I'm 79 and have owned 30 bikes over the years.....all of them top line machines of almost every make. My 202i R3 GT is definitely my favorite of all! Beautiful, comfortable, powerful and made with true quality. The quick shifter is just magic, the electronics are great....I just love this machine!
I have the same bike. I love it. Traded a '22 CVO Road Glide Limited for it. Miss the storage but this bike is a definite keeper for me. I've done up to 500 miles in a day on it so far.
yeah I traded my beloved 2018 Goldwing for this one, the dealership gave me a great trade and I just couldn't pass it up. I cant argue with the comfort of this bike, I've ridden a lot of miles on it and I've never had a sore back or butt, and that is with the stock seat. I am really having a hard time though with the storage, I think the bags for this bike from Triumph make the bike look ugly. To me it can only be a "cruiser" and any version of it as a touring bike, that I've seen anyway, does not look good to me. I'm glad I have the Indian to tour with but...well first world problems I guess....I haven't made up my mind yet. thank you for sharing your experience Ed!
Wow! It is definitely the ultimate cruiser! Should you keep it? Only you know the answer to that. To me, a bike is an emotional experience. It's how you feel when you walk up to it, sit on it, ride it and become one with it. There's no perfect bike for all occasions, that's why it's nice to have more than one.
you're correct, I definitely have a connection with this bike and my wife really doesn't want me to get rid of it. It pains me though to see it just sit and also I'd like to get a lift for the garage and that would only leave room for two bikes in that garage. If I move the rocket to our detached garage it would be ignored even more and that really rubs my brain the wrong way. as alway William, your wisdom is appreciate :) Take care!
@@StormtrooperRides You are a very resourceful and innovative individual. I'm sure you can do something with a lift so it wouldn't be in the way. I have seen model train guys suspend platforms from the ceiling to be out of the way and lowered for play. Here's my thoughts on the Rocket 3. It is everything you say it is and maybe more. You can bet Triumph will stop making this bike at some point, never to make anything like it again. I don't think anyone else will ever make something close to it because it would have been done already. Much like the Honda Rune. Yes, the Honda was made in fewer numbers and is a collector bike. Ok, they are different but they do have something in common. Never to be done again. JMO.
I have the 2020 Rocket GT and its a keeper for me comfy torquey power and the question is you want to upgrade the Rocket what the next step Boss Hoss 2500 cc is enough for me in Harley number is a 153 cubic inches cmon man CVO are just 121 so far so the Rocket still rules all cruiser.I owned many motorcycle for the last 40 years and never never that i had so much attention by people giving me thumb up or coming to me to talk about the Rocket its rare to see one on the road. And you cant compare a muscle bike to a baggers two very different style of motorcycles you can compare your indian to let see a Harley Street Glide or a Road Glide fair enough but the Rocket is not a bagger even the GT version with bags that i own and by the way for me it dont destroy the look at all but its just my opinion, make more content about the Rocket i will watch for sure. Ride safe mate and hello from Montreal,Canada.
Speaking of the paint i have the only factory white rocket 3 ever produced from the factory 1 of 1..... It draws a little attention and has a great back story. I've owned it about 3 weeks now. I miss my xb12r that i had for 14 yrs, but that was nostalgia, this is what i needed in my life!
Very interesting bike, love the exhaust note and the quick shifter! But good lord 2500cc😳 with the numbers you mentioned that thing must be an absolute rocket out of the hole!
yeah unfortunately its gone now or I'd let you give it whirl yourself. Its a handful at full go I assure you of that! to be honest, it was/is mostly just a "show off" bike....I didn't find it very useful other than to just blip the throttle and show off haha. definitely fun but we are really enjoying the Indians.
