From what I've learned so far about the R3 I think its a bit of a mixed bag. For the most part I think the R3 is overbuilt. That would be based on examples you quote like Walt who are getting big horsepower from the bike with minimal problems.
I do think there may be a couple of weak links like the clutch, TPS etc. I also think Triumph has a bit of a problem with quality control, especially when it comes to assembly. It seems that some get a bike that's bullet proof and some get a lemon. That's certainly not a problem unique to Triumph.
I think another issue is operator driven. My friend and I race a Dodge Viper Competition Coupe. Its another seriously overbuilt piece of equipment. We've gotten excellent performance from our complete drivetrain over 5 years of racing. Of course we've replaced engines, transmissions etc, but at very reasonable rates. We have another friend with the same car. He routinely destroys rear ends, transmissions, and other assorted parts. The main difference is the guy absoluely abuses his equipment. Using the rev limiter as a shift point, the ABS in every turn, and makes pit lane burn outs a real show.
I guess that's a long winded way of saying that adding power doesn't necessarily guarantee an increased failure rate. It all depends on how you use/misuse the power. I suspect a stock R3 in the hands of a ham fisted rider will fail prematurely. That's not to say that Triumph doesn't need to address a few issues. It does appear that they have implemented year on year changes as indicated by their recent upgrade kit.
I've made modifications to my R3T for a couple of reasons. For one, its a Triumph Rocket 3 and it should be embarassed to roll out with only 90 RWHP. Mine now makes around 135 RWHP and no longer has to blush around friends. The other reason is simply that's what I do. I've modified every bike and car I've owned. All my BMW's have been tweaked to perform better. Hell, my beater Chevy truck has long tube headers, full exhaust and intake upgrades and a modified computer.
****, that morning coffee really seems to have kicked in. Sorry for the long winded rant.....
I do think there may be a couple of weak links like the clutch, TPS etc. I also think Triumph has a bit of a problem with quality control, especially when it comes to assembly. It seems that some get a bike that's bullet proof and some get a lemon. That's certainly not a problem unique to Triumph.
I think another issue is operator driven. My friend and I race a Dodge Viper Competition Coupe. Its another seriously overbuilt piece of equipment. We've gotten excellent performance from our complete drivetrain over 5 years of racing. Of course we've replaced engines, transmissions etc, but at very reasonable rates. We have another friend with the same car. He routinely destroys rear ends, transmissions, and other assorted parts. The main difference is the guy absoluely abuses his equipment. Using the rev limiter as a shift point, the ABS in every turn, and makes pit lane burn outs a real show.
I guess that's a long winded way of saying that adding power doesn't necessarily guarantee an increased failure rate. It all depends on how you use/misuse the power. I suspect a stock R3 in the hands of a ham fisted rider will fail prematurely. That's not to say that Triumph doesn't need to address a few issues. It does appear that they have implemented year on year changes as indicated by their recent upgrade kit.
I've made modifications to my R3T for a couple of reasons. For one, its a Triumph Rocket 3 and it should be embarassed to roll out with only 90 RWHP. Mine now makes around 135 RWHP and no longer has to blush around friends. The other reason is simply that's what I do. I've modified every bike and car I've owned. All my BMW's have been tweaked to perform better. Hell, my beater Chevy truck has long tube headers, full exhaust and intake upgrades and a modified computer.
****, that morning coffee really seems to have kicked in. Sorry for the long winded rant.....
