Triumph Rocket III Roadster

[tricepilot]

http://tricepilot.smugmug.com/Other/Smugpot/i-XbMxgKv/0/S/Union-Jack-S.jpg

http://tricepilot.smugmug.com/Other/Smugpot/i-mbSxLHf/0/O/Triumph.jpg

Weather is murkey, so this is a photo of my new bike from the internet. I picked this up from Robert at Lone Star couple of days ago. To say I'm in love (with the bike, not Robert, although he has potential), is an understatement.

My wife is über understanding, but I can't add a bike to the 1200GSA, the Fatboy, and the KLR. The Harley had to go.

And none to soon. I don't miss it.

This is not a cut on the Harley culture out there, but I am so glad to be divorced of it I want to throw a party.

It was never me. I thought it would be. I was wrong. Like when I ride to Mexico, I don't like "fit in", large group, uniformed cults. And the Fatboy really never was a "great bike". It didn't have anything going for it other than it's connection to the "Marque", and the ticket it punched into the "club".

So WhiskeySmith comes over to Casa Tricepilot one day, on HIS Triumph Rocket III. He says, "take it out for a ride". One block. I peed my pants. Torque to sell to other countries and comfort out the ying-yang.

The G-Force alone when twisting the throttle is nothing like I've ever experienced, at least since flying the T-38 when lighting afterburner.

So I give Robert K my Harley (we do have a moment, the Harley and I) An aligator tear is shed, and then I say to the bike, "we'll keep in touch, ok?"

Then I take the girl home I should have married all along, a Brit.

Here are come interesting videos on the bike:

http://www.youtube.com/v/HKEuzxC4eGc?version=3&hl=en_US

This is the second bike I've purchased from Lone Star. What a great dealership. My garage is now pan-European/Asian, with the German GSA, the British Triumph, and the Japanese KLR.

More fun:

http://www.youtube.com/v/tSKFucw8EBA?version=3&hl=en_US

The bike is pure madness. I get up every night after midnight to meet with her in the garage.

We may even make a tape for the internet. :lol2:

http://www.youtube.com/v/hX5mE9cWFE4?version=3&hl=en_US

[RedPill]

It's a monster of a bike, and I think it's gorgeous, too. A guy at church has one (not the Roadster), and I drool at it a lot.

[tricepilot]

It's a monster of a bike, and I think it's gorgeous, too. A guy at church has one (not the Roadster), and I drool at it a lot.

Before this bike, a lot a weight was applied to looks and reputation.

This is about power. I hope nobody discovers the Rocket III. :sun:

I can light up every home in Connecticut with this motor. :lol2:

http://tricepilot.smugmug.com/Other/Smugpot/i-GfK2znw/0/S/TIOC-S.jpg

[tricepilot]

I hope this thread dies an early death.

I don't want scores of T-Roadsters spawning the highways. :lol2:

[Transient]

It's a beast. That's the only cruiser that ever caught my interest.

[gixxerjasen]

Color me jealous. That's the only cruiser I've ridden that I really wanted after I got off. To say the thing is scary is an understatement. And I applaud you for swapping the HD for a fantastic piece of machinery.

[tricepilot]

To say the thing is scary is an understatement.

And I applaud you for swapping the HD for a fantastic piece of machinery.

I think a couple years ago I was at Six Flags San Antonio on some "magnetic accelerition" ride. Until the Triumph Rocket, that was as close to a G push as I've ever known apart from afterburning jets.

[gixxerjasen]

Mr Freeze...great ride!

It doesn't help that your version has no windscreen. Between the bike trying to launch out from under me, with me hanging on for dear life and the wind trying to knock me off, as I slide backwards, what does my hand do to the throttle?

Finally get that beast under control and I look and low and behold I'm doing triple digits on a big heavy cruiser. Seriously underrated bike. I can't wait to see pics of what yours will look like and what you'll do with it and where you'll ride it. Again, color me jealous.

[tricepilot]

For safety's sake, the wife says she won't get on it until there is at least a small sissy bar on the pillion to keep her from being ejected.

Carl has a "flyscreen" on his, a small v shaped accessory that he says deflects the wind but doesn't have the full footprint of a normal sized windscreen.

That will be pretty much it. I don't have to worry about any engine upgrades. :lol2:

[gixxerjasen]

For safety's sake, the wife says she won't get on it until there is at least a small sissy bar on the pillion to keep her from being ejected.Smart lady. She should at the very least let you ride it for a week so you can get adjusted to the throttle. :rofl:

Carl has a "flyscreen" on his, a small v shaped accessory that he says deflects the wind but doesn't have the full footprint of a normal sized windscreen.That will be a very nice addition.

That will be pretty much it. I don't have to worry about any engine upgrades. :lol2:Which makes me wonder....what exactly is available out there for this motor. :rider:

[tricepilot]

Which makes me wonder....what exactly is available out there for this motor. :rider:

......perhaps a restrictor plate or a governor? :lol2: :rofl:

[tricepilot]

Don't bring a checkbook to Lone Star if you plan on a test ride on this startling machine. Get home with your bank account secure.

