Rocket Year/Model - Advice

[LAS VEGAS DAVE]

I have a 2015 Rocket 3 Touring model. I added cruise control and some D&D pipes. I love it for cruising with the motor just as it is. Since you seem to want a cruiser with drag bike performance I have another suggestion. I also own a Boss Hoss and they have great performance but without even hopping them up. They are offered with LS motors putting out over 500 HP in stock configuration. They are great cruisers with V8 motors, even quite a bit more rare than a Rocket. I thought you might like to at least ride one since you are still in the pre purchase mode. I prefer my Rocket to my Boss Hoss for cruising primarily because I have cruise control on the Rocket and my Boss Hoss didn't have it when I bought it. I ride with my wife on the long trips and the RT3 has plenty of power even with the two of us. The Boss will light the tire whenever you want if thats your thing so it might be worth taking one for a ride.

 

[beachpatrick]

I have a 2015 Rocket 3 Touring model. I added cruise control and some D&D pipes. I love it for cruising with the motor just as it is. Since you seem to want a cruiser with drag bike performance I have another suggestion. I also own a Boss Hoss and they have great performance but without even hopping them up. They are offered with LS motors putting out over 500 HP in stock configuration. They are great cruisers with V8 motors, even quite a bit more rare than a Rocket. I thought you might like to at least ride one since you are still in the pre purchase mode. I prefer my Rocket to my Boss Hoss for cruising primarily because I have cruise control on the Rocket and my Boss Hoss didn't have it when I bought it. I ride with my wife on the long trips and the RT3 has plenty of power even with the two of us. The Boss will light the tire whenever you want if thats your thing so it might be worth taking one for a ride.

I had a "first gen" with the single speed tranny. I want something I have not owned before hence the rocket. Excellent suggestion though...

 

[beachpatrick]

Okay at the risk of being blasted here are the results of the past two weekends efforts.

Last weekend 2006 Classic: Forego the fact that the cosmetics were poor (not “excellent” as advertised) – the bike did not perform at all - no acceleration – all gears. Drive time – 5 hours round trip.

Today 2009 Touring: Again, the bike did not perform - no acceleration, just flat out lacking “get up and go”. I understand on the touring the first thee gears are limited by ECU program, but fourth gear was the same – no pickup. This time my woman was with me and her response when we finished the ride – “what is wrong with it, I thought these were supposed to be fast”. She drives a Victory Octane and rides with me on the fatboy. I am only sharing her comment, so it is understood it was not just my perspective. Drive time 7.5 hours round trip.

I cannot compare a rocket to my hooligan bikes and sport bikes, but I fully expect a rocket would accelerate/pull better than my 2016 fatboy putting 110HP & 114 ft*lbf to the rear wheel (per dyno). Fatboy weight is 730 pounds, so it falls between the classic and touring. My Harley accelerates a lot faster and stronger than either of the rockets I test road.

The only dealership that has a rocket on the showroom floor is in Tampa (3 hours each way), so I can only get their next weekend to test drive the one bike they have. I would not buy new, but at least I would know I am test riding a properly functioning factory bike.

My latest questions – are the two rockets I rode duds with mechanical/programming issues or is this what I should expect from the rocket until modified? Or, am I setting my expectations too high comparing it to the fatboy (I thought rocket would walk away from the fatboy all daylong)?

The next two rockets I have to look at are along the same drive route, but it is a 12 to 13 hour round trip. These models 2016 Roadster & 2015 Touring.

Your time I appreciated!

 

[LAS VEGAS DAVE]

I had a "first gen" with the single speed tranny. I want something I have not owned before hence the rocket. Excellent suggestion though...

I have the second generation Boss with a two speed. Just a 350 small block but although after 10 years I haven't had any trouble the transmissions are not the strongest. However they now have a much stronger two speed and LS motors and are really rocket ships. The LS motors are bullet proof. The problem with a hot rod ROCKET in my opinion is you are more than doubling the power without upping the cubic inches and or strengthening the internal parts and possibly stressing the motor. The other problem is the gearing, the trans is slightly clunky and you can't change the ratios which are wrong for big power in my opinion. I love the way mine handles and stops for a cruiser. Our last ride was 3300 miles. I have also done quite a few rides over 3000 miles on the Boss. You can buy a used Boss pretty cheap now a days if it doesn't have the LS motor. Of course you can buy a used Rocket for even less. I am just throwing things at you to consider. You will end up with a fun bike either way. We also have a V8 Chopper which is much faster than the Boss and I love it but its a chopper not a cruiser. We have 8 bikes, even some vintage, one for any mood.

 

[IMFASTTOO]

Okay at the risk of being blasted here are the results of the past two weekends efforts.

Last weekend 2006 Classic: Forego the fact that the cosmetics were poor (not “excellent” as advertised) – the bike did not perform at all - no acceleration – all gears. Drive time – 5 hours round trip.

Today 2009 Touring: Again, the bike did not perform - no acceleration, just flat out lacking “get up and go”. I understand on the touring the first thee gears are limited by ECU program, but fourth gear was the same – no pickup. This time my woman was with me and her response when we finished the ride – “what is wrong with it, I thought these were supposed to be fast”. She drives a Victory Octane and rides with me on the fatboy. I am only sharing her comment, so it is understood it was not just my perspective. Drive time 7.5 hours round trip.

