This was my first street bike. I drove dirt bikes as a kid but am now 54. It's now a matter of fit. I find it comfortable for my size (6'4") and a great bike to drive. Don't be intimidated by the motor size. Just be respectful and cautious. Take it easy and you will be fine!
I'm thinking the same; I'm mid fifties, 5'8* and am wondering if this is too big a step up from the Honda CB600F I started on last year. Well, I guess you could look at it like driving a high performance car, anyone can do it if they keep the revs down. The difference I guess, is having to keep 800LBS upright on tricky slow manoeuvres; how do you find that? And what about manual handling, how is that?
I love that there are countless motorcycle reviews on youtube. I am looking forward to making a purchase decision in the not to distant future and this is (as always) an incredible resource. There's only one problem. I am sick of the fake head banger rock music!!!
I test rode one of these about eight years ago. Amazing. After, I climbed back on my Buell Ulysses, a torquey bike in its own right, albeit a mere 1,203 cc, and it felt like a toy.
I rode this bike today, same color-2017, iam in love, will be purchasing, it handles like a Sport Bike, it just needs cruise control because the engine is to die for as far as low rpm sound!! Pleasure to listen to. The brakes were amazing!! What a bike, i sat on a bobber after the rocket and the bobber felt like a 3 year-olds tricycle!!! Go Rocket!!!!! Wait to i slap a turbo on it!!!
Interesting interviewing technique -- ask a question, then quickly answer it yourself, and then let the other guy give his opinion. But it worked well.
Thing that staggers me is the way it moves, glides along so effortlessly. Saw a full dress Honda Golding yesterday - amazed at the sheer bulk of the thing and how Honda are able to fit all that on two wheels.
I saw one of these a couple of days ago and was amazed at how small and nimble it actually looks for its ridiculously large displacement. Still looks and sounds very intimidating up close!
Very nice review and just what I had to say after 3 years owning one. Great bike with no big complaints. But in the end I found Triumph's Storm to be almost as powerful, lighter and much better handling. Either way both are great bikes.
I realised way back in the 60s (and believe that basic physics remain the same) that if you hit 80 m.p.h. on a motorcycle without a full fairing the wind will almost rip you off the bike, and possibly more unpleasant - your helmet will try to decapitate you. I suspect that most buyers simply buy this model to pose on, but in that regard I prefer my Valkyrie. Ride safely bikers, and enjoy whatever craziness you have invested in.
I finally got to ride an 18', what an absolute animal...mid pegs not for me so I'm considering forward floorboards and a batwing from corbin...maybe lowered and inch in the rear and off to Carpenter...a perfect Sunday bike...
people don't understand that choppers baggers and that kind of motorcycles aren't super sport motorcycles like fast so fast, it's all about pleasure, huge tork, cruising and other GOOD things
Owned a 2012 for a year now. I love it and it is wickedly quick. it is perfect for me I am 6 foot 1 and the bike is big enough for me that I can be comfortable. Check my channel out for some more videos with someone riding the Rocket.
OMG! My mom and dad told me I could have ANY bike I wanted for my first one! I'M SO EXCITED!!! Totally getting this one, broskies. Any pointers??? Buying it, like, tomorrow!
I just brought a 125, and this shift a co-worker showed up on one of these. And just after someone else said to me "did you get a child's bike" lmao I'm going to go cry.
My first bike and how I learned how to ride. You can really feel the weight and girth when idling but disappears upon acceleration. Feels like your sitting on top a bull and steering it by the horns every time I'm at a stop light. My bike is loud as he'll and always pops and spits blue flame out the V&H everything I down shift. Currently hunting down a vrod muscle to keep the rocket 3 company.
its a great bike for the rider who wants something more than the typical underpowered street bike. I have 45k miles on my R3R since i bought it new in 2015 you can do it as a new rider but obviously not recommended.
Remarkable coincidence: I bought my best-ever bike, 1951 Arial Square 4, through a dealer in Kent, UK, called Dave Fox Motorcycles. It can't be the same guy, surely? Though it was long enough ago that he might have gained an American accent by now.
You know what would be nice? If I could find accessories for this motorcycle! It's a good Motorcycle. It has plenty of power. But trying to find accessories for this thing is a a pain in the backside!
