tastie new bits from milan show

LAS VEGAS DAVE said:
Maybe one of you guys who has been a Rocket fan or owner for awhile can answer these questions. How many years has the Rocket been made? Was there only one model for a while? How many changes have there been and what year were they made?
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The RIII started in 2004 as a 2005 model. The Classic came out in 2006, with two coloured paint jobs, handlebars pulled back, floorboards, heel/toe shifter, and a few other bits and bobs. This was then morphed into a model with bags and windshield as standard for a little while.

Then came the R3T, which is really the only different model. It has the single headlight, narrow rear tyre, and frame to match. Of course, it also comes with hard bags and windscreen.

The Standard and Classic were replaced with the current model, which is really the same thing without the paint options, but does include ABS. So in the 11 years that they have been making them, there is really only the R3T and all the others.
 

The VIN of my 2012 Roadster indicates its assembly plant was Jacknell Road, Hinckley, England.
 
Thanks for the info, so about 11 years without much change. Just two models presently. Sounds like if they haven't dropped it by now they probably won't. I was told they make them in India not Thailand but it was just by a salesman at a dealer. I guess we can just hope they keep making these bikes and of course we would like some upgrades. Personally I am satisfied enough with mine and because of my age and having two other bikes I doubt I'll ever wear this one out. I would still buy a new one if it came with a six speed. Here in Nevada you can cruise 90 or 95 for many miles at a time. I realize the bike will do that with the 5 speed and the gearing it has right now but it would be nicer to drop the rpms at that speed if its constant. It will be interesting to see what happens in 2016. By the way my 2015 R3T was made in England.
 
cyclenews is reporting kawi will have 12 new models in 2016 including something with a 1400 cc motor and their built in super charger... hhhmmmmm
 
travelguy said:
cyclenews is reporting kawi will have 12 new models in 2016 including something with a 1400 cc motor and their built in super charger... hhhmmmmm
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Looks like this could be actually true! I'd probably buy it immediately. But PLEASE Kawasaki, give it a nice comfy riding position (no handstands) and a back seat.
 
seems the euro 4 emissions is dictating engine designs. that may end up being the nail for the r3 in the end.

the new bonnie is in such demand they are upping pre production numbers.

like the bmw 1000 , ktm 1290 and now the tiger manufacturers are using the sameish platforms to offer more models and options.
 
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LAS VEGAS DAVE said:
Maybe one of you guys who has been a Rocket fan or owner for awhile can answer these questions. How many years has the Rocket been made? Was there only one model for a while? How many changes have there been and what year were they made?
Click to expand...

I believe the R3 came on the market in 2004 there was only one model that year and except for ABS and some tinkering the rocket 3 has remained basically unchanged since . now it is called roadster but basically same bike except for the touring
 
albertaduke said:
I believe the R3 came on the market in 2004 there was only one model that year and except for ABS and some tinkering the rocket 3 has remained basically unchanged since . now it is called roadster but basically same bike except for the touring
Click to expand...

Not to be confused with the Tourer. Tourer was a variataion of standard with soft bags but same frame and running gear. Touring is hard bags, different frame and running gear. First sold as a 2008 model. Only changes to it are ABS added in 2014(?) colors and Triumph made a bunch of options standard.
 
Why would you like fly by wire throttle? I personally dislike the complexity of it and the fact that the throttle is not mine to use how I like. I spend quite a bit of time trying to improve FBW on bikes for customers and have not had anyone yet say they like it. I am not trying to make trouble here, just wanting to find a reason. I have a car with FBW and I had to spend 2 grand on gadgets to get into the computer so I could reverse my trailer up my driveway, which was a little steep. I bloody hate it really if I am honest, but cannot think of a reason why some one would want it ,yet some have asked for it in this thread.
 
I also would like to know an advantage of FBW. I have only broke a few throttle cables in 60 years, easy fix and the modern cables are **** near bulletproof. I like the simplicity of no computers, carburetors, and no ABS. I will be the first to admit that ABS stops better in an emergency, computers make everything work better, and fuel injection is more efficient and precise than carburetors. My V8 bikes don't have any computers at all and they derive their power the old fashioned way, (cubic inches). They don't stop great even with disc brakes but not terrible, they don't handle like a Ducati but they are about like the average big Harley. The big plus is they are fast and fun and with brute torque and they are so simple to work on. My Rocket is not friendly to an old guy like me because of the computers and the rest of the modern stuff. The truth is I LOVE RIDING IT even if I can't do much other than change oil.
 
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