RIDE ON | Rocket 3 Owners Thoughts

[@RichDunn]

SUBSCRIBE | NOTIFICATIONS (BELL) | ADD TO WATCH LIST… Check out the full list of RIDE ON videos here: tinyurl.com/yawnjhyd Ride On 166 | Killer Creek 20th Anniversary Party: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5q4dYeZhtiNp5I Ride On 165 | My POS GS Adv: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmKbfHiBa9-ngKs Ride On 154 | Honda Africa Twin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqSuqJJjiMqjbac Ride On 149 | ZERO ZRF Test: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r32ZoWiOmLl0rbc Ride On 138 | Shoei Neotec II & Sena SRL: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqSuqJJjiMqjbac Ride On 137 | R1250GSA Ed’s new bike & Rideout: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqHPl5KVi7FrpJo Ride On 122 | Fitting R1250GS Fender Extender: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6bHo6h6pNCSb7c Ride On 117 | 2019 Michelin Anakee Adventure Tire: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmmwppqCdt2XobM Ride On 038 | BMW K1600B Bagger First Ride: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXvYlXmKe9WasLc Ride On 029 | Bobbers - Indian, Harley, Triumph: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXKtoH6moL-Hd6s

[@genequies8731]

Totally agree. 2022 , 221, rocket.

[@RichDunn]

Thank you!

[@chauffeurmarco]

I don’t understand when people say it’s a heavy bike. It’s not. 300 kilos for a 2500cc, it’s very light bike complaire to a Honda VTX 1300cc which is also 300 kilos and it’s less nimble than the Rocket 3. I sat down on both of them and can tell without any mistake that my old VTX was very heavy complaire to this baby.

[@RichDunn]

It carries its weight incredibly well. But it's no race replica. It's about the same weight as another heavy bike, the Fat Boy... the clue is in that bikes title.

[@JetCooper3D]

Great feedback - thank you. Nice to hear another owners take on things. I have 800 miles on mine. One thing that I have found is the price you pay for the mostly exposed rear wheel in the UK weather. I have a mud stripe up my back and helmet most days and a possible issue is the amount of mud and rocks that get thrown up into the guts of the bike. I wash mine all the time and I am always fishing mud and stones from the front of the swing-arm. For me, R version all the way - I feel more engaged with the bike and the ride. The Bluetooth add-on is worth every penny BTW.

[@RichDunn]

Good feedback, Jet. Yes, the back of the swingarm looks like a potential bottle-neck for crud. I use a pressure washer with snow cone, and leaf-blower, so clean up should be okay. I have a Cardo Packtalk Bold mesh intercom, with natural voice. So I can control iPhone playlists, make calls, set reminders and so forth using either the Cardo or Siri personal assistants. Because of this convenience I don't even bother with the (hit and miss) TFT comms on my R1250GSA for instance. I doubt I'l be ordering the add-on, but Erik (TFC) will be, so I'll see how his works first!

[@MrBillyRR]

'More engaged' with the mid-pegs; agree, having ridden all 3 versions. Enjoyed your observations Richard, hard to disagree with them also.

[@RichDunn]

@@MrBillyRR Thanks Mista Billy!

[@Solano.Serpents]

There are faster bikes out there but no bike out there can match the torque that the Rocket delivers. That's why I'm going to add this to my collection. Truly something special.

[@Sumitdelhi]

Thanks for the review, it was a welcome change from the ‘media drive’ paid reviews that every journalist or auto mag seems to be flooding KZbin with.

[@RichDunn]

Thank you so much! It's a lot of fun, that's for sure.

[@jackedupvideos5785]

Thanks for this. The day to day user experience is missing in so many videos. How tall are you? I'm 6'3" and want to get a bike where I don't feel like a monster sitting on a childs toy. Windscreens have never been a real help for me. Oh and to repeat the question: Would you buy it again?

[@RichDunn]

I'm 6' 2" and large frame. You're not going to feel like you're on a child's toy, for sure! Tall guys like us rarely get a screen that works - better to have no screen, and accept the wind pressure in favor of horrible buffeting instead. I can sit all day long at 80 mph and withstand close to three figure speeds for decent stretches of time. I usually ride about 220-240 miles on an average day. And although I arrive home more tired than when riding my magic carpet ride GSA, it doesn't beat me up like many bikes do. I call it "The Beast" and if you test ride one, and put it sports mode, you'll know why! And yes, I would buy one again - no brainer: performance, style, attitude, and character all rolled into one. There's nothing out there that remotely comes close IMHO. I mean, just look at it!

[@Scootir185]

Really great video. Realized I hadn’t even checked the pre-load setting on mine. Just turned 2500 miles on my Red R today. Really loving the bike but a big change from my MultStrada. It handles really well it’s just so much more “sit back and hope you make it” than a sport bike. Part of what makes it so fun.

