G'd Day Ladies and Gents...
After lurking for quite some time, i finally decided to man up, bite the bullet and pick up an X!!!
Coming from the Adventure Bike Scene having owned 3 different bikes over the last two years, the switch to a muscle cruiser is quite a radical change, especially from someone who loves twisties and spirited riding, while absolutely despizing Chrome trim and Harley Davidson (with no offence to anyone who has one... Just not my cup of tea).
Our BMW/KTM dealer also carries Triumph (along with Ducati, Aprilia/Piaggio, and Moto Guzzi).. Prior to the Rocket, i had a 2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure - It was generally a horrible experience as it was plagued with the dreaded front wheel wobble issue which seems to be common with these new full size KTM adventure bikes. The issue was highlighted a few days into my ownership and the dealership initiated the investigation of finding the root cause (with no luck - more on that later).
I had secretly been admiring the Rocket 3 Roadster but thought it wouldnt fit my bill being a cruiser and keeping in mind my previous view on the latter. Anyhow, the KTM went in for its first service and i was offered a 2014 Triumph Rocket 3 Roadster to demo.. Being 6'5 300lbs, i felt at home as soon as i rode out of the dealership.
The research began right away and my mind was set on a Rocket X but i either wanted one of the first or last 10 produced and they could only offer #463, or #436. One day, i got a call from the salesperson i deal with and she informed me that they got #493 in and the deal was done right away! The KTM was traded in.
I've only managed to log around 100 miles on the bike and my observations are as follow. The character is second to none.. Compared tot he 2014 i demoed which had the original Triumph Windscreen, wind seems to be an issue with the stock rocket x windshield however, fitting the accessory windscreen will hurt the X's appearance; which takes us to my next issue. My other bike is a 2014 Kawasaki ZX14R and i am in love with the power that thing puts out even stock as it currently is... I would like to slightly modify the Rocket, perhaps a Reband black exhaust and tune but am worried again about hurting the appearance... What are your thoughts on this? shall i get used to it stock or venture off and has any rocket X owner started modifying? Lastly.. in 100 miles, i've managed to scrape the pegs 3 times (mostly on the right side).. Has anyone fitted higher clearance pegs of some sort? i am not looking for SS lean angles but would like an extra 2 inches or so.
My apologeis for the long post... I always get carried away with introductions especially after lurking for so long.. Looking forward to interacting more on this board and getting better acquainted with you lot.
Mo