Not yet but have sat on them at the dealer. The reason I'm looking is that the old V65 is showing it's age and currently down with problems. As you know trying to find parts or even someone that knows how to work on one is next to impossible. I recently owned a Hog and that's a good name for it. A Honda Civic could beat me in the 1/4. I'm used to the power the V65 put out and owned a new T120 Bonnie back in 66 and it had oil leaks, electrical problems all the time so wanted to make sure the new ones don't have the same issues especially with today's repair and parts cost. Thanks for your input.
Hello again,
Having read your story so far i'm picturing a situation where you have had the V65 as your main bike for all those years and perhaps not been experiencing all the various makes/ models/types of bikes for a good few years. You've found the Rocket and perhaps like me you've been stuck by the very striking appearance and sheer presence of the bike.
It does feel surprisingly light when you throw a leg over the bike and the ergonomics feel quite natural, so that is definitely a positive.
One thing I found was after sitting on the Rocket for the first time, nothing else felt as good......I was in effect drawn in and under it's spell.
Despite buying one just before Christmas, I still have my concerns over the complexity of the electronics behind the bike.
By default, I would much prefer not to have that layer of complexity in case if it began to develop reliability problems. I would be at the mercy of the dealer if that happened, and once the warranty expires it could be a very expensive pup....but....I have decided to take an optimistic view, however, there is that niggling feeling that it won't be trouble free. Only time will tell.
It's winter here now, and these days I only ride for fun, so I am using this period to adjust things on the bike to suit my preferences before putting some proper shakedown miles on the bike in the springtime such as resolving the fender/mudguard deficiency that the bike has.
The dirt/water spray from the rear tyre is quite frankly ridiculous. Probably the worst set up i've ever experienced on any other road bike, but I feel confident I can sort that problem satisfactorily with my own design solution. There are also bolt-on solutions already out there and available to buy.
My bottom line view regarding reliability concerns is.....if trouble free long term ownership is at the top of the list of shopping requirements, look for a medium spec Honda. In my experience they just work and do everything very well. Of course buying a bike is not that simple, as there is a highly emotive factor to it.
When I rode the Rocket, I knew straight away that it was the next bike for me regardless of the potential negatives. It's a journey i'm excited to take.
Good luck with your quest!
