2020 Rocket 3 review: float like a butterfly sting like a howitzer
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- Опубліковано 1 бер 2020
- UPDATE: the bluetooth connectivity kit SHOULD be available for the R and GT models, check with your dealer!
This is an extended ride review, in my mind it's worth the long play time ;)
the ride section is a little shaky because of gopro probs so it's best viewed in a smaller window. Sorry about that guys, working on fixing that before the next one!
Please let me know if you have questions and as always, thank you for watching.
Which model would you choose? What are your pros and cons? let me know! - Фільми й анімація
LOL thought I saw my car in your video! Been thinking about the Rocket 3 for a while now, and watching videos. Yours came up, and I was like, man that looks a lot like my Triump Dealership :D
Great review🤝I was watching all reviews about rocket 3 I just want to know about how it feels especially the weight and control in riding.this is the only review that makes me satisfied.and one more thing you are not boring us with information because a bike cost like this needs that kind of description
Thanks! always good to get feedback :) The bike feels WAY lighter than it has any right to feel and the seat height is pretty low so low speed control is really quite good. Once you're rolling it is a bit like a sport tourer; you can thrash it around but you'll have to use quite a bit more muscle than say a street triple. Overall really neat bike but I'd prefer it be a luxury tourer personally, or at least have an option to have such a machine ( one that competes with a goldwing ).
Your review made my day.I live in the UK and got creamed at a roundabout on my Triumph T595 and I have a car with a big V8-Great stuff!
Let's enjoy the almighty V8 while we can!
Got mine being delivered Monday. I’m sure I’ve made the right choice.
Really like you, your content,pace,format. Plus camera skills, perfect for me. Summary all together. Bloody amazing. You sir are better than the pros. So giveted. Ameri cans are. I'm English. Note possibly part two. Be great. Gos be buying one soon. The GT. Regards sir. From England. Frankeee 🙋
I have the 3R with Triumph's Bluetooth kit and the turn-by-turn works flawlessly with both Android and Apple. Handles much better than my Gen 2 1700 Vmax!
Jet Cooper so you were able to get the turn by turn? Interesting! I’ll have to hound them here ;) it took me a while to edit the video because of GoPro problems so it’s possible it happened in that time haha. How’d you like that v max? I’ve always thought those were cool. But I agree, the rocket handles great.
I live in Belgium and I have Rocket 3 r. Turn by turn works very good . I road for 25 year Harley Fat Boy. So on the rocket I do not feel much wind..
And on rain mode there is no slip of the rear tire, TC works really good. Brakes are very good. I like the rocket very much.
I'm jealous, would love to have one in the garage ;) Glad to hear you like it.
How about the exhaust sound?
Osama Bin Laden THE sound is very good
Hi Jean-Paul. Nice to meet somebody from Belgium with a Rocket 3R. I am from Brussels. I just got mine (Phantom black) delivered last Saturday. For the break in I try to ride as much as possible in Rain mode. The odd moment I pop it into Road and I can feel the difference. Only 250km on the clock, but getting there slowly. Lovely machine.
HoodFPV Good. When you select sport, you feel it to😈Do you speak Flemish? Nice bike, I have already 12.000 km.
excellent review glad i found this channel. not so sure i likt the looks as much as the first version but at that price forget it. i think the bobber is more my style but i love triples like my 75 t160. they have a growl i love.
Love your style mate. Watching in New Zealand 😎
Hi I am in New Zealand and I got a Rocket 3 GT . I think Triumph made the bike for NZ roads , Great handling. I got it with mid pegs like the R and quick shift. I am 5 foot 8" . It changed the bike so much as far as comfort .A must do. The screen makes a big difference too. Love this bike. very good review by the way.
Thanks 🙏 and I’m jealous. Every time I walk by one I wish I owned one. Would love it if they made a Trophy touring version with that engine but probably not. Sade travels buddy.
Thank you for the review, good to see your perspective. Watching you ride, I'm amazed you ride in such low gears. 40 odd mph and still in 2nd!! It's not as if there's not enough torque. you'll get much better mpg in higher gears and use the massive low down torque and the ride will seem a lot more relaxed but I guess that's your way of riding. Certainly not mine.
