My First Triumph

[bobmielke]

Hello all. This is my first real post on this forum. I'm in the middle of a deal with Cascade Motors of Beaverton, OR for a new 2008 Rocket III Tourer. I'm trading my BMW R1200RT for the new Rocket and hope to close the deal soon, possible as early as tomorrow.

I've heard all sorts of stuff from a lot of sources about the R3, some great, some not so great. I've experienced the same thing when I owned a 2001 K1200LTC. I rode that BMW for 4 years and 68,000 miles. All I kept hearing was about rear drive failures. Mine ran fine the whole time I had it. It's for that reason I'm taking the reported transmission issues with a grain of salt.

I'm sure you folks are as passionate about your Rockets as I've been these past 23 years on BMWs. I'd appreciate any insights into the brand. The dealership I'm negotiating with has a wonderful reputation. It's for that reason I'm dealing with them.

 

[Pig9r]

Congrats for trying something different. My local Triumph dealer also sells BMWs. You are correct each make has their respective "character" about them. How many it affects is unknown. You always have to figure in the internet multiplier. Anyway according to my dealer Triumph is better at taking care of known issues when out of warranty than BMW is. From the way it sounds that BMW is likely to prorate such work, leaving either the dealer or customer to pick up the rest. And the dealer's ability to treat the customer right and have a knowledgable staff that can take care of you has more of an influence on your buying and ownership experience than anything else.

 

[Baggage1]

It's kind of interesting to me anyway that the more time we have, correlates to performance, excluding certain captains who already figured that out. But for the most part it's the mature riders who have discerned what is important. the harder it is to hang on wins hands down. Welcome from one who has looked seriously at Beemers and still do, looking back that is.

 

[snuffcityrider]

Welcome to the forum, I like Beemers also...like the LT 1. I think that's what they call that motor home on two wheels

 

[HeR3tic]

• It's kind of interesting to me anyway that the more time we have, correlates to performance, excluding certain captains who already figured that out. But for the most part it's the mature riders who have discerned what is important. the harder it is to hang on wins hands down...

  Immediately brought sheep to mind Absolutely! Torque is where it's at, long before HP max takes over. Combined the FBG/beast demands a tight grip.

Welcome Bob to the site.

 

[TxRIIIRider]

Welcome Bob.. My standard Rocket is great on the long distance rides.. I'm terrible about taking pictures on long trips... I even forgot to bring my camera for Rockets Across America III !!!! (Thanks to all who took pics for me!.. lol) But it's always enjoyable seeing pictures from trips and sharing the experience..
Welcome aboard!

 

[Alister]

First Triumph? Boy, you picked a whopper!

I've got two of 'em now; my Rocket III Classic Tourer and a Bonnie T100. Both are great bikes in their own regard.

With the big Rock, you'll not find another big cruiser that packs as big a whallop, especially if you do the 'normal' tweaks of exhaust, cat box removal, and air filters. To top that off, it doesn't corner, stop, or otherwise act like a big cruiser, once you're rolling (though you will notice it takes a fair bit of steering effort at speed to get 'er over on the pegs/floorboards).

Certainly can't beat the bang-for-buck! For as powerful as it is, it sure doesn't cost what it should!

 

[bobmielke]

Welcome to the forum, I like Beemers also...like the LT 1. I think that's what they call that motor home on two wheels

K1200LT = LT = Light Truck

 

[bobmielke]

Welcome Bob.. My standard Rocket is great on the long distance rides.. I'm terrible about taking pictures on long trips... I even forgot to bring my camera for Rockets Across America III !!!! (Thanks to all who took pics for me!.. lol) But it's always enjoyable seeing pictures from trips and sharing the experience..
Welcome aboard!

Not to worry, I love to take pictures & never leave home without a camera. Examples below.

Mt. Hood this October.



Columbia River Gorge seen from Highway 14 in Washington



Crater Lake National Park

 

[HeR3tic]

Breathtaking! Simply awesome views! Is the crater filled solely by snow melt?