Triumph vs BMW | BMW R18 Vs Triumph Rocket 3 | Motorcycles Head to Head | Visordown.com
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- Опубліковано 1 чер 2024
- When looking for a heavyweight cruiser, there’s not many that rival the new 2021 BMW R18 and the Triumph Rocket 3. When it comes to style, versatility, power and comfort, these two bikes are two different takes on what a cruiser is all about - one going style and power, and the other going for more of a versatile all-around approach.
Having ridden both here at Visordown, which is the best motorcycle between the two? Let’s find out. This is Visordown's Triumph Rocket 3 vs BMW R 18 Head to Heat. Please like this video and subscribe to Visordown channel for more motorcycle reviews, news and features.
#bmwvstriumph #triumphvsbmw
Intro (0:00)
Styling (1:08)
Engine (2:25)
Handling, Suspension and Chassis (4:26)
Verdict (6:44)
Outro (7:55)
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Visordown.com is the #1 online motorcycle website for news, reviews, and all things motorbike with 1 million monthly users and growing.
We’re best known for covering all the latest motorcycles launches and bike industry announcements, breaking motorbikes news, first ride, and road test.
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Both bikes are amazing!!!
I would pick the r18 but my unreason tells me to choose the rocket 😂👍
The rocket gt is super comfortable while being ridiculously powerful
At least take an R18 for a ride. I love mine. Outright speed doesn’t make a bike better. I owned an S1000RR.
@@andrewd7586 I love my R18 as well.
@@wolfgangschmidt9598 👊🏻🇦🇺
@@andrewd7586 indeed my husband is a cbr1000rr and a honda super blackbird rider (without mentioning every bike he owned) he tested both and for fun prefers the r18, the rocket he founds too smooth. As one said here going from 0 to 100 in 3.2 seconds on sportbikes is fun. Ask my husband hihihi but that is not the only fun you can have on a bike. Try it you will be amazed... My husband loved the r 18. I know what to buy for Christmas 😉
The Rocket is the largest motorcycle engine in a stock bike ever produced, no whoping around, period! And it's amazing. It's why I've sold my 2021 R1 for a Rocket 3 R. Once I've rode it, I could never forget about it!
In my opinion, we are dealing with two different philosophies here. Not really comparable...
Totally agree! I own the R18.👍🏻😎
They certainly belong in different categories...but both nice bikes
@@andrewd7586 ~Totally agree too, I own a Rocket 111, the old 2300cc one.
Along with a Ducati XDiavel and a Suzuki GSX1400. I did look at the R18 but didn't get on with those huge things coming out of the side of the engine! Nice bike, though not for me.
@@rufus1346 my husband loved that old boxer grin 😁 with movement
yes. apples and oranges. one is functional, one is aesthetic.
My 51st motorcycle is the BMW R18 Classic. Having been on most brands many times and most models many times over the last 15 years I've paid to test many rides. Almost 125,000 miles during these many years. So, I've experienced two wheels. What I purchased was an R18 Classic because after riding the non-Classic and was not all that impressed I then took out the full bagger and loved it. Loved it for a few days and many hours on the demo, went back and traded my new 2020 R1250R HP on this 2021 Classic and am very glad I did. The Rocket is cool but it's not old style cool.
@@AndyBondo r18 riders are göy
@@AndyBondo you just sounds jealous 😂
How did the R18 Classic differ from the non-Classic? Can you give some specifics, please?
IMO the Rocket 3 is one of the most beautiful bikes made. If they made a slightly smaller version with a much lower seat height, it would be near impossible to resist buying one.
These are the only two bikes that I was considering upgrading to. I don’t like the weight of the r 18, that is my only dislike about the bike. The rocket 3 is closer in weight range as my current cruiser. I’m comfortable in the 600 lbs range. Anything under 690 lbs is good for me. The rocket 3 is the only bike that I want to upgrade to after doing a lot of research on many different bikes.
I have the rocket gt and its awesome recommend a test ride youll love it 🚀
Own a Rocket 3GT for over a year now and have no doubts that its the best ride. Love it.
Well, I own the R18 and completely disagree with you
@@traelz I own both, and also a victory Vegas 8-ball and a Royal Enfield Meteor 350! I ride the 350 in all weather! I'm a little scared of the rocket! The R18 is the absolute best for all situations, and especially long distance for me! The Victory rarely gets ridden! If I want to pose - then its the Rocket for me!