As a long time R3 owner, I couldn't agree more, regarding making this new R3 into a tourer model. Frame mounted fairing, hard panniers, electric height adjustable visor like Indian Challenger would be great. I've ridden the new R3R and it's definitely more nimble than my old R3. The brakes are amazing compared to my old R3!
Really good review! Nice work! Just turned 5K miles on my R. Never thought I’d be interested in this bike - took a test drive on a lark and ended up driving it home. I’m loving it more every ride. Unique, comfortable, fast and surprisingly nimble. Takes a pillion like a champ. Makes a great commuter. Scares sport bikes in the twisties. Expensive but really well built - you feel like you got what you paid for. Like you I think it’s missing out on it’s touring potential - I’m going to bag mine up a bit and try it for a weekend getaway. It will do fine I’m sure, just providing a little more “character” to contend with. I had thought this would be my second bike that I’d ride sometimes for variety, but I’m finding it’s becoming my daily driver. Well worth a look if you’re at all interested in it.
Right on! I love big engines in anything so it was a real treat to ride that bike. Absolutely the most unique factory bike I've ever ridden. I couldn't believe how light it is for the displacement. Hope the bag conversion goes well!
Enjoyed the review, because I'm looking to buy a 2017 used tomorrow. If trade in value gets my attention then the 2022 GT is in my sight.
Thx
Timmy
Right on brotha, I love em. Would own one if it was in my budget.
Great review its a amazing bike to rider its a shame we have to strangle it to Euro 5 to keep the greens happy 😥
Hi, nice video, thanks. What about heat from the engine? Is the heat stoppers enought? Next question is about loud, isnt it too loudly - short exhaust(e.g. comparing bmw k 1600 or goldwing) ?
ROBERT Keda thanks 🙏 hard to say on the heat part till it’s a 98 degree F day ( it was about 62 that day). I suspect as much air is hitting the rider it’s probably ok, maybe annoying in slow traffic. As far as the noise goes it wasn’t bad at all. By no means goldwing or k1600 quiet but it’s more of a lulling rumble.
Opinion from a 40 year Cruiser guy: The Triumph Rocket III is the first modern version, even futuristic, of the basically all look-alike American Cruiser for the last 50 years; Harley's, Indian, and Japanese knock offs, and I have owned many of them. Sure some are great bikes, my fav- the 1982 Suzuki GS 1100L, all too similar for decades though.
The Rocket III GT Cruiser is a break from the past. It is stylish, powerful, elegant, and without competition. Although it can offer brute force on command, the drivers of this bike prefer to merrily make their way down the road in no hurry, occasionally letting others know the power that lies within. Older riders dream of the Rocket III GT, but rarely use it for 2 up. That is not the saturated market Triumph is going for here. The Rocket III is less of a Hellcat, and more of a responsive Audi S8. This Cruiser is 50 - 75 pounds lighter than virtually all of its competitors, and certainly more nimble. As far as pricing, I think Triumph got it right, and is competitive with both HD and Indian. It is a personal luxury cruiser, worth every penny, and distinguishes itself from all others.
NFL1976 As an R owner I couldn’t agree more. Very well said!
@@Scootir185 You lucky Bastard! ;)
Really great comment. I am picking my Rocket 3R up this week over in Brisbane Australia
@@davidturner8301 Hey, PLEASE let us know how you made out DT with the R3R. From Massachusetts here. Australia? On my bucket list.
Connectivity is available as an opinion on the r and gt. The back rest is perfectly fine and does the job!
Great review.. I have booked the GT but there is a supply problem in India so it’s scheduled to deliver around mid January.. can u plz tell me about the heat dissipation in slow moving traffic? Is it as bad as the Harley softail?
Good question and congrats on the new wheels! Like all the triumph triples, you'll definitely feel the heat on a hot day in stand still traffic. If you can even muster 25 mph it is very tolerable. I rode this on a chilly day but I could definitely feel it. I seriously doubt it's as bad as my old tiger 800, talk about roasting the boys ;)
My new dream bike. I'm coming from Moto Guzzi. They stopped making their bigger engine models. That will look real good next to my Guzzi. I like the service model( first service earlier) then, every 10,000. miles. I'm tall for a woman so no problem with that seat height. You can switch the GT seat onto the R with just the key. Put a windscreen, and some bags on the R. Yeah, I'll tour on it. Thanks for driving the bike around slow. That's what's I've been looking for. The under 10 miles an hour maneuvering.