Ive got a 2014 Rocket III Roadster,had it from new, the only problem I have with it after 7 years of ownership is what could possibly replace it? The new 2500cc is a totally different machine in every respect other than retaining the 3 cylinder engine format The solution is to have both I guess
2:25.....Yeah, I'm sure there's mounds of torque when your bike isn't in gear. Oh yeah, at least he had the sense to recommend a cruiser to those who like to cruise.
Faded Leviathan you didn't understand what he meant at all. He was talking torsional force of the engine while in nutral. He's commenting on a remarkable "rocking" motion. Try revving the engine of a powerful car and you'll understand the sensation. You don't get that from smaller v twins.
A buddy of mine has one of these and I've ridden it on a few occasions. It's a decent bike and rides just like any other large heavyweight. It's far smoother than a Harley but it's not Gold Wing smooth. In fact for the kind of money this thing goes for I'd take a GL1800 any day. As far as speed is concerned, it's not fast, more like powerful but nothing like a sport bike. Picture a big old 500 cubic inch Cadillac, that sort of thing. It's got loads of torque at 2 grand, but zero top end as you'd expect. The transmission however is easily the weakest link, and it literally bangs through the gears. So much so that I was afraid to keep riding it for fear of breaking something. All in all I wouldn't spend that kinda money on something like this. Just get a GL1800 if you want a large touring bike that's fast and comfy.
Bought a new rocket three and after 6 months when the dealer had it more than me, I flushed that turd and will never buy another thing from Triumph or The Pittsburgh dealer that made it the worst purchase experience I have ever had in 50 years of riding and buying new bikes. Id say you can take the chance if you have a good dealer if you don't know if your dealer is good or not stay far far away. Not enough Triumph dealers around to take it someplace else if you aren't happy with the service
Why is this turning 2,000 rpms at 50? That's the same as my full size V6 car with a 3.5L that weighs 5 times more. It should be turning about 1350 rpms at 50 mph. Don't tell me they geared this thing super short with no overdrive? I'm looking at a chart and it says the Rocket III has no overdrive, and it runs 2,200 RPMS at 60 mph and 2943 rpms at 80mph. So it basically turns about 700 rpms more than it needs to on flat level ground in 5th gear? One of the worst things that has plagued all motorcycles has been too low of gears. The best thing in the world is when you have high gears. I always wondered when they design a motorcycle if they ever consider that it's actually going to be driven on the freeway for long distances.
I’ve got a Rocket 3 gt that currently has faulty indicators and faulty panniers, Triumph uk won’t acknowledge my emails, if you buy one expect a lot of down time, in my case a month per issue minimum, even the brake recall took a month and the lock replacement took a month, my bike has currently been down for three of the twelve months that I’ve owned it, buyer beware
John Wayne, NO, it's not a good first Bike. I suggest You get to know how to operate a Bike safely on a smaller Bike. Something 500cc to max 750cc. Once You are "at home" on that Bike You might want to upgrade to a Rocket. Pls don't rush. The Rocket in the hands of an experienced rider is reasonably docile. The inexperienced is going to eat dust. Pls take Your time.
Hi there. Thanks for watching. I can assure you that our guest riders are not paid any money to promote the bikes that are reviewed. Dave Fox has done a number of road test reviews for us over the years. He's always very fair. The fact is, he loves all bikes! Currently he owns a Honda Valkyrie and a CB500F.
Nope. He's far too enthusiastic about this bike in a fake way, not spontaneous at all. It was evident he had been coached on what to say and/or practiced saying it before filming each segment. Wouldn't be surprised if I dropped by your shop to find him minding the register or sweeping the floors.
Rattlehead989 Yes, i test rode one (and now i got the rocket bug....) And it's not bad, like, whatsoever. There's a weird feeling involved when giving a lot of gas, but, have you ridden a daytona 675R on a bumpy road? Or you know, longer than 3 hours? Yeaaaah, you haven't a clue ;)
No forward pedal control, ugly thank and frankly, three cylindres is ugly too. Really, how far will it goes. In my opinion 2000cc is more than enough for one ore two persons for a bike. Why trying to had more and more until we call it a Boss Hoss. Here in in Montreal I haven’t seen one so far.
stratsareus I think it looks great. Plus you can have a Turbo installed for...i don't know how much it would cost in the US, but i assume it would be much cheaper than the $3000-$5000 they do it for over here in Aus.
