Looking at the R3

I have been riding Harleys for years; two in the garage right now. Earlier models, 2002 FLHT and 2005 FXSTD; one touring and the other a softail; both performance built engines.

I have been thinking about a new bike for over a year now; it won't be a Harley; the new models and some of the changes the MoCo bean counters have imposed on the brand do not appeal to me. So, after looking at all optons that do appeal to me, I have been debating with myself between the Storm and the R3.

I am thinking R3 and prefer the Roadster looks to the Touring model. I have found several used bikes with low mileage; I won't buy my first Triumph new.

Questions for you R3 guys:

1. Is there a model year that incorporated a step change in modifications that would make that, or later model years more attractive?

2. As I said, I prefer the visual appeal of the Roadster to the Touring model but my wife and I do take some over night trips; 300-400 mile days out and back. I am not concerned about her comfort on the Roadster as she has made those trips on the softail and, from what I have seen of the Roadster, she would be at least as comfortable on the Roadster as she is on the softail. I was wondering about luggage; are there detachable hard bags available for the Roadster.

Any input would be appreciated.

The intro of the Roadster in 2010 marked a change which some like and others (like me) didn't really go for. Claimed more power (debatable) and seating position change - pegs moved back and lower, seat lower - and 2 monster pipes instead of 3. From '06 the engine colour changed from grey to black. Pre Roadster you had the choice of a Standard (single colour, pegs, pillion pad) or a Classic (two tone, boards, pull back handlebar, dual seat). There was also a Tourer (not Touring) which had bags, screen etc. Most older bikes seem to be misadvertised these days so you should check what it really is before buying.

I think the early models had some issues which most likely will have had to be fixed by now either under recall or warranty or just because. There were some changes over the years but no quantum leap. '08 and '09 probably the safest bet but there are plenty of older ones doing just fine.

Be aware also that the Touring model has quite a bit less power but more torque and bags that really can't be pulled off easily.

My recommendation: get a low km '09 Standard and mod it.

Well I can guarantee you won't be disappointed if you go the Rocket route.

If you're interested in the Roadster which began production in 2010 then you are probably also open to the Standard and Classic models which preceded it. I would confine my search from the years 2008 onwards as by that year Triumph had worked out the kinks that required upgrade kits in the past.

The Roadster is very similar to the Standard and Classic models that preceded it - the major difference being that the foot pegs have been moved back a few inches to give it a more standard riding position rather than the feet forward style most cruiser riders are used to. I prefer the old riding position myself but I'm probably biased since I have an '08. You'll also notice that the Roadster has 2 exhaust rather than 3, has more blacked out bits and is tuned somewhat differently to provide more hp + torque on paper although not necessarily in real life.

Otherwise - the Rocket has not changed all that much since its inception.

I found your comment on both your Harley's "performance built engines" pretty funny. Don't get me wrong I have even thought about getting the Harley Road Glide Ultra as I gave up on the Gold Wing doing any major improvements (though it is the best tourer out there as it currently is) and I have gotten tired of waiting for Triumph to do the R3T right (hard bags and a smaller tire with less HP doesn't cut it for me...I want fairing, stereo, cruise control and tour pak from Triumph not aftermarket) but anyway let me get to your question.

I have had both the Rocket III Classic (model of Rocket before the Roadster came out) and currently have the 2010 Thunderbird 1700 model (previous year version of the Storm just not in black).

I have taken several long trips on each and have modified them to make those trips.

For the Rocket you can either get the leather saddlebags (not lockable) or you can get the Corbin Beetle Bags (but they are pretty pricey...around $1,700 to $1,900 for the two tone color matched to the Rocket) Since the Roadster only comes in black (as far as I know no new colors have been announced but Matte Black and Gloss Black) the $1,700 price is probably more in tune with what you would actually pay and they are lockable.

I never rode with a passenger but I would highly recommend getting the sissy bar pad and luggage rack combo so that you can tote a good sized back pack or other type of luggage on it. I did the same for my Thunderbird and added the leather saddlebags (previously mentioned) when I was on my trip to Iowa last year in August.