Great video fantastic looking bike 🇬🇧👍
Richard Pearson thanks!
Great video! Well done
Appreciate the detail and candor!! Thx! HDOG
Thanks!
Great review brother. I'm a Brit in Canada. Loved the UK comment. Take care my friend.
Thanks!
Nice video, many thanks
Good video. Hard to comment on because 1) it's like all your other reviews (nothing wrong with the format) and 2) this bike is definitely not meant for me. It's a damn cool bike. When I was last in at Cascade, it's just a big monster. And if you say it can handle well and it's easy to ride, I believe you. Just like the Bobbler, I know why people like them, but I could never own one. Not with that price point anyways. But if there's a market for them, good for Triumph for producing something for them. I guess the only other thing I noticed was that the maybe the first "Smiley Face" was just a tad bit too large. Surely there's easier ways of avoiding legal issues....because I like it when I can see how the bike and the scenery move so I can imagine how that would feel. I think consecutively the "Smiley Faces" got smaller, I think. But the first one seemed like the biggest.
I still can't believe these are sold already. I wish I could spend the money on this kind of bike. I'd probably put the Rocket to good use, somehow, maybe. I don't know. I'd probably make it a speed demon...
I wouldn't buy one either. I'd absolutely get a new tiger 1200 instead. Definitely not as flashy or fast but muuuuuuch more usable for everything and then some. Tiger 900 looks great too!
I have a 2020 Triumph Rocket 3 GT i love to cruise with it taking my time but i know that if i need its power to get out of bad traffic situation just need a twist of the throttle and there i go so torquey so much power my best bike so far and i have 40 years of experience riding motorcycle.
What’s your thoughts on this bike for a new rider? I wanted something I could grow into.
Well it’s technically possible if you have good throttle control. Definitely a lot of growing room 😆. It does have rider modes that could make it safe and all. Also, torque makes it very forgiving across the gears. But probably not the best starter machine.
The connectivity module is available for all Rockets. It probably should have been standard on the TFC. I'm enjoying my new R more than the Diavel I owned.
Yep I had to add it to the pinned comment :) I misunderstood the dealer when I shot it. I agree definitely would be standard on the tfc.
Richard Dunn also glad to hear about the diavel! I’ve met a few people who said the same thing. Was the diavel faster in your opinion? Just curious.
@@motodrang4287 Hard to say. Not much in it really. I don't think you buy 'the fastest' - they're all fast enough! The Diavel is lighter, but the Rocket has significantly more torque which is accessible at lower revs. I prefer the way the Triumph sounds, feels, handles and stops. The Diavel is a fine machine, but the Triumph is just a little more of everything, plus I prefer it's looks, character and they way it delivers its power more. I also trust it to be more reliable and IMPO think it's better looking and better built. My first ride: ua-cam.com/video/-EIjqajJOVg/v-deo.html
hey bro Drang, as a 6'3" tall rider, are you more comfortable on the hayabusa or on the rocket 3 ? And, experience aside, which bike do you think is more reliable as a daily rider? side note: those Avon Cobra tires will last for 10,000 miles before you will need to change them, if you are NOT molesting and abusing the tires !
Hey there dude and height twin, great question! Both bikes work great for tall people but I’d say the rocket is more comfy ( except for the wind in which case the busa is more slippy). Personally I’d go rocket GT for the extra leg comfort. Also evaluate how far you daily ride. For short bursts busa is amazing and the newer models are very smooth. For a longer more cruizy commute, rocket all day. As far as reliability, I have no data. But, I’m amazed how reliable the gsxr 1300 motor has been (1299 gen 1). I found out mine was missing a load of necessary parts and somehow the bike just kept working. I would not count on the Triumph being so resilient. That said, good maintenance will absolutely keep a Triumph on the road. The triumph will likely turn a few more heads of non bikers too, anecdotally. And yes, riding makes all the difference on tires, I’m sure the busa can shred them quick too. My Trophy SE is infamous for destroying back tires because of weight.