Completely agree about the rocket,that bmw is as ugly as sin... and the two lumps sticking out the side looks ridiculous.
Also bmw is right up there with unreliability. And power doesn't compare... no comparison imo in these two bikes the bmw doesn't come close!
Me too
@@Mo-xx9gg if you grow out of being scared of the Rocket it is a surprisingly great bike to ride hard in twisties. I can keep up with my riding buddies on their street twins thru the turns and Rocket away in the straights haha
As an owner of BMW K1600GTL, The R18 is my way to go all day long.
I would have thought the Rocket GT would be closer to the K1600GTL. Just because it is made by the same company doesn't make them similar. I own three bikes, all made by different brands. You should actually try them out before you make up your mind.
'code brown" lol. Rocket just looks like more fun: performance, power, comfort. Though the beamer looks a museum piece worth owning
I find it funny when people compare the BMW R18 and it’s seres to the Tryamph R3. The Rocket to me is a Mad Machine brilliant for a long weekend with friends or a cheeky track day lols and really is in its Own Class or Type. But as a Owner of a R18 Transcontinental it’s a true Layed back Cruiser, Yes limited options for forward Pegs but there are some options know, But it is a Massive Boxer . I’ve found it very comfortable even when I’ve ridden the original R18 that is a little less refined than my one also helps getting the correct seat for you as well. R18 Transcontinental is going to be the best for a Cruiser tour across EUROPE and for those who like a bike with style and to cruse around.
BUT it’s a personal choice but I do feel both these bikes are very Different Beasts that sute Different Riders. But Both bikes are awesome bikes in there own right and I would recommend riding both also look at what you whant from them?? Due to the difference between them.
R18 is a super bike that you can’t stop looking at. Build quality is fantastic.
Not a cruiser guy at all, but the rocket is so savage. It breaks the mold of what a "cruiser" is. Just because its a cruiser doesn't mean it has to handle the twisties like shite or drag pegs every roundabout... The R18 has absolutely nothing to offer me, and frankly it's hideous imo. Just my 2 cents.
👍👍👍
It is hideous, I can't believe how ugly it is wtf
See this is a tricky one, because I prefer the look of the R18, but the Rocket 3... oh man. I want some sort of Frankenstein's Monster mix of both of them!
You said what I thought exactly. I test rode both and actually love them both. But they are very different bikes.
You can't see what it looks like when you're riding it ☺
Albeit, not as deformed as the Monster to look at (Frankenstein was not the name of monster but the doctor who made him). Tbh rocket 3 is quite a dapper.
This is a great vid. Both stylistically and visually a must watch presentation. Add in the excellent narrative and this is one of the best comparisons video I've seen. A big thumbs up and well done!
Rocket 3 is better in every single way . But that BMW that's art
This is a no brainer. The Rocket 3 is better in every way.
I have 2022 Rocket 3gt... best bike I've owned, ever. So fun to ride.
Despite the classical look, the rocket has more in common with the K1600B
Or at least... the rocket splits the difference
I can't see that at all.
@@johnsumser9743 in terms of performance and handling
If Liberace was still alive he’d have the R18, it’s a flawed ‘look at me’ thing. Rocket is an altogether different (and better) animal.
Liberace was badass.
@@bradcofield7848 Got to admit Brad I was wrong 😬. Two years on……..I bought one a year ago. I do still think it’s not the same type/style of bike as a Rocket3 (that’s more Vmax) and the two shouldn’t be compared but when I went to check one out myself in person I could see that it’s actually a really stunning piece of kit. Now where did I put that candelabra …..😁
Triumph is a bike on which, should the need arise, you can show a local squid on his supersport who the boss is and then go back to leisurely riding. In regards to what triumph is and can do the beamer doesn't even come close.
Rocket is terrific but I choose the R18 because it’s beautifully made and looks Art Deco. It is what it is.
Rocket lll for me. Way lighter than this BMW, although I'd go for the Rocket lll model with the pegs further back.
Both stunning bikes. Rocket in a not touring version wins for me.
Would pick the R18. That BMW is gorgeous and is now my favorite cruiser.
Thanks for that comparison!!! Excellent one.
Glad you liked it!
