Q What are it’s rivals?

BMW R18 Classic £20,980

90bhp 117lb·ft 345kg

Biggest-ever Boxer (1802cc) is a modern homage to touring cruisers of yesteryear. Exposed shaftdrive is clever but the BMW’S performance is down on the Rocket, bulk is greater and ground clearance worse. ‘Classic First Edition’ has touring screen and panniers.

Ducati Xdiavel S £20,695

150bhp 93lb·ft 247kg

Feet-forward version of Ducati’s power cruiser with 1262cc V-twin, variable valve timing and belt-drive. Close to the Rocket’s power but with ‘only’ half the capacity it won’t score so high in car-park presence. Lighter and sportier in the corners though.

Honda Gold Wing £22,399

125bhp 125lb·ft 365kg

If you’re thinking of racking up miles, you can’t ignore this icon. This is the standard model — ‘Tour’ adds a topbox, with auto DCT versions available. Flat-six is serenely smooth and tons of bulk has been pared from the previous

Wing. Better over distance than the Rocket.