You will also need to get some kind of throttle lock to give your hand a break on a long trip I have used the Kaoko version but the "Breakaway" costs more but does a better job I have been told.

Have you taken a Roadster or a Thunderbird (specifically the 1700cc version) out for a test ride yet? They are fast stock way faster than a Harley stock....trust me in this.

When I was sizing up how much I would have to spend to get a Road Glide (or any other Harley for that matter with the possible exception of the V-Rod...fast but still not in the same league) to get some decent power out of it I was looking at a minimum standard Stage I update (air filter and ECM flash) with different header pipes (I was looking at Rush ceramic coated inside and outside to keep the infamous "Harley heat problem" at bay and slip ons (Vance & Hines Monster Rounds) and a SE255 cam install. The problem with this was I was looking at roughly around $1,600 plus whatever the ECM reflash would cost and another probably 10 hours of labor at (the cheapest I found) $70 an hour and I would only go from 67 HP to around maybe 79-85 HP (Tbird 1700 is 97 stock, Roadster is 146 stock....big, big difference and no extra bucks to pay for that power stock). The only way to get more power is to get a CVO (at 110 cu with the increased price to match) or drop a 120R engine in and again you are talking major money to make this happen and virtually no warranty on the new 120R engine.

Bottom line is the Triumphs (and I would buy new in a heartbeat instead of used) offer way more power and torque (Tbird 1700 is at 115, Roadster is at 163) than your stock Harley...now you know why Harley doesn't even bother to list those specs in any of their brochures.

I am not trying to put down the Harley...good bikes just way overpriced for what you get. They are easier to work on and you better be good with a wrench if you are contemplating making them a "better" bike.

As far as your passengers comfort...you say she was fine with the accomodations on the Harley and the Triumphs are similar but I would spend some extra on the pillion seat for her (for either the Harley or the Triumph) and make sure she is really comfortable...she may have been doing the "martyr" bit to make you think she could take it but she will deserve better for long trips.

If you get the Storm get the Hogslayer pipes. The OEM pipes aren't bad but the Hogslayers are better and sound more like a Harley than a Harley does. As for the Roadster...they are quiet and other than TORS or some other after market exhaust may make it sound meaner but someone else will have to chime in on that as I kept my Rocket III Classic exhaust stock.

Good luck,

Dennis

djljr said:

1. Is there a model year that incorporated a step change in modifications that would make that, or later model years more attractive?

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While I love my 04 and have experienced no problems, Triumph did beef up the tranny gearing by 08. There were some early casualties, and the company created an "update kit." Also some of the early ones had the output shaft bearing installed backwards. Or was that the oil seal? As far as I know 08 and on are the bikes updated in every way.

So it becomes a matter of preference and personal fit. For an older bike, footpegs and straighter bars are the Standard model. The classic added boards and more pulled back bars. And striping. The Tourer was a fitted out Classic. These models are no longer made, and you've got the Touring and Roadster to choose from.
The Roadster pegs are moved back almost 6 inches and down an inch or so from the Standard for more upright seating and foot position combo. The Touring is a different beast, with frame changes and narrower tires, supposedly handles really well but I haven't hardly seen another Rocket, never mind ridden one.

There are bikes that come up for sale here, and you can find beautiful well cared for machines all farkkled out for pretty good deals. Some strip off the add ons and sell that stuff separately. Good luck in your search, and welcome!

Oh, earlier bikes need a relay kit added on for the headlights, as originally the lights ran through the ignition switch. Many failures and strandings. That has been corrected by 2011, perhaps a recall of the 2010 model year? Eastern Beaver H4 headlight relay kit has been the overwhelming favorite, while some build their own kits, and others jump around the switch. This is a must have!

