R3 as a first Bike ?

The real key to mastering the Rocket is to ride it often; every day if you can. Everything just becomes second nature and it will feel like any other bike you're used to. But I still say there are some basic things you need to get confidence in - and riding quickly isn't one of them. That's easy, although the last thing you want to feel, on any bike but especially on a Rocket, is that you've over-cooked a corner. You really need to develop confidence and experience to deal with that and turning a Rocket can feel a bit like turning an ocean liner until you learn to just go with it. That actually takes more than just a couple of rides to master and is a lot easier on something that doesn't weigh 800 pounds. Actually the slow stuff will give you grief too, until you're used to man-handling a bike, any bike. U-turns, pushing it around, parking, stop start traffic etc - that will give you grief before you even get going.

I still would NOT recommend a Rocket for anyone who lacks experience, regardless of what others say. I don't want that on my hands. But if you want to risk it, and if you will be able to ride her frequently, and if you can get insurance, then go for it if your heart's set on it. They are an amazing machine, very manoeuverable for their size and far less scary than they appear. But be it on your head. You just might get lucky.

The general consciences is that a R3 is a bit much for a beginner rider. I would say I have to agree, but my first road bike was a Honda VTX 1800 and I was asked why I bought a bike that big and that powerfull as my first machine. For me the price was right and I was already in my forties and have lot's of respect for machines with high HP. After all I own a 650+HP hotrod that will sprout wings and take you to the moon just as soon as you step on the accelerator. As stated if you respect the power, take it easy in the beginning, and ride often you will master it quickly.
I love my 08 Classic and find it handles better than my VTX did as well as it is no where near as top heavy as that 856lb beast of a V-Twin the VTX was. What ever you decide once you get to a R3 you will be hooked. Good luck.

If the bike fits you okay and you have a place like a school parking lot(when school is out) to practise I say go for it, it is a big powerfull bike but the power only comes on when you twist the throttle, so if possible and if you have the will power to take it easy for a wee while go for it.

speedfrk said:

The general consciences is that a R3 is a bit much for a beginner rider. I would say I have to agree, but my first road bike was a Honda VTX 1800 and I was asked why I bought a bike that big and that powerfull as my first machine. For me the price was right and I was already in my forties and have lot's of respect for machines with high HP. After all I own a 650+HP hotrod that will sprout wings and take you to the moon just as soon as you step on the accelerator. As stated if you respect the power, take it easy in the beginning, and ride often you will master it quickly.
I love my 08 Classic and find it handles better than my VTX did as well as it is no where near as top heavy as that 856lb beast of a V-Twin the VTX was. What ever you decide once you get to a R3 you will be hooked. Good luck.

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Age isnt the factor though mate Statistics actually are surprising most fatalitys are NOT young riders but those over 40 that used to ride and are getting back into it or reached that point in life wher they try something new and take up riding men 40+ buying big hi powerd bikes make up the major part of the roadtoll for motorcycles.

karan4010 said:

Hi, I am karan and currently on lookout for my first bike. I have driven the enfields for some years but was like 7 years back and now want to start riding again. I am enclined towards buying the R3 roadster.

When I went to one of the showrooms, the sales guy starting laughing when I told him that I am interested in R3 - as my first bike. This has created some doubt in my mind, if my choice of R3 roadster as my first bike right. although I have ridden in the past but nothing like a R3, but enfields which were like 500cc.

Can someone please suggest, if rocket three can be good candidate for a guy like me. I plan to make a purchase in a months time.

Thanks for the help.

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The issue here first and foremost your biking experience, remember the adage you have to learn to crawl before you walk. Seen as frustration for some, the Australian bike laws even with the LAMS approved machined have saved a few lives.

Look for something a bit more sedate and light on weight before you contemplate the rocket. My experience riding bikes from around 14 nearly 40 years, first launch on a rocket frighten the bejesus out of me.

Just a thought, you don't get out of a mini minor car into Semi truck pulling 3 or more 50 foot trailers the first day you get your licence.

