Triumphrat

Gatorman · 10-27-2004

I know, I know, wrong board. But ...

I rode the Rocket III a couple times at Daytona Biketoberfest, and it was everything it's cracked up to be, and more. Incredible torque, 90 mph in 3rd gear, great ergos, and handles like a bike half its size. I'm not in the market for a cruiser, but Triumph definitiely has a winner.

Back to 955 talk.

1fastcat · 10-27-2004

Hey gatorman,
I had a deposit on a RIII, but after a quick test ride prior to purchase decided not my cup of tea. It was much larger than I had thought, and IMO a bit ugly (huge tractor looking motor, unfinished exhaust manifold look, very clunky tranny, and huge radiator housing. Some angles looked ok, others not so much.

As far as the ride - granted handling was great compared to the Harley's that I have ridden, but compared to the sport and sport-touring bikes I have owned, it was a pig. Power was also somewhat dissapointing as I expected to have my arms jerked out of my sockets, but quite frankly the V-max has a much bigger punch of power when the v-boost hits.

Personally, I hope Triumph sells a boat-load of them so that they can put some more R&D into the rest of the line-up, but they had better hurry up - All signs point to a new V-max next year that should trounce the living daylights out of the current rocket.

zore · 10-27-2004

Comparing seat of the pants feeling can be extremely misleading. An abrupt feeling of acceleration at a certain rpm can feel faster but not be. I think what you felt was the smooth linear power delivery i've been reading so much about. I'm guessing it probably makes more torque at idle than most 600 super sports.

There was a review comparing the RocketIII, V-MAX, Vulcan, V-Rod, and Rune in last months Rider. It was a good read. I will say, the vmax is still a hot looking bike for being 20 years old. If i could find one cheap enough, i'd pick one up.

jellero · 10-27-2004

i agree fast, painted yellow that motor could be on a backhoe. j

Gatorman · 10-28-2004

You're right - looks may not be its strong suit, and it is a tank compared to the Sprint. My frame of reference for the feel and handling was Harley, Victory, etc., and the Rocket feels more compact in spite of the huge motor. I think Triumph says torque is 147 lb. at 2500 rpm. Not sure how hard numbers would compare, but acceleration felt similar to the V-Rod.

Clearly no match in terms of looks, ride and functionality of the Sprint, but worth checking out if you're looking for a cruiser.

Gatorman · 10-28-2004

You're right - looks may not be its strong suit, and it is a tank compared to the Sprint. My frame of reference for the feel and handling was Harley, Victory, etc., and the Rocket feels more compact in spite of the huge motor. I think Triumph says torque is 147 lb. at 2500 rpm. Not sure how hard numbers would compare, but acceleration felt similar to the V-Rod.

Clearly no match in terms of looks, ride and functionality of the Sprint, but worth checking out if you're looking for a cruiser.

zore · 10-29-2004

I personally like the looks, although there is some room for improvement. I also think the price is right when comparing it to other bikes in the same class.

zore · 10-29-2004

I personally like the looks, although there is some room for improvement. I also think the price is right when comparing it to other bikes in the same class.

preachp · 10-29-2004

HI All,
Hi Sore at 2.3 L I don't think htere are any other bikes in this things class! Also with that massive engine turning out 140 hp it is in a clearly MILD state on tune. I bet remapping the EFI, bumping hte compression up a notch, and adding a hotter cam profile would push that thing up to close to, if not over 200 hp, and likely an equal amoount of torque,,, but that begs the question to be asked "Who needs a 700 lb bike wiht 200 hp?"

Preachp

preachp · 10-29-2004

HI All,
Hi Sore at 2.3 L I don't think htere are any other bikes in this things class! Also with that massive engine turning out 140 hp it is in a clearly MILD state on tune. I bet remapping the EFI, bumping hte compression up a notch, and adding a hotter cam profile would push that thing up to close to, if not over 200 hp, and likely an equal amoount of torque,,, but that begs the question to be asked "Who needs a 700 lb bike wiht 200 hp?"

Preachp