Saw the Rocket III and and couldn't stop drooling

[86Magna]

I currently ride a Honda ST 1300 for my commuter MC to and from work. So I have been looking for a big touring MC that fits my wife and I so that we can ride together in more comfort on those long distances.
I was in Bellingham Wa. last week and was killing time. There was a Triumph dealer down the street from my hotel so I went to check it out. When I saw the R3 I truely had to take a step back. Like I said earlier I have been looking for a good touring MC and was set on a Goldwing or so I thought. When I looked at the R3 touring I thought not so fast. Definitly need to test ride one befor I make the final decision.
Any idea of how I can test ride one for 100 mi. or even rent one to get a good feel for it?

 

[RocketDaryl]

I test rode a demo at the local dealer. I didn't get to do 100 miles, but I rode it twice for a total of about 15-20 miles and at speeds up to 75mph. It told me all I needed to know. I bought mine a couple of weeks ago.

 

[HeR3tic]

The drooling dries up and turns to a permanent grin, when you get aboard. Surely the local shop has a demo model that they wouldn't mind you logging a 100miles on . Certainly the narrower front and rear skins, on the TourING, make for much much easier tight and slow turns. The TourER is a different animal, no different than the rest of the stable of FBGs for ride quality. Check them both out and getting more ride for your money

The TourING is an 08 while the TourER is an 07 (U.S. only). The TourER is a base model with the various add-ons (two up seat, wind screen, foot boards, leather bags with embellishment, wide classic bars, and sissy bar/pad) at a bundled price. The TourING is as you've seen it. Awesome!!! I drool about it as well.

 

[9Ball]

I currently ride a Honda ST 1300 for my commuter MC to and from work. So I have been looking for a big touring MC that fits my wife and I so that we can ride together in more comfort on those long distances.
I was in Bellingham Wa. last week and was killing time. There was a Triumph dealer down the street from my hotel so I went to check it out. When I saw the R3 I truely had to take a step back. Like I said earlier I have been looking for a good touring MC and was set on a Goldwing or so I thought. When I looked at the R3 touring I thought not so fast. Definitly need to test ride one befor I make the final decision.
Any idea of how I can test ride one for 100 mi. or even rent one to get a good feel for it?

Take your checkbook to the demo ride. That's what got a lot of us here. I had a new RS Warrior when I test rode the R3 at the Honda Hoot last year and when I got home it was sold and the R3 was next to the Valk in a few weeks.

Triumph seems to have a more liberal policy towards test rides than I'm used to from other brands.

Good luck and let us know when you get it home.

John

 

[Pig9r]

Yes a demo ride will "set the hook." I don't know if a dealer would let you ride that far though. Welcome to the forum.

 

[3ngin33r1]

Goldwing vs R3T?

Two totally different styles of bikes with totally different target consumers.

I love my R3 and I've put a lot of miles on it, some long, hard and wet and I wouldn't trade a day of it for anything.

But... When you pass a couple lounged back on a Goldwing with the radio going, heaters on, ride comfort adjusted just right with a few pushes of the button and a nice hot mocha sitting in their cupholders built into the armrests... I'll have to admit, I've had a quick want for it.

It comes down to personal choice in the end.

Do you want to drive across the country in a diesel pusher fully loaded RV or a Ferrari Enzo?