Official photo

[sonny]

First up, Triumph hasn’t just changed the bike for the sake of it or to make it look different. Significant changes had to be made to get it compliant. That’s why the the Bonnevilles went liquid cooled and boosted to 1200cc. The Rocket isn’t immune from the need to change and Triumph should be applauded for updating it after near 15 years. Long overdue I’d say.

And seeing as you’ve asked, yes, I do have a few bikes. Not trying to “talk my way around” anything but in a little over 12 months I’ve put a whisker under 30,000km on my Tiger, 15,000km on my Thruxton, 7,000km on my Scrambler and have helped my wife put about 5,000km on her Street Triple. Disregarding the Street Triple that’s 52,000km in let’s say 13 months. That’s 32,000 miles or 2,500 miles a month. I could try and recall what I did on other bikes in that time or what I covered previously on other bikes I’ve iwned but can’t be bothered.

How long have you had your X? About 40 months isn’t it? 50,000 miles averaging about 1,250 miles a month.

So what’s your point?

Lets try years of riding and average it out. You still get respect.

 

[Kojack1970]

I see another Harley in my future. Sorry guys but there really still is Something About a Harley. I've had three and miss them, the Shovel most of all. Another that I kick myself for selling. Sale included a king tour pack and a batwing fairing. El Stupido.

I've had my 2000 Fatboy for what will be 19 years in May and I doubt I'll ever sell it, but who knows. Mainly for sentimental reasons and frankly I'm not going to get much out of a 19 year old bike, especially with a used bike market totally flooded with Harley's. The one bike shop about 30 mins is one of those super dealers and has a football field sized used bike warehouse, where 90% of them are Harley's. That said, when I do ride the Fatboy I don't enjoy it as much as I used to. It's so d a m n anemic compared to the Rocket and handles like a school bus with a flat tire, which was the main reason I was exploring other bikes. Sure, it looks good, paint is still nice, along with the chromey crap, but that's it. It's good for those slow group charity rides with the wife. I've ridden and owned numerous bikes over the years, dirt, street, cruiser and sport and I have to say that the Rocket is hands down my favorite. For me its that perfect blend of power, comfort and handling in a power sport cruiser that is like nothing else on the market. I also get to piss off all my Harley friends! My friend with his CVO $$$ street glide doesn't even toy with me anymore to race at lights, but I just don't understand why not

 

[CanberraR3]

Lets try years of riding and average it out. You still get respect.

OK. I’ll be 62 on Saturday. Started on dirt bikes when I was 12. From the time I was 18 I haven’t been without a motorbike. I’m certainly not going to invent mileage but for a period of almost 25 years when I owned a small farm out of town I was travelling over 60,000km per year, some years all of it on motorbikes and sometimes not much at all - maybe only 100-200kms per week. I always had quad bikes and even a trike on the farm. At the other extreme, for a couple of years I was riding my Rocket about 3km each day to work. These days I make a point of riding at least 2 of my bikes every single day, rain or shine.

 

[CanberraR3]

By the way @sonny , I hope you don’t think I’m that young “person” in the picture to the left - any more than I think you look like your avatar. Haha.

These are me within the last year or so, aging gracefully. The Explorer belongs to TC and the pic was taken when I went to test ride it for him. The 800 is mine up in the hills not far from here.

The third is me riding to the inaugural RDU at Hervey Bay in 2012 I think, taken from the back of TC’s Rocket as it happens.

TC = TOMCAT

 

[Tal]

Good photos there son....and you dont look like a grumpy bugger at all!!..in fact the opposite!!

 

[barbagris]

Get real truimph your not selling to that crowd.

I think MAYBE you're missing the point.

They are already selling (have sold) to folk like us - but there is a MASSIVE untapped crowd that John Bloor (and sons) wants a part of. Ever since my mate moved his workshop into Madrid and I have to ride where the masses ride - I have become more aware how atypical my bikes are. OK this wasn't really a surprise but .........................

From the foreign and local bikes I see here - two up and laden for touring : People use BMW-GS adventure bikes for touring. See a couple of Wings a year and the odd big sports tourer. Cruisers? yes but reducing and generally only on Sundays. Basically what there are are generally older bikes.

