Baggers Magazine R3T Test

[ksquared]

The December issue of Baggers Magazine contains a feature length test of the R3T, garnered over a 3,300 mile trip.

The review is very objective and positive. the only real drawbacks identified were the heavy throttle and lack of cruise control and the lack of ABS, while noting the very powerful brake performance.

The bike got high marks for performance, handling and brakes. The internal latches on the bags came in for a little criticism, but they clearly liked the bike.

They say there will be follow up articles over the next few months, including some customization articles.

All in all, a very positive review. I guess I was a little surprised.

 

[HellFire]

I wonder what they mean by "heavy throttle"? Would they prefer it have even less spring tension against having your ass thrown off in an intersection?
They might be talking about the secondaries and how the ECM limits power and causes a bit of a delay when taking off, if that's it ... since I don't have those anymore I'm happy with the little extra effort it takes to roll the throttle. I don't want it to jackrabbit like a dirt bike when I breath on the throttle.

It would be interesting if a magazine or bike site would do test like that on an R3 that's been wrung out with the typical modifications and upgrades (triples, exhaust, fuel, secondaries, shocks, tires, pegs or boards, risers etc.). Only a test like that could give a true representation of a well rounded and fully capable Rocket III. The ones out of the box are for weenies. LOL

 

[RocketDaryl]

No, they're talking about having to have popeye arms to hold the throttle for long durations. The R3T's throttle is stupid hard to hold for long periods of time. There's no excuse in it requiring that much effort (strength) to hold. There's no reason it couldn't have the same resistance as any other cruiser. Hop on the 2000 cc Kawasaki or Star (Yamaha). They're no different than any other cruiser; very easy to hold and maintain for long distances.

 

[KingOfFleece]

Throttle Rocker solved it for me for $11.00. Got 'em on all the bikes now.

 

[Elvis]

No, they're talking about having to have popeye arms to hold the throttle for long durations. The R3T's throttle is stupid hard to hold for long periods of time. There's no excuse in it requiring that much effort (strength) to hold. There's no reason it couldn't have the same resistance as any other cruiser. Hop on the 2000 cc Kawasaki or Star (Yamaha). They're no different than any other cruiser; very easy to hold and maintain for long distances.

I have ridden mine 13k miles so far with a couple of trips in the mix, I have not noticed what you are talking about above. A friend of mine has a Roadliner that I have rode for 50+miles and I could not tell any difference. I would not use a throttle lock due to the reduced reaction time for deer and dogs.

 

[barbagris]

No, they're talking about having to have popeye arms to hold the throttle for long durations. The R3T's throttle is stupid hard to hold for long periods of time.

Cant say I've noticed this - But I did notice that the R3 throttle CAN FEEL heavy especially when you try/need to make "tiny" adjustments. It's not heavy - it's binding.

The grips rocks a bit due to the handlebar not being cylindrical to the end so it's really only swivelling on 1/2 tube. I think this is for heated grips wiring.

Simple fix is make sure the grip/bar interface is well lubricated. I've also added a fat 1" O/D washer to the end of the bar before the weight. This gives a bearing surface at the outer end of the grip. Once I find some delrin (the "workshop" is a mess - I'll be making a full length bearing. I've just slipped a crampbuster on too. Well it was just lying there.

 

[RocketDaryl]

Throttle Rocker solved it for me for $11.00. Got 'em on all the bikes now.

I used a Cramp Buster on mine; same principle and about the same price. In fact, I have one new in the package (bought two) in the garage. I don't need it on either of my current rides, however.

 

[HellFire]

When the bike was new it had a sticky, jumpy throttle. I picked up a cramp buster and it just got in the way. Turned out the Triumph doesn't have an insulator between the bar and the moving grip ... It was sticking to the bar. I put some grease on it and it low-and-behold it was TOO easy to rotate. So I wiped most of it off and found a happy medium. I have a throttlemeister so I can easily just adjust the friction to whatever I need at the time and now.... all is well. A little grease, a little time, a little hammer (well, no hammer this time) and it's just the way I like it. I still don't see the point of a bike reviewer trippin' on something so trivial as "a heavy throttle" ... did they run out of criticisms? Might as well complain the the mirrors are out of adjustment. Whatever.

 

[ksquared]

I would not use a throttle lock due to the reduced reaction time for deer and dogs.

Don't know if you're familiar with the BrakeAway; it releases as soon as you touch and begin to depress the RH brake lever - so there is no delay in release of the system. Really works quite well - and doesn't look too bad either. In fact, I think it looks darn near OEM.

 

[2rockets]

I f a heavy throttle is the biggest thing they can nit pick about, Id say thats a glowing report. I wonder what they mean though. I have the wrists and forearms of a sparrow and havent noticed this in 16,000 miles.