Six years with the Roadster, what next ?

[ThingKing]

I bought my R3R new in 2014.
At that point, the Touring had been out for years, and I was well aware that it had been absurdly detuned, and did not have a fairing.
Ok I thought, maybe we have to give Triumph a little more time. At some point they will make it a full tourer with the kind of horsepower this engine is actually capable of producing.

So then, in the meantime I was taking care of my R3R, I let it breathe and gave it 40+ horsepower back that were hidden somewhere in the plumbing and nanny ECU. I gave it a steering damper and hi-speed bags, and many more goodies, and it viciously grew on me - up to a point where this bike has become part of me. I will probably keep it as long as I can still manhandle it.

Then, after years, the new Rockets came out. 2.5l engine and lots of expectations. Ok I thought, now is the time. This is going to be THE bike. They will give it 200hp and a fairing, maybe even a damper stock. I will buy it and grow old with it.

Well, you all know what happened. They brought it out, but it has only 150 rwhp, the ECU is heavily encrypted and the GT does not have a fairing or a damper. And then, it cannot get rid of a Diavel from a stop. A ten year old V-Max will destroy it in a straight line (at least before it runs out of gas). And a 1600 beemer will casually drive away from it on the Autobahn, because it has no wind protection.
No offense intended mates, this is for sure an excellent bike, great build quality and handling - and it is the cc king. But honestly, it does not even have a rear fender.

So, well, what should I do after waiting for 6 years?
There were only two ways to go: First, buying it and going through the same process as with my Roadster.
Building it up over prolonged periods of time, with specialist tuners and CNC milling involved. Searching for an old half fairing, maybe one of those that were used for the old Z 1000 monsters, back in the 80's and 90's, or even taking one from an old CB900F2. Going through legal issues to get a license for that build in Europe. And while this process does provide some fascination, and results in a unique bike, it also involves a big pile of time and money. And frankly, I do get frustrated with Triumph for not coming up with a solution by themselves.

So I went with strategy number two. I just ordered a Kawasaki H2 SX. While other manufacturers suffer and stall, Kawasaki shines and does not give a dang about Nanny society.
170+ rwhp and a fairing - stock! It's got a blower - stock! Tested until 300kph with hardbags! And, here we go again: an additional 50hp with a pipe and a tune...
Sure, it is a smaller and lighter bike, and only 1000cc. But I still have my R3R, so this will be a lightning fast little sister, complementing the Rocket nicely in my garage.

And I can still wait for a few years more - if Triumph ever comes up with a faired Rocket, I will think it over again.

 

[RKTNMYPKT]

I rode the R3T for 5 years, Great bike, And I rode through many States on it but in no way shape or form is it a touring bike.

then came the 2014 Roadster, again a great bike! I loved that bike and rode across most of the Western states on it.
I have now been on an Indian RoadMaster for the last 4 years, A true touring bike in every sense of the word.
I miss having a Rocket and hope to have one again some day,

But I agree with you, to have all that horsepower and torque and not have it attached to a true Tourer is really a shame

 

[Lemieuxfan]

agree; the roadster is a one of a kind motorcycle. I would say though not really a touring motorcycle because of the riding position, lack of 6th gear, no cruise etc. Its more of a sports bike than a cruiser in my view

 

[Boog]

I think the R3T is one of the best Touring bikes ever invented. It does not have all that sissy radio and other electronic garbage the 2020 bikes have, which by-the-way are not even cruisers now . And I think having more torque down low than the R3R of the period is a benefit and not a "detune".
I do think Triumph will come out with a cruiser version of the 2.5L and it will be a touring bike. I hope we still have the option of not forced with a fairing as I prefer the windscreen. Unlocking the ECU is a must I feel though.
That H2 is indeed an awesome ride, but with the ergonomic slant forward, I could never tour on it for more than an hour a day, too painful on my back. Their Concourse is far superior to the H2 for that duty IMHO. But for real comfy touring, their Vaquero and Voyagers are hard to beat.
I will wait though for a true R3T to come out.

 

[ThingKing]

I will wait though for a true R3T to come out.

Ok let's hope they will come up with it soon.

 

[sonny]

Been waiting myself but from the looks of it Triumph has no clue that there are a lot of folks like ourselves who would spend the money on one. Instead they go for the slick 2500 GT. May be OK for some folks nothing wrong with it but i ain't spending my money on it.

 

[Lemieuxfan]

Been waiting myself but from the looks of it Triumph has no clue that there are a lot of folks like ourselves who would spend the money on one. Instead they go for the slick 2500 GT. May be OK for some folks nothing wrong with it but i ain't spending my money on it.

Your not the only one the new, rocket just doesn't do it for me

 

[Bigjaype]

I've been through a similar process...tried my best to make my classic into a Swiss army knife by having accessories that easily detach and attach depending on what sort of ride I'm going on. And, as many have said, it's not a true touring bike due to the absence of cruise control and an overdrive gear. That's why I now have a GS. Suits my tall frame, has a little bit of hooligan when required and can tour all day long. And commuting is great due to the high view point.
I've owned the Concourse and loved it.

 

[wjb]

You know, I can see that buzzy little 1000cc rig with a cramped seating position getting old real quick. When that happens, give me a call, I could give you a few dollars for it!

 

[Dr.D]

The new bikes are tourers. Even though one (GT) has a little more seat and touring position it lacks quite a few things.

I think we have differing opinions on here about what constitutes a touring bike but this is what I’d like to see. A full fairing, hard color matched large water proof locking bags, crash bars with highway pegs, large sat nav screen, four speaker stereo with blue tooth and flash drive compatibility, rider and passenger backrests on a full size big boy seat, cruise control and adjustable height windscreen.

I think I’ve just described the Indian Roadmaster. I do like the new motor on the 2.5 bike. It may not have 200 hp yet but it is very strong in the low rpms. I think the new frame will make all thos add one very challenging.