Real Early First Impression

Bought the original RIII in July 2004 and put a little over 60,000 miles on 'Big Red' over the years (along with many other rides in the stable). For what it's worth, I found 'Big Red' essentially a sport bike on steroids, reasonable nimble in the twisties if you set up correctly and surprised more than one ****** Rocket over the years riding up their asses.

Traded the ole bugger in last week for the new GT and only had a chance to do a 100 mile run so far. Given the 'break in ' restriction limits of 65 mph and 4K rpm, I'm suitably impressed with the new guy. The lost weight is obvious from the moment you stand the bike upright from the kickstand. I found it very 'flickable' in the twisties, highly responsive and can't wait to get through 'break in' to really see how this sucker performs. I too have had the 'fob' issues referenced in other posts. I'll bring it to my dealer's attention when I go in for the 600 mile service. Had several positive comments from onlookers at the service station when I refilled. Was surprised to have burned 3.2 gallons in only 100 miles. We'll see over time. Then again, if i slimmed down from my 280 pounds I might get better mpg .
David

Hi David and a warm welcome to the forum from sunny England

Hey welcome back. It's been a while.Good to hear from you again and congrats on the new bike.

Welcome from North Wales UK enjoy the bike and the forum

Congrats on the new bike now did you trade the 04 or pay them to take it???????? cannot imagine it was worth much.

Hello David,
Did they mark the trade in value down when they saw the dent on the tank or did the rocket decal hide it?

scot in exile said:

Congrats on the new bike now did you trade the 04 or pay them to take it???????? cannot imagine it was worth much.

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Surely the signature edition from @DHarvey is worth something .

Congrats on the new bike.

Jay said:

Surely the signature edition from @DHarvey is worth something .

Congrats on the new bike.

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Hey fellas.. I counted my lucky stars to get $2500 trade in value which basically covers the evil NY Cuomo sales tax. Ah yes, the dent.. from California's famous Lost Coast Highway.. nope they never mentioned it nor the fact that due to the frigged up ignition system, I replaced it years ago with just a simple toggle switch heh heh. One other thing I noticed from the new ride is the back of my jacket and for that matter the back of the bike was fairly nicely covered with dirt streaks.. I guess the measly rear fender doesn't protect you from flying dirt. On the other hand, everyone knows that I only cleaned Big Red once a year ( out of guilt) so the new ride will nicely fit in with my basic philosophy which is " I bought the bike to ride, not to clean".

scot in exile said:

Congrats on the new bike now did you trade the 04 or pay them to take it???????? cannot imagine it was worth much.

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To Stollydriver & Scot, I had the pleasure of doing a ten day ride in May of 2018 from Devon England (Southwest) up to Loch Ness and back down through Wales. I rode on a rented Honda with an English buddy (also a Rocket !!! original owner) who has a Tiger and we had great weather. Was a little challenged in the wrong way roundabouts (kidding, just kidding) but really enjoyed the folks in all three countries. Very friendly. ANd the beer, need I say more? Wow! Great stuff.

I thought I would add on to this thread instead of starting anew...

Finally got out for a ride on my new 2020 R3GT. First impressions... love it!

Having had two Rocket III's in the past, this bike seems light! I know, weird to say but true by comparison. I really felt I could throw it around a lot easier than my Rocket III Roadster (like my Doctor says, lose 90lbs and you'll feel the difference it makes).

I only got out for an hour, put some gas in it because the dealer was too cheap to fill the tank for me. What I did note was that the clutch and brake LEVER's seem small, as do the handlebar grips themselves. Not much I can do with the grips at the moment, as I do enjoy them heating up and all but the LEVER's would be something to change out. When I say small, I guess I mean short, they don't seem to be long enough for my hands or hand position or something.

Anyone else with a R3GT or R3R notice the same thing? Or is it just me and something I'll need to get used to?