Thinking about buying a Rocket

[Chris Kelley]

Thanks for the replies. Another question just cropped up for me...is the Roadster the only model that comes with the 240 rear tire? I may take issue with that skinny 180 on this beast...I would think a bike with THIS much torque would need every bit of the 240 just to keep from spinning every time the throttle is cracked...

I think the R3T is the only model without it. I'm pretty sure the older standard and classics models both have a 240 as well.

 

[Steel]

I currently own an M109R. I love the bike for one-up riding, but it's not a good two-up rider. I put a backrest on the bike for my wife, but it's still not comfortable on the back according to my wife. She said she will ride with me if I get a more comfortable bike. Being the performance junky I am, I started to think about what bike I could get that has the balls of the 109, but would be better suited for touring. The Rocket was the 1st bike I thought of. I've noticed Triumph makes the Rocket in a touring model, which would be perfect for us. About the only thing I don't like on the touring model is that grampawy looking windshield. Are there any factory or aftermarket fairings available for the Rocket? Also, are there other seat options available? I'm interested in a seat that has a backrest for both the passenger and the rider.

As far as the bike itself, is there anything I need to know as a 109 owner going to a Rocket? I know it's heavier, but that isn't necessarily a big concern for me. I'm comfortable with big, heavy bikes. I'm more concerned with reliability (as I've never owned a British made bike), parts availability (both OEM and aftermarket, because there are so few of them), and the small dealership network. Luckily, we have a Triumph dealer in my town, so support is there if needed. Any info from Rocket owners would be highly appreciated...

As a former 109 owner (Both a C109 & M109), I can assure you that the Rocket will give you more power than the 109. Even stock 2 up it'll outrun a solo rider on a tuned 109 (my X was not happy about that, or when I raced the V-Rod). If you go with a couple of bolt on power mods the arm stretching gets even better, and the grin factor bigger. On the highway it actually feels lighter, and in curves has better lean angle.

The Touring is the only model with 1 headlight, and the only model with the 180 tire. Standards, Classics, and Roadsters have a 240 rear tire.
Standards have forward pegs, Classics have floorboards, Roadsters have mid pegs.

My only 2 problems when I switched were: Wider seat made it a bit harder to flatfoot, so it was harder to back up on uneven surfaces. At walking speeds like parking lots it seemed the center of gravity was a bit higher, and took a little time to get used to.

 

[grampi]

So as more info is posted, I'm starting to narrow down my choices. It sounds like the Roadster model is out because it wouldn't give me the two-up comfort I'm looking for. The touring model may be out because I don't like the narrow 180 rear tire. It sounds like the Classic is the model for me as it has the floorboards (which are not a must for me, but I'd like to have them on the rear for my wife. They would be nicer for her). It also sounds like it's pretty easy to bring the detuned models on par with the Roadsters power wise, though I can't imagine any model lacking in the power department. Lol!

 

[Steel]

I don't know if the Classics have passenger floorboards, but you can get Rivco passenger floorboards to fit any model.
As for power, they all have the same motor/transmission combination, so it's all a matter of getting it tuned.

 

[warp9.9]

No Classics do not come with passenger floor boards the Touring is the only model. Most use the Rivco with the extension arms. I am sure if I put my head to it adapting something else will not be to hard. There is a 09 Classic and a 09 Standard on Ebay both have low ,iles but the standard has only 1800+ miles on it. It has foot pegs instead of floor boards. But then so did my 07.

 

[Jag]

Good luck with your decision. You can get a triumph solo seat, and a back rest. Then order the separate pillion seat, they bolt together. Then you have your choice, solo no back rest, solo with back rest, solo, back rest and pillion. Thats what I have, works for me and looks nicer than than the stock 2 up seat. Oh yea way mor comfortable than the 2 up! Jmo

 

[grampi]

Good luck with your decision. You can get a triumph solo seat, and a back rest. Then order the separate pillion seat, they bolt together. Then you have your choice, solo no back rest, solo with back rest, solo, back rest and pillion. Thats what I have, works for me and looks nicer than than the stock 2 up seat. Oh yea way mor comfortable than the 2 up! Jmo

Now this sounds like the way to go. What company makes them and where did you buy them? Thanks.

 

[Rick Morris]

Grampi, Welcome from Cape Cod, MA. You have found the right forum for help and advice. These guys are great, and know their stuff. I recently joined in July after purchasing a 2011 R3R. I was looking for performance upgrade advice and these guys have been the biggest help. I had a 2000 Valkyrie Interstate and recently a 08 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000. I rode the Rocket Roadster during the winter and I was blown away, I had to have it. I am probably going to add passenger floor boards and some Rivco High way pegs for long cruises. I purchased a Saddlemen Gel Seat pad #622661 from Revzilla and my wife says it is very comfortable. As far as power compared to the M109, you wont be disappointed at all. I cant stop laughing every time I get on this bike. With out a doubt it is the most fun bike solo and comfortable 2 up I have ever owned.

 

[Boog]

Hello Grampi and welcome from Virginia. Not sure if my two cents count now that you say like the R3C, but I kind of like my 2014 R3T; just went over 30K miles on it. I do my best not to spin that skinny rear tire as they tend to need changing if I do. Then again, turn in on curves may be easier with that skinny tire as the geometry is closer to the front.
I take Pretty Pillion out on all day rides and she seems to fall asleep often enough I need to check on her every time she stops talking. I suppose that means she thinks it is quite comfy back there.
This is my 28th ride over 35 years counting the dirt bikes. I have ridden the M-109, R3R and the R3C; they all have their merit no doubt. I find that the R3T does everything pretty well and glad I got this one for my usage. It is always ready to ride cross country or just down the street for ice cream. I would bet a big Dr. Pepper that both you and your lady will be quite happy with the Touring if you give it a go.

 

[Jag]

Now this sounds like the way to go. What company makes them and where did you buy them? Thanks.

They are all genuine triumph
parts, your dealer should be able to help you. Not sure if they still make the pillion. Parts are being discontinued every day.

You could check Hermys.com
Bike bandit
Pure triumph
Good luck!