I cannot compare a rocket to my hooligan bikes and sport bikes, but I fully expect a rocket would accelerate/pull better than my 2016 fatboy putting 110HP & 114 ft*lbf to the rear wheel (per dyno). Fatboy weight is 730 pounds, so it falls between the classic and touring. My Harley accelerates a lot faster and stronger than either of the rockets I test road.

The only dealership that has a rocket on the showroom floor is in Tampa (3 hours each way), so I can only get their next weekend to test drive the one bike they have. I would not buy new, but at least I would know I am test riding a properly functioning factory bike.

My latest questions – are the two rockets I rode duds with mechanical/programming issues or is this what I should expect from the rocket until modified? Or, am I setting my expectations too high comparing it to the fatboy (I thought rocket would walk away from the fatboy all daylong)?

The next two rockets I have to look at are along the same drive route, but it is a 12 to 13 hour round trip. These models 2016 Roadster & 2015 Touring.

Your time I appreciated!

THE ROCKETS are restricted and the touring models are way down on power unless they are retuned and either one will make 170rwhp with a CARPENTER exhaust and retuned and leave the those HARLEYS for DEAD

 

[Steel]

Okay at the risk of being blasted here are the results of the past two weekends efforts.

Last weekend 2006 Classic: Forego the fact that the cosmetics were poor (not “excellent” as advertised) – the bike did not perform at all - no acceleration – all gears. Drive time – 5 hours round trip.

Today 2009 Touring: Again, the bike did not perform - no acceleration, just flat out lacking “get up and go”. I understand on the touring the first thee gears are limited by ECU program, but fourth gear was the same – no pickup. This time my woman was with me and her response when we finished the ride – “what is wrong with it, I thought these were supposed to be fast”. She drives a Victory Octane and rides with me on the fatboy. I am only sharing her comment, so it is understood it was not just my perspective. Drive time 7.5 hours round trip.

I cannot compare a rocket to my hooligan bikes and sport bikes, but I fully expect a rocket would accelerate/pull better than my 2016 fatboy putting 110HP & 114 ft*lbf to the rear wheel (per dyno). Fatboy weight is 730 pounds, so it falls between the classic and touring. My Harley accelerates a lot faster and stronger than either of the rockets I test road.

The only dealership that has a rocket on the showroom floor is in Tampa (3 hours each way), so I can only get their next weekend to test drive the one bike they have. I would not buy new, but at least I would know I am test riding a properly functioning factory bike.

My latest questions – are the two rockets I rode duds with mechanical/programming issues or is this what I should expect from the rocket until modified? Or, am I setting my expectations too high comparing it to the fatboy (I thought rocket would walk away from the fatboy all daylong)?

The next two rockets I have to look at are along the same drive route, but it is a 12 to 13 hour round trip. These models 2016 Roadster & 2015 Touring.

Your time I appreciated!

I can't comment on the Touring because I've never ridden one. The Classic if it was in proper tune, and had clean air filters, is a powerful bike. A stock Rocket will take VRods, and big inch Screaming Eagles anywhere in the rev range. I'd guess you got on one that wasn't running right.

 

[LAS VEGAS DAVE]

My stock 2015 Touring model other than D&D pipes and a Triumph dealer tune of some sort will out pull and out run ANY the big Harley motors. I never raced or rode a V Rod. Mine has way less advertised HP than the roadsters but slightly more torque.

 

[beachpatrick]

Three weekends later and I now have my Rocket. 2013 R3R with Carpenter exhaust, PCV, K&N filters, Corbin saddle bags, & 8200 miles. Bike was traded in on a street glide – to each their own… This bike has the power I expected!

Time to change all the fluids, dial in the suspension, and get the right tune onto the bike.

Suspension – progressive rears 444 HD with 13” length (best bang for the buck I can find). Front springs and oil weight - research needed.

Exhaust will be extended 4 to 6 inches and/or a baffle inserted. The current pipe exit point and sound pulse is not conducive to my hearing! I run a pipe fab shop, so TIG welding is not an issue. Once I have the pipe right, then I will get it ceramic coated inside/outside to keep it cooler. Most likely will have to fab some heat shields as well, not a fan of the header wrap.

I will call Carpenter tomorrow and see what info he has on the bike regarding what was done prior. Once I have this info, then I most likely will be asking for some mapping assistance. I have worked with PCV before but have zero experience with tune boy or tune ecu. Currently running rich and significant decel pop.

Lastly, need passenger back rest and driver seat with back rest. I will swing by Corbin (their Daytona Beach shop is five minutes from work). May look for a classic seat and add a back rest, lower price and I can tailor it to my backside.

Couple weeks and this steed should be set up to my liking.

Thank you for everyone's help while I was shopping!

 

[hoopla]

Congrats Patrick on your new Rocket, welcome from Maine. You've started out well. Enjoy.

Hoopla

 

[Jvheli]

Only an opinion, but a Roadster would be my choice (and was!)
Regarding the exhaust, I really like the @ozrider exhaust. Elegant, all welded no joints and steel. I like steel because it carries away heat faster than stainless.

Not bashing Carpenters pipe, but it would be my preference over the Brute or Sidewinder. There are others, such as Vikings system, CES. But only the Carpenter and Ozrider pipes offer 2 inch primary's that im aware of.

Im giving up some horsepower (I installed a 240 kit in mine) with the CES header I have, but I will live with a little reduced power ..for now.