TheSpyChecker Ok... that's fine but my beef is this. If you want one you don't have a choice. It's black with an idiotic stripe and zero chrome or nothing. That's why I didn't buy one.
Horrible whiny voice full of worn out cliches. If you want to know what an R3 is all about, it deserves to be ridden on long lonely roads with a heap of camping gear etc strapped to the back. And if the roads are bad, even better because the big Triumph can soak them up. I'm sick to death of hearing reviews about how much power it has delivered in gushing accolades ad nauseum.
pfff, useless giant engine that is good only for consuming your money and fuel. And, btw, the is a bike bigger than this: it is called boss hoss cycle ( 7000 cc of engine and 680 kg of weight ). More Useless than this...Wow!
This was my first street bike. I drove dirt bikes as a kid but am now 54. It's now a matter of fit. I find it comfortable for my size (6'4") and a great bike to drive. Don't be intimidated by the motor size. Just be respectful and cautious. Take it easy and you will be fine!
I'm thinking the same; I'm mid fifties, 5'8* and am wondering if this is too big a step up from the Honda CB600F I started on last year. Well, I guess you could look at it like driving a high performance car, anyone can do it if they keep the revs down. The difference I guess, is having to keep 800LBS upright on tricky slow manoeuvres; how do you find that? And what about manual handling, how is that?
I would go for it.
@@robcornwell4809
Rob, six years on, what was your decision and experience with the Rocket?
I've got it few days, I will love it forever!!! Amazing machine!!!
I'm more a car guy, i never used to love a bike, But there is an exception with this beuty. What a beast!
I love that there are countless motorcycle reviews on youtube. I am looking forward to making a purchase decision in the not to distant future and this is (as always) an incredible resource. There's only one problem. I am sick of the fake head banger rock music!!!
I test rode one of these about eight years ago. Amazing. After, I climbed back on my Buell Ulysses, a torquey bike in its own right, albeit a mere 1,203 cc, and it felt like a toy.
I rode this bike today, same color-2017, iam in love, will be purchasing, it handles like a Sport Bike, it just needs cruise control because the engine is to die for as far as low rpm sound!! Pleasure to listen to. The brakes were amazing!! What a bike, i sat on a bobber after the rocket and the bobber felt like a 3 year-olds tricycle!!! Go Rocket!!!!! Wait to i slap a turbo on it!!!
Interesting interviewing technique -- ask a question, then quickly answer it yourself, and then let the other guy give his opinion. But it worked well.
Thing that staggers me is the way it moves, glides along so effortlessly. Saw a full dress Honda Golding yesterday - amazed at the sheer bulk of the thing and how Honda are able to fit all that on two wheels.
I saw one of these a couple of days ago and was amazed at how small and nimble it actually looks for its ridiculously large displacement. Still looks and sounds very intimidating up close!
Very nice review and just what I had to say after 3 years owning one. Great bike with no big complaints.
But in the end I found Triumph's Storm to be almost as powerful, lighter and much better handling.
Either way both are great bikes.
I watched one of these just pull away from some Harley guys trying to act fast and it was impressive
so? It will pull away from every cruiser on the market?
I am sure it would pull away from your bike, if you had one....
awesome motorbike!
The best video about this bike)
I realised way back in the 60s (and believe that basic physics remain the same) that if you hit 80 m.p.h. on a motorcycle without a full fairing the wind will almost rip you off the bike, and possibly more unpleasant - your helmet will try to decapitate you. I suspect that most buyers simply buy this model to pose on, but in that regard I prefer my Valkyrie. Ride safely bikers, and enjoy whatever craziness you have invested in.
that's what i expect a beast i'm looking to buy one this year
I finally got to ride an 18', what an absolute animal...mid pegs not for me so I'm considering forward floorboards and a batwing from corbin...maybe lowered and inch in the rear and off to Carpenter...a perfect Sunday bike...
people don't understand that choppers baggers and that kind of motorcycles aren't super sport motorcycles like fast so fast, it's all about pleasure, huge tork, cruising and other GOOD things
Owned a 2012 for a year now. I love it and it is wickedly quick. it is perfect for me I am 6 foot 1 and the bike is big enough for me that I can be comfortable. Check my channel out for some more videos with someone riding the Rocket.
