Would you part ways with your Rocket?

Rob D · Jul 30, 2016

Dawg68 said:
Just a simple question....
What would cause you to consider replacing your Rocket? How long do you plan on keeping the beast?
For me it would be no parts or service. That's about it. I like all makes and models of bikes and like most folks out there I'm always tire kicking, seeing who is producing and what and how it compares to what I already have... To date, I've never been tempted to replace my Ride.

I'm not into a pile of electronics and as for comfort, I think each of us set the bike up to suit our needs. In reality, that 2300cc engine, if correctly maintained should last to thousands of miles, it should outlast a V-twin....

I've had R3R since 2013. It's a 2012. I might trade it tomorrow given the right opportunity, a bike with more accessory options, I don't need much, but more 1 key bags, backrest, windscreen removal would be good. I gave that up when I went to the Rocket.
I don't find much comfort on the R3R, especially on any ride over 45 minutes.

I was looking at a loaded BMW the other day. It was used and in a good price range. The shop was having tax free buying and that ended today. So that buy won't happen.

If I could get a decent offer, where I didn't have to work to sell it, I'd let it go tomorrow.

Bedifferent · Jul 30, 2016

A tough question with some mixed replies. I got into owning an R3T knowing there were some serious cons....limited dealer network, lack of touring features, no cruise, no hydraulic clutch, and numerous horror stories on the forum just for starters. I've only had one minor problem so far and that was a glitchey GPS when I first got the bike. I've made a lot of minor changes to make the bike more to my liking, but I've had to do the same to every other bike I have ever owned as well.

After riding my Rocket for a couple of years, I would have to say it would be hard to give up the power and performance for something else. Sure it's top heavy and lacks the cool more up to date features that some of the other machines possess, but for now now....I'll stick with it.

As long as I can continue to maintain it and it stays relatively problem free...it's staying in the stable. I just like the performance and knowing I'm riding something different than the rest of the crowd. It might even be hard to give it up for a new and improved version should that ever happen. I may be to old to ride by then anyway and it will be a moot point.

Dawg68 · Aug 3, 2016

Bedifferent said:
A tough question with some mixed replies. I got into owning an R3T knowing there were some serious cons....limited dealer network, lack of touring features, no cruise, no hydraulic clutch, and numerous horror stories on the forum just for starters. I've only had one minor problem so far and that was a glitchey GPS when I first got the bike. I've made a lot of minor changes to make the bike more to my liking, but I've had to do the same to every other bike I have ever owned as well.

After riding my Rocket for a couple of years, I would have to say it would be hard to give up the power and performance for something else. Sure it's top heavy and lacks the cool more up to date features that some of the other machines possess, but for now now....I'll stick with it.

As long as I can continue to maintain it and it stays relatively problem free...it's staying in the stable. I just like the performance and knowing I'm riding something different than the rest of the crowd. It might even be hard to give it up for a new and improved version should that ever happen. I may be to old to ride by then anyway and it will be a moot point.

I like your post Sir, it's been a while since I've even sat on another bike other than the ones I own. Just for giggles, I played on an Indian dark horse yesterday.... I didn't get to go for a ride but I found it to be very comfortable. A lot more options for the price. I also own the triumph explorer, throttle by wire, hydrolic clutch and brakes, cruise control....lots of creature comforts. I have to be honest though, I don't really feel the difference between cables and hydrolic for my brakes and clutch, the throttle is more sensitive but I do like the cruise control. On the rocket I had the breakaway and now I use just a simple throttle lock, and like it just fine.

Like you, I find that I change saddles, bar position...just to make my bike fit me. Once I accomplish a comfortable ride, I'm a happy guy. I'm not a fairing kind of guy, I like the simple wind screens. I just like to go on long rides and enjoy being comfortable....

I agree with a lot of posts here, there is a lot to choose from where the options are better based on the price...its just hard to give up that 2300cc engine.

rocketpockets05 · Aug 3, 2016

IMFASTTOO · Aug 3, 2016

BIGMIKE 08TR3T said:
Sadly, and with great despair, my short relationship with my 2008 R3T is coming to a close. In the past 3 months, the clutch cable broke at the clutch handle, within 1 month, the lifter inside the clutch housing "twist" snapped in 2 pieces. And the just last week, something in the housing of the clutch gave way. The replacement parts for the clutch initially were replaced by an upgraded spring & lifter pin. I went ahead and replaced the clutch, antifreeze, and oil,and oil filter. The current problem has been undiagnosed, but it is something inside the clutch housing. The handle pulls all the way in. The rear left turn signal has a "bug" in it. Loss of power. The highway AUX lights have a "bug" in the electrical system. Switch doesn't work. I'll get everything fixed before I pass it on, but am at a crossroads with this bike. It has become a real "hanger queen", and I am sick and tired of dumping money into it, and waiting for the next thing to happen. I had a '76 Triumph TR6; I should have known better. The R3T was fun while it lasted, but it is time to move on.

I'll keep my trusted '01 VALK and '12 HD EG CVO

Farewell, and safe riding to all riders

HMMMMM very strange sounds like you have a strange clutch problem ?

LAS VEGAS DAVE · Aug 4, 2016

I like mine a lot. I changed the seat to a long haul with the backrest and that now is fine. I changed the windshield, added one inch all the way around and a GOLDWING VENT into the new one. Not much difference from stock but its fine. I have the McCruise and its easily the neatest thing I ever had on a touring bike. Expensive but I'm so happy with it I don't have any remorse about the price. I like the smoothness of the engine and decent power even when riding double. I won't part with mine unless it becomes unreliable.

rainman · Aug 4, 2016

I had a 06 classic that got totaled then got a 08 r3t and bout 4 yrs ago traded it for a 2012 victory crossroad

Would you part ways with your Rocket?

Rob D

Bolted Dolt

Bedifferent

Old man on a bike

Dawg68

Nitrous

rocketpockets05

Keeping my crazy on the inside (mostly) since 1962

IMFASTTOO

Living Legend

LAS VEGAS DAVE

Turbocharged

rainman

Seabee can do

Similar threads

Would you part ways with your Rocket?

Rob D

Bolted Dolt

Bedifferent

Old man on a bike

Dawg68

Nitrous

rocketpockets05

Keeping my crazy on the inside (mostly) since 1962

IMFASTTOO

Living Legend

LAS VEGAS DAVE

Turbocharged

rainman

Seabee can do

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