So I've had my R3T for a few days now. Yup, love it. Getting a thumbs up from a guy in his new Bentley was a bit of a plus. Haha. But just a few comments, questions about it.
First, octane requirement. When the salesman was doing the delivery checklist with me, one item on the list was advising to use premium (92+ octane). He just shook his head and wasn't sure why it was on the list. The manual states to use 91 RON, and believe the rough calculation is 87-88 octane. My previous 1700 Kawasaki advised premium, but i believe this was due to it running somewhat lean from the factory. Same situation here? Or do most of you just run 87? At the moment I am just doing 89 mid-grade for that happy medium.
Second. I find the windshield a bit short. Its fine for the city, but think I will want a bigger/taller one for the highway. Triumph wants around $700 for theirs. Ouch. Any suggestions?
Third. Oil. Nope, not wanting to start another infamous oil thread. I had purchased some 10w40 Redline Synthetic oil for my Kawasaki, but since it got traded in, i kept it for the Triumph. Manual recommends a full synthetic (first bike ever) and from what I've read its a true Group 5 synthetic, some say as good as it gets, better than Amsoil, yadda yadda yadda. But my question is, anyone use it and have negative results? On a side note the manual mentioned (recommended?) a Castrol Racing synthetic. I've always thought that using a racing oil isn't a good choice for daily rider with 5,000km+ change intervals? Hmmm, interesting choice by Triumph.
Fourth. I like to be seen, and was thinking about getting a Back Off Brake modulator that will make the rear signal lights as running/brake/signal lights. Seems like the bulbs used are a little uncommon, but anyone know of the part number for a red bulb? Or is there a LED version that will drop in?
Fifth. The brakes are not linked, correct? Oddly I find that the back brake has more bite than the front ones. I was getting a feel for the brakes and found I needed a bit more effort on the front ones. On my Kawasaki which had linked brakes, for a normal stop I really just needed to pull the front lever with one finger. Maybe the Triumphs just need to get worked in a bit more. Bike still stops just fine really.
And lastly, this is just out of pure curiosity. Triumphs website advertises the power ratings as 106PS @ 6000rpm and 203nm @ 2500. The manual shows 106ps @ 5400 and 206nm @ 2000rpm. Which is correct? Like i said, purely curious. Realistically Triumph can simply just list the Torque as PLENTY @ 1000+ rpm, and I'd be fine with that. i just like knowing numbers is all.
So yup, loving the Rocket. Initially found neutral a bit hard to find, but seems to be getting a bit better now. Have to admit I miss the positive neutral finder in my Kawasaki. And if you made it this far, here's a high five and thanks for reading!!
Safe riding.