Why the silver block?

[SliderIII]

Man, I have my wife turned onto the Rocket and want the Classic Tourer. What is up with the silver engine? Butt Ugly. The black one is so much sharper. Is there a reason?

[Molinoman]

I agree exactly, I am having to buy the Classic and spend a lot more money to get it the way I want since the engine is not in black (almost the same configuration as the tourer though I may be doing something different for the bags).

The only thing I can figure is that they may be doing away with the silver engine and offering it in the touring configuration as Triumph's way of getting rid of the last of those engines, with the savings on the accessories as an incentive.

The reason I think this may be happening is that both the regular Rocket III and the Rocket III Classic come in the black engines.
I could be barking up the wrong tree, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

The black engine do look sharp.
Dennis

[ This message was edited by: Molinoman on 2007-02-25 06:10 ]

[sbljr]

On 2007-02-25 02:31, Molinoman wrote:
The only thing I can figure is that they may be doing away with the silver engine and offering it in the touring configuration as Triumph's way of getting rid of the last of those engines with the savings on the accessories as an incentive.

The black engine is just the silver engine with some black paint slapped on certain parts. As for the butt ugly there are plenty of people who think the Rocket itself if butt ugly, yet quite a few of us here actually like the total look of it AND the silver engine. Shows off that BIG unique motor better! Those who say it looks industrial and needs to be de-emphasized are sour grapes IMHO

As for why they did silver on the Touring, their market research probably showed a favorable response among those who dress Rockets for touring, while black was likely favored among those wanting traditional naked cruiser styling which blends in with the pack a little better. That's usually how such decisions are made regarding model variations on an existing bike.

[bonnietiler]

Just a thought, a silver painted engine will run alot cooler than a black painted one and so a silver motor for the tourer..higher mileage perhaps..maybe makes some sense..I've got a 2004 silver motor..I like it...
BonnieT

[SliderIII]

Thanks Guys....

[Molinoman]

BonnieT, actually you may have something there. Myself, I haven't thought the silver looked "butt ugly", but, to me, next to the black, the black looked "better"...strictly personal preference.

Since I already own an almost new 2006 Gold Wing, I would more than likely use that for any real looooong trips. The Rocket I am getting mainly for a "commuter" bike and for the trips that are 0-300 miles or so. I mainly am also getting the Rocket to remind myself that I am on a motorcycle. With the Wing, all those creature comforts, audio, heated seat, grips, foot warmers, built in GPS, the quietness sometimes can take away from that...to a degree. I mainly want two different machines for different types of riding whatever I feel like getting on at the time, I'll just get on and go.

Heaven forbid, that one of them should ever break down, but if that happened, I'd still be able to ride the other one and not miss a beat.

Silver or Black, the engine is good in either color from what I've seen on the boards. The Gold Wing engine is silver already (may be some wisdom in the "silver is cooler" argument) so I've still got the best of both worlds.

Did I mention only 20 more days to go, and I'll be riding the Gold Wing first, then after I pick up the Rocket, I may not sit on the Gold Wing for awhile....choices, choices.
Hope the weather is getting better for riding for those of you who have been handicapped all winter.
Ride safe.
Dennis

[dougl]

I like my silver engine. What's the point of a black engine? That you can't see the dirt so you don't have to clean it.

[ This message was edited by: dougl on 2007-02-25 11:12 ]

[SoccerRef]

The black engine is only rated for temp up to 95degrees-f does not really effect the Brit riders, the black engine is made with left over scraps that is why it is black to hide the mould defects. A clear or see thru engine would be something else.

[rockenrobert]

Just paint part of the engine black and leave the front silver.
Will paint the whole engine black later though.
rockenrobert

[SliderIII]

On 2007-02-25 19:27, rockenrobert wrote:
Just paint part of the engine black and leave the front silver.
Will paint the whole engine black later though.
rockenrobert

What did you use and how did you do it?