New Member

[tgarney]

I have been riding for over 30 years, mostly Harley and big Yamahas. I sold my last hog about 7 years ago, but really want to get back on a bike. Unfortunately, most of the bikes I have been looking at are BORING. Well maybe the Indian Chief is pretty nice, but a new Harley is out of the question. $$$ So I have been checking out a 2017 Rocket, (Matt Phantom Black with the white stripes) at my local Triumph dealer. Honestly, $14,000 for a bike like this is a pretty amazing price when you consider the equivalent Harley sells for $20,000. So I went and attempted a test ride. Battery had set uncharged for so long the bike died before I could get it out of the parking lot. But I did manage a ride around the lot. Despite all its shortcomings I kinda dig the Rocket. But, I have some serious concerns about the reality of living with it. I I tried to find a windshield, back rest and pad, etc. and was completely frustrated. I am not sure if Triumph even has these accessories for the bike. The bike requires a valve adjust around 20,000 that costs $500 + $300 if shims are needed. WTF?? I have always adjusted my own valves for free, but after watching the videos on how to do this I don't think I would even attempt it. I can handle the oil changes and tire replacement, that seems pretty straight forward. BUT, can anyone tell me how they cope with these outrageous Triumph prices for accessories? And don't say look on Ebay, I could only find a set of crash bars there. I would really like to have a Rocket but I'm having trouble getting over all the road blocks. Any advice would be much appreciated. Think I'm gonna try to go demo the bike again tomorrow. )) Wish me luck

 

[phar2slo]

Welcome from Christchurch New Zealand.

I would just buy the rocket and enjoy it as it is.

Don't worry about the extras. As time goes by you might be able to pickup some bits and pieces.

And how soon do you think you will get 20000 miles in the clock?

Like you said its $6000 cheaper than a hog

 

[Mike188]

Welcome from Australia and what phar2slo said

 

[motolink]

Welcome from Queensland Australia.

 

[Mittzy]

Welcome Mate from another Aussie.
I make a quick release sissy bare that uses Triumph sissybar, pad and luggage rack.
Quick Release Sissy Bar Kit 3rd run
I am looking into making the sissybar upright from stainless steel - so you would just need to source the pad and luggage rack if you wanted one.

 

[Fingers]

Welcome from Florida take the bike for a real test ride the grin you will get will make you forget about any apprehension you have.Add your location to your info chances are another member lives close by.

 

[tgarney]

Thanks for the great advice my Aussie Brothers ) I will keep ya posted on how this goes. Ride Safe!

 

[EasTexRIII]

Howdy tgarney! Welcome from East Texas
Ya, with a proper ride under your belt you’ll forget any other bike exists.
And there are all kinds of farkles n accessories for the R3, you just haven’t looked hard enuff yet. Spend some time sifting through this forum. Every piece of info you need is right Here

 

[TURBO200R4]

welcome from arizona
i have 38000 on mine w/o valve adjust or check

 

[thorin]

Welcome from Colorado!
As others have said you will find plenty of accessory and option ideas on this forum during the course of your ownership.
As for maintenance cost, I don’t think you’ll find triumph pricing much different from other brands. It all comes down to what you’re able to do yourself versus the dealer. There is a lot of amazing technical help available on this forum when you need it.