Help me decide !

[proimage1]

I have an 08 R3T and to date I have not had any issues with it at all, (Knock on wood!) Last year at a Triumph Demo I rode the Thunderbird I couldnt get used to how small it felt, (I'm 6'1" 240 lbs) otherwise I would seriously consider buying one, not to replace my Rocket but to keep it company

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 !

 

[proimage1]

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 !

 

[proimage1]

The Rockets seem to be a crap shoot. Scot in Exile has an '05 Standard with around 60k miles and has only had one issue (ignition) that I'm aware of.

I, like you, had an '08 Touring. Here's just a sample list of the issues I had.

- Mirrors constantly vibrated loose from day one
- Blown head gasket at 5k miles
- Tires recalled at 5500 miles
- Gear position sensor at 5500 miles
- Snapped lifter shaft at 5800 miles

There was more, but I can't remember all the little nuisance crap that I had to deal with.

And, just to be clear, I don't flog on my bikes and am very anal about maintenance and upkeep and cleanliness.

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 !

 

[atomsplitter]

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).

 

[RocketDaryl]

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 !

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.

 

[Dennsell]

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

 

[Baggage1]

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.

 

[Evil Mitch]

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

 

[Evil Mitch]

Duplicate post

 

[TRIIICK]

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