Hello from NC

Thanks ..

I just want to remind everyone why Im here.

I am trying to identify issues with this bike. Bad stuff. All the good stuff is clear. My previous post, the poll, coupled with this video is a bit alarming. Rocket III Touring Part 1 - YouTube

Im not here to bash the brand or bike. I intend to throw alot of money at this deal, and I want to be sure that I get a bike that wont send me to the poor house or that is in the shop more then ridden... my 2007 Yamaha Vstar 1300T is a good example of such a situation. I traded the Vstar in on a new left over 08 VTX 1800 T in Mar 2010. The VTX now has 34k on it. High miles in comparison to most. Power and Torque are nice, but it has to come with some level of reliability. Thats what Im after. Yesterday was a 500 mile day riding with Hyabusas, SilverWing, SuperHawk, Ultra Classic, Blackbird. I ride.

I look to the Rocket for its power, ability to very comfortable fit the wife and I, its finish ... the, guards, seats, windshield, floorboards etc etc, but again, I dont want to have a bike thats sitting in the shop waiting on parts.

I want more power. There arent very many out there larger, stock, than the VTX in or near the same class. The Stratoliner S ... Yamaha OOOooo remember the Vstar... Victory, but smaller engine, Harleys .. yeah I can customize. But I was riding them for a while ... that can get real expensive. The Gold Wing ... moving away from the same style/class. Choices are limited.
 

I have an 08R3T and have taken several test rides on the 2011 R3T to try out the ABS. I find you have to put it in first, the video sounds like the rider is being to slow/weak on his down shift. If you are firm it will go in, if you are lazy it won't go in and you hear the teeth hitting.
 
i have a 08 r3t have over 45000k last 25000k with a cat tire on it the only problem i have had with it was a blown head gasket at bout 9500 fixed under warrenty and my plug for the fog lights got hot but that was my fault for running to hot of a bulb for them and i ride in all kind of weather and would have no problem buying another if i wanted to had a 06 classic before this one
 
Interesting ... I took it upon myself to call Truimph in GA.


I told the operator who first picked up the phone .. about my concern "thinking of buying" .. blah blah ..."seems to be common problem getting into first" blah blah

I was connected to Scott the National Manager of Warranties, so he said. What is so interesting ... he says he doesnt know what Im talking about and has not seen any claims or complaints for or about this issue ...

I did have one thought though ... My VTX occasionally does this ... got to stomp the <put what ever you want here> out of it to get it to got into first. That fix is to clean then A1 or WD40 the pivot points. Good to go.

Ive asked for another solo demo ride tomorrow. Im taking a mini can of wd40 with me.
 
If your "problem" is engaging 1st, just let the clutch out in neutral every time before going into gear. Hardly a fault; just the way sequential gear boxes seem to work. Had the same issue/fix with a Kwaka.
 
Ok I snuck over to Ray Price for a 1.5 solo demo today on a different 09 Touring (not se) than I ran on during the last demo ride.

I actually tried to make the 1st gear thing happen in every conceivable way possible and could not. .. Odd ...

I did noticed that the bike didnt have the upgraded seat on it and I felt lower to the ground and further away from the bars.

Another thing I paid very close attention to is the fact that many here and on other forums refer to this bike as big, huge, etc etc. I found that it actually handles a little better than my VTX with respect to getting it over in the turns. If fact, a few times I found myself leaning too much.

I also spoke to Nolan (told him JoseyWales sent me) "Oh yeah, Josey Wales" ... who told me he used to be a Gold Wing tech, went Harley tech .. now Triumph. We discussed the issues Im concerned with.
 
Hello back at you from Raleigh

I think you and I spoke when we at RPHD/T on the Friday. You'll remember me - the Brit who rode the Thunderbird and then the R3. I just bought an 05 from RPHD/T yesterday and had my first big ride today. If you are in any doubt, let me tell you this is one beautiful machine. Get one! Are you looking at the red one on Raleigh Craigslist? He won't come off $7999.
 
You sorted of hinted at this, but if you think the VTX handles well, then when you get used to the R3 you'll think that VTX was a dump truck. I had one for about 10 minutes the VTX1800 was not/is not a handling machine. Power-wise the R3T is not much different than your X.

Now if you think you need a tourer, I would suggest you look at a classic. and add some after market hard bags of which there are many, if you get anything newer than an '08, you should not have any major issues. The ignition switch is the biggest issue. The headlights do not run through a relay, therefore, all that heat runs through the swittch. This is a simple fix, there are a couple aftermarket solutions that are cheap. My biggest complaint about any of the R3's is the 10k service is about a $500.00 bill. I do most of my own work, but the valve adjustment with shims is not something that I want to get into.

what part of NC? I'm about 30 miles south of Asheville, if you want to see a new R3 Roadster setup for touring (I have 15K mi on her) and blowing sportbikes off the corners, come see me.
 
Rainman does that cat tire really help in the rain or is it just Tiger paw
 
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