Seriously considering a 2015 R3 Roadster

FR56 said:
Leave it to me to 'fall' for another rapacious rubber eater.:rolleyes:
I've never been one to "jack-rabbit" every traffic light or make a public 'smoke show' of my tire budget; but my long predilection for corner carving :evil: works as quickly on side treads as 'line-locks' do on center treads. I was kinda hoping the less athletic 'curiser' influences could dissuade and possibly save me $$$ :banghead:
Click to expand...
Well we may share similar predilections - And I made similar ill-founded assumptions.

The R3 is a remarkably athletic monster - especially if you upgrade suspension. Sort of like an Elephant doing Olympic speed skating. May not look as pretty as figure skating - but it gets things done.

I wear my tyres out OFF the centre line. Most of my prior mounts have been Italian - save a Buell.
 
I have had my 2015 Rocket III for a week now. On the tire issue, I have used Metzler Marathon 880 tires on my 08 Goldwing and 03 Concours. I went to them specifically for tire life, and was pleased overall. Not sure why many say they do not last on the Rocket, as both the Concours and Wing were not lightweight bikes. Perhaps, the right wrist is to blame?

Some describe the R3 as heavier handling. I vastly prefer it to my Gold Wing. I find it reasonably light with the wide bars and responsive to my input. It reminds me of riding my 91 Nighthawk, just taller and heavier.

I prefer the ABS on the R3 to the Wing's non ABS linked brakes. The Rocket has a decent, if modest array of electronics stuffed in the two chrome pods. Shocks appear up to the job, and ride is generally smooth.

A person need not be concerned about sufficient power, unless the last ride was a Boss Hoss, Hayabuse or V Max. I do not see myself seeking performance mods.

The engine sounds a bit unrefined, especially compared to the Wing. Vibration is there in the bars, but not intrusive or problematic. Popping downhill without a load and a slightly loping idle. It sounds almost motor scooterish putting along at low revs in town. That ends when the throttle is applied. When that is done, keep a FIRM grip on the bars, because power is on tap RIGHT this second.

I decided I wanted to migrate to a cruiser. The R3 is an anti Harley. If you like the V twin sound and want to fit in with the crowd, I would not buy a R3. I am a big guy and I wanted a big bike. I generally ride alone and wanted a bike with a bit of presence. I did not buy it to get looks, even though the bike does. It suits me. Has buckets of power and legroom that I need for my older knees.

Negatives. It stalled twice on a downhill to our home with no throttle input using low gears to save brakes (16 percent downgrade). It has a fairly wide turning radius, I expect it is raked out a bit. This does not bother me, and I think it contributes to better handling for me.
We live on a half mile stretch of gravel road, which turns uphill. It needs caution on this, more so than the Wing. Do not park this bike on gravel, and expect to push it back easily on a slight uphill. The Wing reverse gear works better than legs.

Not much I would change on the bike. I really want shield and sissy bar installed and dresser bars and pegs. Dealer ordered them. I just need a bit of storage and the sissy bar to anchor a bag.

Not sure if Triumphs are for rebels or not. Any sneers from Harley riders can be dismissed in the dust well behind you. The service manager at the HD/Triumph dealer where I bought the bike said not a bike on the floor could touch it for speed. Of that I am certain.

The dealer offered a generous 14 mile test ride. I went maybe 500 feet, before I thought to myself, "I am totally buying this!!
 
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That is a good write-up @Dalan. However, it should idle as smooth as a baby's bum. If the idle doesn't smooth out after the first oil change and service then I suggest that you check the primary TPS settings. If this is a little out then it could be the cause of your rough idle and also the time that it cut out.
 
They all do the stall thing till it loosens up. Give it a while. You also might think you have an oil leak coming from the left hand side- that will most likely be assembly oil or grease used for shipping....
 
Mittzy said:
Firstly Welcome from one if the Aussies.
The R3 was introduced in 2004.
If your thinking of buying a 2015 model all the major bugs have been ironed out (from 2010 onwards) first thing I would do is the Eastern Beaver head light relay upgrade or one of our members here @DEcosse makes a great unit that will do a perfect job. This will avoid an ignition switch failure.
And as for tyre wear- it will range from 5000 to 12000 miles. Depends on your right hand:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Good advice, M8, but I'd now go for the @DEcosse ign relay.
Dump Metzeler and go with Bridgestone Exedra Max 240/55R16 rear and a 140 Avon Cobra up front.
 

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