The Rocket 3 occupies a very small niche where its only real competition is the Diavel, and it does what it does very well: a hoot to ride, bragging rights on the engine, and gorgeous looks.. Trying to make any bike more of a "do anything" bike is going to result in compromises (such as weight and styling) so instead of being great at one or two things it's only mostly good at several things.

Besides, there's already a platform that's far more suited to the "do anything" idea and that's Adventure bikes, where the center of the range is currently occupied by the Tiger 1200 and the H-D Pan America.

If something had to change on the Rocket, I'd ask that it move to a T-plane crank.
 
Quote: If something had to change on the Rocket, I'd ask that it move to a T-plane crank.

Please no. Not on my Rockets. 🫨 My Tigers have that and although it is not awful. It would be a much better bike with a 120 crank.
The slight buzz isn't terrible. But it is there and it is annoying.
 
Quote: If something had to change on the Rocket, I'd ask that it move to a T-plane crank.

Please no. Not on my Rockets. 🫨 My Tigers have that and although it is not awful. It would be a much better bike with a 120 crank.
The slight buzz isn't terrible. But it is there and it is annoying.
I’d like to hear the reasons and the specifics on this crank discussion. I’m to ignorant to understand so far.:confused:😅
 
I’d like to hear the reasons and the specifics on this crank discussion. I’m to ignorant to understand so far.:confused:😅
My experience was that my Tiger 1200 was less buzzy than the Rocket and sounded much better--very similar to a 90-degree V-Twin, like the Ducatis. Plus, the better traction from the pause in firing is right up the Rocket's alley in putting torque to ground.

On the other hand, the Tiger's dash is trash.
 
Quote: If something had to change on the Rocket, I'd ask that it move to a T-plane crank.

Please no. Not on my Rockets. 🫨 My Tigers have that and although it is not awful. It would be a much better bike with a 120 crank.
The slight buzz isn't terrible. But it is there and it is annoying.
On a related topic, as long as there is an even firing order, I'd like equal length primaries. The cool looking, but log style header results in an exhaust note that isn't as smooth as other triumph triples that do have equal length primaries (because individual pulses are exiting at odd intervals). Has always sounded more like a tractor than a motorcycle, and aftermarket slipons just make it worse (louder).

Not sure that would work in the practical world of production. The only Rocket exhaust that I feel sounds like a traditional Triumph triple in the Viking (equal length), and that doesn't looks as good as the stock header, and I wonder how it is for leg heat? No offense to Viking. GREAT setup and it doesn't look bad, just not as slick as stock to my eye. I doubt it would sell more bikes at the dealer.
 
On a related topic, as long as there is an even firing order, I'd like equal length primaries. The cool looking, but log style header results in an exhaust note that isn't as smooth as other triumph triples that do have equal length primaries (because individual pulses are exiting at odd intervals). Has always sounded more like a tractor than a motorcycle, and aftermarket slipons just make it worse (louder).

Not sure that would work in the practical world of production. The only Rocket exhaust that I feel sounds like a traditional Triumph triple in the Viking (equal length), and that doesn't looks as good as the stock header, and I wonder how it is for leg heat? No offense to Viking. GREAT setup and it doesn't look bad, just not as slick as stock to my eye. I doubt it would sell more bikes at the dealer.
I have the Viking system on my 2006 RIII. I went with dual mufflers. Very nice and yes it sounds great. A bit loud, but great. I got the first set with 1 3/4 pipe for 200+ HP. No heat shield, but I made my own. Works well.
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