Triumphrat

Firefighter · 04-05-2009, 02:39 PM

I am considering purchasing a 2008 Rocket III. I have seen and ridden the Rocket III Classic and found it a fun powerful, smooth and comfortable. I have also seen, but not ridden, the touring version which has side bags and windshield which I would have on any bike that I purchase. I am unable to test ride the touring model due to the tire recall. This may delay my ability to ride or purchase one for weeks. Has anyone out there ridden both models and can share what they like and don't like about the touring model? Also did Triumph change the gear ratios on the touring model to better match the change in HP and torque? Thanks.

xhdskip · 04-05-2009, 06:30 PM

I'm 6'1" and weigh in at 200lbs.
I personally like the handlebars better on the R3T better than stock on the standard or classic, they didn't feel as wide.
I couldn't tell a nickel worth of difference in the ride. Admittedly the R3T ride was short and mostly hiway,
but seemed to ride just as fast and smooth as my standard.
I didn't throw it around like I do mine but it handled about the same from what I could tell.
the rest is just personal preferences. The dash, the single headlight, the hard bags, the skinny tire.
I didn't like any of that, but you might.
The frame is different and so is the seat, but the only noticeable difference to me was the handlebars.
just my 2 cents worth, the main thing is
Get What YOU Want. You can increase the HP easy enough, tires are cheaper for the R3T....
You are able to get a taller windshield if thats a consideration on the R3T.

Firefighter · 04-05-2009, 07:18 PM

Thanks for the info. I had never looked at Triumph before and am learning a lot of new information as I go. I have to wait for the tire recall to run its course to test drive the touring model. I did ride the classic the other day and I really liked it, but I want a windshield, side bags and a top box to carry work gear. These can probably be added to the Classic though. My wife also likes the foot boards for the passanger on the Touring model, which I was told was not available for the Classic. Overall, I do feel that the Classic is the better looking motorcycle.

What are the easy ways to raise HP on the Touring?

DaytonaNewbie · 04-05-2009, 11:50 PM

I'd suggest you wait until you can get a test ride on the tourer. It comes standard with with the things that you'd be paying extra for if you went with the Classic. I had taken a couple test rides on the Standard/Classic. I found it to be a thrill, an very exciting machine to say the least. But I didn't think it was right for me, nothing wrong as far as I could single out. Wasn't afraid of the power, size, or weight, but just not right for me.
When I was looking for a new ride, I started off thinking I was going to get a Tiger with the bags. I'd recently ridden one & liked the power, handling, and how comfortably it could eat up the miles. Since my previous ride was a Daytona, that was important for me, and I was pretty set on taking a new white Tiger home that day. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't even considered the Tourer. I asked if I could test ride one before making my decision to buy. Once I'd gotten 2 miles down the road my decision was made. I brought the bike back about an hour later & took the one that was in the showroom home with me.
They're 2 very different machines built around the same basic motor. Both have very strong points/characteristics in their favor, only you can decide which is the right one for you.
So I'd say, use a little patience, and wait until you can test both of them, and make the right choice.

Firefighter · 04-06-2009, 12:23 AM

Thanks, I'll wait to test ride the Touring model before I make my decision.

crazyman · 04-06-2009, 08:31 AM

I test rode a Standard before I bought my Touring. The Classic / Standard R3's feel more substantial. Even though they weigh a little less, I suppose it's just the riding position.

The Touring is a great highway bike. I have 5500 miles on mine since the 1st of February. For me, I needed to change the seat. I added the dresser bars, pegs, extra lights.....the usual stuff. I have a taller windscreen on order from Clearview. I also went darkside on the rear tire.

And the nicest thing bout my Touring is I can hot rod around and have a blast. Or I can ride easy and eat up the miles.

KingOfFleece · 04-06-2009, 10:19 AM

I have a R3 but have logged lots of miles leading demo rides on an R3T. Both are great bikes-as mentioned. If you like the bags from the factory thing and all that-easy decision to get the R3T. You'll love it and so will your wife on the back. If yo feel you need a bit more power and sound the Triumph TORS add about 17-20 HP back and a bit more sound-but the motor has so much anyway it's not necessary by any means. What's really great is how the R3T (and R3 for that matter) can be hustled around curves and such for such a big machine. Now you gotta be smooth with the inputs to the bar and such but they really go in the hands of a experiened rider-you'll leave lots of other cruisers in the dust if you want to.
And, most likely you'll have the only one in the group-priceless!

ff73148 · 04-06-2009, 11:01 AM

I own a Rocket III Touring and I have also ridden a Rocket Standard. They are two different bikes. The seating position and handling is much better on the R3T. The rear tire on the R3T is smaller and that is the reason the bike handles better. There isn't much of a difference in HP or torque. Both are crazy. It comes down to what you want the bike for. If you intend to do long distance riding get the R3T. If you want to blast around town the Standard will do.

xhdskip · 04-06-2009, 05:18 PM

Yea, I figured that narrow tire was the reason it "felt" about the same handleing it on the hiway.
I got the standard because I wanted the black on black and the classic had the grey motor.
Also it was the one I demoed and I sure did like that demo ride coming from hardlys.
But now lets be realistic, the classic or standard can both be set up for the long haul,
they may sprint around town like a busa or sportster, but they both eat highway miles and love a long ride.
It's just whatever a man(or woman) wants.
Leather bags, twin headlight, bigger tire,
or harley lookin dash, smaller tire, hard bags,
individual preferences.

Firefighter · 04-07-2009, 03:08 PM

Also, does anyone have a suggestion for a more comfortable seat for long rides. I currently have an ST1100 Honda with a corban seat and a gel insert and it is still uncomfortable on long rides. It may just be the riding position. After many years of experimentation with the Honda, I have given up and am looking to buy a more comfortable bike.