Great comparison. Triumph most bang for the buck cruiser
Just got the 2022 R-18, right off the show room floor. I had it only one week, and the ABS brake pump went out.
Two fantastic looking bikes.
The torque on the rocket 3 is like an addictive drug. There's no other bike better than a rocket 3 for this lifelong Cruiser rider.
I love my Rocket 111, I will never sell it. Haven't tried the newer GT or R yet though but I bet the torque is even better! I also own an XDiavel, now that is one mad bike, up to 100 MPH it will beat 90% of sports bikes. 0-60 in 2.4 seconds! They do compliant each other very well. Then I also have my GSX 1400. I find it hard to sell my bikes, they are part of me:-)
Comparing the R3 with the R18 is like comparing a Ferrari with a garbage truck. I own the R3 TFC and I test drove the R18. I wouldn't buy the R18 even if it was the last bike on earth..
Well said 👍👍
@@rogercollins9298 Maybe I'm being too rough on the R18, its is a quality made machine., but when I tested it, the handling. vibrations and the suspension felt miserable. And I didn't even mention the gay riding position
@@CrusaderGeneral pathetic infantile review
@@simonfrirth353 it wasn't a review dummy. It was a report of my experience, riding both bikes. Something you obviously don't have.. Don't be such a bmw fanboy soy boy
What’s the R18 like in the driving rain? Anyone have experience with that? What’s it like going cross country? Thanks for the review!
Love my Triumphs. Love my R18 Classic Two completely different bikes/rides. Like comparing a Mustang GTR to a BMW 5 series. The Rocket is pure muscle cruiser. 165/144 vs 91/117. 2294cc vs 1800cc. Why not a comparable muscle cruiser?
What a comparison! Finally 🙌🏻
We hope you like it!
This review is what I'm looking for!
"Was" (past participle)!
I've been deciding between these two for almost a year now. IMO the Thunderbird is the best performance cruiser ever made so I'm giving the Rocket lots of consideration. I also like the R18. I had the R1200C for many years and it's the best all weather bike I've ever ridden, so I have a soft spot for the "Flugzeugwerke" machines. Don't know if I can get over that dry clutch in the R18 though.
I picked the R18. Beauty over braun. Shallow I know.
I did too. I'm as shallow as you :)
How far did you ride the R18? Did you put it into Rock mode? To say it’s underpowered is ridiculous! It’s torque is immediate! It’s handling is nimble through the twisties. The suspension is the Achilles heel. The exhaust note is fine. The riding position is the same as my other 2 boxers. I think your opinion is very biased. I’m loving my R18 after more then 3,000km so far. Anyone looking, take the R18 for a decent ride. Seriously, if I wanted to keep up with my mates I’d still be riding my S1000RR!
I feel exactly like you. A better comparison is the rocket 3 vs the ducati xdiavel. The duc would kick the rocket 3's ass by miles.
I own a couple of Boxers, an R9T and a R75/5. The target market for the R3 is entirely different to that of the R18. 90% of honest riders couldn't get close to the full potential of the R3, the R18 is for the man who 'doesn't have to try too hard', and it's much better looking in the flesh than in pictures. I'm all for trying a bike out before condemning it, I took an R18 out last week , but it left me a bit cold. I think it's a victim of all the hype that preceded its launch, I know its a 'cruiser' but the engine gets really harsh if you hold it in a gear, I found myself changing up just to avoid this. Yes, I know it's a 'cruiser' but even Harley produces a smoother engine, and a 'cruiser' should have cruise control, adjustable suspension etc as standard at this price point.
@@KuyaKimAtienza froma 1/2 mile drag race yes, from a roll on no, its been proven, look it up. For me the diavel and the rocket3 are totally different machines too.
Would love to know who came up with a comparison for rocker 3 BMW 18
great comparison - on the point!
Thank you!
@@visordown by the way: you have a great voice for videos👍. And for me as a german, your r18 reference to Angela Merkel put a big grin on my face 😂
The Rocket for me, it looks gorgeous.
I'll take both of them.
So well r 18 ride sense so smooth than my life
I saw it coming since years. Triumph will make it a touring bike without wind protection. BMW will make it a giant boxer with dwarf horsepower. I knew it.
Why don't Triumph make a frame mounted fairing bagger based on the Rocket 3?
