Help me decide !


I know what you mean - you're taller and heavier than me, BUT when I sat on the TB it seemed so much smaller than my SM - no doubt it's a bigger bike. Hopefully I can get test rides on both the R3 and TB and then decide ! I do hear great stuff from TB owners and all the reviews I've read are top shelf !
 
I'm in Crestview. Chances are good we've probably met before if you get out to any of the local hangouts.

On rare occasions I make it to the Out Post ( a bit to rough around the edges for me ) - I usually ride by myself and on occasion with my son -- I like the place at Red Bay between Bruce and Vortex Springs - neat little hangout ! I've yet to do one of the rides with D & D - but hope to soon ! Maybe we can hook up one day and talk Triumph and go riding !
 

That doesn't sound very good - the last thing I'd want is to sink all that cash into a bike, then start having immediate issues -- I hear you about not flogging your bike and I'm to very anal about upkeep and keeping them clean !
 
Want to KNOW the difference between a R3 and a TB? Go ride them. The TB is a great bike, but not my cup of oolong. I've got an '05 Standard with 40+ thousand miles on with nary a hiccup. Rode it cross country, even did an "Iron Butt" on it. So the best answer to your query is from the seat-of-your-pants. Everything else is opinion (and like belly-buttons, everyone's got one).
 

I ride by myself most of the time. I hang out at The Outpost quite a bit. Yes, it's mostly the pirate Harley crowd, but not everyone. The folks I hang out with out there are normal. Lol

I also to Red Bay occasionally. It is a neat little place.

I've done the last two dinner rides at D&D.

Yes, we should get together sometime. Scot in Exile is in FWB. We ride together occasionally. In fact, we rode over to D&D's last Saturday for the dinner ride.
 
That doesn't sound very good - the last thing I'd want is to sink all that cash into a bike, then start having immediate issues -- I hear you about not flogging your bike and I'm to very anal about upkeep and keeping them clean !

Proimage1 no disrespect intended here my friend..But..Procastination is deadly

You either wan't an R3 or you don't.. if you have serious doubts the stick with the TB its a nice little bike, because chances are you may have some problem with the R3 as many of us have including me (05) ....
But I love the bike, maintain it to the best of my ability and thoroughly enjoy ownership no mater what..

JM2CW
 
For this site, size matters. We just don't compromise on that. I have ridden just about everything Triumph offers as they had a truck full come to D&D a couple years back. I was impressed with the TB and rode each one they offered. It has pep but not arm stretching kind the R3 has. I ride for safety. The Rocket can get you out of situations in a hurry. Mine has had factory sponsored repairs done. Triumph will fix it in and most things out of warranty. I have 50k and as with anything, you make choices and take your chances.
 
The one thing I didn't like about the thunderbird is u scrape the pegs without even starting to corner hard it has poor ground Clearance and far less power than the rocket standard/roadster the rocket tourer to me would never be an option it just looks like an old mans bike . Go the roadster mate u can't lose
 
If your into touring you have to know that as a Triumph rider your dealers are limited at least here in the states and those that exist are far and few between. I love the Rocket but when i take it any distance i make sure i know where i can get service if i need too. I've been across the country on my RK four times and the worry about what will happen if i get into trouble diminishes as i know there's a Harley dealer around every corner. My 2005 has been a joy to ride and it's been problem free for the eight years i've owned it. I think when the time comes and we have to part i'll get a BMW GTL..

BMW GLT 1600 - test - YouTube