Triumphrat

loutriumph · 03-22-2009, 01:22 PM

So I'm suddenly and suprisingly considering an R3. Fantastic looking motorcycle. Some questions and any advice would be much appreciated.

1) How hard is it to convert a classic to a "touring"; that is, are the hard touring panniers available for the R3 classic? Will they fit? I notice that the exhaust slopes upward a bit more on the classic and would that interfere with putting those gorgeous hard panniers on the classic?

2) It's a big bike. Given this fact, have any of you found that it is a capable and functional everyday motorcycle? Sure, I know guys who go to the store with their Goldwings, but I wouldn't be one of them probably. Having said that, I was greatly suprised at the dealership how balanced and easy the bike felt to toss left and right, so I started to think mabye the bike could be an everyday animal? I used to have about a 550-600lb Moto Guzzi that was a fantastic everyday motorcycle. Could the R3 be the same?

3) MPG and insurance numbers? Not that important to me, either of these, but I am curious about it. My insurance agent always asks, "How many cc's does the bike have" on any quote. And mpg is not that big of a deal but I am curious on a bike this big. My Guzzi, however, only got about 35 in town, 40 tops on the highway.

HIM · 03-22-2009, 02:31 PM

Don't know about the panniers, but I do use mine everyday. I also go to the store on it and then find myself going a little further - end's up being a hour ride.
I had a Speed Triple prior and my insurance went down when I got the R3. I would guess I'm getting 30 ish MPG. Just installed the Tor's and cat delete.

Diego · 03-22-2009, 02:59 PM

Suitable as an every day ride? Kind of depends what your day is like... or maybe, what you want it to BE like.

My Rocket became a special-occasion bike, because I found myself not wanting to get it dirty for routine tasks, but I could do that because I had others to ride in those situations.

Gas mileage for a broken-in Rocket is generally in the 30s (we have a couple of threads on that), but will probably start out in the 20s. It will all depend on how you ride, of course.

DaytonaNewbie · 03-22-2009, 08:16 PM

Those Rocket urges sneak up on you don't they. I was seriously thinking of geting a Tiger w/bags, but came home on a Tourer. Just couldn't stop myself, I was that impressed from the test ride. I'l try to help you with your questions
1) The Classic & Tourer are 2 different animals, different frames & running gear, so I doubt you'd be able to mount the Tourer bags on a Classic. There is a lot of bracketry that goes with the hard bags, not to mention the Classic has stacked pipes on the right side. I'd think you'd be better off going with a hard bag designed for the Classic, or finding a Classic Tourer that has the soft bags designed for it, or just get the Tourer.
2) My Tourer is my everyday bike weather permitting. I have 2 cars available to me but I prefer riding the Rocket as long as I can stay dry. Its not as tho I only will bring it out on a sunny weekend to show it to the world. The bags are very convenient for running errands. In short, yes its a big bike, but not so big as to be a problem in everyday use.
3) 35 - 40 mpg unless I get a little carried away enjoying the torque it makes. Around $500 + depending on some variables. Most companies hit the high $ mark on sportbikes rates, which the Rocket isn't. As always, your mileage/rates will vary

rash_powder · 03-23-2009, 12:38 AM

I haven't actually taken delivery of my R3T yet, so I can't comment on mileage numbers. What I can say is that my insurance quote has been stated to be $232 for full coverage on me, the bike, and the passenger; as well as any goodies on the bike for 1 year. Also, my insurance agent also bases the rates on cc's; I am not sure why. I had ALL kinds of trouble 5 years ago convincing them that my 2003 Sprint ST was not a liter bike, even though it was in the liter bike category. I actually had to show them on the Triumph website what I bought (with the tour pack mounted as mine had) to make them believe me.

rash

Kmutt · 03-23-2009, 03:25 AM

The hard panniers on the touring wont mount on any other rocket. There is an intricate bracket that it uses to mount them and the pipes from a classic or tourer will get in the way. Now modifying that might be a different story but it wont line up. Im sure the frame is different to.
I have not broke mine in yet but word is you could get aroun 30-40mpg.

Insurance varies by state and your driving record.

I will steer you toward the "touring" version only because it is a very comfortable ride. And it has everything on it already. Wich ever one you choose you will not be disappointed.
Good luck!! keep us posted

mutt

tbsrider2000 · 03-23-2009, 10:20 AM

Like DaytonaNewbie, I use my Rocket as my daily ride on a 70 mile round trip commute. I have 43,000 miles on it now and still enjoy it very much. I had the Corbin Beetle bags for a few years, and they work very well. I paid MUCH less than what Corbin is asking for them now though. I have since traded them for some Leatherlyke bags, which, while not quite as stylish, are very tough, water proof, lockable, and easy to remove at a moments notice.

The RIII is a great everyday bike. The only thing you really need to watch for is don't park where you have to back the bike up hill. You will really know how much it weighs then..

When my RIII was stock, I would get about 39 MPG. Now with my TORs/ cat bypass and PCIII, I get about 35 MPG, but the power is too enjoyable to go back!. In fact I will be going the other way this week. I'm ordering a Jardine system today..

I'll have to look at my insurance rate.. lol I know it's less than $400 a year...

KingOfFleece · 03-23-2009, 10:21 AM

Be sure to check with your agent on "full coverage". To the best of my knowledge there is no such term in the M/C insurance world. M/C Cruiser mag. had a series of articles penned by an ex-cop who is now an underwriter-it was a real eye opener. Food for thought.
Now, the R3 as an everyday bike. There are many nice bags you can mount-EDGE, matusu, and Tsukayu come to mind. All will accept EZ Brackets. I use the EDGE 103's and have zero issues-YMMV however.
The size of the R3 has never been a problem-and we have Bonnies, too.

TallRocket · 03-23-2009, 12:46 PM

I second Daytona's input with one comment about everyday riding.

If the ratio of stop and go highway or in town traffic is much greater than open riding, you might want a smaller and more nimble ride.

loutriumph · 03-23-2009, 02:40 PM

Is this for any other reason rather than the heft of the bike? For instance, I was surprised at how light the clutch action was on the bike in the shop. My Multistrada clutch in traffic will have your forearms growing in time. Is there some particular reason the bike might not be great in stop and go driving?