Make sure you check out T Evans ride in OK
06 Rocket III Classic - R3Owners Classifieds

Molinoman said:

When I was sizing up how much I would have to spend to get a Road Glide (or any other Harley for that matter with the possible exception of the V-Rod...fast but still not in the same league) to get some decent power out of it I was looking at a minimum standard Stage I update (air filter and ECM flash) with different header pipes (I was looking at Rush ceramic coated inside and outside to keep the infamous "Harley heat problem" at bay and slip ons (Vance & Hines Monster Rounds) and a SE255 cam install. The problem with this was I was looking at roughly around $1,600 plus whatever the ECM reflash would cost and another probably 10 hours of labor at (the cheapest I found) $70 an hour and I would only go from 67 HP to around maybe 79-85 HP (Tbird 1700 is 97 stock, Roadster is 146 stock....big, big difference and no extra bucks to pay for that power stock). The only way to get more power is to get a CVO (at 110 cu with the increased price to match) or drop a 120R engine in and again you are talking major money to make this happen and virtually no warranty on the new 120R engine.

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Not intending to stir up any sh!t but I wouldn't let a dealer tech work on either of my Harely's; both the "performance built engines" were built by yours truly. A 95" in the softail that makes 94HP/104TQ and a 107" in the Eglide that makes 115HP/118TQ. The 95"er will run away from a 110" CVO, they are chrome turds. I would never expect either of my Harleys to keep up with an R3 that has what, 30% more displacement? Yeah, that's what I would call a big difference. BTW, a 120R is likely the next upgrade for the softail. My problem with the Harley's is that I can't stop wrenching on them. I have manged to leave the 95"er alone since I built the engine but have gone from 95" to 107" on the FL. Fortunately, with two bikes if I get the urge to tear down a top end or change pipes or cams, it doesn't intefere with saddle time. One of the appealing features of the R3 is I can probably do a "Stage I" upgrade (exhaust and air box/filter) and forget about any other engine mods with that much displacement and power on tap.

Molinoman said:

As far as your passengers comfort...you say she was fine with the accomodations on the Harley and the Triumphs are similar but I would spend some extra on the pillion seat for her (for either the Harley or the Triumph) and make sure she is really comfortable...she may have been doing the "martyr" bit to make you think she could take it but she will deserve better for long trips.

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Mustang seat on the softail with passenger pillon and both driver and passenger backrest; believe me, my wife is not the martyr type. She can comfortably manage about 300 miles at a time on the softail without difficulty, 400 on the Eglide with OEM seat/pillon. I have a Tourmaster "sissy bar" bag that mounts on the passenger backrest and, or course, the Eglide has hard bags that come off quick. So, I hear ya on the seat and luggage. If she isn't comfortable, she won't go. I don't use a throttle lock but do use a throttle grip with an assist; I hear you on that as well.

I doubt that I will get the Storm, it's not "different" enough from my Harleys; different but the R3 would be really different. BTW, nothng sounds like a Harley; many have tried but cannot duplicate the sound of the odd firing 45* vtwin.

Lot's of good information and I appreciate you an the others that have taken time to provide the comprehesive input to a Triumph neophyte.

I am also here in San Antonio and will be out at Texas Pride BBQ with my Rocket tomorrow night. I have an '04 R3 Standard with 64K+ miles on it that I bought new (well it was a demo with 123 miles on it) and have ridden it all over the country to include Sturgis, Colorado, Arkasansa, Oklahoma, Louisiana, etc.. I have had Corbin bags which look really great, but for animal/kid reasons, I now run Leatherlyke bags. They are not the most attractice, but nothing damages them and they can be put on and removed in seconds. The R3 Standard is very similar to the current Roadster except for peg position and exhaust systems.

I currently run the Jardine exhaust system with a Power Commander III and was last dynoed at 142HP and 140 lbs/ft of torque. I'm sure there's more with a little tuning, but she runs too good to mess with for now. Adding triple air filters and the ride fuel map will add about another 10 to both numbers, but I'm pretty happy with what I've got.

If you would like to see my bike, I will be out at Texas Pride BBQ tomorrow night and most Thursday nights, since it's only about 9 miles from my house..

My wife loves the long trips we do on the Rocket, at least if she can have a Baileys every night

I say go for it, R3 is a beautiful tourer

Don't forget, the Roadster has ABS, The foot peg position being set back allows you to weight the pegs into corners, so you can really get into the corners.

I have an '08 Classic. Minor issues. Whatever year you get, you'll love it.