[@RichDunn]

Nice work!

[@markettradinggenius]

Ride On, what do you think of this bike(rocket 3) vs the 2022 suzuki hayabusa as far as riding comfort and speed and reliability is concerned(especially for guys who are 6'3" tall)?

[@RichDunn]

Both are cramped leg-wise for someone of your height. The Hyabusa probably has a little more rear suspension travel, a smoother engine, and better aerodynamics, plus is more dynamics. So if illegal speeds is ya thing, I'd say the Suzuki is the better bet. If you tend to travel within 15% of the speed limit everywhere, and want to win every traffic light grand prix, then the Rocket appeals. I'd say in the remain that the Triumph has much nicer (professional) dealers and servicing is easy and only every 10k, plus it's shaft-drive which is oh so convenient. If you buy the GT model, then you'll have more leg room than the standard model, a fly-screen to keep the breeze off, and can easily fit snap-on Triumph panniers, which look nice and are practical. For me, I'd take the Triumph. But you need to think about what you want. If it's proper jail inducing freeway speeds its the Suzuki. If it's more practicality ownership wise, but with the torquey'ist engine ever made, it's the Triumph - they don't call it a Rocket for nothing!

[@markettradinggenius]

@@RichDunn Yeah man, I heard this bike, from 0-60 can actually beat both the bmw s1000RR and even the MV Agusta Brutale 1000RS; and even beats the Lamborghini Aventador off the line !! Very impressive and I just read that if you are 6'3" tall in height, you will feel more comfortable on the Rocket 3 than you could ever feel on the Hayabusa for both in town and long journey's since the footpeg of the Hayabusa sits kind of high and cramped...and I definately agree with you about the bike being so reliable that it ONLY needs servicing once every 10,000 miles of which no hayabusa, BMW or MV Agusta can claim..haha

[@RichDunn]

@@markettradinggenius I used to own an S1000RR and Diavel. And the R3 will out-accelerate them to 60, no problem. The only bike I've owned that can accelerate quicker is the Streetfighter V4S (208hp std). And the only thing that can match that is a Rivian R1T.... which I'll have soon!

[@markettradinggenius]

@@RichDunn Yes, but it's literally a guarantee that both the streetfighter and Rivian will need more maintenance for sure cause you won't be able to get away by bringing them both to the shop once every 10,000 miles...lol...

[@RichDunn]

@@markettradinggenius Actually the Rivian only requires an annual check - no oil changes, new filters, cam-chains, fanbelts, valves to adjust, and minimal brake pad wear due to regen. Now the SFV4S, that was an expensive bike to run. 200 section tires are toast in 2,000 miles. And you have to basically dismantle the entire bike to adjust the desmo valves every 15k (a probable $3k service). EV's aren't for everyone, but they're the future. I like Triumph's though, they've always been good to me. I picked up a new Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer last week - very happy with it - perfect for a tall person.

[@godwinthomasjose6931]

Which colour looks good the red one or the black one, Richard Dunn?

[@RichDunn]

Well, I don't think you can make a bad choice of either model in either color to be perfectly honest. But personally, I really love the R in korosi red. And I like the GT in black. The R is more hot rod roaster, so the racy red suits it best IMPO. And as the GT has machined silver wheel accents, I think that contrasts glossy black well. So that's what I'd go with personally. Well I did in terms of buying a red R! 😀

[@godwinthomasjose6931]

Richard Dunn Thank you Richard Dunn

[@johnfair62]

Thank you for your review.

[@RichDunn]

You're very welcome John!

[@gordon4221]

Wet weight including rider ( depending on how heavy he or she is ) will be nudging 400kg +. Now that is a lot of mass and inertia going through the corners. As Star Treks Scotty used to wisely say - ' ye cannae change the laws of physics Captain !' So yes it comes as no surprise it will have to be muscled about a bit. Still, a cracking looking bike you have got yourself.

[@RichDunn]

Thanks Gordo. It carries the lard well, handling much better than say a Fat Boy or Fat Bob IMPO. But you can't make a bike twice the capacity of an R1250 out of waiters can you! :-D

[@davidfalgout7304]

So the questions are ( i guess) who you buy it again? & if you could only own 1 bike? thoughts?

[@RichDunn]

If you want invigorating blasts on sunny days, and something to make you and friends smile whenever you just stare at it, then the Rocket 3R would be very hard to beat. But if you want the best all-round motorcycle ever made for riding in all-weathers, over all-distances, every day/week of the year, then you buy a R1250GSA. Fortunately I have both. And at this point, I may never sell either until I can no longer ride. And for someone who historically has changed their bike at least every year (or sooner) for decades, that's actually quite some statement! 😀

[@zim32100]

Hi Richard...great video..Thank you. What are you using for your Iphone mounting system?

