Rode a Rocket

[F6Dave]

Triumph dealers are having a test ride event so I rode a Rocket III today.  Not as smooth as the Valk, but more than acceptable and not nearly as buzzy as some inline 4s I've owned.  And the torque is, well, more than adequate!  Didn't push it too hard as it only had 16 miles on the clock, but I'm sure there's plenty of HP.  The handling was better than I expected.  They had a blue touring model on the floor that would be a nice bike to own -- very Valk like.  But how to fit it in the garage...

[NITRO]

A guy I ride with regularly (previous Valk owner) has one and has had nothing but problems with it. It's obviously a very powerful bike, but I don't think he's gotten 5K miles out of a rear tire as they can't handle the torque. Also, the tranny had to be replaced the second season he had it. I believe he has had some other issues as well.

It's too bad, the Rocket III is about the only bike currently made that is at all comparable to the Valk.

[alph]

if i had the money, the best way to replace the Valk would be to buy a goldwing, strip off all the plastic, and buy some chrome. 

[Jack]

I'd buy another in a heart-beat if I had the cash.  Of course, the nearest dealer is 150 miles away as well.  Mine was a great riding, powerful motorcycle but I still love my Valk more than I did the Rocket.

[highcountry]

I was considering a RIII Touring but decided to go for the Valk after finding an UK website forum where Triumph owners were discussing their RIIIs.  Many had major issues with their bikes that the dealers couldn't fix.  I couldn't see buying into those kind of potential problems.

[Tropic traveler]

I'd buy another in a heart-beat if I had the cash.  Of course, the nearest dealer is 150 miles away as well.  Mine was a great riding, powerful motorcycle but I still love my Valk more than I did the Rocket.

Ditto... Except I have two dealers within 70 miles.
Loved my Rocket, just love the Valk more!

[recall]

Had the Classic & the Touring Rocket 3 models.. both great bikes .. never had a problem with either.. but not a patch on the Valkyrie.. Also had the GL1800 it was okay.. I have now gone back to the Valkyrie Standard..This is the second Valkyrie i have owned... it just feels right.. it always brings a smile to the face as soon as you rooster your leg over... not many bike's can say that... in fact i like it so much i'm on the look out for an Interstate..for the longer rides to keep the wife happy, as she like's to ride with me to Scotland.. but i'm not selling the Standard at this time... keep the sunny side up.. recall       

[roboto65]

Buddy of mine has a Rocket and went to the Darkside on his !!!  I got to ride it one time when he was down Torque yeah LOTS heck twist the throttle and the whole bike moves sideways from it LOL felt kinda top heavy to me but rode nice..

[9Ball]

After riding the Valk, it does feel top heavy until you get a few miles on it.  It's tough to beat the Valk for comfort and handling at speed.  The Rocket is a fun bike for the acceleration and torque...very addictive.

My Valk is over 11 yo and has never been to the dealer for any corrective maintenance or warranty repairs.  The Rocket is not quite 3 yo and has been 3 times...says a lot.

[Wetrudgeon]

We have been a bit restless for a new(er) bike lately, and consider the R3 as a potential replacement for the Valk.  We rode a 2008 R3 last Saturday, and we were sufficiently impressed that we are seriously considering selling Big Mama and buying the R3.  We found the R3 to be a bit more powerful than the Valk and a bit easier to handle.  We like the feel of the R3 and we were much impressed with the ride.  We are old enough to remember when British motorbikes were not very reliable, but the new Triumphs seem to do pretty well. 

Maybe we have lost our mind because Big Mama is a terrific ride.  However, we are pondering the decision even now; and we may just do it if we can make the $$$ work.


We trudge on (strongly considering a Triumph).

 

[Thunderbolt]

both have their strong points.  Rocket is sheer power and acceleration.  Valk Interstate is bike of choice for longer rides and always will be.  I have car tires on both.  205-60-16 on Valk and 225-60-16 on the Rocket.  Before the car tire on the Rocket, it would shave off rubber, now it just grabs and accelerates.  Also can tell the wider tire is better for braking.  I even did Deals Gap on the 225, should have let a little more air out, but doable.

[jammer]

I hear Honda is tooling up in Japan for the 2000 CC wing.


G

[Wetrudgeon]

What we long for is a 2kcc Valk.  Undoubtedly the Wing is one of the best overall motorbikes that has been produced, but we cannot get excited about the looks of it.  For us, no matter how good the bike is, it simply must look good doing it.  Conversely, we consider the Valk to be one of the best looking cruisers.  The R3 is not as appealing visually as the Valk, but it is also a great looking motorbike in our eyes.  We grant that "looks" are entirely subjective and in the eye of the beholder.

We trudge on.

[czuch]

My problem (among others) is they still have a "heat sinc" My 67 Bonneville gave me grief with that.
Great bike that handled well and really got with it but what is that thing.
The Ariel had one too. Made realize why the Germans had to go to Britan for a scrap.
Valkyrie is the last word in motorcycle.