Newby

[Rusty b]

Hi all
I'm actually riding an major at present but thinking of moving to a rocket 3. Just after some guidance please. Had a test ride recently at a dealership and loved it except for the steering. I found it really difficult to lean into corners. Loved everything else but this turned me off a bit. Just wondering if this is common to all R3s or I just jumped on a bad one? Your comments much appreciated.....
Thanks
Rusty b

 

[Nat67]

Hi Rusty b .
Welcome from one of the Brits !
What year and model did you test ride ?
The r3 is a different beast from all before and responds best to countersteering as opposed to trying to turn the bars into a corner ! Once mastered you will be grounding the pegs in no time !

 

[scot in exile]

Check the tyre pressure, I would be surprised to hear anyone on this site(with riding experience) complaining about the rocket in curves it will never be as good as a sports-bike no matter how much you do to it but it is good for what it is.

 

[scot in exile]

The r3 is a different beast from all before and responds best to countersteering as opposed to trying to turn the bars into a corner ! Once mastered you will be grounding the pegs in no time !

two things you should never do
#1 Fry bacon naked
#2 Use the handlebars to turn a motorbike at anything over about 8-10mph

 

[Fingers]

Welcome from Florida +1 on checking tire pressure.

 

[Mike188]

Welcome from Australia
Yep check pressures but you soon get used to it

 

[Old N' Grumpy]

Then just ride it straight, up on one wheel like @Steel does. He no longer has corner problems!

 

[1olbull]

Hi Rusty b .
Welcome from one of the Brits !
What year and model did you test ride ?
The r3 is a different beast from all before and responds best to countersteering as opposed to trying to turn the bars into a corner ! Once mastered you will be grounding the pegs in no time !

Above 10 or 12 mph, nobody turns into a corner on a motorcycle or bicycle without turning the opposite direction or crashing or both.
The articulated design characteristics physically prevent this. Counter-steer is the way!
The Roadster for some crazy, unknown reason is designed with the rear axle ½ inch lower than the front. Makes for tremendous high speed stability, but sucks huge for cornering and low speed maneuvering. I have gone to a Bridgestone Excedra Max rear (240/55R16), which raises the rear axle ½ inch. I have also gone with a 140/75R17 front which lowers the front axle ½ inch.
Now my motor sits with the front axle ½ inch lower than the rear and handling is improved night vs day!
After that better headlights and shockies are a must IMHO..

 

[Mhboldt]

Above 10 or 12 mph, nobody turns into a corner on a motorcycle or bicycle without turning the opposite direction or crashing or both.
The articulated design characteristics physically prevent this. Counter-steer is the way!
The Roadster for some crazy, unknown reason is designed with the rear axle ½ inch lower than the front. Makes for tremendous high speed stability, but sucks huge for cornering and low speed maneuvering. I have gone to a Bridgestone Excedra Max rear (240/55R16), which raises the rear axle ½ inch. I have also gone with a 140/75R17 front which lowers the front axle ½ inch.
Now my motor sits with the front axle ½ inch lower than the rear and handling is improved night vs day!
After that better headlights and shockies are a must IMHO..

+1 on the 140 up front. Makes the bike much less 'heavy' in the turns. Night and day difference in handling.

 

[mully95]

Welcome from South Carolina!