Evil Mitch said:

Age isnt the factor though mate Statistics actually are surprising most fatalitys are NOT young riders but those over 40 that used to ride and are getting back into it or reached that point in life wher they try something new and take up riding men 40+ buying big hi powerd bikes make up the major part of the roadtoll for motorcycles.

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Thats the facts , blokes getting back on modern more powerful bikes after years of not riding. Trying to keep up with those that have been riding all along. Lets face it reaction time and that sixth sense that keeps most of us alive is lost when you stop riding for a lengthy period i reckon.

TOMCAT said:

Thats the facts , blokes getting back on modern more powerful bikes after years of not riding. Trying to keep up with those that have been riding all along. Lets face it reaction time and that sixth sense that keeps most of us alive is lost when you stop riding for a lengthy period i reckon.

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Stopped riding in 1973.

2010 bought a Bonneville America, after 600 miles traded it for a Thunderbird.

Did 1300 miles on Thunderbird traded it for a Rocket.

Never considered a Rocket in the beginning as thought it was to big/heavy/fast.

When I bought the Thunderbird it was ready to collect a few days later. When I went in to pick it up, there was a new Rocket next to it priced the same.

I asked the salesman what the Rocket was like to ride he said it was a "*****cat" if treated right.

Went away wondering if the Thunderbird was the right choice. A few weeks later saw another Rocket on the forecourt of another dealer, asked if I could ride it.

After half and hour I went back and traded the Thunderbird. Treat it with respect and it's very easy to ride. Heavy in the town but you get used to it, heavy coming out of side roads, again you get used to it.

Have a clear straight road, you can then find out how it goes, wind it on slowly and you soon get the feel for it.

You just respect the power, and you get no surprises when you have traffic around you. Plan ahead, and you can get a real smooth ride.

I'm getting no younger, back's playing up, I'm enjoying it while I can.

I was lucky with the test ride, the dealer is on the side a very quiet country road sat on the side of a motorway. I did about 10 miles down the country roads getting the feel of the acceleration and how it handles in bends, came back up the motorway.

Coming down the slip road, rear mirror was clear, looked over shoulder nothing in blind spot, open her up a bit faster now to feel the power coming in, up to 90 just like that. Amazing.

Ask for a test ride, you may well be surprised how it handles.

Just treat it with great respect.

TOMCAT said:

Thats the facts , blokes getting back on modern more powerful bikes after years of not riding. Trying to keep up with those that have been riding all along. Lets face it reaction time and that sixth sense that keeps most of us alive is lost when you stop riding for a lengthy period i reckon.

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So true. And the more you ride the better you get. Infrequent, even weekend riders, are also risking it and it's the older guys that seem to do that more than younger ones. They also tend to have the biggest bikes. Just look at our age demographic.

CanberraR3 said:

So true. And the more you ride the better you get. Infrequent, even weekend riders, are also risking it and it's the older guys that seem to do that more than younger ones. They also tend to have the biggest bikes. Just look at our age demographic.

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Yep i havent had my licence for a huge amount of time but i ride almost everyday in all conditions and even when im having fun i never ride outside my ability I got nothing to prove to anyone if your faster than me goodluck to ya i say treat ya self to a medal cos i got two little kids that need their daddy to come home at the end of the ride.
I have been on rides with people much more experienced than i and seen them come unstuck from being over confident and pushing outside their ability sometimes its best to leave egos at home i think .
Dont get me wrong i rarely do the speed limit unless im on the major highway speed trap areas but im certainly not riding with a death wish either.

Thanks !!!

I really appreciate everybody for taking their time out and helping me with their honest opinion.

I do understand the concerns of riding the R3 as the first bike, after a long gap as mentioned by many and now am sure if I go for it need to be extra careful and responsible.

But I also do want to re iterate, that its only this bike which has reinvented my love for riding again after so long and though I know it's going to be somewhat an uphill task for me but I think I can back myself up going for it.

Again really am thankful to all for their suggestions