Get closer to cities and more and more it's stuff like Scramblers or scooters. Seen the odd Diavel too. Lot's of Monsters and their ilk.

And here's the thing. A whole load of the guys I see buying bikes now (confirmed by my mate) are basically mechanically inept - but with good jobs and financially sound. Most won't even change oil. Pandering to that market also keeps their dealers happy. Most also seem to be far more prepared to sacrifice grunt for ecology - and limit modifications to cosmetics.

My mate always says that whilst I am possibly one of the most understanding customers he has had mechanically speaking, in terms of revenue, I am close to one of the worst.
Because I will do most things myself.

Also - I think we get a bit tunnel visioned on here as being an English speaking forum we lose other inputs. I read yesterday that the combined EU market is twice the size of the USA. And that the EU market is growing (albeit very very slowly) whereas the US is not.

In conclusion - I DO NOT LIKE THE NEW R3. But - this is probably no surprise to Triumph and frankly not really of concern to them. I suspect there is not a huge crowd of "sonny" either. Probably pretty much one of him.

 

[Journeyman]

Bigger photo

IF money was not an issue, then...... "YES!" while keeping my '11 Roadster with bags and windshield for extended trips.
According to Cycle World "The concept bike reportedly carries itself through turns with more poise and far less scraping metal than the stock Rocket III."
ECU is no doubt locked.
I wouldn't buy if for people outside the bar to admire. The question is would you ride it if no one were looking? Hell, yeah!

 

[hoopla]

I still want to see one with a full arse, a pillion seat my gal can get on comfy, a general use bike, not a bar burner. I do commend Triumph for their design of this bike, not so practical though. Can't wait to see Roadster II. Bet it is just a nice a above, but with traditional looks. Is it May that we may get for info?

 

[Chip]

I think MAYBE you're missing the point.

They are already selling (have sold) to folk like us - but there is a MASSIVE untapped crowd that John Bloor (and sons) wants a part of. Ever since my mate moved his workshop into Madrid and I have to ride where the masses ride - I have become more aware how atypical my bikes are. OK this wasn't really a surprise but .........................

From the foreign and local bikes I see here - two up and laden for touring : People use BMW-GS adventure bikes for touring. See a couple of Wings a year and the odd big sports tourer. Cruisers? yes but reducing and generally only on Sundays. Basically what there are are generally older bikes.

Get closer to cities and more and more it's stuff like Scramblers or scooters. Seen the odd Diavel too. Lot's of Monsters and their ilk.

And here's the thing. A whole load of the guys I see buying bikes now (confirmed by my mate) are basically mechanically inept - but with good jobs and financially sound. Most won't even change oil. Pandering to that market also keeps their dealers happy. Most also seem to be far more prepared to sacrifice grunt for ecology - and limit modifications to cosmetics.

My mate always says that whilst I am possibly one of the most understanding customers he has had mechanically speaking, in terms of revenue, I am close to one of the worst.
Because I will do most things myself.

Also - I think we get a bit tunnel visioned on here as being an English speaking forum we lose other inputs. I read yesterday that the combined EU market is twice the size of the USA. And that the EU market is growing (albeit very very slowly) whereas the US is not.

In conclusion - I DO NOT LIKE THE NEW R3. But - this is probably no surprise to Triumph and frankly not really of concern to them. I suspect there is not a huge crowd of "sonny" either. Probably pretty much one of him.

"
What I enjoy the most of our little group is the diversity we have. I forget that everyone isn't from the West. Europe is where our Rockets are from. Not Canada or the U.S.A. That's why the Rocket is so rare in my area. Just no extensive marketing. That said, the Rocket serves a large varied audience. I've really modified my bike to be a Harley Touring on steroids. This was and is my choice. My best friend, another 60+ white male, has a Roadster. Beefed up engine and leaves me two lengths back every time we play. Long rides, I'm in charge and he has to follow. Big differences in ideas what a "Rocket 3" is. Just remember, different opinions doesn't mean right vs. wrong.

 

[atlsrt44]

Are we sure they are going to make a new one and this isnt just a limited run of a modified rocket?