Thinking about a R3

They are both good bikes. I bought the 2015 Rocket X and ride the hell out of it. Looked at the touring version but have always been a bare basic type when it comes to bikes. Not saying that the touring model is inferior, I like the way Truimph set the touring model up. Comfort wise the touring model would be the best choice.
 
Where I hang my hat is my Icon. I live in MI's UP, near the WI boarder.

My last bike was a V-65 Honda Magna. My goal in getting my next bike is something that is roomier than the Magna and is in at least the same ballpark performance wise. What I have seen of the numbers; the Roadster is slower on the drag-strip (about 1/2 second in the 1/4?), but I suspect it will be enough. It might even be quicker for me since I am not close to the size of the professional riders they get for that testing. The 100 hp version might need a touch of playing with if I end up with a touring bike.
I took some fairly long multi-day rides on the Magna, better than 800 miles a day a couple of times. Now with kids, I suspect that wont be a real option.
 
I've owned both you can't go wrong either way.

In my opinion the touring was A more comfortable bike however I felt like the roadster handled a little bit better do the different riding position.

Accessories for both or getting a little hard to come by, Im not sure why Triumph is making it so difficult
 
I have a 2013 R3T that the build sheet said it had abs,but did not, look for a perforated disc Between the disc brake And the fork, that means you have abs.

Abs was an option in 2013 and I believe standard starting in 2014.

Other than that best bike I have owned, one small issue when new (intake backfire) that the dealer took care of with out issue.

I have put a new tune in her, (with the help of the fine people on this site) D&D pipes and a drop in kn air filter, the new tune really wakes her up, almost a totally different bike!

What ever model you choose you can't go wrong as far as performance, but their was some issues on some of the older (but not everyone had issues) models that may or may not have been corrected.

I would suggest to look for a newer model say 2009 an up, but if you find a deal on a older model with low miles or that have had the mechanical upgrades, go for it!

As much as I love my R3T, if I had to do it over again I would have bought a 2009 classic, best looking model they made to me!

Good luck and enjoy, and welcome to the club!!
 
YOU can make 265+ hp with the Carpenter mods and thats a great cruising package also
 
what are the difference in riding position?
bars?
seat?
foot placement?
 
I too have owned a V65 and if you are thinking the Rocket is in the same ballpark as the Honda, well, all I can say is you better have a good grip when you twist the throttle on the Rocket. The V65 was quite the nice scoot, but the Rocket beats it hands down brother when it comes to thrust.
I think that if you like the riding position of the V65 then the R3T is closer to that than the Roadster is. I ride 10-12 hours on my stock R3T with no worries at the end of the ride. I am 5'9", 32" inseam and it fits me well.
 
groo said:
what are the difference in riding position?
bars?
seat?
foot placement?
Click to expand...

Pretty sure it's all of the above.

Roadster is closer to a 'standard' riding position than the typical 'cruiser' positioning (lets you stand on the pegs better to help shift weight etc). Touring position is about what you'd expect from a cruiser.

The Roadster and the Touring have the same engine and trans but I've seen some anecdotal evidence that the touring tends to be just shy of the Roadster is capable of when it comes to the final output with the same mods. I've always been lead to believe that it is due to the angle of the final drive that the touring has (roadster has a larger rear tire and therefore no angle).

However the numbers are so close that the only person who can tell is the dyno.
 
Last edited:
Hello groo, I have had a 750cc Magna many years ago.
Well, at that time I did like it. It sounded a bit like it had a stuffy nose, but it sure was a quick little cruiser, and very reliable as well.
If you ever meet one at the lights with your mighty new Rocket, just blip the throttle a bit and your filter will suck the Magna in like a mosquito.
At least, this is exactly what I feel when I meet one of them nowadays. I have played a bit with exhaust, filter and tune, so the cruiser guys usually don't even try after hearing that growl - but I am positive a Rocket will rip any Magna to shreds at the lights.
 
groo said:
what are the difference in riding position?
bars?
seat?
foot placement?
Click to expand...
First mod most people with roadsters do is Bar risers or Tbars , 2nd is changing foot peg position or adding highway pegs , if it's long haul comfort your looking for go for the Touring , if it's traffic light hooning go the Roadster
 
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