24 MONTHS ROLLING 🏍- 2020 Triumph Rocket 3 GT Motorcycle 2 Years of Ownership 10000 Mile Review

[@conanlive3784]

I'm coming up on my 2 years of ownership in about 3 weeks. Don't quite have 5K miles on the bike yet, though. I don't mess with Bluetooth or GPS or any of that connectivity stuff, and didn't put on the panniers either, so I was able to miss some of those frustrations. Love the bike so far, handles really well for a big bike. Much better than my previous 2011 Rocket, or my '99 Valkyrie before that.

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

Hello Mark, nice! We are getting the antifreeze changed, and the drive shaft oil replaced at the dealer for the 2 year point. They have improved the panniers we hear, yet it is a great opportunity for the after market to offer something superior. Only good thing about the current panniers is the mounting hardware creates points to tie things down. Best, ODTRP

[@luisgordillo1695]

get a bluetooth helmet, a smart phone and all the good apps, and ride. Gps all that shit. makes riding not just fun but funner. just do it you old school .

[@davidgerlach1132]

New 2022 TR3 GT owner here, and I'm just absolutely amazed at this premium top echelon machine. I've a Yamaha '17 FZ-10 and a '15 Gixxer GSXR 1000 and my Rocket just gives this old man joy and fun beyond any words can describe. Enjoy people -- Triumph Motorcycles are KING!

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

Triumph has come a long way on the quality front. Congrats 🎉 on joining the Rocket club. Fast tip, use premium only. There is a recommended 1200 dollar valve adjustment the dealer hits owners with at 10k miles. You do NOT want just anyone tearing your new motor apart. I refused based on that, and the number of owners that lost their Rockets for months, and got them back with problems. #rocket3gt

[@davidgerlach1132]

Thank you, Sir! I'm enamored with my Rocket beyond palabras ... As for fuel, I'm a EEA experimental pilot -- I have access to 94-octane UL at my "disposal."

[@miniscribbler7638]

just ordered the gt 221, cant wait for it to arrive! thanks for the videos.

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

You are very welcome minisub!

[@jimanders9971]

A bit over 43,000 miles on my 2020 GT. Still loving it.

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

That is some amazing mileage 👍

[@conanlive3784]

Wow, good to hear you've had a good experience out to 43k miles!! They always say don't buy the first model year of anything, but I had to have the redesigned Rocket as soon as it came out in 2020. From what I hear from nearly everybody, Triumph did a great job right out of the chute. A few things to nitpick, but overall a great machine🤗

[@rocket3man371]

I'm at 8000 miles on my 2022 Rocket 3r Black edition. I had issues with rear brake, I bled the brakes myself because only 2020-21 models were under warranty. Other than that no other issues. I do my own maintenance but I will bring the bike in for the 10,000 mile service just to get the record since it is a limited edition. Also these bikes run on 87, I use to put premium but looked it up on Triumph and they run 87.

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

Hello Rocket 3 Man - We have been aware of the fact the Rocket can run on 87 octane, we prefer premium for the improved performance and it also contributes to better combustion and a cleaner fuel system. FYI - Triumph recommends a valve adjustment and check at 10K miles, no later than 15K miles. I (we) have heard this can be up to a 3000 dollar dealer repair bill. We have not done this yet, as it is a huge expense, our motor seems fine, and Detroit Triumph was keeping Rockets 3-4 months just to do the valave adjustments correctly. Before our motor gets torn apart, I need 100% confidence a good seasoned mechanic can do it correctly. We have heard many get their Rockets back post valve check with problems and issues. Now Detroit Triumph has a new owner, its a challenge. How has your TFT and blue tooth experience been? Any key fob issues? The Black Edition is a great looking ride, great choice! Best, ODTRP

[@rocket3man371]

@@OnDownTheRoadProductions My key fob disconnect every now and then but never had an issue with starting the bike up. If we have to spend $3000 every 10 to 15 thousand miles thats ridiculous. I'm in California so I ride year round so that is one expense I don't want. I've been trying to get a hold of a shop repair manual but they are hard to get.

[@triumphthunderbird1]

Done numerous tours on my TFC in all weathers. A masterpiece of motorcycle engineering! The bluetouth connectivity is as waste, I don't want to be connected on the bike anyway! Plumbed in a Garmin (fits perfectly behind the fly screen). Just back from a tour of the former GDR with 120 Rockets. Magnificent. The best bike ever built!

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

The new recall changing the battery fuse to a 10 amp is a huge engineering miss. We, and many others suffered through 2 plus years of TFT failures and Triumph basically turned a blind eye. We felt as you do until we purchased our Goldwing, no offense it is superior in quality. The TFC is an amazing bike either way, thanks for your perspective and comments. Best, ODTRP

[@triumphthunderbird1]

Yes, swap out a 7.5am to a 10 amp is very minor but, in my opinion it remains a masterpiece!!

[@nialls6510]

Great to hear you're enjoying your Rocket. I use a Quad Lock to secure my iPhone 11pro to my Rocket. Quad Lock's website recommends you use a vibration dampener for a number of motorcycles (including the Rocket) to prevent damage to the phone's camera. After 6 months, I haven't had any trouble with my phone. I know Harley Riders who also use Quad Locks with dampeners - seems to work well. How is you tail bag secured? Do you need the sissy bar to secure your bag to the bike. I've got the Rocket 3 R and would prefer not to install the bar if I can avoid it. I also bought the Triumph tank bag, but am concerned that it may damage the tank's paint work as it did yours. Are you still using your tank bag?