Free lunch at Chuy's next door on me to anyone who opens the throttle on this bike and isn't shocked. :trust:

[gixxerjasen]

......perhaps a restrictor plate or a governor? :Well played sir. :rofl:

Don't bring a checkbook to Lone Star if you plan on a test ride on this startling machine. Get home with your bank account secure. The advantage of test riding bikes while completely broke.

Free lunch at Chuy's next door on me to anyone who opens the throttle on this bike and isn't shocked. :trust:So, does this deal exist if you've previously test ridden one? Knowing what I'm in for, I won't be shocked. :trust: Mmmmm, lunch. :eat:

[tricepilot]

So, does this deal exist if you've previously test ridden one? Knowing what I'm in for, I won't be shocked. :trust: Mmmmm, lunch. :eat:

Special clause kicks in here - you must state you weren't shocked on your first test ride on the Rocket, if you can state that, you get a free lunch :eat:

[gixxerjasen]

Does scared ****less count as shocked?

[tricepilot]

Yes! But you get a free lunch anyway for taking the ride!

Actually, that should be Robert's marketing strategy. With Chuy's right nest door, he could sell a lot of bikes for a few enchilada plates :lol2:

[The Bruce]

Congrats TP. I've always liked the look of the motor and have heard about the raw power. It's a monster alright.

[Red Brown]

This bike is a prime example in that HP does not really matter nearly as much as TORQUE. This bike weights around 810 pounds, and generate 122 peak horsepower. My modded FZ1 did about 143 HP, however, the Rocket puts out 147 ft/lbs of rear wheel torque (vs. 73 pounds of torque on the FZ1) and based on some dudes dyno testing the Rocket has 130 ft/lbs of torque just off idle at a mere 1500 rpm. A bike with this instant torque deserves the title Rocket....it is also the LARGEST displacement bike in commercial production out there. :eek2:

Have fun!

RB

[gixxerjasen]

It's kind of funny, because the bike will warn you about what you are getting into. You sit at a stop and just blip the throttle and your leg will quickly get tired from keeping the bike from trying to roll over on its side. That's your warning...and the only one you get.

[The Bruce]

I bet you don't get 15K miles out of the rear tire. :-P But, who cares?

[tricepilot]

http://tricepilot.smugmug.com/Other/Smugpot/i-MbhZrcL/0/L/DSC1975-L.jpg

http://tricepilot.smugmug.com/Other/Smugpot/i-s4WVvgk/0/L/DSC1976-L.jpg

http://tricepilot.smugmug.com/Other/Smugpot/i-M6XzBNz/0/L/DSC1977-L.jpg

http://tricepilot.smugmug.com/Other/Smugpot/i-tPzNRKR/0/L/DSC1978-L.jpg

http://tricepilot.smugmug.com/Other/Smugpot/i-rc6PgCc/0/L/DSC1980-L.jpg

[tricepilot]

Let me comment about the loudness of these pipes! NOT! After thinking I needed 2 into 1 Vance & Hines on the Fatboy and living in the land of throttle blips at stoplights, the absence of rumbles is music to my ear! The quieter the better - like a giant sewing machine. Bliss!

[tricepilot]

It's kind of funny, because the bike will warn you about what you are getting into. You sit at a stop and just blip the throttle and your leg will quickly get tired from keeping the bike from trying to roll over on its side. That's your warning...and the only one you get.

This is so true, the first thing I noticed when the bike was running and I sat on it for the first time. I twisted the throttle to hear the pipes, and what I got was the bike kicked to the right due to the torque :eek2:

[The Bruce]

Yep, it's definitely cool.

http://tricepilot.smugmug.com/Other/Smugpot/i-M6XzBNz/0/L/DSC1977-L.jpg

[WhiskeySmith]

Congratulations! Sweet looking ride. I hope you find a sissy bar soon so that your wife can enjoy it too. I am interested in her description of the bike after her first ride.

[gixxerjasen]

http://tricepilot.smugmug.com/Other/Smugpot/i-M6XzBNz/0/L/DSC1977-L.jpgThis always seems to me like looking at a locomotive engine.

[M38A1]

How cool is that? Triumph even knows how to etch the proud new owners image into the paint. :mrgreen:

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/i-kBVSZ7F/0/L/i-kBVSZ7F-L.jpg

[tricepilot]

How cool is that? Triumph even knows how to etch the proud new owners image into the paint. :mrgreen:

:lol2:

[fossil]

Did you consider the Gen II Vmax?

[solorider]

Congrats! And don't try to do the doo on it :lol2:

[texmax]

I bet you don't get 15K miles out of the rear tire. :-P But, who cares?

15k ? I think you meant 1500. I barely get a season out of my Vmax rear, and I don't ride that much. My Father-in-law has a Rocket III. Great bike.:clap:

[gixxerjasen]

Just an FYI Tricepilot. One good reason to not own one of these, is it needs to be the last bike you ever own. Any bike after this will feel so anemic you won't be able to ride it.