Have a good one buddy,
@@motodrang4287 thanks for the quick reply. I forgot to ask one more question. But, first, I have one more comment to make. When I looked at the 3R for the first time I thought to myself, "got d*mn, this thing is more beautiful than the hayabusa !! "...lol..🤣..I live here in Virginia and there's 2 Triumph dealerships that are about an hour drive from me. Anyway, I wanted to ask you if you had any issues with the pegs scraping the ground due to too much lean angle around curves on the 3R ?
@@markettradinggenius I didn’t but I wasn’t crazy aggressive. I know they can and one of the sales guys at our dealer tracks his 3r . He loves it. You can probably find him on Instagram ( Moto Matt) I think it is. Rocket feels way lighter than people think it would. If I had the money I’d go rocket for sure. Plus if you ever need to tow a boat with your bike you’ll have torque in reserve LOL.
@@motodrang4287 My man..🖖What sells me on the rocket 3R vs the hayabusa or the MV Agusta or Ducati is that the Rocket 3R/GT has it's first service at 10,000 miles! That's insanely great !! The next service is every 20,000 miles thereafter to check cam, change plugs, check and change fluids for shaft, etc...Theoretically, this means that the service intervals alone gives a "hint" of how reliable the actual bike can possible be !
The latest vmax mpg is 28 average that's a 1.7 litre so 30 mpg aint bad for 2.5 litre
I agree, I was very close to buying a v max and the range was one of the reasons I chose otherwise.
i have seen some Videos about this Bike, Cause i reallx thinking about to Buy one (GT) next Year. This is the Best Video about the Rocket if ever seen.
Thanks! I really enjoyed riding the R3, nothing like that kind of displacement. I'd also get the GT if I was in the market for one :)
@@motodrang4287 How about the sound
@@osamabinladen824 The sound is very deep but pretty muffled from factory. Put on a new silencer and it sounds mean as hell.
Which colour looks good the red one or the black one Motor Drang ?
Godwin .T.j I say red but that’s just my taste 😉
Moto Drang thanks Motor Drang
Excellent video review. The tank is too small the horn is laughable and I'd prefer a fixed non floating instrument panel
Thanks! I agree with all of those things I love the bike but it doesn't quite reach out to me in a I'd buy it kind of way. I'd prefer a luxury touring bike with that motor myself.
Hi This is one of the best reviews i have viewed on UA-cam on the Rocket 3 - Very sincere and you covered a topic that i wanted to know about - that is the handling - as I am just 5-4 in height medium built - do you think I would be able to manage this bike ? will wait for your reply ..
Great review - Thanks once again ..!!!
Thank you! I think you would be just fine but the easy way to tell will be to see if you're comfortable at standstill, not necessarily flat footing but just make sure you have comfortable if say, there's a rut or pothole that could be underfoot. There is a range of seat height listed (29.53 to 30.43) so there may be a low seat option that can help. Good news is that when you go lower seat, the lower the center of gravity goes. So good handling becomes even better. The weight of the bike, though not small, was really easy to maneuver at slow speed. Also, these bikes tend to get a lowering option from the aftermarket, but you'll want to double check before buying one :) Safe travels and hope you get your dream bike!
Not tour worthy? Why not? The seat is very comfortable, with panniers you can stow plenty of gear, long trips are no problem. In fact I have done over 1100 miles in one day on my GT. Twisties? I have never been passed by any other cruiser in the twisties and I have passed more sports bikes than have passed me. Put it in rider mode and peg the throttle and you are doing a wheelie. For an all around motorcycle there is nothing out there that outdoes the new Rockets.
This bike has recently been added to the short list. I've had my '85 K100RS for 32 years and she doesn't put out any more. Muscle car too exy but this muscle bike gets me some what horny. Have you ridden the Monster 1200?
Same horsepower from 2500 cc as the Duc. Diavel with 1260 cc! Triumph could have blown everything away with a 250 hp engine at this displacement. Actually, the shaft reduces the power to the rear wheel below the Diavel.
Never mind the
That Diavel is a hot rod for sure. Personally I like the shaft drive but I know alot of people who hate it for the weight/power loss. Another thing is that the r3 is massively detuned at factory so when people de restrict them I bet you'll easily see more than 200 whp. Ducati does the opposite and really pushes their stuff to the limits from factory it seems like.
