Riding in Northern Delaware

[EdgarofDelware]

Good day I've been a rider since the late 80's started with a 600 Honda Shadow and ended up with a 77 FLH Shovelhead. I had my garage burn down with my bike in it and rather than rebuild it I want to move on I've sunk more money into this than I want to admit and at 55 I want to experience some "new" to me bikes like the R3. That being said I really don't like the newer models they scream sports bike not cruiser and not being familiar with the R3 I've some questions I'm hoping some of you might help me out with. I notice that some of the rockets only have one headlight and I'm used to seeing two is this year specific or a custom thing? Also, I prefer leather bags over fiberglass, I'm assuming this is as easy as swapping out a Harleys. Lastly are there any years I should be wary of I'm deaf so hearing mechanical problems is out of the question but plan to have someone with me to look at whatever bikes I find, but with my Shovel it required frequent maintenance cuz of the vibration, and things becoming loose and falling apart since I couldn't hear the rattling or what not, and that meant less riding time. Many thanks in advance, keep the wind in your hair and the rubber side down.

 

[Sparky59]

If looking a both early models, pre '20, I would suggest 2008 or newer or if wanting ABS breaks....2014 and newer.....single headlights are different frames, longer and less responsive in hard cornering approx 90 hp stock, tuned for more torque....2 headlights more of a 120 hp stock corner brawler that is easily tuned to 140 hp if desired....single headlight stock is 90 hp, but with simple self tuning can be 120hp......what are you looking for?

 

[Dr.D]

Touring, Roadster, Classic?

 

[EdgarofDelware]

If looking a both early models, pre '20, I would suggest 2008 or newer or if wanting ABS breaks....2014 and newer.....single headlights are different frames, longer and less responsive in hard cornering approx 90 hp stock, tuned for more torque....2 headlights more of a 120 hp stock corner brawler that is easily tuned to 140 hp if desired....single headlight stock is 90 hp, but with simple self tuning can be 120hp......what are you looking for?

I like the two-light look but I'm not picky at the moment everything I see for sale is a hike for me but I'm not in the market yet perhaps 2025 will be the year I can pick one up. I have a 77 FLH I need to rebuild from the ground up and offload before I can buy anything. After thinking about it perhaps the 90 hp will be a more comfortable bike I saw a 09 and it looked sweet just needed leather bags in place of the hard ones. Many thanks for your insight, I appreciate it. keep the wind in your hair and the rubber side down.

 

[EdgarofDelware]

Touring, Roadster, Classic?

I wouldn't know the difference between the 3, but I don't want a dresser. However, I do want roomy leather saddlebags.

 

[EdgarofDelware]

Touring, Roadster, Classic?

I see you live in TN, have you ridden the tail of the dragon and if so how does your R3 handle on it?

 

[Dr.D]

I see you live in TN, have you ridden the tail of the dragon and if so how does your R3 handle on it?

I’ve been on that road many times on both the 2014 Roadster and the 2020 TFC. They both perform very well but the new model handles better.

 

[Mike188]

Welcome from South Australia

 

[Jagster]

Welcome from the UK.
Dive into the past postings on the forum. There is a wealth of knowledge on here. Especially the older model.