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I currently ride an 03 Dyna FXD and after installing a 98" big bore kit I find myself wanting a wider rear wheel and possibly a 6 speed. While researching options I started looking at Rockers and Breakouts for inspiration. Now I am thinking that rather than going through the frame surgery to install a wide rear wheel I am thinking it would be better to find a Rocker to purchase? I would appreciate feedback from those who currently own or have owned Rocker's.
I had an 08 Rocker C, and now own a 11 Rocker C. There are only a few changes over the years except for a few color options, and they all happened on the 2011 model year. I love my bike, but I also know what it is, and love it for what it is. It can be a bit more challenging to find some aftermarket choices for customization as there are a few parts that are Rocker specific, and several others that are Rocker or Breakout specific.
Now I am thinking that rather than going through the frame surgery to install a wide rear wheel I am thinking it would be better to find a Rocker to purchase? I would appreciate feedback from those who currently own or have owned Rocker's.
Thanks in advance!
Probably not a bad idea. Only downside I can think of is that a few parts, like the separate bolt-on passenger seat/luggage carrier (should you want one of those), are getting pretty hard to find. And there are fewer aftermarket parts choices for Rockers than for Dynas.
(I have both a Rocker and a Dyna).
Statements above about aftermarket / custom possibilities are true but are changing very rapidly. Partly this is because aftermarket goods producers are now recognizing these machines as a viable market, but mostly because people are recognizing there are a great many Blackline / Dyna parts which always have fit these machines.
In truth, as of right now, the modding you can do is substantial.
On a different front, you'll read weird opinions from armchair experts regarding handling "difficulties" associated with tire size disparities. This is just bullshit, plain and simple.
I have a 2008 Rocker and love it. I love the big rear tire and in fact have a 260 on my bike. As for handling, I think it does great through the canyons and twisties. I lean over far enough to drag my boot heal all the time and sometimes grind my foot pegs, especially on right hand turns. So, big fat tires stick just fine.
I've ridden Breakouts as well and in my humble opinion the Rocker is more fun to ride but the Breakout is more comfortable to ride. The Rocker is pretty stiff in the rear and feels like a hard softail. Rocker B owns both and loves them for different reasons.
As for the future, Rockers are going to become more scarce than BO's in my humble opinion.
The Rocker is a great bike!! I love my '09, and before I decided on a Breakout, I even considered buying another Rocker when I wanted a 2nd bike to "black out." For me, the most noticeable difference between the two, was that the BO with it's 21" front wheel and wider tire, handled so much better than the Rocker with it's skinny 19" wheel and 90/90 tire. When I did a few mods last year, I switched it out with a 21"X 3.5" and a 120/70/21 tire and now both bikes handle about the same. I also like the look of the 21" wheel on the Rocker, but you can figure on another $1500-$2500 for the wheel, tire and fender. I think it's worth it, and would highly recommend it, but if you factor that in, your getting closer to the price of the BO... something to consider if comparing prices between the two.....So, IMO if you like the look of the stock Rocker, (rear fender, stretched gas tank, handlebars, paint etc.) and your ok with the look and handling of the skinny 19" front wheel/tire, and plan on keeping it that way, then that's the way to go...BUT if you plan on doing more extensive mods and changing the look, then the Breakout, with it's 103 motor, wide glide front end with the 21" wheel, and ABS (if 2014+) would be the better starting platform....
....and, as you can see, I've had no problem finding after market parts for either one!! Good luck with your search!!
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Question for Rocker owners?
Good luck with your search!!
