Issues with 2020 model?

[bcar00]

I pick up my new to me GT this week. I wasn't really looking for a first year model, but this one came up close to home, with low miles (5000) and like new condition.

As I OVER think the process, I realize I went from looking at 2023s to a 2020, which is the first year. Rear master has been changed, and there are no warranty service notes on Triumphs system. Other than that, are there any other things I should look for / ask about? Anyone own a 2020 and had first year teething issues?

Dealer is offering me a 1yr warranty for $500. Might buy that, but that doesn't solve the issue of possibly buying a forever cursed bike (always an issue with any used bike, but I've really been obsessing over the first year thing). Thoughts?

 

[A1A Rider]

I think the possible issues except the rear brake (that you say is changed) are:

- Not detecting FOB at times - inability to ride home from those long trips you want to go on.
- Dash screen cracking ($2K+ fix - that is to buy a new one) - maybe unresolved still even on newer models
- 7.5A fuses blowing (bad fuses themselves) - replace all 7.5A for new ones, even the spare ones
- Worse than today's tires on earlier models, you might want to change tires, 'cause they are old now, might have a soft spot from standing on that spot for years
- LED front light randomly turning itself off (very early models)

PS: I'd also change out the battery

 

[Journeyman]

I pick up my new to me GT this week. I wasn't really looking for a first year model, but this one came up close to home, with low miles (5000) and like new condition.

As I OVER think the process, I realize I went from looking at 2023s to a 2020, which is the first year. Rear master has been changed, and there are no warranty service notes on Triumphs system. Other than that, are there any other things I should look for / ask about? Anyone own a 2020 and had first year teething issues?

Dealer is offering me a 1yr warranty for $500. Might buy that, but that doesn't solve the issue of possibly buying a forever cursed bike (always an issue with any used bike, but I've really been obsessing over the first year thing). Thoughts?

I have a 2020R. You have the new rear master taken care of- did they also upgrade one of the 7.5 fuses to a 10? If not, of course you can do it yourself (forget which one). My FOB often says "Out of Range" but other than the warning (comes and goes) it continues to work fine.

I think you're fine with the 2020. Enjoy your new ride....

Be sure to download the service manual, here.....

2020 Rocket 3 R GT Manual - Searchable by keyword

This is a SEARCHABLE version of the 2020 Rocket 3 R GT Manual. Updated 2-27-23 File size greatly reduced. Still searchable.

www.r3owners.net

 

[bcar00]

Thanks! I'm not happy that all of these bikes have a buggy keyless system, but I decided to live with it. I'm not sure what was wrong with a key for a motorcycle???

I'll research the fuses. The rear tire is a bit flat, but I decided I'd abuse it for a few miles before having a new one put on.

 

[A1A Rider]

I actually just joined with '25 Rocket a month ago, coming off a "physical key" bike. I so much enjoy having a wireless key and the ability to lock the handlebars with a press of a button.

There are people out there who like this high-end stuff. They used to sit on a bike, fiddling with the keys, and dreaming of better times.

 

[gadget_ho]

Thanks! I'm not happy that all of these bikes have a buggy keyless system, but I decided to live with it. I'm not sure what was wrong with a key for a motorcycle???

I'll research the fuses. The rear tire is a bit flat, but I decided I'd abuse it for a few miles before having a new one put on.

I had the Fob issue really early on (first ride or two) but since I moved it from my left jeans pocket to my right jacket pocket that problem never returned for me (2021R). Also, familiarise yourself (and practice it) with the "standard key" start procedure, where you hold the presumably dead fob key (or one of the two standard keys you should've received) at a specific spot on the left rear bodywork to have the remote sensor pick up the key, works with the two spare keys as well.

Also make sure they give you the key tumblers for the panniers if they didn't install the Triumph panniers on it. Finally, enjoy that new toy!

 

[Journeyman]

Thanks! I'm not happy that all of these bikes have a buggy keyless system, but I decided to live with it. I'm not sure what was wrong with a key for a motorcycle???

I'll research the fuses. The rear tire is a bit flat, but I decided I'd abuse it for a few miles before having a new one put on.

I recommend the Exedra Max on the rear- search it on this site for more information....

 

[Einar]

I had the Fob issue really early on (first ride or two) but since I moved it from my left jeans pocket to my right jacket pocket that problem never returned for me (2021R). Also, familiarise yourself (and practice it) with the "standard key" start procedure, where you hold the presumably dead fob key (or one of the two standard keys you should've received) at a specific spot on the left rear bodywork to have the remote sensor pick up the key, works with the two spare keys as well.

To add to this, the instructions in the manual are overly strict. In reality, you have 4-5 seconds to get the fob or key into that position after pressing the switch for it to pick it up and enable the ignition. This is more of an issue on the Tiger, where you have to hold it under the tail next to a possibly hot exhaust, but is useful for the Rocket as well.

I prefer keyless. I'd been stranded by keyed ignitions due to ice buildup in the tumbler, preventing me from inserting the key. And though I've never broken a key, that's another thing I no longer have to worry about. I've never had just a keyless ignition failure on any vehicle (though I've had failures that disable multiple systems, such as a dead battery, but a keyed ignition can't overcome those anyway).

 

[A1A Rider]

I think there is an antenna under the bimini windscreen, front facing but closer to the right side (if you are sitting on the bike). Maybe it is easier to reach that antenna.