I bought this machine in November, having never test driven it or even heard it idling. I spent a year agonizing between the Rocket III Roadster and the Ducati Diavel. In the end the massive difference in cost of ownership, the extra room in the saddle, the look of the bike and the attitude of...
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I bought this machine in November, having never test driven it or even heard it idling. I spent a year agonizing between the Rocket III Roadster and the Ducati Diavel. In the end the massive difference in cost of ownership, the extra room in the saddle, the look of the bike and the attitude of the Triumph's engine won me over. There are many reviews online that will give you the right impression of this machine. It is big, but surprisingly maneuverable. It produces unholy amounts of torque and generous horsepower but in a very manageable and (unless you intentionally kick it) comfortable way. One thing that really impressed me is the gear box. The rocket is geared very tall, which causes absolutely no problems because of the torque the engine produces, but means that you can redline the tac at 95 miles an hour in second. You can even cruise along at 70 in 3rd gear with the engine roaring angrily but nowhere near its limit (I wouldn't want to do it for hours, but the noise the bike makes around 4,000 rpm. is breathtaking). The tall gearing matched with the engine's torque also means you can start the bike from a dead stop and comfortably drive any legal speed all without leaving 3rd gear. It's arguably more fun to start in first and let that engine sing its way up the cogs, but it is a fitting illustration of the bike's power and usability. The pilot (and I'm told also the pillion) seat is fantastically comfortable. I may someday experiment with an aftermarket seat simply to see what else is available but the stock saddle is excellent. On rides longer than a few hours, the throttle can feel a bit heavy (especially through cold weather gloves), but if you need one there are simple solutions for that at any bike shop. The breaks are very adequate and the antilock system inspires confidence when stopping this giant fast. To be blunt, this bike isn't for everyone. If you want a sport bike that you can call a cruiser, buy the Ducati Diavel. If you want a big chunky twin for the cadence of the engine the Rocket's higher reving triple will leave you cold. If you are like me and you generally drive at legal speeds, but you love the thrill of aggressive acceleration and limitless torque regardless of setting, this bike is for you. Standing still it draws looks and comments, with the engine running, it is even more aggressive, and when you tear open the throttle and blast past cages on the open road at unreasonable speeds it is simply indescribable. It's not for everyone, but for those of us who love it, there is simply no better machine on the market. If I had an unlimited budget and could select one bike to own, I wouldn't have to hesitate a moment to make it this bike. I've managed 2,500 miles from November to April. Every snowy day that left my Rocket III in the garage was torture, and I CAN NOT WAIT for this season to warm up so I can put real miles on.
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