I Need Some Information, Please

I am so confused. First, I wanted a Thunderbird 1600. Then, I saw Victory's new Cross Roads - a seemingly nice bike. However, I've now found that a local dealer has a leftover 2008 RIIIT which I think I can get for a great price.

So:

1. I need to know how big the tank is on a 2008 - The Triumph Web Site says the 09 and 10 models have 5.9 gallons; but I've seen numbers of 4.9 for the 2008. What's the deal?

2. I'm a conservative rider. What can I expect for gas mileage. Can I get 200 miles out of what would be a 5 gallon tank?

3. I've heard the RIIIT is a "heat pump" in hot weather which will fry my legs. Down here is Florida it can be 90+ for weeks at a time. What's the deal, especially in traffic?

4. Is there a decent luggage rack for the bike when set up as a 2 seater? I found a solo rack on the accessory website, but what about when set up for two up with the QR sissybar?

5. What are your most common technical problems?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Ksquared

I do not personally have the R3T, but one thing I know is that the gas tank comes in at 5.9 gallons (not 4.9). There is a removable luggage rack for the double seat but I believe that you have to have the sissy bar set up (with or with out the pad...your choice).

Your riding style can affect the gas mileage greatly, but on the 5.9 gallon gas tank you should be able to get 200 miles or so (I've gotten up to 228 on my 07 Classic but that is a 6.3 gallon incarnation).

Any bike that comes in at 2292 cc's is going to generate heat. I live in Pensacola and have taken the bike across to Daytona and then down to Key West (last year in 08) and I didn't "let" it bother me in the least. Usually if you are stopped at a stop sign or a red light is when you will notice the heat...simple solution, as soon as possible put it in gear and go.

The one problem I have heard about is the lifter shaft on the shifter (covered by another thread just yesterday by Warp9.9, very well I might add) RocketDaryl had it happen on his and it kind of soured him on the R3T as he was fixing to go to one of the Rockets Across America meets. Not sure how common it is but Triumph has covered it under warranty and the new lifter shaft (see aforementioned thread) is noticeably thicker and looks more sturdy than the original.

Other than the mirrors needing some tightening up on occasion, just be aware that compared to the Standard and the Classic versions you are giving up some HP (106 claimed versus 140 HP) but gaining on the torque (154 vice the regular 147).

Good luck on your decision, take a test ride to make up your mind...not everyone is made for the Rocket and not everyone can handle it.

Dennis

ksquared said:

I am so confused. First, I wanted a Thunderbird 1600. Then, I saw Victory's new Cross Roads - a seemingly nice bike. However, I've now found that a local dealer has a leftover 2008 RIIIT which I think I can get for a great price.

So:

1. I need to know how big the tank is on a 2008 - The Triumph Web Site says the 09 and 10 models have 5.9 gallons; but I've seen numbers of 4.9 for the 2008. What's the deal?

2. I'm a conservative rider. What can I expect for gas mileage. Can I get 200 miles out of what would be a 5 gallon tank?

3. I've heard the RIIIT is a "heat pump" in hot weather which will fry my legs. Down here is Florida it can be 90+ for weeks at a time. What's the deal, especially in traffic?
4. Is there a decent luggage rack for the bike when set up as a 2 seater? I found a solo rack on the accessory website, but what about when set up for two up with the QR sissybar?
5. What are your most common technical problems?

Ksquared

Click to expand...

The tank on my R3T was listed as 5.8 US Gal. It is that. I believe the 4.9 number was a typo in some of the initial press info.

My R3T can manage 170 miles on a tank. I ride mostly conservative.

It is a heat pump. Most bikes will be that way particularly in a hot sweaty climate such as Florida.

There are quick release sissy bars available for all the models I believe. I have one on my bike.

I haven't had any issues yet. I've had mine for 10 months now and almost 18k miles.
I would suggest getting a test ride on these bikes to find out which one fits you best. Most dealers have a demo bike.

R3T's a great bikes. You'll have a unique bike that's water cooled-a huge plus in FLA. Sure, it's warm in the summer-sitting on any motor is-but not as much as 95% of the air-cooled bikes you can buy.
The real difference is in the pull of the motor. There are plenty of two lane roads down there where ma and pa go 20 under! the R3 family of bikes lets the rider make a pass that many others cannot in a safe manor. This cannot be overlooked as it's a huge factor in "real world" riding.
Like 100% of new bikes, and thanks to the EPA, a Power commander or Tuneboy will improve the bike be a noticeable measure. EVERY bike is too lean which contributes to the heat, and many other issues. No, you don't have to-but it sure helps. Triumph also offers pipes and a tune for that bike which, for factory parts, works quite well and is goof-proof.

