barbagris
Mad Scientist
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- On the verge of insanity
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- 1979 Guzzi V1000G5 - 2018 KTM 790 Duke
OK - making the mistake once, Lupe - I can get. Twice is being careless.
Is the R3 suitable for long distance ?
- Thread starter Lemieuxfan
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barbagris
Mad Scientist
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2010
- Messages
- 12,988
- Location
- On the verge of insanity
- Ride
- 1979 Guzzi V1000G5 - 2018 KTM 790 Duke
Couple of years ago on our way home from the UK (in the car) - we saw a "mature" couple on matching 3wheel scooters pull up at Plymouth ferry docks. Surrounded by BMW GS's and all sorts of other "big-boy" bikes they looked a bit out of place.
Seemed to have pretty much no luggage - just a little topbox on each (though it turned out there is a cavern under the seat). One of the bikers walked up and asked - come far? - Nah says the old geezer with a bit of an accent - only Fort William (600miles-ish). They were going to cross Spain to the south non stop when they arrived too (about the same). All the other riders I spoke to had at least one stopover planed.
And no they were not Scot's - Spaniards.
1olbull
Riding Motor Since 1950
RAA tis not really about the route, rather the company . . .
Do stop by the now called Super 8 motel, 3120 South Hwy in Lewiston!
Folks should be arriving on the 15th.
WildBill
.060 Over
- Joined
- Sep 2, 2017
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- 115
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- Eastern Washington/Idaho border
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- '13 Rocket 3 Touring,'98 Trident 900,'06 Scrambler
RAA tis not really about the route, rather the company . . .
Do stop by the now called Super 8 motel, 3120 South Hwy in Lewiston!
Folks should be arriving on the 15th.
Like I said, work is the hold up...Retiring in Nov of '19...I know where the motel is and will stop by if it's not a bake oven that day.RAA tis not really about the route, rather the company . . .
Do stop by the now called Super 8 motel, 3120 South Hwy in Lewiston!
Folks should be arriving on the 15th.
TRIIICK
Living Legend
- Joined
- May 29, 2008
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- 3,447
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- Plymouth Massachusetts
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- 05 Rocket III 01 Roadking 08 Busa
I have no doubt that the Rocket is a suitable bike for long distance. The problem is what if something does go wrong flat tire, electrical, etc. Triumph dealers in my area are like hens teeth good luck finding one when you need them. I've taken the Roadking cross country four times got two flats on separate occasions roadside assistance was there and i was on my way within a few hours. In 2005 I had to wait two weeks for a new set of tires for the Rocket.My suggestion is plan your trip with Triumph dealer locations along the way.
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Journeyman
"And this one is just right" ~ Goldilocks
I was very happy with my "ultimate touring bike" the BMW R1200RT, as I ride nearly every day to work on the twisty back roads of Western North Carolina and enjoy long cross country trips with camping gear. On a lark I bought a 2006 Rocket 3, just to experience it. I thought I'd sell it within 3 months. Well, I did. I sold both the 2006 AND the R1200RT and bought a 2011 Roadster with ABS. I prefer it to the RT.
Most days it's set up with a single Corbin seat and not much else, but on trips I go with a 2-up Corbin (to strap camping gear onto, saddlebags, and a windshield. I must say that BMW definitely has the windshield figured out - it's motorized and puts you in a nice negative air space cocoon, but the Triumph Rocket 3 is, in my opinion, superior in all other ways. It has a more comfortable riding position (even the Roadster with a sleeping back wedged at your back), better, uh, passing ability and oh, yeah, man, it's got soul.
In addition to many other shorter camping trips, several months ago I took the Roadster down to Baton Rouge, LA- two days down and one long day on the return ~ 750 miles. Love this bike! What was the question, again?
Most days it's set up with a single Corbin seat and not much else, but on trips I go with a 2-up Corbin (to strap camping gear onto, saddlebags, and a windshield. I must say that BMW definitely has the windshield figured out - it's motorized and puts you in a nice negative air space cocoon, but the Triumph Rocket 3 is, in my opinion, superior in all other ways. It has a more comfortable riding position (even the Roadster with a sleeping back wedged at your back), better, uh, passing ability and oh, yeah, man, it's got soul.
In addition to many other shorter camping trips, several months ago I took the Roadster down to Baton Rouge, LA- two days down and one long day on the return ~ 750 miles. Love this bike! What was the question, again?
Lemieuxfan
Supercharged
pumping brakes on bus; currently have no radio/bluetooth option i wear the earplugs mostly to counter the high frequency hum at speeds 80-85 mph. The radio would be used mostly for bar hopping around town and short distance rides where half shell could be worn
but no i wouldn't blast it so everyone can hear what i'm listening to; that irks me to death
Journeyman
"And this one is just right" ~ Goldilocks
I have an older model Sena in helmet. Great for traveling- private music listening, navigating when I prefer not to be lost (less often) and, especially, to ask Siri to "find nearest Starbucks."
Rocket3Pilot
Supercharged
I think just about any modern day bike over 1000cc's can make a good long distance rider if set up properly for the individuals ergonomics. Reliability isn't an issue as it was years ago just due to all the technological advances in design and manufacturing.
First thing I got rid of on my 2013 roadster was the handle bars. I couldn't ride 2 hours without my wrists hurting. Second was to make a slightly higher lexan shield for my Corbin fairing to get the turbulence off my forehead.
I think my ergonomics have changed with age but they seem backwards to me? When I was younger in my teens and twenties I preferred upright seating and now I like it more forward? Most riders seem to age the other way. I've even considered moving the pegs back further.
I am also way more sensitive to higher rev vibrations and love the rocket engine for it's low end torque. Only a couple other bikes come close IMHO to the low rpm cruise of the rocket. Ya, out west where you can cruise for hours at 85-90 I think about one more gear, and if by some crazy miracle Triumph comes out with the exact same bike with a higher 6th gear I'd buy it the next day and sell mine.
That and electronic cruise would completely devastate any competition out there today, IMHO.
First thing I got rid of on my 2013 roadster was the handle bars. I couldn't ride 2 hours without my wrists hurting. Second was to make a slightly higher lexan shield for my Corbin fairing to get the turbulence off my forehead.
I think my ergonomics have changed with age but they seem backwards to me? When I was younger in my teens and twenties I preferred upright seating and now I like it more forward? Most riders seem to age the other way. I've even considered moving the pegs back further.
I am also way more sensitive to higher rev vibrations and love the rocket engine for it's low end torque. Only a couple other bikes come close IMHO to the low rpm cruise of the rocket. Ya, out west where you can cruise for hours at 85-90 I think about one more gear, and if by some crazy miracle Triumph comes out with the exact same bike with a higher 6th gear I'd buy it the next day and sell mine.
That and electronic cruise would completely devastate any competition out there today, IMHO.
Gregger
Living Legend
I do. Read this post from last summer My Recent Motorcycle Trip and Pics.. Just came back from a weekend trip with over 1600 kms put in the saddle.
The Roadster isn't the perfect touring ride, but it will tour no problem. I love the ability to strip it down and let it loose for those non touring days.
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