Rocket is the clear winner
Can you do a comparison with a Kawasaki 650R and a Triumph Speed Triple. It would be the same as this video.
Own a Thunderbird Storm and really like the latest iteration of the Rocket 3 in the GT model.
If I have the money I will get both, but I will just keep the R18 in the garage and use the Rocket 3 if not everyday maybe every weekend.
The R18 sure looks nice but not as nice as the new Scout so if I wanted a big twin I'd go for the more modern looking yank tank. That said 2.5 litres of Judge Dredd Lawmaster looking insanity is hard to argue with. I grew up reading comics with bikes that looked like that.
The R18 is the heavier bike, but it gets lighter over time as the footpegs wear down.
hahaha this made me laugh
There isn't a single aspect of that hideous R18 that can rival the awesome Rocket in my humble opinion. I have of course ridden neither 😆
hey brother, review the 2021 r nine t scrambler
R18 for me
Working on getting 1 of each.
Great vid! But it's rather and apples to oranges comparison isn't it? A better comparison would be a comparison of the R18 and the Suzuki Bouldevard M109.
Rocket only flaw IMO ugly headlights.Seriously that's just juvenile considering riders who can afford it are not teenagers anymore.There is considerable aftermarket for headlight conversions.Why did Triumph not gave that option?I think otherwise great machine.Change to LED single beautiful headlight and Rocker rules
Bmw R18❤🎉🎉🎉
It’s like comparing a hot rod and a Cadillac convertible
The Rocket3 has been around for quite a while now in the present format. I am surprised that Triumph haven't increased the engine size to 2750 cc or even 3000 cc. Maybe next year.
Why? Riders can't use the 2500cc as it is.
Why? Nobody can ride it to its potential as it is! Do you own a 125?
For me with these bikes I think the option of electronic adjustable suspension is worthwhile if can afford it. I think you can get it with the Diavel.
Any bike this powerful and pricey should be able to carry you 500 plus miles per day, over several days, with max repose. While both the bikes fall short on that, the R19 does so the more. You could argue if the Rocket is a true cruiser, but you shouldn’t have to argue that appearance is more important than function. Okay, no one buys $20k bike for “function”, but the fear of backache and knee pain shouldn’t be the reason you can’t take a bike across the US and back in a week of hard driving. I have ridden 700 plus miles per day. On a triumph tiger, and on a gold wing. You have to ride it to know that a gold wing leaves you wanting more at the end of each of those days.
The Tiger, when you’re tired, leaves you feeling like your bike is fighting you.
Same with the R18. In the 10th hour on I-40, you start to dislike you bike. The Rocket to leaves you tired, but not abused.
Rocket more natural competitor is Diavel, and R18 suits HD Fat Boy
agree.
Really the only way to sort this out is to take both for a spin. R18 that most appeals to me is the Classic with the Mini ape hangers. Could you put Z bars on a Rocket 3 GT?
Why on earth would you!
@@Mo-xx9gg Comfortable riding position- not too high, hands level with top of your shoulders. It’s a GT designed to be ridden as a cruiser so for me , it should look and feel like one.
"code brown moment" LOL
God, that new version of the rocket is horrible to behold.
The previous one was actually pretty good looking...
No comparison. I don’t even see them as similar. Rocket all day every day.
Would have wanted to hear price comparison
Hah! For me the R18 is the better looking. To each their own. Either one is a masterpiece
“Code brown” lol I’ll have to remember that one.
My Grandad who was a flight mechanic in WW2 hated the Gerry's obviously, and after listening to his stories it kind of rubs off on you not to buy the German BMW. I would go for the Rocket every day of the week and twice on Sunday!
ROCKET 3
There has to be a classic homebuilt aircraft out there just begging for that big BMW twin 😮
You should compare rocket vs goldwing
Nice! good fun eh! Rocket for me!
Did you try both?
I had to replay the part where you called the R18 exhaust stunning. That exhaust is a bulbous ugly idea of a fishtail exhaust. Looks likes they caught a whole fish and wrapped chrome around it. Not a good look.
3:28 a lot of talk about the torque of the rocket 3 engine, but where is the torque number?
Nah, no comparison this, sorry.
Considering that fact that almost all the reviewers are going gaga over R18’s looks, I’ve started believing that it looks good in flesh even though it looks ugly in the pics and videos, especially with the ultra wide boxer engine !