Not practical? I think it is the best all around street bike in existence. I can play with the sports bikes (I have passed more sports bikes than have ever passed me) and I can cruise with the baggers. The Triumph bags are pop on and pop off with a key in seconds. Take them off and take them into your hotel room. 64,000 miles on my 2020 GT attests to its ability to travel. And I think the Triumph bags look fine on the bike but that is a matter of taste, in any case they are so quickly removable that it renders your point moot. There is nothing your Indian can do that the Rocket can’t do better, cornering (much lighter and much more nimble), speed, comfort (I will actually give comfort a toss up, but I did 1100 miles in one day on the Rocket with no issues). It seems the only point you attempt to make about the Indian’s superiority over the Rocket is the Indian is aesthetically more pleasing to you with bags on. I will happily trade performance (the Indian is anemic in comparison) and quality for aesthetics anytime. Just my thoughts, thanks for the video.
@@rocket3man371 I have had the valves checked twice and so far they have all been in spec, no adjustment needed. If I you I would not waste the money I did the first check at about 25,000 miles. Wait until you have issues like hard starting or noise coming from the engine is my advice.
Curious how many miles you get for the front and rear tires? I test drove a 2022 Rocket GT yesterday. Inquired about prices of tires installed, $1,100 for both installed. This to me might be the deal breaker. Was also told by service manager only Avon and Michelin produce tires for the Rocket and Avon’s haven’t been available for a long time.
Very nice bike. I like them. That said, my friend has had 2 triumph adventure bikes First was a lemon, second one is almost as bad. All kinds of electrical stuff. Both bikes needed ecm replacement within a year. They have been in the shop more than his garage. 😮 Good luck with that
Probably all bikes look better without any storage, but I think the Rocket 3 GT looks good with the panniers and rear bag. To me, the tank bag is what looks horrible, I wouldn't put one on a Rocket 3. This bike is too expensive to just ride locally looking like a badass.
Former sport bike guy, too. From an ‘84 Yamaha FZ750 to an ‘05 GSXR750…I bought new in ‘05 and immediately rode up to Laguna to watch Nicky Haden win the GP! Plenty of track days, chewed up tires and ground down knee pucks on that bike. It was stolen in 2019…broke my heart. I’ve been on the sidelines ever since. I’m lookin’ to get back in the game, but on something easier on my wrists/back/knees/etc. Let me know your decision on your Rocket 3, I may be your buyer!
Great video. I have a 2021 triumph rocket 3r red. Just like You said it's a great bike. When you need to feel strong young and cool take it out . Use it for feeling 30 again. Mine sitting in my livingroom . It's like owning a nice Camaro of a corvette. But in a bike. I'll pull up to muscle car places and guess what they do. It's a bike to meet people with. I do wonder about selling it. Out of all the bikes I've owned it's the hardest to let go off. It's fun to ride and holds the roads ,curves to very well. I call it my dirt bike for the road. I owned a 500 two stroke dirt bike and loved the sand dunes. This bike on curves gives me that feeling. It's just cool. If there was a mussle bike , like a mussle car . This is the bike.
I have the Werkes blacked out on my 2022 Black edition 3r and it looks amazing! Best exhaust, I still want to flash my ECU to get rid of the factory restrictions but with the quick shifter you are at 100 mph with to clicks up.
I owned a brand new 2021 Rocket for two summers and recently swapped it for a Ducati Diavel 1260s. Enjoyed owning it but different bikes offer different charactristics. Just enjoy it man and if you want to change, change. I love my Diavel with the Arrow racing exhaust and will probably change again in a couple of years and then go Full Cruiser when performance isn't so important to me. Keep safe.
Follow up, I acquired a ‘22 R3GT triple black and did add oem side bags plus a clear MadStad adjustable windshield to get a less windy ride. I’ve ridden 2500 miles since and what a blast!
I have always wanted to test ride one. I just may if there is one in Sturgis. It does look very impractical however fun. The riding position looks awkward.
Do you have the GT bars and the mid controls? I have a H2 and KTM 1290 and I often ask myself the same thing until I ride it. Awesome power, and just so comfortable.