@@motodrang4287 I actually love the shaft drive but was only bringing it up because it should have been more motivation for Triumph to have boosted the output. I owned a previous Rocket done by Carpenter Racing. 208 RWHP (after the shaft drive!) and 168 ft/lbs. Thgis R3 is far more refined not mention beautiful. I just received my new GT.
@@josephramieri2256 Holy cow!
Horsepower is bullshit it's the torque you feel ride the bike before you comment it's amazing and I have a Hayabusa modified this is more fun to ride and most importantly comfortable and a good thing is it's basically a lazy engine out of the factory highly modifiable which I don't plant to do cuz it's more than good enough for me. So the engine will last forever when it's underpowered it's more durable.
Do you think this thing vibrates a bit too much esp at low revs? I have the TFC and I tested the R, the TFC vibrates even more than the R in my opinion. Also, it seems there is alot of power loss in the shaft drive. which makes sluggish in response. I also have the VMAX1700, and that bike is way more smooth and responsive.. So far I have only ridden the TFC once, for about 20 miles from the dealer..but I was not impressed at all with the riding experience. I was thinking maybe there is some defect in the bike..
Anyway, I'm gonna call Triumph HQ in GA, and see what they say.. perhaps they can come out to my local dealer and test drive it..
interesting about the vibration, I didn't notice anything inordinate about the R model but there is a bit of low RPM vibration. Again, nothing that made me think the bike was acting up. I suspect the vmax will be much more responsive and the Euro 5 stuff will definitely hinder the rocket 3. For me it was like a diesel pickup, gobs of torque but nothing that made me think the bike was going to loop. The old rockets had to get a few things done to the intake and exhaust to really get the good power out of the engine. I hope it gets worked out for you, that TFC is no small hit to the wallet. Let me know if you find anything out and I'll pass what you said along to my dealer so they know. Thanks for the detailed comment!
One more bit of info which I wish I had mentioned in the video is that with the maintenance benefits of the shaft drive comes a stiff 20 -25 % mechanical power loss. Additionally it makes stretching the rear wheel extremely difficult, unlike a chain drive. Important for drag modifiers.
@@motodrang4287 yea.. hence we already have a list of things to change: opened exhaust, convert shaft to chain, open intake, reflash ECU to disinfect commie Euro5 performance suppression, strech the rear to make it more drag...
@@motodrang4287 Unless Triumph un-F's this bike, I will surely sell it, and probably at a big loss.
@@CrusaderGeneral Sorry to hear that brotha, totally agree with that commie crap; I'm really getting sick of 50 lb mufflers, gas guzler taxes and detuning. Sadly all bike manufacturers are going this route so they can sell to the EU, even Harley. The germans lost WWII but won the war of diplomacy in a soft takeover through the EU... sorry, long and I'm not a political channel but I get irritated with this and the EPA making my paint jobs on my cars/trucks shit. I'm interested to see what you do with that bike if you can get a chain swap!
would you buy one ?
If it was in the budget, yes. Sadly my bike has to be a do it all. 20k + for a fun bike is a bit too much
Nice review! Am i the only one who thought "FFS change up already, it's got more gears you know :D"
Also on making a tourer version of this bike, hmm i guess it would weigh AT LEAST 50 kg's more, which puts it in the "nah, i'll take the car-territory" (Purely personal opinion of course)
RE EURO 5 - get used to it dude. You can't really knock the manufacturers for following current regulations?!
Cheers!
HerrBlackwood thanks ! Haha definitely not a knock to the manufacturer on the Euro 5 stuff. Just grumbling a bit 🤣 . You’re right about the weight, if it were a super tourer it probably would be a beast, still would like one though.
@@motodrang4287 When i test drove the Rocket R it reminded me a lot of the O.G. V-Max in that i put it in top gear and spent a day on country roads without changing gear :) The Rocket is amazing to drive at 55-60 Mph in sixth gear at just above idle. Try it and you'll get between 5-6 litres/100 km too ;)
(Please don't ask me to convert to Mpg... )
@@motodrang4287 How's the exhaust sound?
@@motodrang4287 They say it sounds like crap.
@@motodrang4287 Doesn't justify the enormity of the bike.
