R vs GT

[ciderbaby]

I thought I wanted a GT. I was buying new. The minute I sat on both in the showroom I knew it had to be the R. The difference in price got me the accessories I wanted on the R

 

[Huelvalia]

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, the Rocket feels a bit more refined and muted, especially in terms of sound and engine feel.
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. If I had the chance to go back to my old M1800R, I probably would — but that’s another story Back to the topic:

I’m 192 cm / 6'4", and from my personal perspective, the Rocket 3 R feels a bit compact. That’s probably my second biggest issue with it. 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

Hello, very interesting your comments. I am 179 cm. I don't think I have your size problems. For now, without having tried them, I am opting for the R. Thanks!!!

 

[Huelvalia]

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.

Hello, we share several things: I also have long arms. I have always had problems with shirts because of this issue. The other thing we share is the need to have control over the front motorcycle axle. However, as I said at the beginning of the thread, I have really enjoyed the M109R. The bottom line I think is that I adapt easily to what I have between my legs. Thanks, for giving me hints that may help me.

 

[Huelvalia]

I thought I wanted a GT. I was buying new. The minute I sat on both in the showroom I knew it had to be the R. The difference in price got me the accessories I wanted on the R

This is exactly what I am evaluating: Buy the R and put a screen and backrest on it.

 

[Journeyman]

This is exactly what I am evaluating: Buy the R and put a screen and backrest on it.

That's what I did- the backrest and a screen. I also got a Madstat screen for winter (ugly, but better than freezing) and use the adjustable angle brackets for that all year round. Also added heated grips. I think the "R" is in your future. In any event, there is no other bike quite like it. Enjoy!

 

[Huelvalia]

Good morning, I have finally decided to buy the R version. I think it is the best version for what I am looking for. I hope I'm not wrong. Actually, I am not a person of regrets. Once the decision is made... I never look back. I am hesitant to buy it new or second hand. If it makes up for those added horsepower from the Storm model. When I've made up my mind I'll come up and buy it, I'll upload pics. Thanks for your cooperation. It has been the forum where I have gotten the most information and opinions. Thanks again.

 

[Jagster]

On the subject of opting for either the Storm or the earlier version of the R, I think there are a few points:

1 - Aesthetics..........The Storm looks more fresh and modern. Having less chrome/brightwork gives a cleaner, results in a bolder appearance. I almost shrinks down the size of the bike. However, I think more care will be needed to keep all the black surfaces looking good over use & time.
2- The lighter wheels on the Storm will help with ride comfort and handling....a little bit.
3- I doubt you will notice the extra power. The older models can match the Storm with a simple map change.
4- Maybe the very latest models benefit from further evolution of the Rocket 3 over time. Perhaps small glitches have been ironed out, but it's not clear about that. If you are comparing an early Rocket 3 against the Storm, that might well be the case, but I think less so if there is just a year or two between a new or secondhand bike.

My own conclusion on this topic is that the main points come down to price & aesthetics. The rest is small......I think.

Other folk on here may have more to add or view the decision factors in a different way (??)

 

[Huelvalia]

On the subject of opting for either the Storm or the earlier version of the R, I think there are a few points:

1 - Aesthetics..........The Storm looks more fresh and modern. Having less chrome/brightwork gives a cleaner, results in a bolder appearance. I almost shrinks down the size of the bike. However, I think more care will be needed to keep all the black surfaces looking good over use & time.
2- The lighter wheels on the Storm will help with ride comfort and handling....a little bit.
3- I doubt you will notice the extra power. The older models can match the Storm with a simple map change.
4- Maybe the very latest models benefit from further evolution of the Rocket 3 over time. Perhaps small glitches have been ironed out, but it's not clear about that. If you are comparing an early Rocket 3 against the Storm, that might well be the case, but I think less so if there is just a year or two between a new or secondhand bike.

My own conclusion on this topic is that the main points come down to price & aesthetics. The rest is small......I think.

Other folk on here may have more to add or view the decision factors in a different way (??)

Thank you for giving us your opinion. About the power increase... A friend of mine thinks just the opposite. As the engine is exactly the same, let's say it was not originally intended to take that extra out of the engine and it may be that the engine runs more relaxed without this stretching of its capabilities. This is just a “opinión de barra de bar" as we say in Spain... (barstool opinion, pub talk) I have no real data. Thanks!!!

 

[Jagster]

Thank you for giving us your opinion. About the power increase... A friend of mine thinks just the opposite. As the engine is exactly the same, let's say it was not originally intended to take that extra out of the engine and it may be that the engine runs more relaxed without this stretching of its capabilities. This is just a “opinión de barra de bar" as we say in Spain... (barstool opinion, pub talk) I have no real data. Thanks!!!

....Well....I'm certainly not an expert, but I have ridden both models and the power differences are not noticeable for me.
My bike is a 2020 R, so a 1st gen bike and I jumped off my bike and straight on to a 2024 Storm R and fired it down an airfield as fast as I could without the bike throwing me off the back, and I can't honestly say that it felt any faster than my bike.
The reality is that you can only go as fast as your body can:
a- hold on to the bars (not a huge deal, but still...)
b- combat the forces from the airflow over your body and the bike.
Those factors are just the same.

An extra few horsepower at the top end isn't going to be used 95% of the time on the road. The other 5% of the time might well be your last time, if you're ragging the bike to the rev limiter on the road, so, you might notice the difference if you're in a straight line race with an older Rocket 3 where you can compare side by side. Both would need to have quick shifters fitted in order to smooth out the variable time lag during gear changes.
It's all hypothetical pub talk, like you say.......Which is why I recommend that you choose the bike you like the looks of most, at the price that lubricates your compulsions.
......Who knows, there might be some money left to buy a round of drinks

....Looking forward to seeing what you buy....happy hunting...

 

[Journeyman]

Get the Penner tune and you'll be even more amazed at the power of this bike. Congrats on your future purchase.