R vs GT

Hello, I'm new here. I am in the process of buying a Rocket3. The thing is that I am not clear whether to choose the R or the GT. The problem is that I don't have bikes close to both models to be able to test them. I have always had sport bikes... but “F” sport bikes, not “R”, that is to say, Honda CBR 1000F, GSX 750... Based on this it seems that I would be better suited to the “R”... however my last bike was the Suzuki M109R, with the feet forward... and I also enjoyed it a lot. If there are already open threads about this, please let me know. If anyone can give me some feedback, I'd appreciate it.

Welcome to the forum.

My suggestion is:

The 'R' is the safest bet, as I believe it suits it's use and dynamics best for most folks, but if you're a feet first kinda guy, then nothing else will do.

One aspect you might like to consider ahead of any purchase is comparing the cost to swap from mid to forward or visa versa. I'm not sure which is the least costly of the two.
Maybe someone on here knows the actual price figures on that?

Here's the thing about riding position. The R is a Roadster so the pegs are set at the mid position with handlebars that will tilt you into the breeze. It's a sportier riding position. The GT has forwards that are adjustable to 3 different positions, and the bars are closer to the rider making it more sit up straight and lounger like than the R version. It's much closer to the M109R than the R version. Here's the peg rail for the GT to show you the three different position rail. It takes about 30 minutes to change footpeg position and get the shifter correcrly positioned (brake side is just moved to desired position and torque to spec)> When you purchase a GT it will be set at the middle so you can move the pegs forward or backward (or leave as is if it suits). I moved mine back to get the most comfort. If you're short legged the R pegs can be fitted to the GT for about $900 parts and labor (requires new brake lines and fittings).

atomsplitter said:

Here's the thing about riding position. The R is a Roadster so the pegs are set at the mid position with handlebars that will tilt you into the breeze. It's a sportier riding position. The GT has forwards that are adjustable to 3 different positions, and the bars are closer to the rider making it more sit up straight and lounger like than the R version. It's much closer to the M109R than the R version. Here's the peg rail for the GT to show you the three different position rail. It takes about 30 minutes to change footpeg position and get the shifter correcrly positioned (brake side is just moved to desired position and torque to spec)> When you purchase a GT it will be set at the middle so you can move the pegs forward or backward (or leave as is if it suits). I moved mine back to get the most comfort. If you're short legged the R pegs can be fitted to the GT for about $900 parts and labor (requires new brake lines and fittings).

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Thank you for your clarifications. I know the theory. The differences in position, too. What worries me is buying one and then thinking that I would have been better off with the other option. I will do my best to try both before I buy. I think that's the only way I'll know.

Jagster said:

Bienvenido al foro.

Mi sugerencia es:

La "R" es la apuesta más segura, ya que creo que se adapta mejor a su uso y dinámica para la mayoría de las personas, pero si eres del tipo de persona que prioriza los pies, entonces nada más servirá.

Un aspecto que podrías considerar antes de cualquier compra es comparar el costo de cambiar de un vehículo de gama media a uno de gama alta o viceversa. No estoy seguro de cuál es el más económico.
¿Tal vez alguien aquí sepa el precio real de eso?

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Deep down, I think the same as you do. I don't think I'm going to do badly with RI. I don't have to travel much on a motorcycle... although I wouldn't want to lose that possibility. What I like most about the R is that, being a little ahead of me, I let the weight fall on the front wheel... and I like that. By resting the weight on the front wheel, you have more control over the bike. At least that was my experience. It's also true that I've had sports bikes... but it's been quite a few years. I'm over 50... and maybe a more relaxed position suits me better. Anyway, I have to set the record straight. Thank you!

Huelvalia said:

Thank you for your clarifications. I know the theory. The differences in position, too. What worries me is buying one and then thinking that I would have been better off with the other option. I will do my best to try both before I buy. I think that's the only way I'll know.

Click to expand...

