Taking delivery of new R3T - Requesting advice

[shagler]

Hi all,
I've been lurking around this site for some time trying to pick up tidbits of info related to the R3 and especially the R3T. I've just made the decision to purchase an R3T and now just waiting on delivery. My dealer didn't have the Black/New England White, but they were able to find one and it's on its way...should be getting it later next week.

I am an Triumph fan and have been riding and customizing a Triumph America for a few years and now I'm looking forward to the new R3T.

My question to the group is related to initial set up or modifications that might be appropriate.

When I took delivery of my America, there were a number of items that got immediately changed such as removing the air injection, etc. I realize that the R3 is a much different beast since it is computerized fuel injection versus being carbureted. I still wanted to check to see if there is anything that I should be asking the dealer to do as they uncrate and prep the bike.

I am anxious to hear about exhaust options for the Touring model as it sounds like there aren't yet any aftermarket solutions. Decided against the TORs since I quickly got rid of them on my America.

I hope I can add to this group some time in the future...as it stands right now, I am definately in the mode of learning.

By the way, if you know anyone looking for a well maintained '03 America with custom paint (went with mid-60s styling) and lots of mods, send them my way. I haven't yet decided what I am going to do with it. It's a great bike around town (I live in Dallas), but I expect it is going to see less and less action once the R3T arrives.

Thanks for any advice or pointers,
Steven

 

[Super D.]

Shagler,
We have a lot in common. I too had the America, customed and modified. But I test rode a R3 and was hooked. It wasn't long before I bought a R3T. The America is a great bike.... But sadly to say, you will not be riding it much any more. I guarantee you will get on your R3T and not look back. It is by no means perfect, but with a few tweaks you will make it perfect for you.
There is a growing # of us that have the R3T, so the information is not as detailed as the R3, but most of it crosses over.
Good Luck.
Super D.

 

[GPMAZ]

Welcome, I'm sure you'll find the R3T quite a change. Unless you happen to be the exact height it was designed for (no idea what that is), you may have a problem with the stock windscreen. At 6'2" the wind hit me right in the middle of my helmet, major buffeting. I replaced it with the taller screen. If you're any shorter than I am, you'll probably find yourself looking through the tall screen. They really need something in-between.

For me, adding stuff is an addiction. I'll probably change the seat, although the stock one isn't bad. I'll also change the exhaust when more options become available. The horn is pathetic, I've replaced mine with a Stebel.

Triumph has something like 70 accessories available for the R3T. In some cases available means you can order them and then wait. Many are chrome do-dads and not necessarily functional.

All in all its a great bike. I'm liking mine more every time I ride it, and that's after 20+ years of BMW's.

 

[mdglaw]

my recommendation is to do absoulutely nothing for the seaon. Ride it and see what comes up. Saves you lots of $$$ for things that seemed like a good idea at the time. Also if for some reason you do not like the bike after riding it for a while (it happens) you do not have a lot invested in add ons that you will never recover used.

Mike

 

[Super D.]

+1 8) I would say a couple of months, or a couple of thousand miles. Then you are sure of what you want/need to change. Someone in here gave me the same advice, and it is solid.
D.

 

[shagler]

Thanks for the initial responses.

To GPM, I am 5'10" and I felt pretty comfortable on the test ride and specifically was checking for buffetting even with my half helmet. Initial impression was that the height was pretty close for me.

I also agree about the horn and the Stebel...I have one on the America and have already placed an order for another. It's too important not to have something noticable.

I appreciate the guidance on the accessories, but I guess I've already made a decision on about 15 items from Triumph. Things like the backrest (which I can't believe ended up being four different parts) and the light bar (with visors). A few other do-dads.

I am definately waiting on the exhaust as I mentioned in the first post.

I am also planning on installing all of the accessories myself which I fully expect will help me learn more about the bike.

Again, thanks for responses.

Steven

 

[Super D.]

Steven,
I got the detachable backrest, and it is a very easy install. You might want to consider that if you don't ride 2 up a lot.
Just a thought.

 

[JHB Anchorman]

Welcome 8) from Roma, ride safe and have fun :lol: complements on your
bike!!
Best regards

 

[Big Goaler]

Welcome,
The R3T and the R3 standard are two different breeds of beasts so don't gtet them confused. Alot of the extras for the R3T don't fit on the standards and vice versa.

Speaking of breeds; I heard that they are doing away with the Classic. Anyone hear the same?

 

[gR3yWolf]

Welcome Shagler...can't offer any advice on the Tourer. Ride safe.