Looking at the R3

[HansO]

wish we had sombody like carpenters racing in austraila offering kits like that i would have it done in a flash. not that they dont go well stock but its just good to go better u know what mean

We Have Nevile Lush in SA

 

[TRIIICK]

Being a Harley owner know matter how much you put into the engine it will never beat the Rocket 3 for torque. I first got a taste of the Rocket in 2004 and feel in love with it on the first ride. Luckily it wasn't real popular at the time and i was able to get an 05 with 800 miles on it for $9000.00. The previous owner had a heart attack and couldn't ride anymore. When i called on it and left my phone number ,he called back and told me he wanted $14K. I told him thanks for calling me back but i only had $9K to spend on a used bike. Thinking i'd never get that Rocket, two months went buy and he called me and said come get it. I can't tell how much enjoyment i've gotten out of this bike. The only issue i have had riding two up is the seat, it isn't the most comfortable. There are some great alternative seats out there but they're pricey..

 

[Molinoman]

TRIIICK, obviously you are right that the R3 will blow by the Harley despite any modification that may be made on it. To be fair he brought up a valid point though and that is with 2300 cc's...the Rocket has a little over 600 cc's advantage over the 103 engine (approx 1683 cc's) and he would expect that it would/should make more power over his engine. The numbers for it that he gave were pretty impressive for that engine however the only problem with those numbers that in order for him to "use" that HP and Torque he stands a good chance of putting excessive wear & tear on that engine because of the air cooling aspect of it. The oil temp alone is going to be pretty high compared to what our water cooled engines perform in. And we have to remember more often than not we are not reaching the power capabilities of our engine "most" of the time...it is just nice to know it is there.

And he did admit that he is looking for "more power" and that he is eyeing the Rocket to achieve that while maintaining a cruiser like look on the bike. Obviously he could get a high powered ****** rocket and solve all that (and even exceed the Rocket's capabilities) but for touring with his passenger...she would not be too happy I would imagine.

Just like we chose the Rocket initially because of all the power already present stock, it doesn't keep some of us from tweaking it to get even more power out of it and then our "additional" costs to do that start ressembling the amounts of money the average HD rider is willing to put into his bike to make it go even faster....sound familiar....just like us.

I commend him that he is willing to break out of the typical Harley rider mode because the "average" HD rider is pretty brainwashed and can't. Since we have a lot of former HD riders among our group it can be done and some even still ride both bikes (a lot of Gold Wingers still own their Harley's for a change of pace in the type of riding as well).

Hopefully he'll look into it and join up with us and we'll hear from him soon. Also remember Triumph dealers aren't exactly everywhere like Harley dealerships so he may be having fun trying to locate one near him.

I just re-read his post and he is in/near San Antonio so he may be near a dealer but he is looking to buy used so that may be what is occupying his time for now.

Dennis

 

[djljr]

Guys,
Haven't scard me off; just busy with travel and an interior upgrade project at home. Plus, I have been reading and cogitating all the information that has been posted on this site and the "other" Triumph Rat Motorcyle forum.

First, I appreciate all the input; I am collecting, reading and re-reading to cross the first decision point; new or used. Fortunately, I am not in a hurry as there are no new R3s in either of the dealers in my area. One small dealer in SA and they aren't expecting another R3 until July; one, a Touring model. The other dealer is in Austin and as of a month ago, no R3s but I have not inquired when they are expecting or what.

I am about 80% decided on buying used, which then begs the question, what model and what year. I am currently thinking 2009 Classic but expect it will take a while to find one. The decision is not weighted by cost; I own two Harleys! I am thinking a used model will have some upgrades and accessories that will save me the time and cost to do them myself. Most of the used models I have seen have relatievely low mileage, so that shouldn't be a problem.

I think all motorcycles should be black and I don't find the two tone paint on the new Touring models very attractive, nor do I like the saddle bag rails and guards. I am not a "chrome whore" like a lot of Harley riders are. I bought and built the bikes to ride and they will go a full season without washing; just a superficial cleaning to remove bug guts and road scum from riding in the rain.

Anyway, just wanted to let those that have responded that I appreciate the input. Buying a third motorcycle and changing brands is a process, for me anyway. So, be patient; I am working on it.

BTW, what is the oil temp on the R3, say in 100* ambient temps? My 95" (1550cc) runs about 220* and the 107" (1750cc) runs about 230*-240*. I run synthetic but change about every 2500-3000 miles to address the issue Molinoman made reference to and because I ride the bikes pretty hard.

 

[TriumPhil]

2009 Triumph Rocket 3 Classic, Scottsdale AZ - 102097892 - Cycletrader.com

Note: The bike listed in the ad above is mistakenly listed as a Classic, as the Classic was only available in a 2 different two-tone paint schemes. It does have a nice Jardine exhaust, though

 

[Molinoman]

I agree, it looks like a Rocket Standard model with the long haul touring seat on it.

...or it is a Classic and someone painted it black (doing away with the two tone look) and removed the heel to toe shifter and the floorboards.

IMHO the price is pretty "optimistic" with 35,000 miles on it, well ridden (hopefully) but I think the price is a little high...then again....supply and demand....who knows?

Dennis