bike out there, so soon after you begin riding bikes?
Take your time to savour all the different bikes out there that are lighter and less powerful.....and less costly, so if you do drop your bike in the earlier learning/development period, it won't be so damaging to your wallet.
Give yourself a year or two to develop your riding experience. It will be better for you in the long run.
There are quite a number of people who only ride a bike at a weekend for a short 'ride around to the cafe to meet up with friends' kind of thing. There are others who really put the distance in, and the time in also. The difference in riding experience and therefore ability, is pretty significant.
So, what i'm saying is.....if you must have a Rocket 3, put the time & distance into developing your experience, then trade up to the Rocket, or an HP2, or what ever.

I find it a bit concerning that you appear to be just focussing on the most exclusive high end bikes. You state that you have very little riding experience because you are new to biking. I assume therefore that your quest for one of these high-end bikes is almost entirely an ego thing. After all, with the limited experience that you have at the moment, you won't be able to utilise the performance on offer.
Be careful of letting your ego take control of your mind.

Take it easy and ride safe.

 

[Chris141]

First, you like the bike, second, statistically a lot more people have died on 1000cc so 1000cc are bad, no, its the rider not the bike. Third, rocket has several modes, ride in rain mode to get used to it for few weeks and dont do stupid things, its a forgiving bike, do not override your skills. Have you tried taking a test ride of Rocket?

Yes, I like it a lot. But at the same time I'm trying to do my research before getting it. I'm always mindful on my behavior while I'm riding and I don't do stupid things
Unfortunately I don't have any opportunity for a test ride, as the only dealer in the country doesn't provide one and I have no knowledge of other riders having one around me.

 

[Vector]

The R3 is powerful but stable. However, I would not recommend it for a novice rider.

 

[Chris141]

I'll add to the "don't ride dumb"/ statistics.
Nearly 25% of all motorcycle crashes involve the consumption of alcohol from the rider.
And nearly 80% of all the fatalities of riders involved a lack of adequate head protection overall.
Imo a rider who generally follows road laws, speeds limits, and is a same sober moral prudent person with adequate beginner level skills and is practicing diligence and attention to all reasonable surroundings and has a mental readiness of an escape plan, you are much less likely to even be involved in a accident in any way other than an act of God or just search bad luck. You have a 18% chance of being in an accident in a car nationwide (USA) and if you remove the bad behavior and do as I suggested above in some way with at least a full face better than DOT helmet and good riding boots and gloves, you have a much less chance of being in an accident that damages you and or the motorcycle.
There are some great studies and research being done in the last 20 years to back this up.
Never ride in a group of anyone doing anything mentioned above as bad behavior, stay sober, and wear a helmet.... Your better off than being in a car because you have to pay attention on a motorcycle.
Anyone telling you they had to "lay her down" or that a motorcycle is dangerous or loud pipes save lives or you have to lean to a tear a bike is just plain wrong.
There is a level of danger in motorcycles for sure. But imo it's much less than in a car save for bad luck or being foolish.
The rocket is awesome. Ride safe!

I know most accidents are direct consequences of reckless behavior or plain ignoring of basic rules of riding/driving and giving that I wear full protective gear (tough sometimes I choose normal pants like jeans or cargo while riding in the city), I don't drink, I always keep my distance and I do lane splitting only in heavy low speed or stationary traffic. The mantra that I ride with is "I'm invisible!" so I don't assume anything and I'm always watching everything around me. Another thing that I don't do is ride with reckless people even if they are my friends Ride safe!