its official Triumph releases R3 Storm

[HarryBo]

I've watched the latest presentation promo video by Triumph a few times, which gives the opportunity to really see the new colour scheme looks and I have to say that I really like the aesthetics. I can imagine that they will look very desirable in the showroom.

On face value, I think they have improved the appearance of the bike mainly due to the fact that the colour scheme makes the bike look more compact and less fussy.

However...... I can't help thinking that with everything being in mat black they will show wear and tear faster than the previous year models.
Particularly the exhaust, although I suppose it can be re-painted every couple of years.

While on the subject of the exhaust..... Visually, I think the black exhaust is a backward step because the style of the exhaust is a big part of the bike's unique visual appeal and now they have blacked it out. It also looks a bit cheap IMHO.

The lighter wheels offer biggest improvement (potentially). Worth having a test ride in order to compare/evaluate ride and handling, me thinks.

My own personal conclusion:
If I was looking to buy a Rocket 3 now, I think I would go for the new model over the previous model. Stand the two models side by side in the showroom and the new colour schemes will tip the balance in favour of the new model. It looks leaner, cleaner & meaner.
That said, I already have a Rocket 3 and the changes aren't anywhere near enough to make me want to pay to change.

I wouldn't mind the chrome exhaust tips on my R Storm to balance the black.

 

[Tal]

All a matter of taste, for sure. But I get tons of compliments daily. I likey!

Me too!...Dont like shiny chrome....those big chrome mufflers on the earlier 2.3's were hideous!..(that should stir up a hornets nest!)

 

[Jagster]

All a matter of taste, for sure. But I get tons of compliments daily. I likey!

I wouldn't mind the chrome exhaust tips on my R Storm to balance the black.

Me too!...Dont like shiny chrome....those big chrome mufflers on the earlier 2.3's were hideous!..(that should stir up a hornets nest!)

I'm giving my perspective as a biker in the UK where we get as much rain as we get sunshine. It's just 75 percent a practical issue: mat black is hard to keep looking good if you ride in the UK. The other 25 percent is my perception of quality regarding something thats been painted mat black when it could have had a more natural finish, had the material quality been up to scratch. ....not necessarily the case here but the stigma sticks.
In the showroom that colour scheme looks bold and striking. No question.

 

[HarryBo]

I'm giving my perspective as a biker in the UK where we get as much rain as we get sunshine. It's just 75 percent a practical issue: mat black is hard to keep looking good if you ride in the UK. The other 25 percent is my perception of quality regarding something thats been painted mat black when it could have had a more natural finish, had the material quality been up to scratch. ....not necessarily the case here but the stigma sticks.
In the showroom that colour scheme looks bold and striking. No question.

Fully agree Jagster. Typically flat black can present as lackluster and someways cheap. I initially signed a deal on a non Storm, but when it arrived at dealer and I saw it in person, much more appealing. Now witnessing how flat black exhaust reacts to regular use, it is particular where stains must be attended to rather promptly. I've been using a spray detailer between and after washing that helps to clear stains and provides a subtle satin like finish elevating the overall look. Satin flat looks way better than dull flat black.
Here's a screenshot of a video with a R Storm clean and with chrome tips.

 

[Tal]

..i dont mind the brushed aluminum but not chrome...the brushed aluminum is more subtle than chrome...just my personal choice.

 

[HarryBo]

..i dont mind the brushed aluminum but not chrome...the brushed aluminum is more subtle than chrome...just my personal choice.

Yesssss!!! Brushed wayyy better.

 

[Guffer]

Depressingly, most of the chat here is about the looks. What I want to know is the difference in performance. Is there a noticeable difference in the acceleration/handling? That’s the only reason I would trade up.

 

[20R3GT]

Fully agree Jagster. Typically flat black can present as lackluster and someways cheap. I initially signed a deal on a non Storm, but when it arrived at dealer and I saw it in person, much more appealing. Now witnessing how flat black exhaust reacts to regular use, it is particular where stains must be attended to rather promptly. I've been using a spray detailer between and after washing that helps to clear stains and provides a subtle satin like finish elevating the overall look. Satin flat looks way better than dull flat black.
Here's a screenshot of a video with a R Storm clean and with chrome tips.

I think 3 same stainless heat shield over the 3 runners make it awesome looking and brake down a lot off black !!

 

[Jagster]

Depressingly, most of the chat here is about the looks. What I want to know is the difference in performance. Is there a noticeable difference in the acceleration/handling? That’s the only reason I would trade up.

The differences performance & handling-wise are unlikely to be very significant, so the only way of getting a handle on any nuance of improvement you would have to try one for yourself in order to spot anything that works better for you and your 'style' of riding.
The lighter wheels got my attention when I first read the launch blurb, because my view is that the suspension is the weakest link in the R3's chain and so perhaps a lighter rim will help the suspension work better. It's not a sports bike, so quickening up the steering with a lighter set off wheels isn't a big deal, but a nicer ride over the lumps & bumps would IMHO transform the quality of the ride over all.

 

[Dr.D]

I looked into carbon fiber wheels but it would have been a custom build and therefore cost prohibitive.