Starting to wonder if the Rocket is right for me...

That 150 lbs comes in handy in strong winds. Up until I got the Rocket I just accepted that riding in strong cross winds was going to be lot of work and downright scary at times. But with the Rocket I can truly enjoy riding in winds that keep other bikes off the road, or creeping long slowly in the right lane. On the other hand, I would sure like to dump that 150 lbs when I get off the freeway. Motorcycles are like airplanes, they are all about comprimise.

The Rocket has spoiled me with respect to winds, any touring bike I might buy in the future has to be at least close to the Rocket's ability to handle strong winds. I am hoping the Concours 14 might do the trick. From what I have read about Goldwings, they can be a bear in winds, and the touring Harley's just don't have enough power after riding a Rocket for 5 years. Being able to pass a line of cars and or trucks uphill, with ease, is really hard to give up.

The Rocket is is like a rock. The bike stays steady but I get blown around.

Looking at the private sale / trade in values for my R3T.........

Sale prices around 9-11k
Trade in values around 8-9k

That's just depressing. Even though I know Triumphs don't have a great resale. Most bike don't these days. Grrrrrr.

Ah well, that's just the way it is.

I'm still considering trading for the Tiger 1050. I also looked at a BMW 1200RT. Very nice, but a lot more money. Used ones go for 8k. New ? Not at 20k. Not for me anyway.

I have a plan to have two bikes. Just need to figure out which two and in what order.

Keep the R3 for distance work and get one of the new Ducati Multistrada's for everything else. Test rode one last week and what an awesome piece of kit! mind you the price is a touch salty!

I wouldn't trade the Rocket. Talk to your dealer about selling it for you. My dealer offered to sell mine for me (at no charge). Of course, I've purchased 4 bikes from them in 5 years and enough accessories and clothing the stock a mall, so that may have had something to do with it.

My point is I sold my 08 for $12,000. In addition, I took off the accessories and sold them separately. If you price the bike right, it'll sell pretty quick. It only took about a month for them to sell mine. The trick is to give it the mother of all detail jobs; make it look as close to new as possible. That's a HUGE selling point if a potential buyer comes in and sees yours, which looks new, setting next to a new one for thousands less, especially if your bike is like mine was and still in warranty (over a year left).

p.s. As far as the Adventure bikes go, I HIGHLY recommend the Tiger, of course. It's the best value out there, IMHO. That said, the Multistrada and the BMW R1200GS are both fine bikes. But, you're going to pay thousands more for either. Also, don't forget about the maintenance cost on the Ducati. That alone will eat you alive.

Thanks Daryl for the advice regarding selling the Rocket.
I would do just like you mentioned.

I personally don't see the point of the 1200GS. It's a 600 pound dirt bike. That just doesn't work IMO. The RT on the other hand is a very nice touring bike. Although I'm leery of the price. The MultiStrada is gorgeous, but like most sexy redheads would be high maintenance. The one I sat on seemed to fit perfect. I will resist the temptation.

I plan to get a test ride on the Tiger and the BMW RT here in the next few months.
Still leaning towards the Tiger. Less money is nice for such a great all around bike.
That, and it's a Triumph

crazyman said:

Thanks Daryl for the advice regarding selling the Rocket.
I would do just like you mentioned.

I personally don't see the point of the 1200GS. It's a 600 pound dirt bike. That just doesn't work IMO. The RT on the other hand is a very nice touring bike. Although I'm leery of the price. The MultiStrada is gorgeous, but like most sexy redheads would be high maintenance. The one I sat on seemed to fit perfect. I will resist the temptation.

I plan to get a test ride on the Tiger and the BMW RT here in the next few months.
Still leaning towards the Tiger. Less money is nice for such a great all around bike.
That, and it's a Triumph

Click to expand...

I had the opportunity last year to test ride both the Tiger 1050 and the multistrada back to back at my local Ducati/Triumph/Kawasaki dealer (That sounds like a good combo of bikes til you throw in Kawi).

The Multistrada was first. It had character. Felt like enough power to keep me interested for the test ride, but I was sure I'd get bored of it really easy. On that test, I had already cranked up the confidence level to give it 100% right hand rolling into 2nd. It didn't impress me. Plus it felt too plastic and cheap for an expensive bike. Way too narrow for me. Felt like riding a dirt bike with a slightly wider seat.

Then came the Tiger. I was ready for more power, but I didn't expect how much smoother it was. It even reved quicker. It felt heavier, but it was a good heavy. The tiger FELT more expensive. I was already more at home since my current bike was an older Daytona T595. The redline was more predictable and the sound was familiar. I guess that combined with the comfort equalled my second gear wheelie after completing the first right hand turn of the test.

If you are tossing around the idea of getting one of those two. I urge you to ride both as close to each other as possible. You will buy the Tiger that day. I almost did. I was in the middle of checking financing when my sister got in an accident and I had to go help her out. Had this not occurred, and my girlfriend didn't talk me out of it later that night, I'd be riding a Tiger. My goal is pay off the Rocket in the next couple years and hope there is a 1-2 year old redesigned Tiger in my future to put along side the Rocket to replace the T595.

Sorry that was a little long. Hope that helps.

Vink

Thanks for the info Vink.

I don't see myself getting the MTS. It's like looking at a Ferrari. Nice but not nice enough for me at the price.
The Tiger, I've only sat on three of them. Haven't yet got to ride one. Can't wait til November when the funds are available !

As for the Rocket, I'm torn as to whether I should keep it or sell it. My main reason for considering selling is purely physical on my part. The bike is just uncomfortable to painful after an hour or two. I have my good days and not so good days. I ride anyway. I've got herniated discs in my neck, a dislocated shoulder and ligament tears, an older injury to my right hip and issues with my lower back....... a lot to 'deal' with. The riding position is problematic. Nothing wrong at all with the bike.

After much reading and talking with other riders and medical pros, I've come to the point of trying a standard riding position. I've ridden other standards in the past, so I have an idea of what to expect. A lighter weight bike with standard riding position should allow me to ride in a more comfortable, less painful manner. That's the theory anyway.

Have you tried anything at all with the seat?

Dennis

Left KAF yesterday
Arrived Dubai yesterday evening
In Dubai today (flight doesn't leave till Saturday morning at 12:05 am)
Tomorrow....Home
22 dtg Ray's (Ray will probably be arriving the 20th vice the 21st).

If you have tried a different seat (and I am not talking about another Triumph seat) and still can't find the love...with your back problems and the rest...the bad news it may not matter what type of bike you eventually end up on...you may not find any seating position, for any lenght of time, all that comfortable.

I do wish you luck, the main thing is that you are riding the bike that you enjoy and that means both mentally and physically.

Dennis

Left KAF yesterday
Arrived Dubai yesterday evening
In Dubai today (flight doesn't leave till Saturday morning at 12:05 am)
Tomorrow....Home
22 dtg Ray's (Ray will probably be arriving the 20th vice the 21st).