My take on this is that everyone is different, and you have to know your abilities and limitations. Like the example in Rick Morris' post above, his friend has excellent mechanical skills and good hand/eye coordination. I've ridden with lots of people over the years, and I'm surprised at how many who say they won't ride a bike without abs and traction control. I have no problem modulating my throttle and brakes in different riding conditions, but it's clearly not the same for everyone.

I practically lived on my bicycle when I was a kid, started riding dirt bikes on trails before getting my first street bike (250cc), and gradually moved to larger and more powerful bikes over the years. I think the reason I love my Rocket so much is that I have so many other bikes to compare it to.

That being said, if you were my friend asking for my advice, I'd tell you to start with a smaller, more forgiving bike to make your mistakes on.
 
Well....disagree. My first bike was a Rocket ( after about an hour on a Storm) dealer put me off rocket for reasons you state. Anyway went back...bought rocket, never ridden anything else and I’d say GO FOR IT , RESPECT IT , AND GIVE YOUR SELF TIME ...

Like all things... nothing is ever 100%... just know your limits and capabilities and then MOVE OUT! ;)
-MIG
 
My first bike was a 650 Triumph back in 1972, as a 17yo I learnt very quickly what not to do and what my own and the bikes capabilities were. I had that bike for 2 years and covered lots of miles back in the day. Apart from a few brief rides 42 years later I bought a Thruxton which did not suit me couldn't ride it for more than 30 mins without lots of back and neck pain. Six months later I traded it on a Thunderbird Storm which I loved riding until 12 months later I took my now R3 for a ride and was sold. I have had the R3 for 18 months now and having covered almost 30,000 km on it I am not interested in any other bike. I will ride the R3 as long as I am capable. That said the R3 is not a novice riders bike I couldn't comprehend anyone jumping on an R3 as a first bike and ride confidently and safely straight up. IT is a heavy torquey beast, you have to employ plenty of counter steer at times, if you are not on the ball it can and will bite you. Trail braking and cornering, riding in the wet when you can and when you can't get on the gas are all things learnt from experience. Not being a kill joy but get your skill levels up on a smaller better handling bike first - even if it's just for a few months before you get onto an R3.
 
I haven't owned my rocket very long, or ridden it very far yet but what they are saying about the weight is true. I grew up on motorcycles so I had lots of time learning balance and how to finesse certain situations. I have had many bikes and the weight does surprise me at times with the rocket. It's much easier to correct a small mistake with a smaller, lighter bike. My suggestion is to absolutely take the MSF class. There you will ride probably a 250cc bike that weighs around 300 lbs. See how you do with that first. Try and imagine a bike that is 500 lbs heavier.

Also talk to your instructors there, most of them are really good people that are genuinely interested in your safety. Ask them what they think. After all, they will have seen how you ride the small bikes in class.
 
I'll pile on and add my recommendation to the MSF course. If they have a 2 day one near you, definitely go for that. While the Rocket is a lot of bike for a first bike, there's also no need to buy a 250 as some do - the saddle time you get at an expanded MSF class is all the time you need on a 250, unless that's the size of bike you're after anyway.
 
Reminds my of a day on the lake. I new fishing acquaintance asked me to take him out for striped bass on a fly rod. He begins flailing my 10 wgt rod with a large streamer on it and does not look proficient. After a while I asked him if he had ever taken a large striper(+20 lbs) on a fly rod and he says no. I asked if he had caught any bass on a fly, again no. Well have you fished for trout with a fly rod? Again the answer was no. I then caustically asked if he had caught a blue gill or any fish on a fly, no was the answer.

I told him he was like a hunter who had not shot a flipping squirrel out hunting loins.

I believe in using experience to work your way up. Not only is it safer but ultimately a more enjoyable experience. The big stuff is appreciated more after the little things are mastered.

My opinion is to exercise patience and don’t rush to the top. This bike is the top. I hope you stay safe and enjoy your choice.
 
I´m absolutely in love with the Rocket III roadster, I´ve been in love for over a year now, and my chance to get one is getting closer. But I´ve never ridden a bike. I dont want to buy another bike before the rocket, mainly because i dont have the money to get 2 bikes.

So the question is: is it a little insane to learn how to ride on a Rocket III or am I good to go?
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Really bad idea. Pure physics and the mass of the thing will take some getting used to and there is no traction control to help with that while you learn
One overenthusiastic crack of the throttle on a damp road or braking carelessly on slippery surface and you are under a large chunk of metal.. MOst folks will come off at some point while learning and you really dont want that to be on one of these
 
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