Build Quality

Yes I do like the power. I very much do like accelerating. I am a tall guy and very much enjoy the seating handlebar and foot board positions. I am replacing it with a supercharged Valkyrie. Similar performance values. Yes I do check things out before I buy them. I'm not slamming the bike. Just sharing my observations. I refurbish antique cars for a living and am used to working with substance. Just was surprised at those shortcomings. Glad you guys have such good service from yours. The question was asked about build quality. And I answered based on my experience with my motorcycle.

I have had my '14 R3T since Oct and haven't hit 3K miles yet. So I can’t give a full on report just yet. But what I can say is that it works VERY well for me. My history covers 28 total bikes that I have ridden from endures/dirt bikes to cruisers, standards, sport touring and sport bikes. Of all of them, I miss my Vmax the most; it’s acceleration is tough to beat, but it can’t do everything my Rocket can. I have had one fog light burn out and replaced under warranty and my TPS needed adjusted a day after I bought the beast. The hard cases are big enough for me and my back seater to take a two day trip without worry. She complains that the bike makes her fall asleep because it is so comfortable and smooth; good thing Triumph added the back rest of the touring model.
Because the R3 loves to take long deep breaths of cold Virginia air each time I ride to work, I only get about 28-29 mpg, I would like to improve that and I think the Tors slip ons with a new map will help; that is the first mod I will do.
Paint, fit and finish; I give it a 9. Performance; 9. Comfort, 10. Mileage, 6. Reliability so far, 10. Wow factor. 10!!!

I think build quality is about average for things manufactured in today's world. I wouldn't trade my Roadster for any other bike on the road as it has been tweaked to my taste and riding style. Having said that I also need to say that I have two other bikes that are set up for very different riding styles. For example, I didn't take my Rocket on the recent trip to Florida (I was going to but my new tire came in only the nite before we left) and I was glad I didn't. The Ultra Classic was very comfortable in the rain and cold on a 3400 mile road trip where the Roadster would have probably made me make a few more stops to warm up...something to be said for a full fairing and air ride seat. The bike provides a very stable platform for additional horsepower and almost any mod you can dream up. Are there things I would change about the base design? Absolutely, but I assume we are talking about build quality, not design.

there's good'ns and bad'ns in all makes and models of cars trucks and bikes..I've had good luck with my 06..the earlier models were a bit problematic more so that the newer ones..it's all good..keep on riding whatever makes grin..happy trails.

Sounds like we should all be pleased he's not happy. Wining little prick. Glad he's going and I hope Rockets are never to his liking.

I too have a 98 Valk and have researched super charging. Needless to say came up empty handed. I would greatly appreciate your sources.

rayjay said:

Sorry if this has been done before...did a search and nothing came up.
How do you all rate the overall build quality of the rocket...scale of 1/10.
Thanks guys.

ray

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I have owned my Rocket since 06. ( built Dec 04). 118000km,s, Had the cam chain replaced plus a new ignition switch. No desire to replace the most awesome ride I have ever owned. (over 60 bikes). Build quality 8. Uniqueness 10.

mrmcgoo said:

". . . I am replacing it with a supercharged Valkyrie. . . .

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jake shaw said:

I have owned my Rocket since 06. ( built Dec 04). 118000km,s, Had the cam chain replaced plus a new ignition switch. No desire to replace the most awesome ride I have ever owned. (over 60 bikes). Build quality 8. Uniqueness 10.

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Fun to Ride - 12

I think we have a book salesman here or worse a serial winer he's posted on 2 threads with the same gripe nearly word for word. Go and buy a honda with a supercharger. As if that's going to be maintenance free and not wear out tyres.

bought my 2014 rocket 3 roadster in Oct. 2013. 2200 miles on it.Get a lot of bike for the money. No issues .. 32 mpg stock. At this point I give it an 10.