How would this do against a big build HD like a 135 or a 143 cause I need to know if it will still eat a big build HD so I can put a buddy who thinks his HD is all that to shame 😂
2 keep or not 2 keep, that´s solely on you. I was very interested in the R3GT and got a loaner for 2 1/2 days. I enjoyed the experience during the 500 miles i rode it but didn´t connect with the bike. With my other bikes I immediately connected and bought them, sometimes even immediately after the testride. After all the R3GT is just a showbike showing what can be build. But with consumption in the low 30´s mpg, heat from the big engine and just the luggage option from T, calling this bike "GT" is quite a stretch. Except your "Grand Tour" goes just a view miles down the road to your favorite ice-cream parlour then neither of the disadvantages may concern you. Stay safe
Yeah not having engine guards suck! I almost dropped my 2022 black edition at a gas station stepping in a diesel puddle. Luckily my foot stopped at the pump step and I was able to recover.
I'm not selling mine (2022 Rocket GT). This one is a keeper. Only 300 miles on the bike. I like looking at it. It's in my man cave. And BTW it is Boss Hoss not Boss Hog. I had two of those too. Boss Hog was the Sheriff in The Dukes of Hazzard RV show.
One more comment i teas my friend about there bags i call them purses on there bikes. You guys need to bring your make up. Lol My bike so cool that theres no make up needed so no purses are needed
July 17, 2023, 10:57 AM EDT: Well you obviously bought this bike re of the age ol saying " Its God's way of telling you, you have too much money." I too love the Rocket-3 but what is truly disconcerting is the very real fact so many of them (late models) come back up on the market with an average of only several thousand miles. Even worse, is just how many late model used Rocket-3's that are for sale having been on the market for months and months, quite a few for a year and longer. Then even when they start rolling the price lower, they simply don't sell. That's scary to say the least. Plus the dealerships are packed with a lot of various brand new Rocket-3 models. Not only 2023 models but 2022's and 2021's and with the fact the 2024's are arriving in near future with Zero change to the bike except color choice, this makes for even a worse market sales standing. There is a another saying, that owning a Rocket 3 is like have the herpes simplex virus, "It Yours Forever." While truly I love the bike that saying is quit true, its kind of yours forever, unless you discount the hell out of it. Not a fiscally wise investment of ones money. But I really do love the bike, however I wont bite to own one anytime soon.
I agree with your assessment completely. it is one of the greatest, most awesome and also least practical bike on the market. It looks amazing, sounds amazing but the second you do anything to the bike to make it more "practical" and useful it looks like crap (my opinion). Luckily for me, I got a fair trade price for it...and now its the dealers problem. I suspect it will be on their sales floor for quite a while. I took the Rocket 3 and the Bonneville Bobber and traded them both for a new Sport Chief for my wife. In the end, I didn't lose money which was the best I could have hoped for. I did love looking at it though haha and listening to the sound of that motor. Thank you for the comment and your assessment of this bike.
I'm 79 and have owned 30 bikes over the years.....all of them top line machines of almost every make. My 202i R3 GT is definitely my favorite of all!
Beautiful, comfortable, powerful and made with true quality. The quick shifter is just magic, the electronics are great....I just love this machine!
I have the same bike. I love it. Traded a '22 CVO Road Glide Limited for it. Miss the storage but this bike is a definite keeper for me. I've done up to 500 miles in a day on it so far.
yeah I traded my beloved 2018 Goldwing for this one, the dealership gave me a great trade and I just couldn't pass it up. I cant argue with the comfort of this bike, I've ridden a lot of miles on it and I've never had a sore back or butt, and that is with the stock seat. I am really having a hard time though with the storage, I think the bags for this bike from Triumph make the bike look ugly. To me it can only be a "cruiser" and any version of it as a touring bike, that I've seen anyway, does not look good to me. I'm glad I have the Indian to tour with but...well first world problems I guess....I haven't made up my mind yet. thank you for sharing your experience Ed!
