Back on a bike again soon...from Illawarra, NSW Australia

G'day and welcome. The gauges on the R3T are on the tank, but all the other RIIIs have them mounted on the bars. I have just shy of 200,000 kilometres on mine, so I am not sure what you mean by too many. :)
 
gday mate and welcome to the site.

BOth bikes are great but I do know many people that have ridden both all say they prefer the space and comfort of the R3. Also, the rocket does give you that giddy grin everytime you take her for a spin. If you are considering a lot of 2 up riding the touring is a great bike and compares well with the tbird.

One thing to point out, several people I know have sold the Tbird after a while as they werent 100% convinced it was for them. SOme upgraded to a rocket others went a dressed HD.

As far as k's go, if it is stock i dont think it matters. If it is tweeked or worked, check who did the work and you'll know what you are getting.

I know there is a rippa r3 in canberra up for grabs speak to @CanberraR3 , it is his personal bike. Alternately he'll get you a deal on a tbird if thats the path you chose.

Good luck and let us know if there is anything we can answer for you.

Come up and see me in Canberra @FunkSoulBro
 
That makes me laugh because my Mrs was trying so hard to get me to buy the Storm fortunately i bought the Rocket :) She still calls the Rocket the LadyBug due to the red stripe and "googly" eyes...........
Two things i'd like to say:
1) Welcome aboard
2) "QUEENSLANDERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR"
 
Others please correct me if I'm wrong, but...
  • Starting in 2010, ABS was fitted as standard on the Roadster models, power was increased 15%, and the ergos were changed slightly. source
  • Older stock touring models have much less power in their first 3 gears than the Roadster (can be easily fixed with a free tune).
  • Older models had some electrical gremlins that seem to have mostly been worked out with newer models (ignition switch headlight problems are one).
You'll have a hard time doing things like these on a Thunderbird. Let us know when you buy your Rocket!
 
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Others please correct me if I'm wrong, but...
  • Starting in 2010, ABS was fitted as standard on the Roadster models, power was increased 15%, and the ergos were changed slightly. source
  • Older stock touring models have much less power in their first 3 gears than the Roadster (can be easily fixed with a free tune).
  • Older models had some electrical gremlins that seem to have mostly been worked out with newer models (ignition switch headlight problems are one).
You'll have a hard time things like these on a Thunderbird. Let us know when you buy your Rocket!


You got it, and boy what a difference a new tune makes
 
I got to test ride the Rocket and a T-bird LT back to back. They put me on the Rocket first and it scared the hell out of me. Then I got on the T-bird and it felt dull. Bought the Rocket. Only time I regret it is when I have to push her around the garage without power. I figure that if you've got the leg strength to keep her up at stop signs and the self control to match the throttle to your skill level there's no reason to go with a T-bird. The Rocket is happy to just meander in a slow cruise, shoot twisties, or out run most anything on the road.
 
Welcome from down the Road at Batemans Bay, not far away and can assist if you have any little issues but generally speaking All the Rockets are sweet, as Ponters said if they are stock generally they good the earlier bikes should have been sorted during warranty period except the ignition switch issue but we have an easy fix for that, I will send my mob# in pm if you have any Questions
 
Welcome to the Rocketarium from Brisbane. Obviously you need to ride both bikes because you have to live with it. If you don't get the Rocket you will forever look at one and think...hmmm.

I ventured (bravely) into the HD dealer on the weekend and was parked next to a guy and wife getting delivery of his new Softail Heritage (tassles anyone?) his eyes were darting wildly all over my bike and all he said was "we looked at getting one of those.."

I guess the wifey won out.

I am sure you will make the right decision!
 
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