Considering the R3T

[boale]

I'm considering trading my 2005 America for a 2010 R3T. I really like my America for looks and for around town but am looking for something a bit more robust! Are there any previous bonneville owners out there who made the change. How does the R3T handle at 800# compared to my 500# America, etc. Thanks for any feedback.

 

[TerryBlakeslee]

I upgraded from a 2002 America to a 2009 R3T. I have not regretted the move for one second.
What I loved about the America was it was a nice comfortable ride that sparked up a conversation no matter where I pulled into. Plus you didn't see many of them when out riding.
When I thought about upgrading to the R3T I was afraid it was way to heavy to throw around. It is a freakin dream to ride. I can not tell that this thing weighs as much as it does when riding it. Pushing it in the garage is another story.
As for the power. When I was on the highway with the America and wanted to pass a truck. I would have to wait for a good stretch or road to make sure I had plenty of room to get the speed up. Not any more. If you need to pass a line of trucks, hold on and twist it.
I just got back from a 1300 mile ride that covered CT,MA,VT,NH,Canada, NY and PA. Next summer we are going to Nova Scotia .
Wonderful bike.

 

[RocketDaryl]

I used to have a Speedmaster. I bought a R3T in 08, kept it for almost 2 years and sold it. I bought a new Thunderbird. I like it much better. It has more power than the America/Speedmaster, has an overall more "robust" feel about it, more meat on it, don't get blown around by wind, belt drive is fantastic, etc...; just a better bike all the way around. That's not to say the Speedy and America aren't fine bikes. They are, but they're not in the same league as the T-Bird. Of course, they don't cost as much either.

The T-Bird, for *me*, beats the pants off the Rocket in any comparison you want to discuss with the exception being the power difference. Nothing on the road touches the torque of the Rocket. It handles better, is more comfortable, the tranny is LIGHT YEARS smoother (helical cut gears), the engine is smooth, and it has a nice throaty sound to it. And, of course, it's a 1000 times better looking. Finally, it's EXTREMELY versatile. You can go from street cruiser to light tourer in less than 2 minutes, literally!

Bottom line, for me, the R3T is a decent bike and the power *is* fun, but that's pretty much where it ends. Triumph knocked the ball out of the park with the T-Bird, however, and it's no slouch in the power department itself, even the 1600 version. I don't have to down shift, get a running start or anything else to pass a cager; just twist the throttle and go.

 

[crazyman]

I bought my R3T in Feb 09. Since then, I've ridden over 30k miles. The power is simply awesome for such a massive bike. Handling and power are the Rocket's high points. Unfortunately for me, comfort has been an ongoing battle. I have made a choice to sell mine in a few months and buy a different type of bike.

I've got no real complaints about the Rocket. If comfort wasn't an issue with me, I'd be keeping that big girl for a long time.

I would suggest a test ride on the Rocket as well as the Thunderbird. That would give a very good comparison. Most Triumph dealers will give test rides.

 

[Jackson]

I have a 2007 America and upgraded to a R3 Classic. I kept the America for toying around town and Triumph didn't want to give me that much for it anyway. As far as the upgrade to the R3T, you will love it. Seems we all do. Good touring.

 

[HellFire]

I can not tell that this thing weighs as much as it does when riding it. Pushing it in the garage is another story.

first bike I've owned that has to be started to move out of the way of the lawn mower. lol

 

[martym52]

R3t

I re-emerged as a rider with a 2007 T100 Bonneville; a great cycle. I traded it in for a Rocket III Touring. It is so awesome out on the road and I can easily remove the wind shield and sissy-bar luggage rack and use it as an around town cruiser. The handling and utility are just great! My wife will ride on it ( says she didn't feel safe on the Bonny) and that is great. I have the 2009 model and couldn't be more pleased with it. Great handling, great brakes, comfortable, and unique. Go for it.
Marty

 

[coneye]

I had a vulcan for my long trip , and day rides with the wife . traded it on the rt3 and absolutly done the right thing it handles well ,power ect ,well you've read it all .

I swapped my Harley for a tbird with the view of maybee buying bags and making it my only bike , but the wife can't stand the tbird , says the backrest leans to far back and makes her feel unsafe . So no problem , i took the touring seat off , stripped it back down and use it for solo rides to get away ,

On top of that except for the city , heavy traffic i can't handle the tbird any better than the rocket , in fact twisties country roads , the RT3 handles better its got more power and ground clearance , only problem with the rt3 its a big bike , and when your in heavy traffic stop start , or you have to push it , if your a small fella like me its hard work .

If they were to bring out a full touring Tbird , i would seriously think about getting rid of both my bikes and getting one , . But for now for my money if you bought a smaller tbird for round town riding and were not gonna go long rides or two up you would be ok .

But if your gonna go long rides , 2 up or touring , the rt3 is a much better buy than buying a t bird and spending loads of money to get what the rt3 has standard .

Go ride them both , you will be suprised although for comfort , rt3 all the way . just done 2 long trips totalling approx 10,000 klm , not one bad back day on the rt3

 

[snuffcityrider]

I had the America for four months and traded for the R3 Classic and have no regrets. As long as it's moving it handles great. But as stated, it's not a bike that wants to be pushed.

 

[RocketDaryl]

"If they were to bring out a full touring Tbird"

They did, the Thunderbird SE. It has everything the R3T has: floor boards, windshield, bags, passenger backrest with luggage rack, etc... Plus, it already has the long haul touring seat (which allows for the rider backrest should you choose). Never understood why the R3T didn't come stock with that seat. After all, it's advertised as a "touring" bike. It will eat up interstate miles as well as the Rocket.
Also, as with the Rocket, you can buy an aftermarket full faring if you like. And, the SE is thousands less than the R3T.

Again, nothing at all wrong with the Rocket Touring, it's a nice bike. But, it does have some unflattering attributes; ugly, tranny shifts like a log wagon and, while it handles pretty good for such a large bike, it still handles like a dump truck compared to smaller bikes, and it's not the best bike in the world for around town riding.

The T-Bird shines, IMO because you can have a great looking, stripped down street cruiser, or have yourself a trip ready light touring bike (again, same setup as the R3T) in less than 5 minutes; extremely versatile bike, and more than enough power whether you're riding solo and street cruising or loaded up and two-up trip riding. And, if you really just want more power, put the big bore kit in it. You'll still come out cheaper than the R3T.

Had I bought a Standard Rocket instead of the R3T, I'd likely still have it. My main reason for getting rid of the R3T really had nothing to do with shortcomings I spoke of. It was because I could never get comfortable on it. I tried different seats, changing out the risers, re-positioning the bars (multiple times), etc... and yet I could never ride the thing for more than 50 miles without getting neck and shoulder pain. That said, had the T-Bird and Rocket come out at the same time I wouldn't have even given the Rocket a second look.

Of course, if we all agreed on what makes the perfect bike there'd only be one bike model.