Yup this bike is awesome, I use a backpack and tank bag for storage.
Wow! It is definitely the ultimate cruiser! Should you keep it? Only you know the answer to that. To me, a bike is an emotional experience. It's how you feel when you walk up to it, sit on it, ride it and become one with it. There's no perfect bike for all occasions, that's why it's nice to have more than one.
you're correct, I definitely have a connection with this bike and my wife really doesn't want me to get rid of it. It pains me though to see it just sit and also I'd like to get a lift for the garage and that would only leave room for two bikes in that garage. If I move the rocket to our detached garage it would be ignored even more and that really rubs my brain the wrong way. as alway William, your wisdom is appreciate :) Take care!
@@StormtrooperRides You are a very resourceful and innovative individual. I'm sure you can do something with a lift so it wouldn't be in the way. I have seen model train guys suspend platforms from the ceiling to be out of the way and lowered for play. Here's my thoughts on the Rocket 3. It is everything you say it is and maybe more. You can bet Triumph will stop making this bike at some point, never to make anything like it again. I don't think anyone else will ever make something close to it because it would have been done already. Much like the Honda Rune. Yes, the Honda was made in fewer numbers and is a collector bike. Ok, they are different but they do have something in common. Never to be done again. JMO.
I’ve got my ZZR1100. If I could I’d keep that, and then I’d have a triumph 1700 LT thunderbird and an RGV250M pocket rocket. I’d then be happy man 👍🏼
@@gdfggggg Sure hoping the 1700 Thunderbirds come back.
Never thought I'd see someone with the same bike collection that I have! A man of good taste.
I have the 2020 Rocket GT and its a keeper for me comfy torquey power and the question is you want to upgrade the Rocket what the next step Boss Hoss 2500 cc is enough for me in Harley number is a 153 cubic inches cmon man CVO are just 121 so far so the Rocket still rules all cruiser.I owned many motorcycle for the last 40 years and never never that i had so much attention by people giving me thumb up or coming to me to talk about the Rocket its rare to see one on the road. And you cant compare a muscle bike to a baggers two very different style of motorcycles you can compare your indian to let see a Harley Street Glide or a Road Glide fair enough but the Rocket is not a bagger even the GT version with bags that i own and by the way for me it dont destroy the look at all but its just my opinion, make more content about the Rocket i will watch for sure. Ride safe mate and hello from Montreal,Canada.
Speaking of the paint i have the only factory white rocket 3 ever produced from the factory 1 of 1..... It draws a little attention and has a great back story. I've owned it about 3 weeks now. I miss my xb12r that i had for 14 yrs, but that was nostalgia, this is what i needed in my life!
Very interesting bike, love the exhaust note and the quick shifter! But good lord 2500cc😳 with the numbers you mentioned that thing must be an absolute rocket out of the hole!
yeah unfortunately its gone now or I'd let you give it whirl yourself. Its a handful at full go I assure you of that! to be honest, it was/is mostly just a "show off" bike....I didn't find it very useful other than to just blip the throttle and show off haha. definitely fun but we are really enjoying the Indians.
Not practical? I think it is the best all around street bike in existence. I can play with the sports bikes (I have passed more sports bikes than have ever passed me) and I can cruise with the baggers. The Triumph bags are pop on and pop off with a key in seconds. Take them off and take them into your hotel room. 64,000 miles on my 2020 GT attests to its ability to travel. And I think the Triumph bags look fine on the bike but that is a matter of taste, in any case they are so quickly removable that it renders your point moot. There is nothing your Indian can do that the Rocket can’t do better, cornering (much lighter and much more nimble), speed, comfort (I will actually give comfort a toss up, but I did 1100 miles in one day on the Rocket with no issues). It seems the only point you attempt to make about the Indian’s superiority over the Rocket is the Indian is aesthetically more pleasing to you with bags on. I will happily trade performance (the Indian is anemic in comparison) and quality for aesthetics anytime. Just my thoughts, thanks for the video.
