A year with the Rocket III Touring

[crazyman]

I've had my R3T for one year now.
21500 miles.
2 sets of Metzeler 880 Marathons. Even had a car tire on for about 5k miles.
3 oil changes. 3 sets of rear brake pads.
10k and 20k services done. Don't ask how much $$$, it's expensive and I don't like it. But it's the price I pay for such an awesome bike !

Clutch switch and fuel gauge replaced under warranty. They were causing some sort of electrical gremlin that would cause the bike not to start.

I've put on several accessories to make the bike fit me better:
Russell Day Long touring seat with backrests for me and the pillion. Comfortable, but not perfect.
Rivco risers. Though the bars themselves are still a bit too far away and wide for my comfort.
Motolights on the front calipers. 6 red LEDs out back for more light. All connected with a run turn brake controller.
Clearview 19" shield. Although I think I should have gone with a 21". Still get a lot of buffeting.
Raask slip on exhausts and the TORS tune for a better sound. I like to hear the bike when I'm riding. Nominal performance increase.

Over the last year, I've had a great ride ! This bike still makes me smile. And I still like to just look at her and smile.

Just ride !

 

[Pig9r]

Happy anniversary.

 

[RocketDaryl]

Go with the Triumph "Roadster" screen. You won't get any buffeting with it, unless you're the jolly green giant. It's 7 inches over stock. Actually, mine was 7.25 taller; someone apparently didn't measure twice.

 

[STRIPES]

My buffeting went away when I install lower deflectors. Wind was finding its way under the screen and over the tank.

 

[rayjay]

The big question is...given the choice would you buy it again .. I know i would

ray

 

[RocketDaryl]

My buffeting went away when I install lower deflectors. Wind was finding its way under the screen and over the tank.

The R3T comes with lowers. The problem with the R3T is the stock shield is too short for even average height folks. I'm 5'10" and needed a taller screen. The Roadster is 7" taller. That was too much for me and I would've had it cut down 2 or 3 inches had I kept the bike.

Molinoman has an aftermarket screen on his Classic. I don't recall the brand, but it was just right for my height. It also had a vent ala Goldwing. I didn't try it out as it was pretty chilly when we were riding.

 

[crazyman]

I might at some point get a taller screen. Clearview makes a 21" and a 23" I believe. Maybe the Roadster screen.

The bars need changing. They are a bit too wide and far away, even with the Rivco risers. Some have mentioned putting Harley bars on, but I have no idea which ones. Have to wait a bit for more upgrades........

 

[KingOfFleece]

Guess it depends on what you want from a screen. At 5'11" I found the stock screen just right. Wind off my chest but my mug full in the wind.

Screens are so dependent on rider variables that it's almost useless to compare. I ride different bikes all the time and often wonder "how can they like this......" and the other rider will say the same about mime, which I find just right. Go figure.

Your 1 year review was/is well done. And the Tiger is a great bike, is it not?

 

[RocketDaryl]

You have a point. A lot of it may also depend on what kind of helmet you wear, how do you sit in the saddle (I have pretty good posture, no slouching), etc... One of my friends told me I look like a cop when I'm riding. The bike is the same color as the Florida State Trooper cars. I *usually* wear a black half helmet when on the Rocket and I sit up pretty straight. Also, I had a solo seat with rider backrest on it.

 

[rocket31998]

Congrats!! Have you done any super long rides with the Russell Seat? I just got mine in November, so my riding time has been limited to an hour at at time. Just wanted to know if it stands up after several hours like it's supposed to.