Please bear in mind, that with the forward controls, your right leg is always close to the exhaust manifold and riding in a hot country like Spain, you will have a hot leg ........ Not so with the mid controls.
The engine is quite wide so your legs & feet tend to go out at an angle rather than on a more narrow engined bike, like a Harley V-twin configuration. This means that that (in my opinion) the ergonomics for the feet forward configuration are not the best. When I tried the GT my feet always seemed to want to move out towards the end of the foot pegs, so I think that I would have some leg strain on a long ride.

Just some more factors to consider......it's best to check for yourself with a test ride. That's why I would say the R is the safe bet, if you can't try both in order to compare.

Jagster said:

Please bear in mind, that with the forward controls, your right leg is always close to the exhaust manifold and riding in a hot country like Spain, you will have a hot leg ........ Not so with the mid controls.
The engine is quite wide so your legs & feet tend to go out at an angle rather than on a more narrow engined bike, like a Harley V-twin configuration. This means that that (in my opinion) the ergonomics for the feet forward configuration are not the best. When I tried the GT my feet always seemed to want to move out towards the end of the foot pegs, so I think that I would have some leg strain on a long ride.

Just some more factors to consider......it's best to check for yourself with a test ride. That's why I would say the R is the safe bet, if you can't try both in order to compare.

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You are absolutely right about the heat. I will keep that in mind.

I've just gone through your dilemma. 24 years on sports bikes, then 18 years on Harley's. Preferred the look of the R and it was the only bike available to test in my area. I loved it, however at 5'7" the drag type bars were quite forward. Fine at first, but after an hour I found my shoulders were starting to ache. Sat on the GT, which felt perfect, but, I don't like forwards. In the end I opted for the GT with the mids conversion kit (yet to be fitted). The best of all worlds, as it has the insane comfort of the GT, the reduced reach bars, heated grips and a detachable backrest as standard.

It's an expensive purchase, so I'd recommend traveling to get a ride on a least one of the two models. Don't get me wrong, they're both amazing! The R is the paired back 'roadster' version, where the GT is more about comfort with all the creature comforts, but the same mind bending performance. If you think you may be carrying a pillion from time to time like I will, you really do need the backrest, or you'll arrive a the destination on your own

Also, If you haven't already, look at the back to back reviews on Youtube where they ride both.

Hope this helps.

Huelvalia said:

Hello, I'm new here. I am in the process of buying a Rocket3. The thing is that I am not clear whether to choose the R or the GT. The problem is that I don't have bikes close to both models to be able to test them. I have always had sport bikes... but “F” sport bikes, not “R”, that is to say, Honda CBR 1000F, GSX 750... Based on this it seems that I would be better suited to the “R”... however my last bike was the Suzuki M109R, with the feet forward... and I also enjoyed it a lot. If there are already open threads about this, please let me know. If anyone can give me some feedback, I'd appreciate it.

Click to expand...

Hey, how tall are you? I also came from an M109R, which was super comfortable and a great bike — in my opinion, it had a unique character and a certain soul that I personally miss a bit on the Rocket - due to the Euro 5 regulations.
It’s still an impressive machine, no doubt — but I’d definitely recommend trying both the R and GT versions before buying, especially if you're coming from a big V-twin like the M109R. The character is quite different.I’m still getting used to it after 3500 km. But back to the topic:

I’m 192 cm / 6'4", and from my personal perspective, the R feels a bit compact. The seat is quite low, and there’s not a lot of legroom between the seat and the pegs. The GT might be a better fit if you’re coming from something like the M109R — it offers a more relaxed riding position — but keep in mind that it comes with a different type of handlebars that sit closer to your body, which may or may not suit your preference.

Check this:
R
GT

cheers

Over 50? Time for a trike, don't you think, Grandpa?

Seriously, trying both is the only real answer for you.

For what it's worth, I'm 65 and just 5'6" on a good day. It's super twisty in western NC where I live, so the R is the only one I considered. I have a big ape index (long arms), so I can ride all day in what feels to me an upright, but just slightly forward (not sport bike), position. I would not like the lack of control I would feel leaned back while pushing it through tight turns on the GT.