My Unexpurgated Amatuer Review of the 2020 GT

GPMAZ said:

I'd be willing to bet that Triumph didn't admit to the development of the R3T when the original model came out. I'd also be willing to bet there will be a Touring version of the new model. Why would Triumph not want leverage the new platform if there's a market for Touring motorcycles. They were pretty successful with the R3T but you can't expect them to discourage any potential buyers of the new models by having them wait for the Touring.

My guess is 3 or 4 years out. Maybe less.

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CamaroCarl said:

I understand you guys love your touring rockets and I think they are beautiful bikes. And I hope triumph does build a touring version of the new rocket. I'm sure they will make changes every few years. But I'm not sure there really is a market for them. I think times are changing and motorcycling is going in a different direction. I think the days of the big goldwings and Harley Electraglides are numbered. I'm sure they will research and see if there is a demand for a tourer, but I think sales of those bikes are declining. I use to dream of owning one of those big touring bikes and traveling the country, now I think I would be happy with the new gt. Couple small bags, weekend trips, all I need.

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Jvheli said:

Appreciate the feedback and review. Also, I never really liked “experts”, which is a contraction of ex and spurt! Used to be, a little bit!

All anyone can offer is their own unique perspective! Which you did! Love to hear more once you’ve had more time on it!

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Boog said:

@Azisbest thanks for that review. Triumph answered my letter asking them about when the next actual R3T would be out and they said no plans at present and recommended I try the R3GT or Bonneville America. That kind of ticked me off sounding like the person answering the mail did not know what an R3T is by that response. But I digress...

I too think the sixth gear and cruise control are a bonus and want those add-ons. But the other electronics do not yet move me. I admit that Brahma is the first ABS bike out of 27 others I have ridden and now am sold on it, so maybe I can be persuaded later.

The negatives you mention are significant for me though: no floorboards, uncomfortable seat (yes I get your idea of being new and different) and no windscreen. These things are quite important to me when I do the long rides. Also, my ride has to be able to carry everything I need for a two-up, three day weekend. On first look, the R3GT misses that capability.

With that said, what are your thoughts on the panniers? They appear to be significantly smaller than

the R3T's. When I travel alone, I camp out and Brahma looks like the pictures below; I am not sure the R3GT is going to work for me. What do you think?


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Azisbest said:

Well I am in no way an expert and I will admit the following information is anecdotal in that I have only ridden a grand total of two Rockets. The first is my 2015 R3T, the second is my recently purchased 2020 GT. But this is as fair of a comparison as is possible from an admitted non expert. I must make clear I absolutely loved my 2015 to which I added Carpenter exhaust, Commander 5 controller and many other non performance enhancing mods. I put 43,000 miles on it.

Performance: No comparison, the GT would absolutely walk away and leave the Touring. Keep in mind I rode the Touring hard, not to brag but I had never been passed in the tight twisties by any other cruiser and have in fact passed many sport bikes in those twisties. But any decent rider on the GT would have left me jaw dropped and humbled. It is that quick and powerful and maneuverable. Along with a buttery smooth transmission the package is awesome. Thats not even including the cornering ABS which is unobtrusive and very user friendly allowing a more aggressive riding style for those who are not quite so normally adventurous.

The sixth gear and cruise control on the GT make freeway riding much more enjoyable in comparison to the Touring. Add to that, due to the lower overall weight, working your way around the suburban shopping mall parking lot with the motor off is so much easier with the GT. It seems 300 lbs lighter in that situation rather than the 88 lbs Triumph claims.

The things I prefer on the Touring are the one, the windshield, the GT does not have one. Well it does have a patch of plastic the could almost fit in your pocket but it hardly provides the protection and comfort of the Touring windshield. Also the seat on the Touring is more comfortable but I must admit any new seat would probably feel awkward compared to what I was used to. Additionally I am one that prefers floorboards over pegs.

One, probably weird side note, I somehow love the sheer mass of the Touring provided compared to the slimmed down version the GT offers. But the increased maneuverability that compactness provides is for sure a plus.

I was ambivalent in the least, and actually fearful about selling the Touring and getting the GT, but a few hundred miles later I am in love with this new product of British engineering. Fit, finish, and aesthetics are also off the charts, everyone is in awe of the machine, well done Triumph.

Anyway my opinions only, but do yourself a favor and ride one of the 2020 rockets. They are a hoot.

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Azisbest said:

Well I am in no way an expert and I will admit the following information is anecdotal in that I have only ridden a grand total of two Rockets. The first is my 2015 R3T, the second is my recently purchased 2020 GT. But this is as fair of a comparison as is possible from an admitted non expert. I must make clear I absolutely loved my 2015 to which I added Carpenter exhaust, Commander 5 controller and many other non performance enhancing mods. I put 43,000 miles on it.

Performance: No comparison, the GT would absolutely walk away and leave the Touring. Keep in mind I rode the Touring hard, not to brag but I had never been passed in the tight twisties by any other cruiser and have in fact passed many sport bikes in those twisties. But any decent rider on the GT would have left me jaw dropped and humbled. It is that quick and powerful and maneuverable. Along with a buttery smooth transmission the package is awesome. Thats not even including the cornering ABS which is unobtrusive and very user friendly allowing a more aggressive riding style for those who are not quite so normally adventurous.

The sixth gear and cruise control on the GT make freeway riding much more enjoyable in comparison to the Touring. Add to that, due to the lower overall weight, working your way around the suburban shopping mall parking lot with the motor off is so much easier with the GT. It seems 300 lbs lighter in that situation rather than the 88 lbs Triumph claims.

The things I prefer on the Touring are the one, the windshield, the GT does not have one. Well it does have a patch of plastic the could almost fit in your pocket but it hardly provides the protection and comfort of the Touring windshield. Also the seat on the Touring is more comfortable but I must admit any new seat would probably feel awkward compared to what I was used to. Additionally I am one that prefers floorboards over pegs.

One, probably weird side note, I somehow love the sheer mass of the Touring provided compared to the slimmed down version the GT offers. But the increased maneuverability that compactness provides is for sure a plus.

I was ambivalent in the least, and actually fearful about selling the Touring and getting the GT, but a few hundred miles later I am in love with this new product of British engineering. Fit, finish, and aesthetics are also off the charts, everyone is in awe of the machine, well done Triumph.

Anyway my opinions only, but do yourself a favor and ride one of the 2020 rockets. They are a hoot.

Click to expand...