Triumph Rocket 3 Classic

[1ststater]

Hello all,

I have been shopping for a while to find a great touring/cruising motorcycle that suites my style, budget etc...I have looked at Harley Davidson, BMW, Yamaha, Suzuki and now Triumph. Truely great bikes all. Today, I took a 2006Triumph Rocket Classic out for a spin and was dazzled by the performance and handeling. I don't know a whole heck of alot about the product. So I was hoping to solicit some feedback from anyone who knows.

Thanks in advance and I wish everyone a GREAT holiday season.

[Molinoman]

First of all I do not own a Rocket III yet. But I am looking at the same one you are...the Classic. I like the black engine, I like the power and from all the reviews I've read this is one heck of a beast to ride and I mean that in a good way. Since you have already ridden one (and I am jealous of that...no Triumph dealerships in Afghanistan, or decent roads to ride them on here for that matter) you already have more experience on it than I do.

I currently own a 2006 Gold Wing and it is incredibly fast for a "big" motorcycle, but the Rocket is even faster and it weighs almost as much. There are plenty of reviews on the web to get an idea of what this machine can do, do your research, but this Rocket is definitely something else and it stands out in a crowd, if you get it, I think you'll have your hands full but you will enjoy it.
Dennis

[TooManyBikes]

I have several bikes, and have had over 70 so far. I bought a rocket 3 classic at the end of summer. There is much to like, and some to disslike, but all of that is subjective, and will vary from person to person. I like the power. As you probably noticed, it is powerful at any rpm, and as smooth as an electric motor. In spite of the huge back tire, it handles well, much better than the Victory with the huge back tire. Most people find the rear shocks to be too stiff, and too harsh. I have experimented with shocks and springs, and am still not entirely satisfied. I took the chrome radiator surround off mine, as I thought it just shouted "here is the radiator". I like the looks of the bare radiator better. I like the way it shifts. If you preload the shifter a bit with your foot (I only use the toe part of the shifter) it snaps right into the next gear. If you wait to shift until the clutch is pulled in all the way, it shifts with more effort. The shift throw is short, the shift is quiet, and once in 3rd gear, the clutch is not necessary to upshift to 4th and 5th. The handlebars are comfortable, the classic seat is the most comfortable factory seat I can recall, but the footboards are a bit too far forward for me. The bike is also a bit tall for me to be flat footed at stops, which led me to install shorter shocks, which were too stiff, and lacked enough travel. I dont like the looks of the splayed mufflers, which I plan to change to a more compact arrangement. The steering does not turn as tight as most other bikes, so parking lot, and garage manouvers are restrained. I have considered selling the bike, as I have plenty of bikes, but have not done so yet, as it still brings a smile to my face every time I take it out. I dont like the asemetrical gas tank, with the chrome bear claw, but I live with it.
All in all, a very powerful, but managable fun bike, very stable on the highway, fun on back roads if the surface is good.
That's my opinion, and I am sticking with it.

[1ststater]

Molinoman and Toomanybikes

Great chattin' with you both. The bike I was looking at yesterday is a demo with 210 miles (Help I'm not up on my km's). Anyway, they are asking $16,300. The dealer said he would knock off $1,000.

First I would install a windshield and upgraded bags: estimate $1,800

After break in I would switch the exhaust systems and go with 2 tailpipes - 1 out each side. I think that would also enable a louder bike. estimate $1,200.

Does the current asking price sound about right?

Thanks




[ This message was edited by: 1ststater on 2006-12-22 08:49 ]

[Molinoman]

Newbie, it depends where you live. If you are near Chattnaooga you can get one for around $14,300, that is for the bike only and I would imagine with no miles. It sounds like you are currently looking at a demo bike (with 336 kms) and the only thing I would look at is that rear tire, I believe if anybody took it out for a demo they probably wanted to see what it would do.
Also you said it was a Rocket Classic, the list on those is not $16,300 (unless it is a 2006) and even then that sounds a little high for list. The list on a new 2007 is at $15,699.
Now you can get a Rocket Classic Tourer which is the same thing (except no black engine) with the leather bags, windshield and sissy bar (and I think pad) for $16,399 list and again Chattanooga has that particular one shown on their website at $14,983. That would give you some savings to go after those pipes.
I'm not trying to shill for Chattanooga as I am hoping my local shop will give a little on the list price so I can keep my business there, but if they don't I don't mind a bus ride up to TN to pick one up.
Good Luck,
Dennis

[TooManyBikes]

I got my 2006 classic for 14,500, brand new. I would shop around, and try to leverage the dealer to a better price. Look on ebay, there are new ones going for 12,999. Or maybe consider a used one. The price of a used one is so cheap it makes me cringe to think about selling mine. The list price for mine was 16,300, but two dealers kept lowering the price when I called to say what the other dealer would do. It's still a lot of bike for the money. You dont say where you live, or even what country, but I would pressure the dealer for a better price. These bikes don't fly out the door, they only appeal to a very small segment of the bike buying public.

[1ststater]

Molinoman/Toomanybikes

I live in USA/Delaware. The bike is an '06. There is a luggage rack and a passenger backrest. The radiator grill was powder coated black. That's about it. The Tourer is the one I'm after. Your're right, you don't see many of 'em around - Is that good or not so good? How has the 2007 model changed? Is the company in good shape? Is the Triumph ultimately a good purchase?...Reliablity, life...

Man, I have looked at alot of bikes. My head is about to expload. I've most likey over analyzed my purchase.

I'm thirsty, my weekend has begun, the masseuse arrives at 3. I think I'll chase the wife around tonite, clear my mind and stay on the hunt for that badass bike. Which one was it; Ducati, H-D, Yamaha, Suzuki, BMW?

Cheers - Stay in touch

Paul

[vonbonds]

Paul, where in DE are you? I got mine in Dover at L&D.

[1ststater]

Vonbonds

Summit area of Middletown.

L & D, you got it. How are they to deal with? From what I saw they were A-O-K. Small shop. Personal, friendly and knowledgable service. How do like your bike (s)

[Lee]

I am currently in Maine...but I lived in the Village of Montgomery Orange County NY. Tristate area is a great place for riding.