Triumphrat

drdarren · 06-28-2009, 08:25 AM

Hi all, I am seriously looking at the R3T, which i love the style. I have not had a chance to ride one yet. I am looking for a bike to ride up the coast, as well as on the highway and something that i might go on a 4-6 hour ride on occasionally. I dont want to go as big as a goldwing or the victory vision so i have narrowed it down to the R3T and the Victory Kingpin.

Any advice....comments or complaints.

Thanks

darren

also, another question. when did most of the major changes take place on the R3T. ie which is the best year to get if i dont want to buy new?

KingOfFleece · 06-28-2009, 12:22 PM

Well, you can start with water cooled vs. air cooled.

TRIIICK · 06-28-2009, 01:03 PM

140 HP vs 85.....

drdarren · 06-28-2009, 02:01 PM

ok valid points. how is the service on these bikes? do they break down often. are they expensive to service. can they only be serviced by triumph dealers.?

thanks

TRIIICK · 06-28-2009, 04:32 PM

I have a 2005 and the only thing that bothered me was the stock seat,if you do buy the later model R3 see if the dealer will swap you over to a touring seat.

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roa...iii/index.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4Mgu38_TFk

crazyman · 06-29-2009, 08:46 AM

For the R3T, there aren't any changes, as it's only been available for two years now. Same motor and drivetrain as the other Rockets.
The Touring is different enough, but shares most all the mechanicals as the other Rockets.

As for maintenance and 'reliability', mine has almost 12k on it in the six months I've had it. NO issues other than the stock tires. Service is expensive (at least in this area), but it's offset by 10000 miles between services.

Definitely a different bike than the Kingpin. More bike.

KingOfFleece · 06-29-2009, 10:38 AM

The R3T did will the "Battle of the Baggers" last year in the Cycleworld story.

There really is nothing to compare the feeling of all the power you ever need-uphill, downhill, 60 mph headwind, whatever-that the Triumph will provide. You'll also find the windscreen and lowers combo from Triumph is fantastic with no buffeting-at least none reported form the 5 owners I know. That is HUGE and something you must consider. Riding around and having your head bounced around like you're in a Mike Tyson fight is NO fun at all.

The big seat with the backrest Triumph sells is also REALLY good.

tbsrider2000 · 06-29-2009, 12:02 PM

I ride an RIII standard, but I love the styling of the Victory Kingpin and really considered one at one time, but the saddlebags are way too small. The R3T has large saddlebags that will hold just about anything..

I have 46,000 miles on my RIII and have had no mechanical issues at all. It's been a great, very reliable bike.

drdarren · 06-30-2009, 10:50 AM

thanks all for the advice. as soon as the rain stops here, i am taking an R3T for a test ride.

crazyman · 07-01-2009, 08:29 AM

Beware, you may end up taking it home.