How many valve checks have you done? I'm at 9000 miles on my 2022 Black edition 3r.
@@rocket3man371 I have had the valves checked twice and so far they have all been in spec, no adjustment needed. If I you I would not waste the money I did the first check at about 25,000 miles. Wait until you have issues like hard starting or noise coming from the engine is my advice.
@@jimanders9971 Thank you so much!
Spot on.. especially about the handling. Such a big burly bike has no business being so nimble and agile around corners. 👍🏼
Curious how many miles you get for the front and rear tires? I test drove a 2022 Rocket GT yesterday. Inquired about prices of tires installed, $1,100 for both installed. This to me might be the deal breaker. Was also told by service manager only Avon and Michelin produce tires for the Rocket and Avon’s haven’t been available for a long time.
Very nice bike. I like them. That said, my friend has had 2 triumph adventure bikes
First was a lemon, second one is almost as bad. All kinds of electrical stuff. Both bikes needed ecm replacement within a year. They have been in the shop more than his garage. 😮 Good luck with that
oooh ouch. Fortunately we've not had any issues with either of the bikes but I'll keep an eye out on things for sure.
Probably all bikes look better without any storage, but I think the Rocket 3 GT looks good with the panniers and rear bag. To me, the tank bag is what looks horrible, I wouldn't put one on a Rocket 3. This bike is too expensive to just ride locally looking like a badass.
Former sport bike guy, too. From an ‘84 Yamaha FZ750 to an ‘05 GSXR750…I bought new in ‘05 and immediately rode up to Laguna to watch Nicky Haden win the GP! Plenty of track days, chewed up tires and ground down knee pucks on that bike. It was stolen in 2019…broke my heart. I’ve been on the sidelines ever since.
I’m lookin’ to get back in the game, but on something easier on my wrists/back/knees/etc. Let me know your decision on your Rocket 3, I may be your buyer!
Great video. I have a 2021 triumph rocket 3r red. Just like You said it's a great bike. When you need to feel strong young and cool take it out . Use it for feeling 30 again. Mine sitting in my livingroom . It's like owning a nice Camaro of a corvette. But in a bike. I'll pull up to muscle car places and guess what they do. It's a bike to meet people with. I do wonder about selling it. Out of all the bikes I've owned it's the hardest to let go off. It's fun to ride and holds the roads ,curves to very well. I call it my dirt bike for the road. I owned a 500 two stroke dirt bike and loved the sand dunes. This bike on curves gives me that feeling. It's just cool. If there was a mussle bike , like a mussle car . This is the bike.
That is the exact bike I have. Insane and fun. Best bike I've owned.
I have the Werkes blacked out on my 2022 Black edition 3r and it looks amazing! Best exhaust, I still want to flash my ECU to get rid of the factory restrictions but with the quick shifter you are at 100 mph with to clicks up.
I have the GT and I love it. Nice vid.
I owned a brand new 2021 Rocket for two summers and recently swapped it for a Ducati Diavel 1260s. Enjoyed owning it but different bikes offer different charactristics. Just enjoy it man and if you want to change, change. I love my Diavel with the Arrow racing exhaust and will probably change again in a couple of years and then go Full Cruiser when performance isn't so important to me. Keep safe.
I have the 2023 Chrome edition. I love it!
Well I just watched and it’s very good. I’m looking at a 22 GT right now so did you keep it or sale it? Thanks RG
Follow up, I acquired a ‘22 R3GT triple black and did add oem side bags plus a clear MadStad adjustable windshield to get a less windy ride. I’ve ridden 2500 miles since and what a blast!
I have always wanted to test ride one. I just may if there is one in Sturgis. It does look very impractical however fun. The riding position looks awkward.
