If you love adventure that demands a speedy ride, then you must be aware of this year’s brand new releases- 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster and 2010 Star VMax! Though both are big packages, they differ from each other.

Roadster shares many of its attributes with various Cruisers. Some of them are broad and roomy seats and the wide handlebar which provides an open sitting position. The VMax’s position is more rider-friendly when compared to Rocket. Its footpeg location is directly under its rider’s hips and reach to its narrower handlebar feels shorter when compared to the Triumph. The VMax makes the rider feel as if he is sitting in an expensive office chair that defines correct seating posture. Even a six-footer finds it comfortable after a minimum of eight hours journey in the saddle.

Photo by nawarmind

The Triumph Rocket III Roadster’s functional accessories package consists of simple but effective gauges- one for measuring the speed of the road and the other for measuring the speed of the engine. Each gauge consists of LCDs that display information regarding real time, miles-to-empty counter, clock, tripmeters, odo etc. These basics spread the essence of class, simplicity and better thinking. The Star VMax’s comprehensive LCD display is fixed on top of the faux fuel tank. There is a lot of data on display on the small side- like the fuel level, gear position, clock, etc.

The power of the Star VMax proves to be prudent and alluring and this makes the VMax a good platform for a powerful dragster. The Star VMax peaks at 107 lbs at 6700 rpm. The Triumph Rocket III Roadster gains its power from a 2.3 litre cannon which lobbies fat torque bombs at its foe. A peak-torque reading of 136 ft lbs at 3200 rpm adds to its performance.

The engines of 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster and 2010 Star VMax is worth mentioning! The Roadster’s large flywheel effect rocks the bike from sideways when the throttle is blipped. The Triumph Rocket III Roadster accelerates deliberately in a linear manner and showcases its mostly flat torque curve. The Star’s VMax engine is rider-friendly to a large extent. But it accelerates with the ferocity of most of the literbikers though their limited vibration delivers a degree of serenity to the engine.

The skeleton of the Star’s VMax’s showcases a cast-aluminium perimeter style frame joined to an alloy swingarm which is a subframe  made of controlled-Fill cast-aluminium and extruded aluminium pieces completes the package. The chassis package Rocket has pretty basic cruiser type components compared to the VMax frame. A pair of spine tubular steel frame holds the big Triple as an extra member and the swingarm / shaft drive housing is also made of steel. The Rocket III Roadster exhibited moderate –to-light steering effort along with low speed; tight radius turns which are managed with marked ease. The wide, sweeping handlebar which provides excellent leverage is a big contributor to friendly handling of the bike.

Photo by nawarmind

Although the VMax lacks sportbike-handling to match up to its  sportbike-like power, its suspension is polar-opposite of the Triumph Rocket III Roadster’s springy parts.The VMax enjoys meeting certain demands of the user. The VMax’s 52 mm fork and solo shock can be adjusted according to the needs of the rider. To add to the benefits, the rider further enjoys easy access to the knurled knobs for rebound and compression damping on both the shock and the fork. A remote hydraulic adjuster on the bike’s left side handles shock preload. The Star’s VMax ride is better damped overall than what the Rocket III Roadster offers. But ultimately its difficult to get around the rear suspension-altering effects of a shaft drive. The VMax looks impressive with a set of radial-mount, six pot callipers clamping down on 320mm wave type rotors. A Brembo master cylinder is a nice bonus! Braking is aided by the addition of ABS and thus Max’s brakes ultimately provide good stopping power.

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The Triumph Rocket III Roadster is able to handle a motorcycle which might be a 100-lbs lighter and that emphasises on the pleasantly surprising quality which itself is a positive trait of the brand. This Vehicle is can twist briskly in twisty roads. The VMax’s aluminium chassis lends considerably to the bike’s middleweight-by-comparison claimed weight of 685 pounds. Yet the VMax does not whip round corners as briskly as the Rocket’s III Roadster. You can add more style to your purchase of Star VMax by opting for its different functional accessories like Swingarm Cover ($129.95), Camshaft Covers ($429.95), Clutch Cover ($239.95) Left Hand Engine Cover ($189.95), Front Brake Master Cylinder Cover ($79.95), and Clutch Master Cylinder Cover ($69.95) as well as additional JPD billet items which include the Rear Brake Rotor Cover ($139.95), and Exhaust Tips ($549.95).

The Rocket comes at a low MSRP of $13,999 while Star’s VMax is tagged at $19,500. You can choose your pick based on your desires and if you don’t mind spending on prestige and class, then you can buy both the bikes!