Hello from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Axel, there is a relatively short list of good alternatives, among them, Wilburs and Hagon Nitros, in addition to the most common/popular shock upgrade which is to Progressive's 444s. I am using Progressive 440s, the precursors to the 444s and they work just fine. Most R3 owners, other that the very most discerning riders, do not upgrade the front springs - finding it to be unnecessary for our everyday riding styles/conditions.

I use the Bridgestone Exedra Max rear tire, which as a 240/55 16 has a 0.47" taller profile than the stock Metzeler rear. Since it is paired with Progressive shocks left over from one of my Honda VTX 1800s that are 1/2" shorter than the OEMs (12"), the combination leaves the rear geometry essentially unchanged as from the factory, but I do run a matching 130 tire up front and that significantly improves tracking, turn-in, overall handling and maneuverability, making my bike feel about 150-200 pounds lighter and resulting in an eminently flickable bruiser cruiser.

Because a 130 tire will lower your front end and, hence your ground clearance, it has been deemed unsafe and unsuitable for the Roadster due to its factory ergos. Also, due to the tires decreased circumference, the 130 defeats the ABS brake system, further making it unsuitable for models so equipped. Nonetheless, you can gain most of the performance and handling benefits of a smaller front tire with a 140/75 17, the best of those available being the Michelin Commander II, IMO. The improvements attributable to it will be just as stark as you will experience with a good rear shock replacement! The OEM 150 up front is strictly for looks and not for performance, again, just my opinion based upon direct experience.

Point of information - there are some good threads here abour rear shock options. Use the search function or Google (Triumph R3 rear shock options, for instance) to source them!;)
Hello Phil.. I have already searched the forum regarding the shocks.. First thing I did to my VStrom was change the shock. I also saw the Wilburs on ebay.. and have reviewed the Progressive.. there seems to be a 100% difference in price.. Would love to know if the Willburs are twice as good since they cost about twice as much. Strange there are no Ohlins for the R3. Thanks for the info Phil.
 
Hello Axel and welcome from Virginia. The engine heat is a pain when stuck in traffic, but once moving I never notice it. To help prevent monkey butt, I installed the Beadrider on my seat. It is cheap and works wonders to keep my bum dry and work as a circulation enhanser as you move about on the beads. I keep mine on till it gets into the 25F or lower.
Good luck and read the pages here on the forum, like your question about Ramair, there is much about it. It is an air intake system that fits under the bear claw. You remove the OEN plumbing and now have beeter air flow into the engine. Take care...
Thanks for the info!!! Will look into the beadrider :) and loved the comment "monkey butt".. we call it here Culo de Mandril. which is the monkey that has all the red stuff hanging out and stuff.. LOL :)
 
Hello Phil.. I have already searched the forum regarding the shocks.. First thing I did to my VStrom was change the shock. I also saw the Wilburs on ebay.. and have reviewed the Progressive.. there seems to be a 100% difference in price.. Would love to know if the Willburs are twice as good since they cost about twice as much. Strange there are no Ohlins for the R3. Thanks for the info Phil.


Probably the best way for you to get further advice and counsel on the subject of shocks, Axel, is for you to share with us the typical type and quality of the roads that you most frequently ride as well as your riding style, i.e., aggressive/high speed, low gear hunter or relaxed cruiser/tourer with occasional right wrist control issues, one up or two, backroads/twisties vs superslabs or streetfighter, etc., etc.

My personal opinion is that the Wilburs upgrade does not justify nearly twice the cost of Progressives, but that's a purely subjective call.
 
Quick question.. About to buy the sissy bar (afraid I might loose the wife).. Would you guys recommend the short or tall? Any of you have it? If so, could you post a pic so I can see how the short or tall looks on the bike (roadster)? Thanks!!!!
 
Indian, 1901
Triumph, 1902
HD, 1903
Don't forget Royal Enfield!!! 1899!!!

In 1893, the Enfield Manufacturing Company Ltd was registered to manufacture bicycles, adopting the branding Royal Enfield.

By 1899, Royal Enfield were producing a quadricycle – a bicycle modified by adding a wrap-around four-wheeled frame, retaining a rear rider-saddle with handlebars – having a front-mounted passenger seat, driven by a rear-mounted De Dion engine.[1]

After experimenting with a heavy bicycle frame fitted with a Minerva engine clamped to the front downtube, Enfield built their first motorcycle in 1901 with a 239 cc engine.
 
Axel, if your passenger(s) are not Amazons (large/tall women) the short sissy bar will work just fine and, again, in my opinion, looks better than the tall one, particularly when paired with Triumph's luggage rack as it is on my '07 Standard, pictured here before Bob Carpenter got his hands on her:

07rocket2.JPG

07rocket (2).jpg




BTW, these are some of the things Mr. Carpenter could do for you, i.e., turn your Rocket III into a truly intergalactic Rocket: Carpenter Racing

Mine puts about 200 H.P. and 170 ft lbs. of torque to the rear wheel.
 
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Axel, if your passenger(s) are not Amazons (large/tall women) the short sissy bar will work just fine and, again, in my opinion, looks better than the tall one, particularly when paired with Triumph's luggage rack as it is on my '07 Standard, pictured here before Bob Carpenter got his hands on her:
Loved the pictures of your bike!!! Going for the small one. Read the forums and most recommended the tall one.. But the one you have looks very very good!!!! Thanks Phil
BTW.. what seat do you have on your bike?
 
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