The Rocket III had a problem. On some counts, it was a problem with perception. Straddling the line between cruiser and musclebike, it was a little schizoid in its approach, not as refined as a cruiser, yet utilizing forward controls and such alien to more sporting riders. The more sedate and refined RIII Touring shifted the bike in a more cruiserly direction, and to take care of the other side of its personality, is the new Roadster.
With mid-mounted controls and a higher and forward-set seat, the aggressive bike now has ergonomics to match. With an easier reach to the bars and more leverage, this promises to be an easier way to corral the 2.3 liter motor's horses. And yet, the motor has been tuned for even more torque, with a claimed improvement of 15% at peak for a mind-boggling total of 165 lbs-ft. Rear suspension has thankfully been upgraded to match, as this was one of our beefs with this otherwise thrilling machine. An Anti-Lock Braking system (ABS) has been added to the Rocket.
Like a lot of other bikes coming out these days, you can have the Rocket in any color you like as long as its black. But with the Roadster you actually have an option whether it be a gloss, metallic black or a sinister flat black. The black-out treatment doesn't end there either with forks, triple trees, radiator shroud and shocks all getting a coating as well.
The Roadster replaces all of the old Rocket IIIs, except the Touring, completing the transformation from schizoid to a full-on split personality. MSRP for the new Roadster hasn't been announced at press time, but is promised to be "lower."