[@RichDunn]

Tackform, off Amazon. It's a little pricey, but very sturdy and discreet looking. I liked it so much I bought another to replace the X-clamp on the GSA. It also goes wide enough to hold my Garmin GPS in portrait too. $60 tinyurl.com/wj623vy

[@zim32100]

@@RichDunn Thanks so much Richard!!

[@nigeldavis5107]

Great review thank you. Do you have and feedback as to pillion comfort? Thanks again.

[@RichDunn]

It's fine... for capuchin monkeys. And my tonkinese cat is partial to sitting on it while dormant. As for human beings, only recommended for thrill-seeking 10-12 yr olds. Best duck tape them to the rider first.

[@nigeldavis5107]

@@RichDunn that's a real shame isn't it for a bike you'd imagine should appeal to the cruiser market

[@RichDunn]

@@nigeldavis5107 It is par for the course. It's a proper muscle cruiser, in the same vain as the VMax, Diavel and Fat Bob - all terrible for pillions who don't have the physique and flexibility of a ballerina/gymnast. I can't in good conscience recommend it to you if you take a pillion regularly for more than 20 mile hops or so.

[@nigeldavis5107]

@@RichDunn thank you appreciate your feedback

[@RichDunn]

@@nigeldavis5107 You're welcome. Just a thought - if you're ok with the brand, pillion wise, I'd recommend a Harley Davidson Fat Boy. The pillion seat is wide and deep, and a sissy-bar back-rest can easily be fitted to it. The 114ci version has some proper drive, is absolutely beautiful and has strong residual values. Ultimately not as fast or as well handling as the Triumph. But equally, fast enough, probably more comfortable (especially for passenger) and there's lots of dealers and parts available to choose from.

[@micaeli3228]

Hey Richard! Loving your videos, they're very clear and detailed! I'm thinking on buying this bike, the 3 R, for my second motorcycle. Am I stepping up a bit too much? Cheers!

[@RichDunn]

Thanks Micael. The 3R is an additional bike to my R1250GSA, but I've owned about 35 bikes in total,. Is it a bit too much for your second motorcycle? It maybe depends on four questions - what you're riding now, how long you've been riding, how much self control you have, and how much training you've had. The throttle goes both ways, and it only goes as fast as you open that throttle. So if you're a confident rider, and have reasonable self control, then you certainly could have it as your second motorcycle. some advanced road riding training is always worthwhile. And talking your time to learn the bike, such as putting it in rain mode only while running in and getting familiar with it, all helps. But overall, I say hell yeah. If there's one thing this virus has shown us, is this life is no rehearsal. You've got to go out (when we can again!) and 'live' your life. Nobody wants to speak to St.Peter at the pearly gates and tell him that they once had the chance to own a Rocket 3, but decided to be really sensible! 😀

[@micaeli3228]

@@RichDunn I have been riding for some time now, started at 15, now I'm 25 y.o., and I have some muscle on top of my bones, so the weight doesn't scare me that much. Im pretty confident on a motorcycle, but when I don't know the bike I don't push it, I like to have fun but only if I'm really aware of what I'm doing! Putting it in raining mode is great idea! ;D I'll have to test drive both the R and GT, and then decide! Thank you so much for the detailed answer, definitely subscribing! Ahaha that's right, while we're still here, we have to have fun and be adventurous some times!!

[@RichDunn]

@@micaeli3228 With nine years experience, you should be totally fine. You don't need to be physically strong or fit to ride the Rocket well. It's not the lightest bike, but that weight does disappear largely once you pull away. It sits high oil the side stand, so easy to lift and it is well balanced at low speeds, with an excellent light clutch, so easy to ride at slow speeds. You notice it's length when performing u-turns, but it's no worse than my GS in this respect. Get a long test ride if you can. the longer you ride it, the more you gel with it. Some positive counter steer helps quicken it's steering, but it's an easy bike to ride. Let me know if you enjoy it once you've ridden one. Or if you already know you want one, just buy with confidence, it's got great character, looks stunning, and makes you want to ride it all the time!

[@RedfordBaron]

Nice Video should get my R in the next week or two

[@RichDunn]

Hey, congrats RB! You're going to love it! Let me know how you get on with it.👍

[@jean-pauldeschrijver741]

I am living in Belgium. I have my rocket 3R since February and put 1900 km on the clock. Before this bike I road for 25 year Harley Fatboy. So you can understand driving the rocket 3R is something different for me.. Do you have experience with trail braking the rocket 3R ?