You may do better with gas mileage if you cruised in a higher gear. During the whole video I don't think you changed up higher than third gear, which won't help at all. I'm not picking on you specifically, I've noticed this with a lot of UA-cam reviewers and to be honest I do find it annoying and irritating. Just my opinion for what it's worth.
raymond majer for sure, I was running her a bit harder than a normal cruise ride. Bad habit I suppose 😎 I get bad mileage on my tiger 1200 as well and even worse on the busa. If you ride this bike conservatively you’ll probably get in the 40’s (mpg)
@@motodrang4287 I too have a Busa, 2008 facelift model. I live in the UK where the maximum legal speed is 70 mph on the motorway (your equivalent to an interstate). If I go touring on the Busa I short shift into top gear on the motorway when the bike is comfortable with it and she will return 53 mpg. Obviously if I used the bike as intended it would be nowhere near that frugal I understand that. Take care.
raymond majer that’s really good, I couldn’t get that out of my gen 1 ( but it’s heavily modified ).
Moto Drang There’s really not much point to a 2.5 litre triple motorcycle if you don’t use the torque.
Don’t know why the GT has 167HP and the R has 165HP. Weird.
Marco Polo I’m curious about that, I’ll go ask one of the mechanics and let ya know what I find out about the power difference :) ya I wish I didn’t have to cover the speedo but it was really quick to high speed. I’ll try to keep mr smiley smaller next time.
Moto Drang I went to the motorcycle show just for this baby on Saturday and I was speechless when the representative told me that. Go figure. It should have been the R model that has 2 more HP Since it’s the sport one.
I don't know what you're on about? There's no difference between the R and GT engine-wise. At least not according to Triumph, and they ought to know :)
I have a Peugeot 106 diesel.....this bike whoops its butt.....then again so does a Vespa 125 lol
Bib The Boulder 😂
Seems like very hard to start it..😂
Ady Yzels haha ya it’s kind of like a Ducati. Takes a lot to turn that big engine over.
Good video...but none of the "cons" are really cons for this particular bike. Wind .....ok....many riders LIKE wind when riding a cruiser type of bike. Price....compare it to anything else that's remotely comparable. It's certainly comparable to a Diavel and maybe some Harley's and Indians that are "cruisers". So price I suppose is a con for MANY of those bikes in general. Touring....it's NOT a touring bike and it was never marketed as such. You can't knock something for not being what YOU wished it was. These strike me as more personal than bike specific. Like does the exhaust roast your leg in town riding? Is there a ton of vibration? Those would be TRUE cons specific to THIS bike.
Traeger Email good feedback, thanks 🙏 always trying to make these better. In a way the biggest con was that it did everything pretty good with the one big plus of a super broad torque rpm range. In that way it’s kind of like vanilla ice cream ( chocolate syrup being the engine). Didn’t really have issues with vibration and such. Very detailed comment, again thanks!
No vibration at all with mine. After 30 minutes you feel that large engine heating up. But as soon as you get some speed it is no real problem.
Beautiful bike. Sounds like a sewing machine though
I've watched a lot of reviews on the Rocket & this is probably the WORST. Test ride was a joke - cornering?!! - that was a slight bend in the road! Riding in city traffic, upright, no lean & didn't overtake once. A lot of talking but no real information until your summary after 30 minutes - most of which I already knew.
Didn’t see nothing, mr. Smile was too big. And I wouldn’t want the GT been transform into a touring. I love it the way it is. A cruiser.
"I love it the way it is. A cruiser." Exactly! I think that got lost somewhere in this review. A 2020 HD Fatboy will cost about the same, but the Rocket III destroys it at every level. Same with the Chief Dark Horse, by the time you are done tricking it out.
Not until it has proper pipes.
Skip to 6mins... good vid other than intro lol
😅 oof
It's a poser bike (totally fine with me) - so, in fact, the GT shouldn't be in the line-up at all. Think about the mpg - that alone does clearly show that it's not intended to be a GT. However, once a year or so has passed by ond we know what issues this Rocket has (and if/how Triumph goes to address them) it's definitely something to consider IF someone is in the market for a poser bike. Stay safe
W V it definitely screams “ look at me “ 🤣 I agree, I try not to buy these first of the new generation vehicles.
Whats up with your left hand? You catching bugs? 👎 Wasted time watching this. Lots of talking, says nothing.
A lovely motorcycle,especially the R...but you sir,ride like a girl !! What a poor test !!
I prefer delicate rider ;)
What do you mean? Girls don't ride differently than boys.