My 5,000 km road trip report

Just completed a 10 day road trip from Winnipeg to Kelowna and back in Canada, just under 5,000 km.

Used Triumph saddle bags only, one bag for riding gear and essentials, the other for clothing and toiletries. Unzipping the liners and using as removable compression bags is the most convenient and best way to get the maximum load in the least space. Taking an ultralight backpackers approach to packing really helps. As does staying in hotels vs camping.

Now to the '25 Rocket R Storm capabilities. With a Powerbronze windshield and hand guards, quick shifter, heated grips, cruise control, and my quadlock phone mount with weatherproof cover, helmet communicator, S25 smartphone (communications, music, navigation), HJC RPHA 12 helmet, ear plugs, and proper gear for all weather types, the trip was a blast.

I've had Victory cruisers, as well as a KTM 1290 SD GT, on these roads and the Rocket completely outshined them in every regard. From flat straight prairie stretches to incline curvy mountain waves, the bike was amazing. The stability and power at regular speed, or during needed passing bursts, or just pushing through curves, especially at high degree incline mountain roads was impressive. Stable and powerful!

Temps as low as 5 degrees C, and hot as 32, rain, fog, wet soupy road construction muck, etc., the bike managed it all easily. Gentle cleaning at local car washes along the way kept it looking new and fresh.

Anyone who says these bikes aren't practical just don't know. I'm 63 yrs old, and the Rocket 3 looked after me and then some! Thanks Triumph! You built an amazing and impressive machine. IMHO, one of the best in the world!

Howd the rear tire hold up. Great trip.

Excellent to read this, I'm doing a 10 day road trip next Feb myself. Good idea getting a clean as you go round, think I'll incorporate that as well (when needed)

In your last pic, there's a massive case on a stand, did you have a car following as support? Can't imagine you had that one strapped to your back.

Kevin frazier said:

Howd the rear tire hold up. Great trip.

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Thank you! Rear tire is good, still have about 2,000 km on it I think. The bike now has 18,000 km on it total.

Kiwicol said:

Excellent to read this, I'm doing a 10 day road trip next Feb myself. Good idea getting a clean as you go round, think I'll incorporate that as well (when needed)

In your last pic, there's a massive case on a stand, did you have a car following as support? Can't imagine you had that one strapped to your back.

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LOL! Yes, I map out hotels as well as wand car washes at each overnight spot, as well as washes in-between, knowing weather, intense bug swarms, and road construction possibilities can happen. I ride hard but never put away wet (a version of an old horse saying from my deceased father-in-law who I adored and miss dearly).
Haha! Yes, that is my wife's suitcase as she flew out to meet me as we had a few business appointments in Kelowna, one of the reasons I took the trip.