Hello from M109 owner

[oldmotorhead]

My first post and question. I ride an '08 M109 and love it except for one thing. My wife loves to ride with me but I have always found the 109 to be very hard to handle in slow
speed situations with her on the back. I have read and have been told by the Triumph
dealer that the Rocket handles very well at parking lot speeds. What do you think?

 

[Ygransom]

I think your dealer is right, but why do you want to ride it slow?




The balance is very good on the Rocket, its easy to ride at any speed. You should take one for a demo ride and see for your self.

 

[TRath]

My wife and I commute on ours and I find it very easy to handle at low speeds. The only drawback I'd say is that the controls can be a bit heavy.

 

[PolarisJay13]

I have the same thing to offer about the Rocket vs. the 109. I demoed them both one right after the other at Americade a few years back. The Rocket is the way to go for 2 up if that is what you do. My wife and I ride a lot, and I have no complaints... the only time I make her get off is when I am backing my bike in to a crowded area... just makes it a little easier.

 

[HeR3tic]

The Beast, the Fat Bottom Girl (FBG), is a handful in reverse. But god almighty knows she's the best grunt for the money, in forward motion.

 

[RocketDaryl]

The Rocket III Touring handles better than the Standard Rocket or the M109. It also comes standard with accessories you're likely going to want with riding 2-up.

 

[Sidecar Flip]

Besides, as soon as you shift the stock R3 into second gear, you say bye-bye to a stock M109.

Been there, done that.

 

[rainman]

welcome from tn
both the r3 classic and the r3t handles great have had both

 

[gwilliams290]

I'm new to the forum but have been riding for quite a while. The reason for the handling "issue" that you have, particularly at low speed, is because of the size of the rear tire on the 109. It's a massive tire, width-wise, compared to other similar bikes. Not a bad thing just a condition that arises from Suzuki's choice of a "cruiser" rear tire. Looks sweet but does affect handling, particularly in corners and at low speed. When The Missus is on the additional weight (OK, now, haven't seen the Missus so please don't get me in trouble here) adds to the effect. Nothing that you can do to "fix" it because the wheel size is quite wide. Just "learn" to expect it and then practice more riding with your passenger on. But then who needs more excuses to ride?

 

[HeR3tic]

I'm caught in my unawares again just exactly how wide is the rear skin on a M109? It will be said again, the RIII Touring is the real two up ride.

Plastic versus brute torque is the big difference. But there again, it won't be too long before the FBG will also be shrouded in mural colored covers. So for the short term, it is massive torque.

I run a 225 darkside and it does have issues with cow pastures and flea market driveways. The stocker on the Touring has got to be the just right size for manipulating yourself at slow speed in the junk yard, and still having a decent ground patch on the freeways.

JDuke's Touring was mighty nice with a young 'un Captain aboard, at RAAIV. I have a preference for the black and white; whenever it is I go there.

Oh yes! Welcome to the site, gw.