OMG! My mom and dad told me I could have ANY bike I wanted for my first one! I'M SO EXCITED!!! Totally getting this one, broskies. Any pointers??? Buying it, like, tomorrow!
Thanks for the video............................................................. & THUMBS UP :D
I just brought a 125, and this shift a co-worker showed up on one of these. And just after someone else said to me "did you get a child's bike" lmao I'm going to go cry.
Identical to mine . I'm 54 and plan to keep this. 5ft 9 and feel legs a bit squashed on pegs. But just need seat a bit higher.
My first bike and how I learned how to ride. You can really feel the weight and girth when idling but disappears upon acceleration. Feels like your sitting on top a bull and steering it by the horns every time I'm at a stop light. My bike is loud as he'll and always pops and spits blue flame out the V&H everything I down shift. Currently hunting down a vrod muscle to keep the rocket 3 company.
Amazing bike. If only they blacked out the pipes. That chrome looks out of place with the blacked out theme.
Big facts
I dont like the fact you cant get a motor that isnt blacked out. Not sure why they went that route
Лучший мотоцикл!!!
its a great bike for the rider who wants something more than the typical underpowered street bike. I have 45k miles on my R3R since i bought it new in 2015 you can do it as a new rider but obviously not recommended.
It's Dolly Parton with a clutch...great ride!
wow that bike is Awesome, let me guess all the knockers are Harley riders!!
Yeah prob are harley riders, they get pissed off getting left behind, lm always seeing them in my mirrors!! Lol harley ....
Hey no need to knock Harley's either, I've seen plenty of em and have a couple buddies who have some some that are fast as hell.
@@YourLocalFireAlarmTech yeah but there's fast and fast!! Lol and the vibration will throw ya off a harley!!
Remarkable coincidence: I bought my best-ever bike, 1951 Arial Square 4, through a dealer in Kent, UK, called Dave Fox Motorcycles. It can't be the same guy, surely? Though it was long enough ago that he might have gained an American accent by now.
Nah! He’d never lose the ramsgate accent 😉
You know what would be nice? If I could find accessories for this motorcycle! It's a good Motorcycle. It has plenty of power. But trying to find accessories for this thing is a a pain in the backside!
Ive got a 2014 Rocket III Roadster,had it from new, the only problem I have with it after 7 years of ownership is what could possibly replace it?
The new 2500cc is a totally different machine in every respect other than retaining the 3 cylinder engine format
The solution is to have both I guess
Give any thought to telling us the model year this bike is? Dave mention just able to get his feet on the ground.. but How tall is Dave??
Would liked to have seen him give it some berries - He was riding like the police were behind him.
correction it produces over 160lbs feet of torque
163lbs
At last someone gave the correct torque figure....163
@@rbheaven1969 yeah I was way off. It dows very with year
2:25.....Yeah, I'm sure there's mounds of torque when your bike isn't in gear.
Oh yeah, at least he had the sense to recommend a cruiser to those who like to cruise.
lol so stupid!!both these people don't know shit!
I assume he means the same thing as when a car tilts to the side when you rev in neutral like a muscle car
Faded Leviathan you didn't understand what he meant at all. He was talking torsional force of the engine while in nutral. He's commenting on a remarkable "rocking" motion. Try revving the engine of a powerful car and you'll understand the sensation. You don't get that from smaller v twins.
yurp
Casey H. But this isn't small, or a V-twin...
A buddy of mine has one of these and I've ridden it on a few occasions. It's a decent bike and rides just like any other large heavyweight. It's far smoother than a Harley but it's not Gold Wing smooth. In fact for the kind of money this thing goes for I'd take a GL1800 any day. As far as speed is concerned, it's not fast, more like powerful but nothing like a sport bike. Picture a big old 500 cubic inch Cadillac, that sort of thing. It's got loads of torque at 2 grand, but zero top end as you'd expect. The transmission however is easily the weakest link, and it literally bangs through the gears. So much so that I was afraid to keep riding it for fear of breaking something. All in all I wouldn't spend that kinda money on something like this. Just get a GL1800 if you want a large touring bike that's fast and comfy.
