Thinking about buying a Rocket

[cardinal93]

Seems like most of the questions have been answered, but welcome from Mississippi! The one thing not answered specifically is aftermarket parts? Options are fairly limited or require a lot of trial and error because the rocket won't be listed as a fit. The good news is chances are somebody on here has tried most everything. I think I've seen/heard of 3 or 4 fairing companies on here, plenty of bags, light crossovers, etc. pipes/headers, much more limited. Tires only 3 choices (MC)for the rear fatties. But none of that matters because you'll love the bike sooo much!!

 

[MickyB]

G'day Grampy, the Princess and I love our 2008 R3. Great one or two up. Looks great, tonnes of power, very comfortable. As for bits, there are some very knowledgeable guys on here who love to share.

 

[grampi]

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.

In all reality there's probably nothing wrong with the 180 rear tire on the R3T, it's just that I'm used to a big, wide one (tire that is)...my 109 has a 250 on the rear and I love the look...I could live with the R3T, but I think I'd rather have an R3C, and then add the stuff like the seats, backrests, running boards, and fairing. Of course, since I'm buying a used one, it's possible I'll find one that has many of these things already installed.

 

[grampi]

Wow, I really like this site already! Lots of helpful and knowledgeable people here! Thanks for all the info! I need to find one I can test ride now...

 

[idk]

I have the R3C and love it. However, Triumph are no longer making many of the limited number of accessories that were available. That may or may not weigh into your decision as you can probably buy something optioned out the way you want anyway. If I were buying a new one now, I would probably get the R3T, but I have no desire to trade my Classic in as it only has 126k miles on it.

 

[grampi]

I have the R3C and love it. However, Triumph are no longer making many of the limited number of accessories that were available. That may or may not weigh into your decision as you can probably buy something optioned out the way you want anyway. If I were buying a new one now, I would probably get the R3T, but I have no desire to trade my Classic in as it only has 126k miles on it.

I suppose that puppy is just getting broken in with that mileage, huh?

 

[idk]

I suppose that puppy is just getting broken in with that mileage, huh?

We're getting to know each other.

 

[grampi]

Earlier in the thread it was suggested that if I'm looking at used Rockets, I should look at '09 models and newer...there are some pretty nice looking pre '09 models for sale on cycletrader.com. Is there something about the earlier models that is not repairable, or are the problems with them something that could be cleared up with a simple parts replacement and/or a simple mod? Finding a used Rocket is going to be difficult enough without making the search even more difficult by eliminating the earlier year models...

 

[Chris Kelley]

There was an update kit that Triumph put out that addressed some issues with parts in the transmission. Everything after 09 should already include those newer parts. If you are buying used, just call a Triumph dealer with the VIN and they should be able to let you know if the bike had the update kit dealer installed.

 

[Sensfan]

In all reality there's probably nothing wrong with the 180 rear tire on the R3T, it's just that I'm used to a big, wide one (tire that is)...my 109 has a 250 on the rear and I love the look...I could live with the R3T, but I think I'd rather have an R3C, and then add the stuff like the seats, backrests, running boards, and fairing. Of course, since I'm buying a used one, it's possible I'll find one that has many of these things already installed.

A 200 fits the touring easy enough. A few more fairing choices if you go batwing.