New...and tryin' to figure it out.

[Steel]

Wow...you guys are not only really welcoming, but shared some great info. I figured I would post and get maybe one response. I get up to two pages of great stuff. Looks like the consensus of those that posted was to go with R3T (I have learned a new acronym). Looking forward to hearing from a few more R3R (correct?) owners that have converted their bikes to touring.

I chose my R3R over the R3T for one basic reason, looks. I've never cared for big fenders. As for the motor and transmission, they are the same. The difference is the ECU, which can be tuned for the same power.

I haven't converted to a full touring bike, but I do have a quick release backrest with luggage rack, and ghost brackets to make my saddlebags quick release also. I haven't gone with a real windshield yet, but you could get a quick release for that too. She has been loaded up and gone on a couple of 2000+ mile trips, and a few <1000 mile camping trips, with tent and air mattress strapped on too.

Like the add says "Go your own way."

 

[cusso ken]

If you look at the maintenance schedule it is pretty spread out at 10k miles intervals. The only big one other than what you have mentioned is the valve clearance check at 20k miles. Some say Triumph has up it to 30k miles with a price tag of $300 to $400. By the way..Welcome!

Had my valve clearances checked at 40000K (first Time)after becoming worried about them all within specs but made me feel more relaxed , 80000next for me if still running well!

 

[Mike188]

Welcome, and enjoy which ever model you get

 

[cardinal93]

Welcome from Mississippi! Just to clarify for you from the original post: understand both of these bikes have the exact same engine! The tune is different, but the engines are exactly the same!
If my intention was primarily two up riding, no question the touring. Personally, I have a solo saddle on my classic so that tells you my preference; but our situations are different. If the thing holding you back from the touring is power, don't let it! Even restricted the rocket rocks. But as said a $20 cable and new tune alone can fix that. The tor's and filter go a little farther. You can lean the bike, scrape the boards, slam your wife into her backrest, and still have stock windscreens and clothes transporters! Just on a scrawny rear tire

 

[Bedifferent]

Go with the Touring.....the backrest is quick detachable, buy the Triumph "long haul seat", remove the passenger pad and your bike will look pretty solo then. You'll have the hard bags (which trust me..you will want), the option for two up riding, and kind of a stripped down version you can ride around on as well. Plenty of power with the option for more if you really think you need it.

 

[Lostride]

The touring Rocket has less power and a narrower rear tyre for a reason. I ride a 2006 classic tourer (not touring). I must say that in a straight line my bike is a whole lot of fun and it goes without saying that there isn't much out there that will intimidate me in a straight line (especially Harleys.. haha, they try to power away and you just run with them, then when you know they've run out of puff a quick twist if the throttle and you're gone). On the highway it is an extremely comfortable and capable tourer, easily eating up the miles.

Where it gets tricky, for me anyway, is going into the twisties. It is then that I sometimes wish for less power and a narrower back tyre.. yeah I know, I am the only guy on this forum to actually say I sometimes want less power and a smaller tyre!! But the Touring was developed that way for a reason; It is easier to handle and the throttle is more manageable in that application. Going against what most have advised here about boosting power, I would like to be able to "de-tune" my bike in certain situations just to make it more flexible to ride (like the multistrada duke). I think Triumph would have done better to do this with the Touring Rocket, adjustable mapping including a full power mode (to match the roadster) for those long straightaways and big hills.

I wouldn't trade the bike I have, not just yet anyway, but there is a good reason why there are now 2 Rockets to choose from. My bike is just not as capable as either a Roadster or a Touring, but I love the challenge of riding it and when people see my smaller (175lb, 5-10) than the average 200+lb size, they often comment and wonder how I manage it (I sometimes wonder myself! ).

Good luck with whatever you choose, I am sure you will come to the right decision

 

[Rocket4me]

The touring Rocket has less power and a narrower rear tyre for a reason. I ride a 2006 classic tourer (not touring). I must say that in a straight line my bike is a whole lot of fun and it goes without saying that there isn't much out there that will intimidate me in a straight line (especially Harleys.. haha, they try to power away and you just run with them, then when you know they've run out of puff a quick twist if the throttle and you're gone). On the highway it is an extremely comfortable and capable tourer, easily eating up the miles.

Where it gets tricky, for me anyway, is going into the twisties. It is then that I sometimes wish for less power and a narrower back tyre.. yeah I know, I am the only guy on this forum to actually say I sometimes want less power and a smaller tyre!! But the Touring was developed that way for a reason; It is easier to handle and the throttle is more manageable in that application. Going against what most have advised here about boosting power, I would like to be able to "de-tune" my bike in certain situations just to make it more flexible to ride (like the multistrada duke). I think Triumph would have done better to do this with the Touring Rocket, adjustable mapping including a full power mode (to match the roadster) for those long straightaways and big hills.

I wouldn't trade the bike I have, not just yet anyway, but there is a good reason why there are now 2 Rockets to choose from. My bike is just not as capable as either a Roadster or a Touring, but I love the challenge of riding it and when people see my smaller (175lb, 5-10) than the average 200+lb size, they often comment and wonder how I manage it (I sometimes wonder myself! ).

Good luck with whatever you choose, I am sure you will come to the right decision

Thanks for the info on the "why" of the de-tune. Makes sense. I agree on the idea of Triumph producing a Multistrada type multiple mapping scenario with the Rocket. Thanks for the post.

 

[Rocket4me]

Go with the Touring.....the backrest is quick detachable, buy the Triumph "long haul seat", remove the passenger pad and your bike will look pretty solo then. You'll have the hard bags (which trust me..you will want), the option for two up riding, and kind of a stripped down version you can ride around on as well. Plenty of power with the option for more if you really think you need it.

Great idea on the single seat. I like options. I like the look of a "bagger" with single seat, no windshield and hard bags. Thanks for the post.

 

[Lifelong Biker]

Welcome and my 2 cents, I have a Roadster and an elctra glide, me and my girl are both on the bigger side, and we both enjoy the roadster more! Depends if you tour alot, but for day trips we like the Roadster !

 

[Chris Kelley]

I've a R3R myself. Given your two up situation and the riding you plan on doing, go with the R3T. Straight up stock it will fulfill everything you want it to, then when you get the time you can retune and mod. The Roadster, while capable of two up riding, isn't as comfortable for the passenger when it's coming straight off the floor. Going with the R3T now will give you riding time and the familiarity with the bike so you can make informed decisions about mods you need/want.