Another factor is the extended maintenance chart. Oil only every 10,000, valves at 12,000 miles, and you are about done. No maintenance with the shaft, no belt tension to check or align, not to mention how well the handle. This bike won the "battle of the baggers" done by CycleWorld-you can see for yourself on their website.

Finally, the bike never knows if you have a pillion, or loaded it down, or there is a 50 mph headwind. It's got power to spare!

ksquared said:

I am so confused. First, I wanted a Thunderbird 1600. Then, I saw Victory's new Cross Roads - a seemingly nice bike. However, I've now found that a local dealer has a leftover 2008 RIIIT which I think I can get for a great price.

So:

1. I need to know how big the tank is on a 2008 - The Triumph Web Site says the 09 and 10 models have 5.9 gallons; but I've seen numbers of 4.9 for the 2008. What's the deal?

2. I'm a conservative rider. What can I expect for gas mileage. Can I get 200 miles out of what would be a 5 gallon tank?

3. I've heard the RIIIT is a "heat pump" in hot weather which will fry my legs. Down here is Florida it can be 90+ for weeks at a time. What's the deal, especially in traffic?

4. Is there a decent luggage rack for the bike when set up as a 2 seater? I found a solo rack on the accessory website, but what about when set up for two up with the QR sissybar?

5. What are your most common technical problems?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Ksquared

Click to expand...

1. The tank 5.89 gallons

2. I get a consistent 38-40 miles per gallon. That computes to around a 225 mile max range.

3. It puts out heat (big engine), but I don't notice much difference from my Harleys. Btw, I'm in Florida too.

4. Yes. It's an optional accessory that attaches to the the quick detach sissybar. FYI, the solo rack is NOT a quick detach part so if you opt for the quick detach sissy bar, you'll not be able to use the solo rack. That was a bummer for me as I mostly ride solo.

5. In the first 9 months of ownership (I've had it a year and a half)

- Blown headgasket
- Recalled tires
- Recalled/Service Bulletin GPS (Gear Position Sensor)
- Broken Clutch Lifter Shaft

Seems like there was something else, but that's all I can think of at the moment. I've not had anymore issues since May.

Daryl, you forgot the mirrors.

Dennis

34 dtg Dubai
35 dtg Home

Not as many problems as stated by Rocketdaryl..the missing issue was perhaps the pannier rail recall(??)..all those problems shoould have been settled with any bike on the floor....get the vin number and have the dealer run the check on Triumphs web page..be sure you have the Metzlers and not bridgestone excedra and you are good to go!!!Buy the R3T and join a unique and somewhat sane group(us!!).I live in Washington state and love the heat from the engine..keeps me warm and water cooled is the only way to pass future emission tests..mnuch better than air cooled!!!

Be sure that you understand that the touring model is significantly different that the standard, classic and new roadster. If you ever want to punch up the power and performance, the touring models weren't really designed for it. You can add accessories to a standard or classic to make it more like a touring bike but it's difficult to add accessories to a touring to get it to perform like a standard or classic. I suppose it's personal preferance either way, alot of guys prefer the touring for its amenities, they've done mild performance upgrades and are very happy. Myself, I prefer to have a high performance bike that I can add and remove bags, windshield etc depending on what I want to use it for.
I had a chance to ride a Thunderbird and if it was available when I bought my R3 it would have been a VERY difficult choice. The T-bird is really sweet, I thought it not only looks better than the R3, but it is more comfortable and easier to ride.
Ride them all, especially both versions of the R3 before settling on a choice.
My '08 R3 has had the waterpump and ignition switch replaced, other than that I've had no problems with the bike in 16,000 miles. Tire life is another issue, I don't do burnouts but ride agressively and the rear tire only lasted 8,000 miles. The front tire is due for replacement now and is cupping a little, and these Metzlers are far from cheap.
Whatever you decide on I hope you go with Triumph, it's nice to have something different than a Harley like everyone else and their mother. And you don't catch any grief from Harley owners like you would on a jap bike or vise versa. Everyone likes a Triumph.

The 4.9 gallons originally posted on the Triumph web site was IMPERIAL Gallons, not US Gallons. Silly Brits, putting Imperial on the US web site.

The engine heat is no where near what the air-cooled v-twinkies put out in traffic. On the open road, you don't notice it.

As a conservative rider, you will certainly enjoy the R3T for many of the reasons listed before. The extented maintenance intervals are a big plus.

I agree with tdragger...my 07 fatboy run real hot..the rocket has a big motor and your going to feel some heat and the fan tends to blow it towards you when stopped
But i don't find it uncomfortable and better still i'm not concerned by it...i was always worried about the heat of the harley.