IdahoRenegade
.060 Over
I have to say, I think the Rocket Roadster has ruined me. A couple weeks ago I went on a 4000 mile vacation on it. The trip had me thinking that a more touring oriented bike would be nice. Lockable hard bags, option for a trunk, cruise control, stereo. Well, my local dealer has a left over 16 CC, they let me take for a ride. My impression....the motor just didn't work. Little low end torque, though it does pull somewhat above 3k...but runs out of steam by 5k. Motor didn't like to lug down at all...in places at less than 2000 rpm, where the R3 just pulls smoothly in lower gears, it's "chug, chug"...acts like it wants to stall and is being lugged badly. No where near the low RPM torque I expected. The fairing didn't provide any better wind protection than the R3 windshield, and if anything the buffeting was worse. Fork stem is way forward, with bars that come back horizontally a long ways before kicking up-odd, but I could get used to it. Sound system was badly distorted at highway speeds. To me...the whole bike felt kind of "plasticy" and not nearly as solid and refined as the R3. Handling was nice though-very neutral (as good as the R3 with 140 Cobra and Excedra Max) and light. And I really do like the styling and the nice, big saddlebags.
I did look hard at the Indian Chieftain and Roadmaster, but didn't ride one. Might have to look a little more. The bags on those don't seem nearly as large as the Vics.
Sure hope Triumph comes out with a full-blown touring version with the next gen. I'm not sure I can accept a "lesser" bike
I did look hard at the Indian Chieftain and Roadmaster, but didn't ride one. Might have to look a little more. The bags on those don't seem nearly as large as the Vics.
Sure hope Triumph comes out with a full-blown touring version with the next gen. I'm not sure I can accept a "lesser" bike