Triumph Rocket III Touring.. | GTAMotorcycle.com

Triumph Rocket III Touring..

C

C109Knight

Well-known member
Forum Sponsor
Hi friends,
I have a Suzuki Boulevard C109 and now thinking of taking my ride a step up. I tested Triumph Rocket III Touring at GP Bikes. I liked the motorcycle, the only concern is that it does not have the V-twin sound. I think there are not may loud pipes available for it also. Any valuable input is appreciated. I like the torque and the handling but not very excited about the sound. Also, any feedback for existing Triumph owners would be great.
I am looking to import it from USA, as they are much cheaper there, since Triumph is made in UK, do you think there would be import duties on it.
 
It'll never sound like a v-twin because it's not a v-twin... so forget about that.

This is pretty much the best kinda sound you're gonna get:

[video=youtube;PqWDveAs5Aw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqWDveAs5Aw[/video]
 
C109Knight said:
I liked the motorcycle, the only concern is that it does not have the V-twin sound. I think there are not may loud pipes available for it also.
Click to expand...

Oh, Christ, not another one. Do us all a favour and go talk to John and Rhonda at J&R Cycle up in Stayner. Not only will they give you a good deal on one, they'll also *****-slap the loud pipes mentality right out of your head.
 
I have a 2010 Rocket 3 Touring, I love it, I love its power,it has far more power than any HD, and most other cruisers as well. and its an excellent touring bike.
Be careful throttling off the line, its easy to burn rubber.
Also easy to do a wheelie and this is a big cruiser!
I bought mine in the U.S and did save a lot of money on it.
There is no duty on any motorcycle bought in the U.S. including Triumphs.
As for sound, it is not a v twin, it has been described as sounding more like a british spitfire fighter plane.
And yes you can get Jardine pipes for more loud, theres also D&D pipes.
But I am happy with mine, I dont need loud pipes to try and imitate a H.D.
Bucks Motorsports http://www.bucksmotorsports.com/ is a good dealer near Rochester New York and has experience working with canadian buyers.
Theres also Triumph Detroit.
 
Last edited:
macrider said:
it has far more power than any HD
Click to expand...

Well, HD is the benchmark, isn't it? :rolleyes: Gee, who'd have thought a 2.3l inline three cylinder motor could ever make more power and have more torque than a 1.69l 45-degree V-twin, eh?

macrider said:
I bought mine in the U.S and did save a lot of money on it.
Click to expand...

2011 Rocket III (CDN): $18,699
2011 Rocket III (US): $16,999

So, after factoring in the cost of the trip to the US to pick it up you saved, what, about $1k? BTW, is your warranty valid in Canada?
 
Last edited:
Thanks a lot for the valuable input. I have some questions which I would love to ask you. Can I pm you or call you
macrider said:
I have a 2010 Rocket 3 Touring, I love it, I love its power,it has far more power than any HD, and most other cruisers as well. and its an excellent touring bike.
Be careful throttling off the line, its easy to burn rubber.
Also easy to do a wheelie and this is a big cruiser!
I bought mine in the U.S and did save a lot of money on it.
There is no duty on any motorcycle bought in the U.S. including Triumphs.
As for sound, it is not a v twin, it has been described as sounding more like a british spitfire fighter plane.
And yes you can get Jardine pipes for more loud, theres also D&D pipes.
But I am happy with mine, I dont need loud pipes to try and imitate a H.D.
Bucks Motorsports http://www.bucksmotorsports.com/ is a good dealer near Rochester New York and has experience working with canadian buyers.
Theres also Triumph Detroit.
Click to expand...
 
C109,I would be pleased to answer any questions ,Pm me and I will give you my email address.
Disregard Gummy's comments, he has a Harley.
 
Last edited:
macrider said:
Disregard Gummy's comments, he has a Harley.
Click to expand...

I've ridden a Rocket III; if I thought it was the better bike it would be in my garage right now. And, like the Road Glide, it would have stock pipes on it.
 
LOL Gummiente I understand exactly what you say. I for one LOVE the looks of the rocket 3 and always always wanted one, when time come to make my move for a second bike i tried the rocket 3 and it's a hell of a bike, unfortunately it was not comfortable for me. HD is not the benchmark of bikes, nor any other bike actually, all bikes are different and all are beautiful on their own way. That being said I don't understand what's Mcrider comment "Disregard Gummy's comments, he has a Harley." all about? so Gummiente has a HD, you have a Rocket 3 BFD!
 
So, went and test rode one...this was 2010 touring...well, I was not smiling molar to molar after the ride...Here are my observations...sorry, if I offend anybody...
1. Too much engine noise...my C109 with stock exhaust never had that kind of noice and now with side burners there is none...
2. Torque is great but my C109 is also not bad with the mods I have done....
3. Back tire locked on me twice....once accidently, doing the normal braking the way I will do on my C109...and once intentionally as I practice on my C109...I know 2010 does not have ABS and probably 180 tire can't handle the weight of the motorcycle properly...I have beaten the Sh.... out of Road King, even that won't slide on the side in extreme braking...My wife was sitting behind, even with the extra load the rear wheel locked and the motorycycle skidded on the side...That really put me off...I have applied the full brakes at 60mph on C109 and never ever it has skidded on the side...I will lock in extreme braking but still the bike would go straight...Triumph should think of putting a bigger tire on Touring so that there is more contact and stopping power without locking of the wheel and to avoid the side skid...
4. Did not like the engine and exhaust sound at all...too much noice from engine and hardly any sound from stock exhaust.
5. The riding position was not comfortable at all...all the time my feet were looking for more floor boards to move my feet ahead...to use heel shifter I had to move my foot atlease 6" back...When I rode Harley Road King for 4 days in a course, there was no adjustments required...I never felt odd...
Sorry, friends but Rocket Touring in not my piece of cake...may be in future if they change the riding position with a wider tire and efficient ABS, I will consider it.
Thanks a lot to everyone for valuable input...
 
That's the thing about Triumph. It's not HD so, it shouldn't look, feel or sound like HD. The Rocket has plenty of aftermarket pipes and a strong following. There is also lots of accessories for comfort and bling to make it fit and look like you want to make it yours.

But, like any bike, it simply may not feel right. It's a big beast and isn't on my radar. The Thunderbird is a nice twin that I would consider.
Forum Sponsor
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top Bottom