R3 R Storm Touring Experience Report

HarryBo · Jul 24, 2024

Just completed a brief solo 2,000 km tour on my '25 R3 R Storm with Powerbronze windscreen, hand guards, and OEM Saddlebags.
- windscreen helps significantly, though wind and bugs on helmet.
- handguards great in cold, and high speeds, not in heat.
- don't notice saddlebags while riding, including higher speeds, clean easily, road grime and bugs.
- unzipped liners work great as removable bags into hotels - one bag stays on bike with rain gear, tools, cleaning supplies - other for clothes and toiletries (travel light, and yes could have been a little bigger), can bulge out on sides if too overstuffed, ok but not great for the money.
- Small tail bag on rear seat would help.
- bike travels very well, not a bug magnet, washes easily, loves curves, straight roads, and eating miles (passes like a bullet train).
- gets quite hot on 30 degree C plus days, though ok while rolling, where good ventilated helmet jacket, and gloves help.
- cruise control works well.
- wish gas tank was one gallon larger, but manageable.
- not a fan of the R seat, too pushed forward and sharp edges, getting GT seat asap (with OEM pullback bars I have and will be installing).
- stick on blindspot mirrors really help to keep eye on surrounding traffic in town and on highway
- didn't rain during trip, so no feedback there.
- gets a lot of attention, especially at gas/refreshment stops.

Conclusion: A bit of work, on sporty vs touring side, but can work for those willing to give a bit of comfort for rugged but capable trips. For this 62 yr old, it's good for 6 hrs or so a day, not 8 hrs plus, and cold to warm riding, but not hot over 30 degrees C plus (unless frequent cool down stops for rider).

Einar · Jul 25, 2024

Be aware that if you get Triumph's sports tail bag, it juts out over the GT seat and makes it overall less comfortable than just using the R seat. I bought an R seat specifically for those days where I use the tail bag. (Obviously, this wouldn't necessarily apply to other tail bags.)

Jagster · Jul 25, 2024

Interesting report.
The GT seat is by far the most comfortable. Personally, I think it's worth the swap out from an R seat.

HarryBo · Jul 25, 2024

Einar said:
Be aware that if you get Triumph's sports tail bag, it juts out over the GT seat and makes it overall less comfortable than just using the R seat. I bought an R seat specifically for those days where I use the tail bag. (Obviously, this wouldn't necessarily apply to other tail bags.)

Einar, Great feedback! Thanks!

HarryBo · Jul 25, 2024

Jagster said:
Interesting report.
The GT seat is by far the most comfortable. Personally, I think it's worth the swap out from an R seat.

Good to get feedback! Thanks!

Ezayakyala · Jul 31, 2024

@HarryBo what is that little bag on the passenger seat? need something like this. Great looking bike sir!

HarryBo · Jul 31, 2024

It's a leftover mini bag that attached to a larger tail bag I used to have. Not even sure which bag, sorry. However on Amazon, when searching tail bags, there are a few that appear interesting, like this one...
KEMIMOTO Motorcycle Front Frame Bag Waterproof Storage Bag Amazon.com

HarryBo · Jul 31, 2024

MOSISO Motorcycle Tail Bag Multifunctional Waterproof Polyester Storage Saddle Bag, 10L Outdoor Sports Motorbike Rear Seat Light Tank Bag Tool Carry Bag with Shoulder Strap, Black https://a.co/d/cEak6St

I like this one as it comes in different sizes. Though straps need to be tucked in.

Bedifferent · Nov 3, 2024

Einar said:
Be aware that if you get Triumph's sports tail bag, it juts out over the GT seat and makes it overall less comfortable than just using the R seat. I bought an R seat specifically for those days where I use the tail bag. (Obviously, this wouldn't necessarily apply to other tail bags.)

I might have to do a post on this topic, but this was my solution to a proper fitting tail bag. I bought a Nelson Riggs Sport tail bag and used a hard black cutting board from Wal-Mart to create a rigid platform for the bag. I made a slightly undersized template of the bag and a template of the small luggage rack on the bag template. I used 2 pieces of aluminum to make the mounting bracket and used 4 nylon bushing on the one bracket to trap the bracket on the inside the corners of the luggage rack (as shown with the arrows). This trapped the board and mount in position. I cut slots the board for the straps and put a front stop board on the mounting board to keep the bag from moving forward into the backrest. Easy to remove and solid. I also left the second piece of aluminum longer for support and added some D-Rings for hooking elastic ties. I might buy the slightly larger Commuter size bag which is only about 1 inch bigger and expands taller, but it should still fit just fine. if not, I have another board I can make bigger if I need. I think you can get the idea from some of the pictures.

Bedifferent · Nov 17, 2024

HarryBo said:
Just completed a brief solo 2,000 km tour on my '25 R3 R Storm with Powerbronze windscreen, hand guards, and OEM Saddlebags.
- windscreen helps significantly, though wind and bugs on helmet.
- handguards great in cold, and high speeds, not in heat.
- don't notice saddlebags while riding, including higher speeds, clean easily, road grime and bugs.
- unzipped liners work great as removable bags into hotels - one bag stays on bike with rain gear, tools, cleaning supplies - other for clothes and toiletries (travel light, and yes could have been a little bigger), can bulge out on sides if too overstuffed, ok but not great for the money.
- Small tail bag on rear seat would help.
- bike travels very well, not a bug magnet, washes easily, loves curves, straight roads, and eating miles (passes like a bullet train).
- gets quite hot on 30 degree C plus days, though ok while rolling, where good ventilated helmet jacket, and gloves help.
- cruise control works well.
- wish gas tank was one gallon larger, but manageable.
- not a fan of the R seat, too pushed forward and sharp edges, getting GT seat asap (with OEM pullback bars I have and will be installing).
- stick on blindspot mirrors really help to keep eye on surrounding traffic in town and on highway
- didn't rain during trip, so no feedback there.
- gets a lot of attention, especially at gas/refreshment stops.

Conclusion: A bit of work, on sporty vs touring side, but can work for those willing to give a bit of comfort for rugged but capable trips. For this 62 yr old, it's good for 6 hrs or so a day, not 8 hrs plus, and cold to warm riding, but not hot over 30 degrees C plus (unless frequent cool down stops for rider).

A nice review with lots of information. I just traded off my last R3 2015 touring for a new not yet sold 2023 GT this summer. I am 77 soon to be 78 and I'm loving my new ride. Some of my riding friends thought I was a idiot for getting what they called a young mans bike, but I didn't see it that way. It's a sport cruiser without all the weight. They kind of harshed my joy and mellow at first with their comments, but ya know what, they have no idea how the bike performs, handles, rides, (I love the forward controls), and the seat is great. I just couldn't handle all that touring weight anymore and I always wanted a GT. I was looking at an Indian, but in the end, that was a big non performing NOPE. My new GT handles like a toy...even though it is not. I have a Madstad windshield, the Triumph Panniers and I just bought a set of the Powerbronze handguards to give a try. I may not run them year round and I am definitely "not a fan" of their mounting solution around the bar ends. I think I have that sorted out using the Triumph end weights and existing parts for mounting the mirrors. I have not put them on yet, but will at some point. Enjoy your Storm!

R3 R Storm Touring Experience Report

HarryBo

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Einar

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Jagster

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