shafty
10th March 2009, 12:58
I had been hankering for a ride on a Rocket III for ages, had enthusiastically read all the tests of the various versions, was positively in awe of the tales of torque and this being the first bike I'd heard being described in terms of G force, so a sunny day coinciding with a visit back to Tauranga, and I thought why not?
Lindsay from Bayride was more than happy to wheel out a demo red Rocket with matching mini screen. After hopping off the Pan Euro, I knew it was going to be different, and had sat on one before. While low for such a huge bike, it wasn't "way low" if you know what I mean - way higher than the FJ12 for example.
The first (and lasting) impression is how wide apart the bars are - close on a metre I reckon - 900mm at least!! Couple that with the feet forward seating position, and "it's different".
Anyway, into traffic was no problem, quite tractable and well behaved, - time to look at the instruments again at the traffic lights - nice and clear, then on to the expressway....
Plenty of road presence and smoooth, it has got the most beautiful exhaust note - reminiscent of the early Tridents, and plenty loud enough for standard!
I took in a mixture of suburbia and highway, doing a loop. After pulling away from a stop sign, I thought, shit that felt nice, so stopped and did it again. Talk about a catapult, all stress free, smooth and beautifully thrust forward, WOW. Sitting at 100 km/hour, the big triple ticks along at 2300 rpm (coincidence?), - just above idle!
Passing cars does NOT require anything 'cept a right hand twitch.
Thinking "I'd hate to try and push this thing empty" I look for a gas gauge - none. (Low fuel light only). Later I look for a clock to check my time away from the shop - none. Hmmm. Six grand more than the ST1300 and a lot missing. ABS, luggage, instruments, electric screen..... Now I know what you may be thinking - that the 2 bikes are hardly comparable, and you're right. This is just MY ride impression OK, and I'd be the first to say, ISN'T IT GREAT THAT WE'RE ALL DIFFERENT.
The back seemed to be a bit firm, hence bouncy on the bumps, but I later learn't that it IS adjustable, and the shop have it set up for couples test riding together, - fair enough.
I enjoy my cruise back to the shop. I had a choice, but deliberately took the option of a "U" turn type manoevre around a traffic island, and yes - that was quite easy - very impressive given the size of the beast, and on my first ride.
I enjoyed my ride - and especially the exhaust note.
Nice bike, - certainly not for me, unless Lotto comes up (Now I can't keep a big win a secret huh?!), but you have to admire it.
After gratefully handing the Rocket back and slipping back on to the ST like a nicely fitting soft leather glove, I felt glad to have experienced the massive Triumph. I had gotten it out of my system without falling head over heels in love.
Phew.
Lindsay from Bayride was more than happy to wheel out a demo red Rocket with matching mini screen. After hopping off the Pan Euro, I knew it was going to be different, and had sat on one before. While low for such a huge bike, it wasn't "way low" if you know what I mean - way higher than the FJ12 for example.
The first (and lasting) impression is how wide apart the bars are - close on a metre I reckon - 900mm at least!! Couple that with the feet forward seating position, and "it's different".
Anyway, into traffic was no problem, quite tractable and well behaved, - time to look at the instruments again at the traffic lights - nice and clear, then on to the expressway....
Plenty of road presence and smoooth, it has got the most beautiful exhaust note - reminiscent of the early Tridents, and plenty loud enough for standard!
I took in a mixture of suburbia and highway, doing a loop. After pulling away from a stop sign, I thought, shit that felt nice, so stopped and did it again. Talk about a catapult, all stress free, smooth and beautifully thrust forward, WOW. Sitting at 100 km/hour, the big triple ticks along at 2300 rpm (coincidence?), - just above idle!
Passing cars does NOT require anything 'cept a right hand twitch.
Thinking "I'd hate to try and push this thing empty" I look for a gas gauge - none. (Low fuel light only). Later I look for a clock to check my time away from the shop - none. Hmmm. Six grand more than the ST1300 and a lot missing. ABS, luggage, instruments, electric screen..... Now I know what you may be thinking - that the 2 bikes are hardly comparable, and you're right. This is just MY ride impression OK, and I'd be the first to say, ISN'T IT GREAT THAT WE'RE ALL DIFFERENT.
The back seemed to be a bit firm, hence bouncy on the bumps, but I later learn't that it IS adjustable, and the shop have it set up for couples test riding together, - fair enough.
I enjoy my cruise back to the shop. I had a choice, but deliberately took the option of a "U" turn type manoevre around a traffic island, and yes - that was quite easy - very impressive given the size of the beast, and on my first ride.
I enjoyed my ride - and especially the exhaust note.
Nice bike, - certainly not for me, unless Lotto comes up (Now I can't keep a big win a secret huh?!), but you have to admire it.
After gratefully handing the Rocket back and slipping back on to the ST like a nicely fitting soft leather glove, I felt glad to have experienced the massive Triumph. I had gotten it out of my system without falling head over heels in love.
Phew.