Triumphrat

JRCollings · 10-14-2009, 02:16 AM

Ok guys, I have popped over from the Sprint forum to ask you to share your experience and opinions.

I am seriously considering trading the Sprint in for a Rocket III... there are three models (pre 2010)... which one do you recommend and why?

My reasoning is that I want something that is more comfortable, more stable and more aligned to long distance work, but retaining performance.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Diego · 10-14-2009, 02:52 AM

"Performance" is a very broad term! Which particular aspects of performance are most important to you?

JRCollings · 10-14-2009, 05:23 AM

I am willing to trade some 'nimbleness' for 'stability', but I want to retain acceleration if I can - I like having the power / acceleration on tap for overtaking, etc.. but I want a more comfortable and stable platform for long rides across the desert, etc - something less effected by crosswinds, passing semis, etc. and with more comfort.

oldsprint03 · 10-14-2009, 06:35 AM

JR. I am picking up a Rocket III this weekend, here in Charlotte. I bought the plain Rocket III, rode it yesterday although a little gingerly since it was brand new with zero miles on it. I came from an 03 SprintST, that is now gone. I have been looking for a bigger bike with room for two, since I mostly ride with my better half and the new Sprint just wasn't for us.

Initially it is a very different bike, I am kinda surprised at how well it responds to counter steering inputs. It is very solid on the hi-way. I believe I could go coast to coast on the Rocket. I am adding the sissy bar for the wife, and still have the Garmin Zumo and cover left over . etc so I may add a few accessories later on. I chose this one because it was cheaper, and I can fix it up the way I want!!

I'll advise further after I ride in the NC mountains this coming weekend.

oldsprint03

crazyman · 10-14-2009, 08:56 AM

I have a Rocket III Touring. I chose this model based on test rides of a Standard and the Touring. Power is a bit less on the Touring, but still more than enough to overtake easily. I can roll on the throttle in 5th at 70mph and hit 90 mph in a few seconds. Two up.

Handling is better on the R3T IMO. Smaller rear tire, different frame, and the handle bars make a more nimble ride. They call it the Touring for a reason. It's made to do long hauls.
I've ridden mine 16000 miles since February this year. I commute in heavy traffic and do long rides of 300 miles or more.

The seat is crap though.

KingOfFleece · 10-14-2009, 09:38 AM

I have an 08 R3-the standard one. I prefered the pegs and bars over the classic-mostly the bars as I did care for the wrist bend. My bud has his R3 Classic just FOR the bars-it's all up to you. I also have plenty of time on an R3T and will agree it handles a bit crisper than the R3. The power is still great and pipes with a re-map add approx. 17 HP back to the R3T.

My wife is not nearly as fond of the R3 for two-up as she was of the America we traded but told me the R3T is much better for the pillion. If we were going out for weeks at a time I'd need a R3T BUT the R3 is My bike and I ride it like a sportbike every chance I get. A few easy mods and she really corners well.

You cannot go wrong with any Rocket-the power is addicitive. When we get in the hills behind trucks I leave the H-D RoadKings about 60 miles in the dust as they cannot make the pass like the Triumph can.

Hope this helps.

odie · 10-14-2009, 10:34 AM

If you want long rides go with a Touring model. I have a Classic. I have asjusted the handlebars back some, replaced front and rear shocks and now looking for a new Russell All Day seat. It seem from reading the posts about the two bikes that most riders do about the same for both models. Rear shocks get replaced and maybe not the front but a new seat is inorder. When I replaced my shocks it was like night and day from stock. Way more nimble for a huge bike with a wide rear tire. I think most riders that complane about the way a Rocket handles, could be beacuse they are used to a true sport bike and the way it handles.. No problem with my ride and the way it handles. Boocoo Power!

odie

JRCollings · 10-14-2009, 12:29 PM

Excellent insights so far guys, thanks!

Keep 'em coming!

Diego · 10-14-2009, 01:32 PM

Lets dispel one myth right now. The different frame of the R3T does NOT contribute to its nimbleness. The smaller rear tire is actually a way to compensate for the lesser inherent "nimbleness" of the longer frame.

So far as acceleration, JR, you won't feel deprived of that with any version of the Rocket!

KingOfFleece · 10-14-2009, 01:47 PM

I should add that Progressive 412HD shocks made a HUGE difference. I find the stock seats (I have 3 different ones!) are all fine-I get 500 miles out of them a day no problem. The Utopia backrest is the solution there.