Questions About the RIIIR

[TheBuckley]

Hey guys. Just stumbled upon this forum and it seems like it is full of a lot of good information. Right now I am currently riding a Buell S1, but am looking to upgrade next season after I graduate from college.

Anyways, one of the bikes that caught my eye was the Rocket Roadster. The 2.3 liter engine is a perk, but I had a few questions about the bike.

How does the bike handle? I would not expect it to handle as well as my current bike, but does it still handle pretty well? Or am I going to have a hard time on tight turns?

I was also curious as to how durable the bike is. The buell was a nightmare in regards to reliability (but I still loved it none the less.). One of the reasons I decided to upgrade was because the bike was parked for 2/3 of the summer while I waited on parts. From what I saw the main issue with these bikes is the rear tire gets worn out quick, which isnt a big deal. I also saw a few posts regarding transmission issues. On the other hand I saw a lot of posts of older rockets making it 50,000+ miles.

My other question was regarding being able to find parts. Will it be easy to track down parts for the bike in the US? Or will it be pretty pricey and time consuming to find replacements?

Thanks for any information that you can provide and sorry for all of the questions. Just want to do my homework before I buy a new toy

 

[TOMCAT]

Welcome from Australia. Rocket won't handle as well as the S1 Buell....but im guessing you can't do 1,000 klm days back to back on the Buel. If you are used to waiting for parts to arrive then owning a Triumph shouldn't be all that hard to get used to ... parts can be a problem. I've got 96,000 klm on my 2009 Rocket and have yet to ride a bike i'd exchange it for. Best thing i reckon would be to find a Dealer with a demo and go for a decent ride on a Rocket..... you'll know if it's the right bike for you.

 

[TheBuckley]

Yeah I wouldn't expect them to handle quite the same as they are two different styles of bikes. Do you find yourself having to baby it through turns? Or is it still pretty responsive?

In regards to parts I dont mind waiting. Just dont want another bike where I fix one problem only for two more things to break haha.

 

[Mittzy]

Yeah I wouldn't expect them to handle quite the same as they are two different styles of bikes. Do you find yourself having to baby it through turns? Or is it still pretty responsive?

In regards to parts I dont mind waiting. Just dont want another bike where I fix one problem only for two more things to break haha.

G'day mate, Again and Aussie welcome.
I have the R3R, sure no sport bike but alot of fun.
can muscle into corners and scrape your pegs (Bruce Aussie has a story about that).
this bike has alot of torque and power sliding around corners (If your game) is also fun.
But the ***** can bite.

 

[CanberraR3]

They really are very responsive, taking into account their size. I've been able to do most of the learner rider slow stuff on mine (my partner's been learning/practicing) which includes some very tight cone weaving, that sort of stuff. Just can't manage the U-turn - even walking round on full lock I go a metre over the side line - but everything else is fine. At speed it's pretty flickable and corners as fast as you are game.

Rockets are pretty capable at anything except off-road. Just don't expect it to be like riding something half it's weight. Easily the best bike I've owned or ridden.

Welcome by the way. Let us know what you think after you've taken one for a blast.

 

[Mittzy]

They really are very responsive, taking into account their size. I've been able to do most of the learner rider slow stuff on mine (my partner's been learning/practicing) which includes some very tight cone weaving, that sort of stuff. Just can't manage the U-turn - even walking round on full lock I go a metre over the side line - but everything else is fine. At speed it's pretty flickable and corners as fast as you are game.

Rockets are pretty capable at anything except off-road. Just don't expect it to be like riding something half it's weight. Easily the best bike I've owned or ridden.

Welcome by the way. Let us know what you think after you've taken one for a blast.

Well said Richard
Plus you can really mod the hell out of these engines that really make them rocket

 

[TOMCAT]

Yeah I wouldn't expect them to handle quite the same as they are two different styles of bikes. Do you find yourself having to baby it through turns? Or is it still pretty responsive?

In regards to parts I dont mind waiting. Just dont want another bike where I fix one problem only for two more things to break haha.

My lunatic mate on his V-Rod Muscle couldn't catch me through all the twisties up and down the Snowy Mountains. Once you get used to the Rocket you'll be surprised just how well they corner for such a big bike, 240 rear tyre don't do it any favours in the handling department to be honest.

They are not really an overly troublesome machine , well mine hasn't been.

 

[Big Marty]

G'day Mate

Yep another Aussie welcome and I thing the rest of the blokes have got you covered. I've had my for two years and wouldn't swap it for the world.

Agreeing with every one else you ride it like you stole it, how fast, how hard, is all 1005 down to how talented and how game you are.

Have taken mine from Hervey Bay Qld to Melbourne Vic in Aus around 2000km straight through and was pleasantly surprised, if you nurse it best mileage I have got is a mere 5ltr per 100km. Trust me you want nurse it, to much fun getting the rocket wound up.

 

[TheBuckley]

Wow a lot of Aussie riders haha. Think you guys have me convinced. Probably wont be able to get one until a graduate, but it won't hurt to start looking now . Hoping to find something around the $9000 mark.

 

[TOMCAT]

Wow a lot of Aussie riders haha. Think you guys have me convinced. Probably wont be able to get one until a graduate, but it won't hurt to start looking now . Hoping to find something around the $9000 mark.

Don't come looking Down Under for a RIII for $9,000... we pay twice what you fellas do and look how happy we still are ...gettin f#cked over and still doing Triumphs advertising for them for free hang on a minute !!!!