Do you have the GT bars and the mid controls? I have a H2 and KTM 1290 and I often ask myself the same thing until I ride it. Awesome power, and just so comfortable.
What a bike. If you like it you keep it.
How would this do against a big build HD like a 135 or a 143 cause I need to know if it will still eat a big build HD so I can put a buddy who thinks his HD is all that to shame 😂
2 keep or not 2 keep, that´s solely on you. I was very interested in the R3GT and got a loaner for 2 1/2 days. I enjoyed the experience during the 500 miles i rode it but didn´t connect with the bike. With my other bikes I immediately connected and bought them, sometimes even immediately after the testride. After all the R3GT is just a showbike showing what can be build. But with consumption in the low 30´s mpg, heat from the big engine and just the luggage option from T, calling this bike "GT" is quite a stretch. Except your "Grand Tour" goes just a view miles down the road to your favorite ice-cream parlour then neither of the disadvantages may concern you. Stay safe
Was tossing between this bike or a Harley lowrider st, ending up buying the Harley for the reasons you explained
I would like to get one myself but reluctant as no engine guard available yet . Any thought about that ,?
Yeah not having engine guards suck! I almost dropped my 2022 black edition at a gas station stepping in a diesel puddle. Luckily my foot stopped at the pump step and I was able to recover.
I'm not selling mine (2022 Rocket GT). This one is a keeper. Only 300 miles on the bike. I like looking at it. It's in my man cave. And BTW it is Boss Hoss not Boss Hog. I had two of those too. Boss Hog was the Sheriff in The Dukes of Hazzard RV show.
Youll be riding the indain but thinking about the triumph
Keeeeeeeeeep 👌🍻
You sell it , Youll miss it . Your Indain will be jealous. Lol
FYI... the helmet cam is making this almost unwatchable. The constant head swinging. Maybe try a chest mount or something. No offense meant.
Yes, you have the Indian. You should give it to me.
One more comment i teas my friend about there bags i call them purses on there bikes. You guys need to bring your make up. Lol My bike so cool that theres no make up needed so no purses are needed
If you have to constantly move your head around like a bird, you shouldn't strap the camera to it. Your riding footage is completely unwatchable.
Hahaha... that's what I commented on, too. It almost made my head hurt watching the video. I had to fast forward through the thing.
July 17, 2023, 10:57 AM EDT: Well you obviously bought this bike re of the age ol saying " Its God's way of telling you, you have too much money." I too love the Rocket-3 but what is truly disconcerting is the very real fact so many of them (late models) come back up on the market with an average of only several thousand miles. Even worse, is just how many late model used Rocket-3's that are for sale having been on the market for months and months, quite a few for a year and longer. Then even when they start rolling the price lower, they simply don't sell. That's scary to say the least. Plus the dealerships are packed with a lot of various brand new Rocket-3 models. Not only 2023 models but 2022's and 2021's and with the fact the 2024's are arriving in near future with Zero change to the bike except color choice, this makes for even a worse market sales standing. There is a another saying, that owning a Rocket 3 is like have the herpes simplex virus, "It Yours Forever." While truly I love the bike that saying is quit true, its kind of yours forever, unless you discount the hell out of it. Not a fiscally wise investment of ones money. But I really do love the bike, however I wont bite to own one anytime soon.
I agree with your assessment completely. it is one of the greatest, most awesome and also least practical bike on the market. It looks amazing, sounds amazing but the second you do anything to the bike to make it more "practical" and useful it looks like crap (my opinion). Luckily for me, I got a fair trade price for it...and now its the dealers problem. I suspect it will be on their sales floor for quite a while. I took the Rocket 3 and the Bonneville Bobber and traded them both for a new Sport Chief for my wife. In the end, I didn't lose money which was the best I could have hoped for. I did love looking at it though haha and listening to the sound of that motor. Thank you for the comment and your assessment of this bike.