Been thinking about a new Rocket 3 Touring

[El Toro Rosso]

Would you please tell me why the cable clutch is what you prefer? I'm really stuck on this one issue, maybe for no reason. It just seems like a bike of this size should have everything more heavy duty.
Thanks, Eric

I'm not the guy who said he preferred the cable, but I will take the bait anyway.

If you can design the clutch control so that it is comfortable to use, there is no inherent advantage to hydraulic over cable actuation.

In fact, the simplicity of the cable is a big plus because you do not have to replace clutch fluid every two years (recommended for hydraulic actuation systems), and there is no possibility of a leak since there is no fluid.

Cables are incredibly reliable, and with proper inspection and maintenance, they give NO trouble. They are cheaper, lighter, less complicated, and simply a more elegant solution to the problem of clutch actuation.

Now if you can't design a cable system that is comfortable to use, then hydraulic would be preferred.

I've had many many many bikes with both. I honestly don't care which one is on any particular bike as long as the clutch is easy to control.

I can unequivocally state that the clutches on the three Rocket III Tourings I have owned have all been very easy to operate, and I have never once thought that Triumph chintzed on the mechanism. It works beautifully.

FWIW, I am a retired mechanical engineer, have been riding for 49+ years, and have owned nearly three dozen motorcycles during that period, from Honda S90 to BMW K1600 GTL. My favorite bikes are the Rocket III Touring, and the BMW K1300S. Rocket has cable. K has hydraulic. Who cares?

 

[LAS VEGAS DAVE]

The cable has been used for years. Cables have become better than ever thru the years. There is no problem with cable activated clutches if they are designed right and that doesn't seem to be a hard goal to reach. There is also nothing wrong with a hydraulic actuated clutch mechanism. I prefer the cable for its simplicity. In todays world its a rare event for a cable to break. Hydraulic systems have cylinders, hoses, and contaminated fluids to deal with, more components to possibly break than a simple cable. I can't imagine that either method would be of concern on a modern bike.

 

[Eric R.]

Thanks for the opinions on the cable type clutch. Apparently, I'm worrying about nothing. This is something that I am very good at!

 

[Eric R.]

A couple of you guys responded about the long haul seat size versus the stock seat. I understand that the long haul pillion seat is a couple inches wider and longer front to back. Can you please tell me how they come up with the slightly larger seating area? Does the drivers portion sacrifice its size, or does the larger pillion just extend a little farther back?
I like the idea of the larger passenger area, but not if the front portion gives up anything.
Sorry for the picky questions. I'm just trying to gather some good information. You guys have been very helpful already.
Thanks, Eric

 

[El Toro Rosso]

I bought a long haul seat for my first Rocket. It was just overall bigger. Russell builds their seats on the stock seat pan, but anyone who has seen a custom Russell seat knows that the seating area can be huge compared to the stock pan, and both pillion and rider can get more support.

FWIW, I can take the stock seat for a couple of hours without too much flinching.

I can take the long haul seat for maybe half a day. So it might be considered "better."

But if I want to ride the bike day after day, the Russell "Day Long" seat is the way to go.

I had one made for my first Rocket, and I have just moved it from Rocket to Rocket over the years.

Regarding Russell, what makes it best is that it is custom made for your leg/thigh/butt configuration, and the design takes into account how your arms will hit the grips. This last issue is a surprisingly important aspect of seat design.

So ... in my opinion, the long haul seat is worth a try, and if you're a lighter sort of guy (sub 200 pound class), then it may do the trick for you.

But if you're on the large size (200+ class), foam seats aren't likely to be comfortable for more than about half a day. The Russell suspension system has a definite edge.

 

[BenchracerBob]

A couple of you guys responded about the long haul seat size versus the stock seat. I understand that the long haul pillion seat is a couple inches wider and longer front to back. Can you please tell me how they come up with the slightly larger seating area? Does the drivers portion sacrifice its size, or does the larger pillion just extend a little farther back?
I like the idea of the larger passenger area, but not if the front portion gives up anything.
Sorry for the picky questions. I'm just trying to gather some good information. You guys have been very helpful already.
Thanks, Eric

just eyeballed the two seats. They are the same combined length (use the same mounts). Front and back are both wider, the join between the two seats is more abrupt giving the rider a bit more room.

 

[Eric R.]

just eyeballed the two seats. They are the same combined length (use the same mounts). Front and back are both wider, the join between the two seats is more abrupt giving the rider a bit more room.

Thank you bob

 

[rocketjohn]

I've got a Corbin seat.....that and a sheep skin makes for riding nirvana! Either way, get the Rocket.......if you have to ride in the cold you can get a heated jacket liner!

 

[BillyIndiana]

Your butt is not going numb because of the seat. You just need more saddle time to develop you muscles. LOL

 

[IMFASTTOO]

The cable has been used for years. Cables have become better than ever thru the years. There is no problem with cable activated clutches if they are designed right and that doesn't seem to be a hard goal to reach. There is also nothing wrong with a hydraulic actuated clutch mechanism. I prefer the cable for its simplicity. In todays world its a rare event for a cable to break. Hydraulic systems have cylinders, hoses, and contaminated fluids to deal with, more components to possibly break than a simple cable. I can't imagine that either method would be of concern on a modern bike.

I agree Dave I have problems with the older bikes with hydraulic clutch systems and no problems with the cable systems .