R3 as a first Bike ?

[Pres10]

I agree with all the above. I am 47 and the Rocket was not my first bike. My first street bike was a Honda CB 360-4 back in 1982. If I had had a Rocket 30 years ago I would have either been in jail or dead. At one time I had a V65 Sabre, the fastest produdction bike at the time. It almost killed me.

Rockets are powerful and quick at any speed and reqires the utmost respect. Be careful.

John

 

[bruce aussie]

It's like making love with a gorrilla. It can be done but it must be on the gorrilla's terms.

 

[Heisenberg]

For me it is the same story. Was riding bikes until got the license 10 years ago and then moved to the car. Was missing the feeling that bike gives though. The last bike I owned was 175cc. After that had some experience riding 400cc, then 1300cc. But that was occasionally. Now bought a Rocket and enjoy it, that's exactly what I've been looking for. Of course there is plenty to learn about it but the thing I've noticed is that this bike is far not as scary as written on the forums

 

[xhdskip]

I do know a couple of guys who started out with a rocket as a first bike.
so it can be done.
My wife's first ride was on my bro-in-laws harley,
that's what she learned on, then, straight to her rocket.
She handles it safely and delicately,
well, as delicate as ya can handle a 800 lb. motorcycle.
so I'd say take a test ride, that will tell you if the Rocket is the bike for you or not.
Ride safe whatever you decide.

 

[Scorp]

I would like to think you would have had some experience with bikes that need some respect. I did have a huge spell from riding bikes, 14 years actually then I went straight to the Rocket. Previous bikes were mostly Suzuki's including a 1100 Katana which did need some respect because did that front wheel want to lift, oh yeah, and in its day it was quick. I did want something more relaxed than sport. Almost got the M109r until jumping on a Rocket, the rest is history. I think if you have good balance, good positioning on the road, always expecting the worst from motorists (love the Stebel) and common sense. It is a bike which can be enjoyed for many reasons but with any bike, even as small as a scooter, they can also be dangerous for someone who has no ability. Only you yourself will truely know if you have that. Either way, enjoy life and stay safe.

 

[Dennsell]

Personally I would never recommend the R3 to anyone unless they had ridden something in excess of 900cc at the time of the R3 purchase... and be physically capable of wrestling the monster and getting themselve out of trouble.. Sorry

Brave or Foolish..... Your Call Karan

 

[rayjay]

I think your be fine..providing you remember 2 things
1..the throttle works both ways
2..never wear a kilt

Ray

 

[hegels]

I say go for it. the rocket 3 can be very tame in almost every situation provided you are gentle with the throttle. just know that if you grab a big handfull of go... it will deliver it and then some.

my first bike was a 1993 xr250L. not a fast bike by any means. i bought a 1977 goldwing shortly after moving to tri cities 2 years ago with the hopes that it would prevent me from buying a r3. about 4 months after i bought the goldwing i bought the rocket. even the goldwing being 1000cc it was not even close in preperation for the r3r. my advice is go for it. its a heavy beast but be nice to it and it wont scare you... much.

 

[Wetrudgeon]

We think the Beast can be an acceptable first bike, but there are likely better choices. Something to "learn on" (and drop a couple of times without stress) seems more prudent. Further, it is not uncommon to buy a bike with every intention of making it a hobby and then find that one has not the time nor the inclination to ride much. One suffers less financial loss if the "first bike" that turns out to be the "only bike" did not break the bank to purchase.

If you are set on the Beast, get one and ride. It is well behaved on the road and can be ridden gently. Watch the rear break, which has a lot of bite if leaned on too hard.

Our $.02.

We trudge on.

 

[TRIIICK]

At first glance the Rocket does look a little intimadating. When i bought mine i had to ride it 70 miles home. I asked a friend of mine who has been riding for over 30 years if he'd mind picking it up for me till i could get used to it . We pulled up to the sellers house my friend chickened out..lol I had no choice but to ride it home myself,to my surprise it was a lot like riding the RoadKing. About 20 miles into the ride i started to see what the R3 could do that's when i got the shock of my life i couldn't believe what a power house the beast was. My 2 cents would be go for it with respect ,it's not really your first bike .Take it slow and work up to a speed your comfortable with and once you get used to it , you'll want it to run faster.

KATHY RIDES BOSS HOSS - YouTube