[Raven457]

I test rode one of these a while back when the Triumph demo came through and stopped at Lone Star. I knew as soon as I thumbed the starter and felt the torque shift the bike underneath me that I was in for a heck of a ride.

Cruisers aren't my thing, but the Rocket III really is a nice bike. Congrats on your new ride :)

[ghostrider1964]

How did the insurance compare to a GSA? I figure with that displacement it probably up there with sport bikes:eek2:

[TALLSWEDE]

I heard one with an aftermarket exhaust on it at the Lone Star Rally last weekend. I've always loved the way triples sound. :rider:

Kevin

[BexarWolf]

So............when ya takin' it to Mexico? :trust:

First time I saw one of these I almost fell over. Most amazing looks and sound. :clap:

[alancb]

snip....it is also the LARGEST displacement bike in commercial production out there. :eek2:

Have fun!

RB

I have always been amazed by this bike. Over the years I have owned 6 cars (4 Fiats, a Subaru and a Saab) that all had smaller engine displacements than the Rocket III.

[snuffcityrider]

I had a 06 Rocket lll Classic for four years. Took it all the way to Montana and three different trips to Colorado. Great bike with gobs of torque. Miss the bike alot. Enjoy the new ride!

[WeazyBuddha]

:brainsnap Sweeet...Congrats!

[tricepilot]

Did you consider the Gen II Vmax?

I've seen that bike, but apart from the power of this bike I also like the British touch and like having a Triumph. Another "when I was a kid" story, the cool guy in my neighborhood had a Triumph and I always liked looking at the Triumph name on that tank on his bike.

Congrats! And don't try to do the doo on it :lol2:

Oh yeah, I did a little doo on it when I accidentally twisted the throttle with the other hand off the bars fooling with the chinbar on my helmet. That got my attention! :eek2:

Just an FYI Tricepilot. One good reason to not own one of these, is it needs to be the last bike you ever own. Any bike after this will feel so anemic you won't be able to ride it.

I still have the dirt bike category to fool with. Not sure if I'll keep or sell the KLR. I stink on dirt so that helps me in thinking I don't have to dial in a dirt bike anyway.

How did the insurance compare to a GSA? I figure with that displacement it probably up there with sport bikes:eek2:

Now that you mention it, I now realize it is more expensive on insurance over the BMW or the KLR.

I heard one with an aftermarket exhaust on it at the Lone Star Rally last weekend. I've always loved the way triples sound. :rider:

Kevin

I'm all good with the factory sound. :rider: Just need a backstop so I don't toss the missus to the pavimento.

So............when ya takin' it to Mexico? :trust:

First time I saw one of these I almost fell over. Most amazing looks and sound. :clap:

I'm afraid the closest this machine will get to Mexico is Taco Cabana. Sits too low for the topes there. But in Mexico I could run it all day at 120 and the cops would never ticket me.

[tricepilot]

http://www.youtube.com/v/192Wjzl33yk?version=3&hl=en_US

[tricepilot]

I can't believe there are people in this world that have the talent to do this with a heavy cruser like the Rockter III:

:eek2:

http://www.youtube.com/v/qlZoc_wCcZ4?version=3&hl=en_US

[JasonJ]

2 mundane questions for ya Trice, how many miles to a tank do ya get and whats the valve adjustment interval on the beast ?

[Tracker]

If I had to choose between a date with Selma or a Rocket III, I'd probably pick the Rocket III. Speaking of...have you told Selma yet?

I miss my old Speed Triple and it was 2.54 times a smaller engine than your R3. And it had great torque. Man, many happy rides to you. It's a beautiful, sexy bike. I only wish I could still ride . May the wind be at your back and the cars stay the heck out of the way.

[tricepilot]

2 mundane questions for ya Trice, how many miles to a tank do ya get and whats the valve adjustment interval on the beast ?

I think roughly around 200, but I will be paying closer attention because I think my math is off. I have no idea about the valves but I'll be at Lone Star today and will ask the pros.

If I had to choose between a date with Selma or a Rocket III, I'd probably pick the Rocket III. Speaking of...have you told Selma yet?

I miss my old Speed Triple and it was 2.54 times a smaller engine than your R3. And it had great torque. Man, many happy rides to you. It's a beautiful, sexy bike. I only wish I could ride still. May the wind be at your back and the cars stay the heck out of the way.

I bolt on a sissy bar today now Tricewife gets to see what a space shuttle launch on a motorcycle is like :lol2:

[RedPill]

I bolt on a sissy bar today now Tricewife gets to see what a space shuttle launch on a motorcycle is like :lol2:

More horizontal than the other shuttle.

[Andrew T]

Here ya go, Trice...instead of a sissy bar, get one of these and take the whole family!

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=746606

http://advrider.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=303913&stc=1&d=1323015994

[tricepilot]

:eek2:

Wow, that's just impressive! :clap:

[gixxerjasen]

:eek2:

Wow, that's just impressive! :clap:My thoughts exactly....I didn't think it could get any bigger!!!

[Gravel Guy]

2.3 litres......more torque than my Volvo wagon.......what a slingshot!!
:sun:

[RedPill]

Okay, that's just too cool.