[@RichDunn]

With sports bikes I tend ot brake 75% front and 25% rear. With long heavy bikes like the Rocket, GSA or Fat Boy, it's much more 50/50, with some smooth engine braking thrown in. The only time I deliberately trail the rear brake is in situations like when I've over-cooked a bend that was tighter than I expected, the bend is down hill, off-camber and probably a little bumpy. The only other time I trail the rear is when the road surface is unexpectedly rippled just before enter it. I never drag the front brake deep into a turn., which causes it to under-steer and potentially push onto the wrong side of the road. As Kenny Roberts senior once said 'nobody ever lost the front end by using too much throttle'. I hope that helps?

[@jean-pauldeschrijver741]

Richard Dunn The front and rearbrake are linked. So you can only apply the frontbreak? What I meant with trail braking: is light braking withe the frontbrale intill you reach the apex. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYGoZ2qOpqymjJY&feature=share

[@RichDunn]

@@jean-pauldeschrijver741 Hi, J-C. Lets dispel a few myths. If on the road you need to brake after you have begun to lean the bike, you need more training IMPO. The race track is a different discipline, and on road braking should be done before you enter the bed. The Rocket has a 5 axis IMU with linked cornering ABS and traction control. So on bikes with that kind of setup, if you have got it totally wrong and are entering a bend too fast, it is possible to more safely trail brake into the bend than on other bikes. Note: linked brakes varying the percent of braking power, operating different pistons and different ratios depending on the specific model. So you cannot just use the front or rear brake and expect the same performance as using both at the same time. Heavily braking into bends is a good way to get yourself killed, especially on long and heavy bikes, which will massively understeer and push the front end wide, ending top in a situation like the biker in the video clip you sent. I strongly disagree that everyone should brake rather than lean the bike further. If there are not already lumps of metal flying off the bike because it is leant over so far, the chances are there is loads more lean angle to exploit that the average rider is totally unaware of. Additional and steady to rolled on throttle will tighten the steering and exit line. It's possible that leaning the bike too far and running out of clearance could cause a crash. But any crash is more likely to be cause as a result of brake lock up. And if you brake too hard entering a bend and stand the bike upright you will crash. So it's your choice - you 'might' crash leaning it further than you are comfortable with. Or you 'will' crash if you stand the bike upright and try to stop before the curve of the road gets you. My mantra has always been slow and wide in, fast and tight out - not the other way around, which only works on the track when you want to block pass another rider. Trail braking or 'feathering the brakes' as some folk call it, is perfectly safe, if done lightly and treated as an exception to the rule. So how do you stop yourself entering a bend too fast in the first place? Learn the vanishing technique: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKfSfWyIiKpnbMU

[@godwinthomasjose6931]

Which colour is a head Turner ?

[@RichDunn]

The one you own.

[@richardpearson4248]

Great video just one word for the rocket 3 amazing bike especially in the red Will be test riding one in a couple of weeks 🇬🇧👍

[@RichDunn]

I hope you enjoy it Richard - let me know how you get on! 🤙

[@richardpearson4248]

@@RichDunn will do thanks 🇬🇧👍

[@sanjeevrana3011]

What will the mileage and maintenance cost ....? Bro

[@RichDunn]

Low for a big bike. 10k service intervals. No chain and sprockets to replace. Everything service wise very accessible. Biggest running costs will be rear tires. Expect 5k if you're being kind to them.

[@hkpr-ro6ui]

Useful, thanks.

[@RichDunn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@qhalifqhalifah6182]

Lip smacks (sound effect)😂

[@RichDunn]

Hhhmmm!

[@chauffeurmarco]

Where exactly did you ride on this video?

[@RichDunn]

This is riding through lanes from Ball Ground, Jasper, GA to the Alpharetta area. I wasn't familiar with these lanes/roads, I was just following my friend Jerry ahead on his KTM.

[@chauffeurmarco]

Richard Dunn just asking. I was just expecting an English guy riding in England but instead, I saw right side riding.

[@RichDunn]

@@chauffeurmarco I'm an American as well! :-D

[@chauffeurmarco]

Richard Dunn ok, I didn’t know. From birth. Because you have a very strong accent.

[@RichDunn]

@@chauffeurmarco Born in England. Live in America :-D

[@Mo-xx9gg]

The engine is "not overly refined"! Huh?

[@RichDunn]

It depends on how you define refined? If you mean compared with single cylinder 250 two-strokes, then heck yeah it is. But compared with a Goldwing opposed six, not even close. It's characterful, pretty smooth, and of course torque-laden. But a few vibes can still get through to the handlebar grips. The enormous torque can make the throttle feel a little on or off only until you're used to it. But overall it's well developed and as smooth as most bikes out there, just don't expect K1600/Wing DCT levels of smoothness.

[@Mo-xx9gg]

@@RichDunn Gotcha! Makes sense!

[@radudamianov]

please stop the lip smaks ! ...

[@RichDunn]

It's what wins me my huge female following 😀

[@R3RLEE]

I agree ..bloody annoying l was hovering over the stop button.