First Impressions - My new Rocket

Eisenfarn

.020 Over
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Apr 22, 2024
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Kawasaki ZZr14
Oops, think I posted this originally in the wrong forum ...

Hi guys, finally got my 2020 Rocket 3R!!, got a couple of observations and questions which I hope someone can help me with :)

The previous owner had a set of GT handlebars fitted, not sure if I like them, is this a common things guys have done?

I use an Abba Skylift on my other bikes, great bit of kit, are there any mods I can do to my rocket so I can use this lift?, if not can someone suggest a good alternative for this bike?. I've looked at the "Big Blue" lift and ConStands also do a scissors lift which works on these bikes, are these any good?

Being the "R" version, my bike has mid placed pegs, but they still seem too far forward for my liking, can this be altered?

Other than the above, the bike is great, really enjoying it so far, looks great, pulls like a locomotive, awesome!!

Many thanks

Attachments​

  • Rocket 3 Llanelli.JPG
    Rocket 3 Llanelli.JPG
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All GT and R parts are interchangeable. I guess the previous owner wanted to bring the bars closer or take some weight of his wrists. If you're not sure about them maybe ride to a dealer and throw a leg over an R. If the bar position feels instantly better get yourself a set of R bars.

The foot pegs are adjustable, by I think, about two inches. There are two sets of mounting holes. See where yours are set. They could be in the most forward position.

As to the Abba lift, I emailed Abba and asked this very question. Unfortunately they weren't much help. Can it be used with a Rocket 3 which doesn't have lower frame tubes? Dunno they said, we've never tried. My guess it that it won't. They offer a cradle that will allow your stock Sky lift to be used on cruisers but it assumes that you will be lifting off the frames tubes, which the Rocket does not have.
The big blue would be a safer bet IMO. And they offer an adapter bracket specific to the Rocket 3 (not the III) so they've clearly tested it on this bike.
My question was whether it would be safe to take the bike's entire weight on the sump. I would probably ask this of a Triumph dealer rather than the lift manufacturer and if they say yes, we do it all the time, I'd go with the Big Blue.
 
Like Gimlet said, the pegs are adjustable.

I see you have the R seat, which also impacts how the handlebars are positioned relative to you. The R seat is 1" higher and 1" more forward than the GT seat, so if you go to a dealer to test the R handlebars, take note which seat you're testing on and ensure it's also an R seat, so you're comparing apples to apples.
 
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Those pegs look to be in the forward position to me. I'm pretty sure bikes leave the factory with them mounted in the centre position. Those look to be about an inch forward of those pictured on Triumph's website. In which case you should be able to move them back 2".
 
Looks a lot like my bike, when I first got it.......Great looking bike ! :cool:👍

My bike (R model, so... mid pegs) came with both R & GT seat and both R & GT handle bars.
My most preferred set up is GT bars & GT seat. I find it almost perfect, ergonomically......almost.
For me, perfect would require something not available, which is an intermediate handle bar. i.e. Halfway between R & GT.
I'm around 6' 3" tall medium/slim build. I wouldn't have predicted that this set up would be the best for me, but it definitely is noticeably better.

Regarding peg adjustment: I've never altered mine, but I keep meaning to try out the different positions. So like others have already said...it's possible to do so, but I can't say how quick and easy it is.

Regarding bike lifts. I use one like this

Resize of Capture_08212024_213711.jpg


Works a treat.

Enjoy your new bike !
 
Oops, think I posted this originally in the wrong forum ...

Hi guys, finally got my 2020 Rocket 3R!!, got a couple of observations and questions which I hope someone can help me with :)

The previous owner had a set of GT handlebars fitted, not sure if I like them, is this a common things guys have done?

I use an Abba Skylift on my other bikes, great bit of kit, are there any mods I can do to my rocket so I can use this lift?, if not can someone suggest a good alternative for this bike?. I've looked at the "Big Blue" lift and ConStands also do a scissors lift which works on these bikes, are these any good?

Being the "R" version, my bike has mid placed pegs, but they still seem too far forward for my liking, can this be altered?

Other than the above, the bike is great, really enjoying it so far, looks great, pulls like a locomotive, awesome!!

Many thanks

Attachments​

  • Rocket 3 Llanelli.JPG
    Rocket 3 Llanelli.JPG
    104.6 KB · Views: 4
As stated by others, the GT bars on a 3R is a common mod for those who want more tiller steering.
I'm like you and wanted to go the other way. Unfortunately, due to the design of the Triumph bars (internal wiring and 1 1/4" tube stepping down to 7/8") we only have two options, if you want to stick with OEM, R or GT bars.
I also felt that the stock bars were far too wide, especially with bar end mirrors adding to the feeling of width.
You can go aftermarket bars by changing the bar risers to 1" or 7/8", but will have to be happy with external wiring, unless you are persistent enough to work on loom and get it though aftermarket bars. ( The proprietary Triumph switchblock fixing system is another ball ache that has to be dealt with.)
I chose to stick with stock bar risers and fabricated my own drag bars, which are 2" narrower than stock and transform the feel of the bike from cruiser to more of a motard feel.
These girls are fantastic bikes, but if the ergonomics are not fitting you then you are not going to enjoy them to their full extent, imo.
Sorting your bike out so that it ticks your boxes of comfort and handling, is something that can take time but is worth it in the end.

Thread on my mods, if you want to read about handlebars.
 
The mid pegs only go up or down, not forward or back like the Gt controls. Make sure they are all the way down to increase legroom. One change I made was to flip the FTF mount to bring it closer up to eye level and increase clearance around tank.
 
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