Thinking about buying a Rocket

grampi said:
I currently own an M109R. I love the bike for one-up riding, but it's not a good two-up rider. I put a backrest on the bike for my wife, but it's still not comfortable on the back according to my wife. She said she will ride with me if I get a more comfortable bike. Being the performance junky I am, I started to think about what bike I could get that has the balls of the 109, but would be better suited for touring. The Rocket was the 1st bike I thought of. I've noticed Triumph makes the Rocket in a touring model, which would be perfect for us. About the only thing I don't like on the touring model is that grampawy looking windshield. Are there any factory or aftermarket fairings available for the Rocket? Also, are there other seat options available? I'm interested in a seat that has a backrest for both the passenger and the rider.

As far as the bike itself, is there anything I need to know as a 109 owner going to a Rocket? I know it's heavier, but that isn't necessarily a big concern for me. I'm comfortable with big, heavy bikes. I'm more concerned with reliability (as I've never owned a British made bike), parts availability (both OEM and aftermarket, because there are so few of them), and the small dealership network. Luckily, we have a Triumph dealer in my town, so support is there if needed. Any info from Rocket owners would be highly appreciated...
Click to expand...

buying a Rocket iii is not something you 'think' about.....you feel it, you do it, you never regret it.....
 
cardinal93 said:
Can't answer the floorboard question (still have legs for the pillion). I have 2 Corbin's: solo saddle and dual with back rests. I run the solo most of the time. The backrests are fully adjustable, but they don't really "lock" into place, just a tension hold. I put mine where I want it when I get on, but if I stretch and lean back in the middle of the ride it needs adjusted forward again, which I've found is hard to do while riding. I haven't had any experience with any other backrests so I can't really compare for you. I do love my Corbin saddles though.
Click to expand...

I have emailed Corbin about this. Something doesn't sound right with your backrests. What good is being able to adjust them to where you want them if they don't stay put while you're riding? Sounds like something may be wrong with yours. I can just see my wife on the back of my Rocket and the first time I crank on the throttle a bit hard and her backrest doesn't hold firm she'll be done riding! If this is how they're supposed to be, I may need to find another brand...I don't want mine doing that...
 
FYI, the Roadster had a significant update in 2010. Besides providing updates for several parts that were failing and blacking out much of the trim, Triumph also made the following changes:
  • Added ABS
  • Beefed up the clutch, shaft drive, and gear selection
  • Softened the rear shocks 20% (still terrible in stock form IMO)
  • Added clock, fuel gauge, and gear position sensor
  • Changed exhaust configuration to 1 muffler on each side
  • Foot controls moved back 100mm, down 20mm (moving from a cruiser- to a roadster-style stance)
  • Tuned (ECU and exhaust) for 11% increase in HP and 15% increase in torque
 
grampi said:
I have emailed Corbin about this. Something doesn't sound right with your backrests. What good is being able to adjust them to where you want them if they don't stay put while you're riding? Sounds like something may be wrong with yours. I can just see my wife on the back of my Rocket and the first time I crank on the throttle a bit hard and her backrest doesn't hold firm she'll be done riding! If this is how they're supposed to be, I may need to find another brand...I don't want mine doing that...
Click to expand...
Sorry, I should have explained better. The passenger backrest doesn't do it. When the driver backrest goes back it only goes to vertical; I just like it leaned forward.
 
alpental said:
FYI, the Roadster had a significant update in 2010. Besides providing updates for several parts that were failing and blacking out much of the trim, Triumph also made the following changes:
  • Added ABS
  • Beefed up the clutch, shaft drive, and gear selection
  • Softened the rear shocks 20% (still terrible in stock form IMO)
  • Added clock, fuel gauge, and gear position sensor
  • Changed exhaust configuration to 1 muffler on each side
  • Foot controls moved back 100mm, down 20mm (moving from a cruiser- to a roadster-style stance)
  • Tuned (ECU and exhaust) for 11% increase in HP and 15% increase in torque
Click to expand...

You just made me want a 2010 or newer model. BTW, there is a really nice looking 2012 model Roadster on cycletrader.com with only 2500 miles and the guy's only asking $10.5K...it's black and chrome too, my colors! I wish I was ready to pull the trigger!
 
I know the feeling. I wish somebody would come and buy my house as I have feet itching to move to the South.
 

Similar threads

    • Like
Added a second bike.
Replies
5
Views
295
Vector
Ishrub
    • Like
    • Sad
A new direction / solution
Replies
3
Views
351
Ishrub
Ishrub
Journeyman
    • Like
Evil Knievel Rocket 3 Edition
2
Replies
16
Views
990
2025R3GTEK
mexican
    • Like
    • Love
    • Haha
BREEZE has a twin?
Replies
0
Views
204
mexican
mexican
stingray
    • Like
Thinking about a new ADV bike
Replies
8
Views
1K
Tripps
Tripps
Back
Top