Welcome Ranger, at this point in time I wish I was in your shoes. I'm sure you'll have heaps of fun with your new Rocket, and the guy's on here are extremely helpful if you ever need advice.
I traded my Storm in on a 06 R3c at the end of june, It took 3 days and I put another 1500 miles on the Storm in that time, I was also looking at the speed triple se. Now after putting a few thousand miles in a couple months I'm convinced I got my 2 bikes in 1. Last weekend with wife and 100lbs of gear we did 900 miles in reasonable comfort ( the Rocket does get hot) and the weekend before I went 400 miles solo ripping through traffic like I was on a sport bike. I don't know what impresses me more how quick this bike gets from 60 to 80 or 80 back to 60. I don't ride like a moron that much, but when I crave that rush the Storm just can't give I appreciate the rocket that much more. also This motor makes almost 0 mechanical noise compared to just about every other cruiser out there including the thunderbird.
Welcome. I have thought about a Thunderbird. 6 gears. Belt drive. But the weight savings is minimal, and the trade offs seem too great. Now with 13,000 miles the R3 is "home". I almost
never ride it without it just making me happy. And she is brilliant 2 up. I've just put on a Bridgetown 240/55 Exedra Max and it is, in my opinion, a better handling bike. Enjoy the rush!