Rocket? or 1str gen Valkyrie. Love Valkyrie but 6carbs and all those needles and gaskets makes me wary...but still love it.Can't decide please help me
Inline are always smooth why someone was so surprised ?
No grab handles for the passenger?
You're it!
I read that the Triumph Rocket 3 Roadster is 2,500 or 98.3 inches long which is huge. Is this true?
It is.
That means its probably the longest mass production motorcycle out there im guessing
Perhaps. The old Honda Rune was over 100 inches. The new Valkyrie is 97.3.
Stratoliner takes it by 3" at 101.6
this is so fucking amazing
the bike that makes you a man
The most insane bike ever conceived??
What gear do you have on, host? I like the green hi-viz jacket. Thanks
Bought a new rocket three and after 6 months when the dealer had it more than me, I flushed that turd and will never buy another thing from Triumph or The Pittsburgh dealer that made it the worst purchase experience I have ever had in 50 years of riding and buying new bikes. Id say you can take the chance if you have a good dealer if you don't know if your dealer is good or not stay far far away. Not enough Triumph dealers around to take it someplace else if you aren't happy with the service
Dealers can make or break a bike. Good dealers fix things the first time. Mine has been the most reliable thing I have ever owned.
I’m 303 lbs tall and 5”11’ would this one be a good one one it?
Bigger bikes like this one are usually the better choice over those smaller ones for bigger guys.
all the weight really?? its only 700 pounds
that's light actually, my vn 2000 is close to 1000
randal fowler ...I’m fat!
hi guys i just got my license im wondering if this is suitable to learn on
Yep, make sure not to wear a helmet bc it causes drag
Why is this turning 2,000 rpms at 50? That's the same as my full size V6 car with a 3.5L that weighs 5 times more. It should be turning about 1350 rpms at 50 mph. Don't tell me they geared this thing super short with no overdrive? I'm looking at a chart and it says the Rocket III has no overdrive, and it runs 2,200 RPMS at 60 mph and 2943 rpms at 80mph. So it basically turns about 700 rpms more than it needs to on flat level ground in 5th gear? One of the worst things that has plagued all motorcycles has been too low of gears. The best thing in the world is when you have high gears. I always wondered when they design a motorcycle if they ever consider that it's actually going to be driven on the freeway for long distances.
The first minute and a half of this video is narrated by a cartoon character.
If there's a narrator, why the boxes blocking the film with the words he's speaking. Can't SEE THE FILM because of the boxes.
Why not for a beginner rider?
I’ve got a Rocket 3 gt that currently has faulty indicators and faulty panniers, Triumph uk won’t acknowledge my emails, if you buy one expect a lot of down time, in my case a month per issue minimum, even the brake recall took a month and the lock replacement took a month, my bike has currently been down for three of the twelve months that I’ve owned it, buyer beware
No fairing?
It would definitely need the Dool front brakes.
How tall is the rider?
The little fella is 5'6". Heard on another video.
Fletcher DeMaine, thank you much obliged.
@@Debonair.Aristocrat Was wondering the same. Then there's some hope even for me (5,5"). ;)
My old ass Monster has 43mm forks and 320mm dual front brakes. At half the weight. Why is that a big deal?
Just wait til the new one ;)
John Wayne, NO, it's not a good first Bike. I suggest You get to know how to operate a Bike safely on a smaller Bike. Something 500cc to max 750cc. Once You are "at home" on that Bike You might want to upgrade to a Rocket. Pls don't rush. The Rocket in the hands of an experienced rider is reasonably docile. The inexperienced is going to eat dust. Pls take Your time.
Hans Willi start on a 125
BULL-SHIT HE OWNS A HONDA VALKYRIE.
IT WAS OBVIOUS HE'S BEING PAID TO PROMOTE THIS BIKE.
THE VALKYRIE IS ITS NEAREST COMPETITION.
Hi there. Thanks for watching. I can assure you that our guest riders are not paid any money to promote the bikes that are reviewed. Dave Fox has done a number of road test reviews for us over the years. He's always very fair. The fact is, he loves all bikes! Currently he owns a Honda Valkyrie and a CB500F.
