‘I’ve never ridden anything like it’
STEVE PARRATT, 63 Height 5ft 11in (and a half) Owns 2013 Triumph Rocket
The instant power. The first time I opened it up, I was absolutely gobsmacked. I had a 2000 Yamaha V-max and when that V-boost came in at 6500rpm… that’s what this feels like all the time. The Rocket just kept pulling and pulling — it didn’t seem to end. I’ve never ridden anything like it. In the corners, it’s got more ability than I’d ever use. And that front brake is just brutally powerful. It’s a much more competent bike than I am a rider. Not keen on?
The back seat needs to be wider, longer and plusher, and that high-up pillion-peg position needs to change. My wife sat on one of these at Motorcycle Live in 2019 and she just said; “No, sorry, you’re not having one.” I’m not a fan of the rear mudguard either – it looks too much like a Ducati Diavel.
Are you convinced?
I’m convinced by it as a solo bike but I’m not particularly convinced in it as a tourer.
Would you buy it?
If I could afford to get one purely as a fun bike for me, I’d have one tomorrow — no doubt in my mind whatsoever. But almost all my riding is two-up. And this isn’t a two-up touring bike.