R3 as a first Bike ?

[karan4010]

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.

 

[CanberraR3]

Entirely up to you; or more to the point, whether you're up to it. My question - why on earth would you think a Rocket, the largest production bike you can buy, is a good bike for a beginner?
Personally, I think you'd be pretty dumb to have a Rocket as your first bike (unless you've had a lot of riding experience) but that's me. Some on here have done it and are doing just fine, so it really gets down to whether you feel you can handle such a big, heavy and powerful machine.
I'd be inclined to get confident on something like an Amereica or Speedmaster first but if you feel you're up to it, go for it. It's only money and your neck at stake.

 

[HansO]

To be candidly honest the Rocket is even for some experienced riders a handful, but By the same token If you are younger have good reflexes and have reasonable upper body strength and also the sensible approach to your limitations you may just be OK
The Rocket is a heavy bike which even with Motorcycle tyres can be demanding on uneven surfaces but ridden carefully in a sensible way any one could ride one. but as I said you would want to be fit with a reasonable upper body strength to be able to use body language to control it on rough surfaces..... that and a lot of self control with the right hand

 

[TOMCAT]

A 500 Enfield 7 years ago ... jeez mate i'd go for something in between for a while , 800 or 1000cc but maybe not a 2.3 litre. Please keep us informed on what you decide

 

[UNCLE JESSE]

I agree with the other fellows the rocket does feel a little funny below 10 mile an hour, the 6 gallon fuel tank makes it a little top heavy. But if you're a fairly large person you probably won't pay any attention to it. I believe you would love a rocket,I was thinking what was told to me when I bought my first road bike back in the 70s which was a full dressed Harley-Davidson and it was the first thing I had road bigger than an 80cc trail bike and they said I was CRAZY but I loved it, I wobbled for about the first block but then three weeks later took my test on it if you won't it go for it just take your time.

 

[CanberraR3]

Jesse makes a point worth keeping in mind. Not sure where you're from (karan) but out here there are limits on what you can ride before you have a license and for a couple of years after. Where I live it's based on power:weight, which means mostly 250cc although some larger bikes are allowed because they're heavy and not too powerful. Interesting (and amusing) is that pretty much any Harley -even some of the 103 cu in - is OK for learners but there is NO WAY a Rocket would be allowed.

 

[Evil Mitch]

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.

I would suggest a smaller bike to begin with personally i jumped to the rocket to early but i respected and still respect its power and i now feel at home on the beast . I do feel however that in the first six-twelve months it could have ended in tears.
If u do get one respect the torque or it will bite u in the arse hard

 

[CanberraR3]

I would suggest a smaller bike to begin with personally i jumped to the rocket to early but i respected and still respect its power and i now feel at home on the beast . I do feel however that in the first six-twelve months it could have ended in tears.
If u do get one respect the torque or it will bite u in the arse hard

Arrr, so that's why you got the fluffy seat cover.

 

[TxRIIIRider]

There are a few beginner riders on this forum that started out on a Rocket. There are a couple of things that make the Rocket easy to ride. One is the amount of torque. You can litterally ease the clutch out without giving it gas and you're not going to kill it. It will take off easy. Two is also the amount of torque.. In just about any gear, you can go as slow as you want, and give her some gas and she'll pull right on out of it.

I personally wouldn't recommend it as a beginner bike, but if you have respect and realize that the bike is only going to take off as hard as you tell it to, then you should be fine. You have experience riding a motorcycle, and if you have respect for the machine and take your time to learn it, it's an awesome bike.

I deal with horses alot.. The Rocket is like a powerful horse.. You treat it with respect, it will treat you with all the enjoyment you're looking for.. If you ride it hard without knowing what you are doing, it will throw you off or worse..

 

[Mittzy]

Welcome to the site Mate,
My roadster was my first BIG BIKE, previously i rode a Yamaha R6.
The R6 though I thought it was too small for me as i am 110Kg and a stocky build.
It comes downs to confidence, respect and DO NOT EVER ride this bike in the wet if you dont have the confidence to handle suck a big bike, as it WILL step out on you when you dont want it too. I absolutley love the torque/power from the beast and consequently i am wearing my rear tyre out very fast.

Like a good woman.... Respect your ride and it/she will be happy to keep you on top, Forget how to handle/respect your ride and you will be eating the road
He He He (sorry ladies if I offend any of you)