New member

[Lagos Nick]

Hi there. Although At the moment I possess a Buell Ulysses I am in the process of selling my house and moving from London, England to Lagos Portugal where I am planning on buying a Rocket 3 Roadster. I am taking a test ride next week although I know I will love the beast. Sitting on it I was amazed how balanced and light the bike is...well at least it feels light. This will be the 1st 'cruiser' I have owned. Previous bikes since December 71 have been: Honde CD175, Yamaha XT500, Suzuki DR250, Honda Africa Twin, MZ ETZ301, BMW R1100GS (still got it) KTM950 Adv 7 my current main mount, Buell XB12X Ulysses. Talked to a guy the other day who has done 40000 miles in 4 years on a Rocket Roadster with NO PROBLEMS. Are they generally reliable? I will be doing 10000 miles a year in Portugal and Europe. Greetings to you all.

 

[TriumPhil]

Hello Lagos Nick and welcome to the forum from New Jersey. Lotsa' changes coming up in your world, eh?

Others will be along presently to answer any and all questions you might have. The reliability issue depends on whether you are buying new or used and, if the latter, what maintainence or repair work has been performed. Triumph has been steadfast in making R3 owners happy whether or not the older bikes, which have had some issues, are still under warranty or not.

Regardless, once you become the proud owner of one of these beasts, you will learn all about the true meaning of the term "permagrin", which is a condition that comes with said ownership.

Enjoy the ride!

 

[Too-Tall]

Good Luck

Nick you are going to have more CCs than most the cars in Portugal!!

My only advice is to find a good Triumph dealer that will be able to service and repair your bike properly....

 

[rainman]

welcome frome tn
im curious how how the guy u talked to has done 40000 miles on a roadster in 4 years when i thought it didnt come out till this year

 

[snuffcityrider]

Welcome from Texas

 

[Lagos Nick]

Reply to Rainman

My fault there. His was the original model. Didn't realise they weren't called Roadsters back then. I will be buying new and feel that the standard of Triumph dealers in Portugal will be fine. I take it the new models are more reliable than the originals then. What issues did the old ones have?

 

[Lagos Nick]

Colour etc

Didn't add that I am getting the matt black one. Take it there's a sissy bar with rack available as the sissy bar would take my Ventura Bike Pack I have had since 96. Also plan on putting a Baglux harness on the tank so I can use my tank bag. With an Ortleib waterproof bag on the rack I'll be ready for touring. Maybe replace the footpegs with boards. oh and a screen. That'll do for me nicely. This early retirement lark sounds the business...

 

[TriumPhil]

Nick, the subject of manufacturing/engineering defects has been covered extensively here. The best and easiest way to learn about the issues with earlier models is to use the search function.

 

[xhdskip]

Nick,
Sorry I missed your post.
I was out riding.
older R3 problems huh?
Lets see, my wifes is an '05 model.
No problems.
Mine is an '07 model.
Output shaft bearing, TPS..
Not bad considering the way I abuse,, er I mean ride her.
Triumph has stepped up both times on both issues and paid for the fixes.
So you're gonna set up a Roadster for Touring huh?
Thats novel for sure.
Post pics early and often.

 

[Lagos Nick]

Touring on a Roadster

Why not tour on a Roadster? Don't like the single light or where the speedo is on the Touring. Hell I remember my 1st trip from England to Portugal on a Yamaha XT500 back in 1983. With a screen and sissy & rack it'll be fine. Got to admit I'd love to do the States on one...