Nope. He's far too enthusiastic about this bike in a fake way, not spontaneous at all. It was evident he had been coached on what to say and/or practiced saying it before filming each segment. Wouldn't be surprised if I dropped by your shop to find him minding the register or sweeping the floors.
This is just simply not the case, but thanks for watching!
Can someone give this for my birthday in touring edition ???
I wonder how tall is that guy (Dave Fox) who ride the bike...
4 feet 6 inches. he used a step stool to get on the bike.
DoomFinger511 lol
Seems like even a minor drop will FUCK UP the radiator.
My dad have a Triumph Rocket lll
my Bike my bestia.
Those front Brakes are not Brembo's Genius.
The rear brakes are Brembo, the front are NIssin
Ever ridden this on a bumpy road? Say goodbye to your lower back :-)
Rattlehead989 Yes, i test rode one (and now i got the rocket bug....)
And it's not bad, like, whatsoever. There's a weird feeling involved when giving a lot of gas, but, have you ridden a daytona 675R on a bumpy road? Or you know, longer than 3 hours? Yeaaaah, you haven't a clue ;)
sure have and it responds like all road bikes.. Maybe mine is special triumph roadster 2015 :)
6th gear and stroke it out to about 13:1 compression. I will pay face value!
Ronnie what 6th gear? Lol
give it a 6th gear
No forward pedal control, ugly thank and frankly, three cylindres is ugly too. Really, how far will it goes. In my opinion 2000cc is more than enough for one ore two persons for a bike. Why trying to had more and more until we call it a Boss Hoss. Here in in Montreal I haven’t seen one so far.
2.3
How improve a great bike?? Paint everything black. And three cheers for the twelve year old who suggested the stripes...
stratsareus I think it looks great. Plus you can have a Turbo installed for...i don't know how much it would cost in the US, but i assume it would be much cheaper than the $3000-$5000 they do it for over here in Aus.
TheSpyChecker Ok... that's fine but my beef is this. If you want one you don't have a choice. It's black with an idiotic stripe and zero chrome or nothing. That's why I didn't buy one.
stratsareus chrome on a bike looks absolute shit, IMHO.
joshuamoore13 That's funny, I think bikes that have no chrome look like shit...especially the ones that are all flat black...
+joshuamoore13
Except for bonnevilles you mean, right?
ロケット3かっこいい(^o^)
biggest displacement? ummm boss hoss?
Boss hoss are mainly artisanal production...not factory made
Car engine
Low volume bike using a car motor.
That exhaust is horrible though.
Sounds crap you would think it would be much louder
It's to big and to powerfull monster for beginers. Don' t do it.
plat e Klaten.....
Well, this is not a road test - it's an advertisment!
IT HAS A BIG UGLY PASTED ON IT!!
Warning do not buy this head ache.
Horrible whiny voice full of worn out cliches. If you want to know what an R3 is all about, it deserves to be ridden on long lonely roads with a heap of camping gear etc strapped to the back. And if the roads are bad, even better because the big Triumph can soak them up. I'm sick to death of hearing reviews about how much power it has delivered in gushing accolades ad nauseum.
These things are really cheap used. I wonder why?
Because there not a sport bike and heavy to move. They really are a great bike. But its down to choice.
Many clueless knobheads buy these bikes and find out it's too much for them. Buy the bike and thank them.
"Buy the bike and thank them" : Exactly!!! I am in the market for a used one.
Because in the end, they are not Harley's....LOL
There no Harley I would buy over this. None.
so ugly, great
cant see why anyone would buy one,too big heavy and not good fuel wise.
Many years from now when you're a grown up you'll realise not everyone is you.
pfff, useless giant engine that is good only for consuming your money and fuel. And, btw, the is a bike bigger than this: it is called boss hoss cycle ( 7000 cc of engine and 680 kg of weight ). More Useless than this...Wow!
Roberto Faudella largest production BIKE engine. Boss Hogs are from chevy's and aren't bike engines ergo they don't count.
ok but this bike is still useless. My motto is : " you don't need a powerful bike but a funny one", and this isn't funny...
Ride one and then see what you think. Also, Boss Hog is not a production bike.
shut the fuck up. always a hater
That's the ugliest thing on 2 wheels next to a Boss Hoss.