I don't think the R18 looks good at all!! Love my Rocket 3.....but different strokes for different folks, that's why they make a variety of bikes.
@@conanlive3784 Yes - I’d pick a Rocket between the two even though I wish it had a better ‘symmetry’ between the two sides..
@@sathishrao7926That's what the single-sided swingarm (that has become so popular) creates. At first I wanted both sides to look the same like my old Valkyrie, but I've gotten used to it. Big weight savings, plus it's way easier to air up the back tire without a big muffler in the way.
I have test-ridden ridden the basic R18 and I would not swop my Bonneville T120 for it. The Bonnie (and Speedmaster, I suppose) has at least as much character and charm as the R18 without all that weight (I am too old to handle that level of bulk).
Would you swap though?
@@Mo-xx9gg No
@@johnbentall5105 Don't blame you! The T120 is a thing of beauty!
X-Diavel S OR Rocket 3 GT??
Perhaps it's better I aged out of motorcycling. I have over 500,000 miles(verifiable by BMW of N. America) on BMWs, and a 2014 Rocket III was my last motorcycle purchase in my 45 year career. If I was buying today it would be between these two, and having my head explode may be painless, but not altogether favored.
I would pick the Rocket !!! Very powerful and sexy looking bike. I think the 18 is a horrible machine for tall riders. The Rocket is not much better sitting wise but more so then the R. I sat on one and I was turned off immediately. The only amazing looking on the 18 is the naked driveshaft. Just work of art.
Totally agree
There is NO comparison between these two bikes !
Are the motorways in the UK so clean that water on the road does NOT make them slick? This is the 3rd video in a row I've watched about the RIII and each video had people riding in the rain or just after it rained. When it gets wet out here I don't ride. I have a pickup truck like any decent Texan. Yee haw.
FYI you audio is out of sync with the bits where you are standing between the two bikes talking.
That is no comparison the rocket III is a better bike all the way around no matter how you look at it
Rocket 3 such an amazing bike, but despite everything, I would always pick R18.
Because you are scared!
I'll pick the rocket over the BMW
Awesome Perfect Amazing Fantastic Exelent Magical The Best Ever 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Thanks!
The Rocket 3 is more a naked muscle bike than a cruiser so a little unfair, now stick my BMW K1300R against it on the 1/4 mile and the BM is quicker and has more BHP
Your comments prove just how subjective a bikes looks are, I find the R18 absolutely hideous (IMO the ugliest bike since Aprilias 1990s 6.5 Moto) and love the Rocket 3, another thing I find totally unacceptable is the super tanker weight, the Rocket 3 is nearly as bad but at least they've the excuse of 700cc more and a 3 cylinder engine.
The Rocket weighs as much as my Milwaukee 8 Softail but has 50% more torque and horsepower along with decent handling. The BMW didn’t impress me on any of those points. Heavier, same power, less lean I just couldn’t fall for it although I really wanted to. The Rocket is a serious contender to replace replace my Street Bob. It beats it in most every way. The only thing I’d need is a small top box to commute to work.
Traction control off in the wet on the R18?
No traction control whatsoever on the mighty VMax 1700 with 200hp.
Who needs traction control?
Learn to ride or leave it.
it's full on in rain mode and partly disabled in rock mode
If BMW hadn’t lowered the R18 to stock Harley levels it would have been better. Low performance and no lean angle were two strikes against what I really wanted in a power cruiser.
I bought the first R18 my dealer got. I'll take the Rocket 3.
Still think the rocket 3 should have come with an optional DCT as well.
Why?
Still prefer the old rocket
It’s interesting that BMW have emblasoned “Berlin Built” over the clock. Are they trying to make a point there?!
yes, most cruisers in its class are Asia built. Harley in Vietnam and the Rocket 3 in Thailand
I would buy the BMW R18, then remove the engine and gearbox and throw away everything else, then use that beautiful boxer engine to build a bobber.
Xdiavel 2021 vs R18 vs Rocket 3
Bought my R18 last year as Harley wanted my kidneys and first born for fatboy---- love this bike... 2 issues with this bike-
R18 has the worst seat. I have put 3k miles on it now and believe me when I say it. Also, no fuel guage but some volt info instead?? Yup! I am butthurt
Next compare a Toyota Hilux and a Ferrari at how good they are for campervans