Time for a new ride

[foxviewnet]

Hello from Florida! I’ve been riding motorcycles for most of my life. Started with an 80-something Suzuki that was in real rough shape but it got me hooked. Upgraded to a Honda 750 Magna which was an amazing motorcycle and kinda stuck with Honda ever since. Got into sport bikes with Honda 600 F4i which lead to a 954RR and eventually an 1100xx Blackbird. That Blackbird was by far the most fun I’ve ever had on 2 wheels. Recently I’m trying to transition back into cruisers so I picked up a super clean 2014 Honda Valkyrie. It’s a solid bike but being discontinued for so long gives me some part availability concerns.

So I’ve been looking for a new bike and am leaning hard towards a new Rocket 3. Figured I’d join this forum and see what I can learn from you fine folks. Thanks for having me!

Welcome from Alabama! I have only had (4) of the 1st generation R3s and have never had the opportunity to ride the new R or GT. I have sat on a few at a dealer near me and the newer versions seem a little small after cruising with the first gen bikes. However, I think I would enjoy the R or GT as much as the one I have now. I came from a line of Hondas, Yamahas and Kawees before jumping on my first Rocket 3 Classic and have not looked back. The comfort is as enjoyable as the performance is a kick in the pants. These R3s have simple maintenance and easy mods. The factory beast can be unlocked and unrestricted easily and without much expense. This forum has been a world of information and help when questions may arise. There are plenty of great folks on here that offer their assistance and knowledge not to mention their friendship. Have fun finding out if the R3 is right for you!

 

[Octagun]

Thanks foxviewnet for the welcome and the sharing of your experience. You touched on a few points that are important to me as well so very helpful.
Do you (or anyone else) have experience with these bikes riding 2-up? My girlfriend really enjoys riding on the Valkyrie and it seems the R3 would offer her a similar experience.

 

[mo8414]

Thanks foxviewnet for the welcome and the sharing of your experience. You touched on a few points that are important to me as well so very helpful.
Do you (or anyone else) have experience with these bikes riding 2-up? My girlfriend really enjoys riding on the Valkyrie and it seems the R3 would offer her a similar experience.

When its warm my wife rides with me 80% of the time. She can do about an hour before she starts getting uncomfortable. I strap a square pillow on the back which helps her a lot. I'm eventually going to have a custom rear seat made thats wider and make a taller back rest. The rear shock can hold about 650 lbs before it starts to bottom out on the second gen rockets.

 

[rick danger]

You guys that want to ride 2 up, don't forget you have Russel Day Long saddles as an option. Not cheap, but they make a nice seat. Specialty Seats Gallery - Russell Cycle Products

 

[Octagun]

When its warm my wife rides with me 80% of the time. She can do about an hour before she starts getting uncomfortable. I strap a square pillow on the back which helps her a lot. I'm eventually going to have a custom rear seat made thats wider and make a taller back rest. The rear shock can hold about 650 lbs before it starts to bottom out on the second gen rockets.

Great looking bike! I like the pillow mod, whatever it takes to get them riding with ya is a good idea.

 

[Octagun]

You guys that want to ride 2 up, don't forget you have Russel Day Long saddles as an option. Not cheap, but they make a nice seat. Specialty Seats Gallery - Russell Cycle Products

Those are some gorgeous saddles. Anyone here have one on a R3 and would be willing to share some pics? I had a Corbin on the BB which was a huge improvement but never got around to upgrading the Valkyrie.

 

[Steff]

Great looking bike! I like the pillow mod, whatever it takes to get them riding with ya is a good idea.

Get one of those comfort cushion-type things for her. I forget what the proper name of them is. They have air cushions on them. A while back I was going to buy one to put on my ST.

 

[rick danger]

Get one of those comfort cushion-type things for her. I forget what the proper name of them is. They have air cushions on them. A while back I was going to buy one to put on my ST.

Yeah, airhawks are good. I'm on one now on my KTM, with a sheepskin over it

 

[Steff]

Yeah, airhawks are good. I'm on one now on my KTM, with a sheepskin over it

Yep, that is exactly what I was looking at.

 

[Boog]

Hello @Octagun and welcome from Virginia