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

Thanks Niall - The Tourmaster comes with 4 clips that secure to the side of a motorcycle, no sissy bar required. The small bungee cords you see wrapped around ours are just there as extra. Best, ODTRP

[@harryhartley1466]

Very balanced review. Thanks. I feel like I know what to expect now.

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

We included your comment in our next vid out 4/28. Thanks! ODTRP

[@martinjohnson9316]

If you're ever able to experience the Hinckley triumph factory tour in the UK, i thoroughly recommend it. I would love one of these Rocket 3's and the only things that are a slight negative for me are;- 1. Front mudguard too short to protect the engine/rad. 2. Fuel tank possibly needs another 1/2 gallon. 3. Why no centre stand?...Otherwise lovely!

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

Thanks Martin, we have mentioned adding more fuel capacity as well. We would add to your excellent points an improved TFT owner experience, and major improvements for the My Triumph app as it relates to resetting maps etc. when ever a Moto user stops on a trip. Least we forget the horrible key fob out of range warnings that are annoying and frankly we hate them.

[@RichDunn]

My Rocket destroyed a couple of iPhones - just buy a wireless-charging quad-lock mount, with an anti-vibration insert and wireless-charging head - you'll never have a problem ever again.

[@p-dub7422]

Excellent video! I just happened to stumble on to it. Do you still have this bike and if so what are your thoughts now? Why did you select this bike over other bikes, particularly the Ducati XDivel which is also a power cruiser? Just curious? Also, the wheelbase of this bike is long 66 if I recall, so how does that effect handling and nimbleness. What do you think of the Rocket 3 GT 2024 now that time has passed. Have they improved the bike and if so would you get a newer model.Some of the break downs you mentioned on the road is scary being so far away from home. Were you able to get dealer support? Thanks and who is doing the interview? I like that approach? Thanks

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

I will use this post step for step for a future new video and answer each question Thankyou so much

[@p-dub7422]

@@OnDownTheRoadProductions thanks

[@ericledyard5483]

Just got my Rocket 3 GT 221 edition. Absolute BEAST.... Haven't even been able to go above 4000rpm and it's insane how much grunt it has. I'm 6'1" 300# and it moves me around like I am 150#. Can you link your rear luggage piece?

[@ericledyard5483]

BTW... I live down in Saint Augustine, FL... 43 miles North of Daytona. If you are ever down here again, I would love to join you at Bike Week! Then we could have a pair of Rockets!

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

It’s a Revzilla 19L Tour Master

[@markettradinggenius]

I test road the 2022 rocket 3R and then I test road the 2022 MV Agusta Brutale 1000RS and let me tell ya, the MV Agusta was actually MORE comfortable than the rocket 3R. Had me scratching my bald head...lol....I'm 6'3" tall in height and weigh around 230 lbs and I felt much better on the MV because keep in mind it is also an 'upright' position motorcycle. It's fast, it's powerful, it's nimble but yet was completely designed with all the latest technology, like cruise control, and it can go nearly 200 miles with a full tank. The seat is plush and was created for long distance touring. But, what astonished me was that it has a 3 year warranty with UNLIMITED miles !! There's a 5 year warranty on the gas tank and there's a 2 year warranty for 'Roadside Assistance' with ZERO deductible !!! So, what did I do, I went and bought the 2022 MV Agusta Brutale 1000RS...lol....End result? I now have over 2,000 miles on the bike and zero mechanical or electrical issues...I was even told by quite a few BMW master mechanics, as well as Ducati mechanics, here in Virginia, that the MV that I have is actually MORE reliable than both BMW and Ducati. Had me scratching my head after they told me that...haha...

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

We can get close to 180 miles on a tank of gas with our Rocket. British designed stuff in general always it seems to have electrical issues. Obviously we would bet Triumph contracted the TFT and BlueTooth stuff out to a 3rd party. If your stopping for gas over the 150 mile range point we call it a wash. Congrats on your MV

[@markettradinggenius]

@@OnDownTheRoadProductions hey my man...I was trying to find every 'god knows what...' reason to get the rocket 3R, but there were quite a few things that bothered me about it and one of the biggest "pet peeves" that I absolutely hate is the fact that when going on tours and riding in rain, you get all the water and mud "gunk" flung over the back of the bike which hits the back of your helmet and back of your jacket. I was told this by several other Rocket 3R owners and this didn't sit very well with me....

[@victorviveros3745]

Very good review, Thank you very much

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

We have our 15k review coming soon

[@victorviveros3745]

@@OnDownTheRoadProductions what about fuel range ? Do you have any video related to fuel range etc..? Thank you in advance.

[@thomasanderson4664]

It be nice to hear about the bike and not other stuff

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

We have a ton of Rocket 3 GT videos, what specifically

[@tfuncik1]

Hi. Thanks so much for the detailed review. I have a new 2023. I’d like to prevent rust and pitting. Are there specific areas that I should pay attention to?

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

We use quick detailer after rides, and we wipe all exposed areas. Especially the aluminum.

[@leonardchevvy6414]

mine just blew the quickshifter module at 7000ml, and left me completely stranded, on a truck back to the dealership now, Im pretty pissed

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

Unreal sorry this happened to you please keep us updated

[@mjohns5944]

Would have bought one yesterday but pillion comfort is zero. The wive is not large by any means but she was ready for getting off after 10 miles. Will stick with my 1700 TBird for now. The rocket is a fantastic bike ....but just for solo riders.

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

Correct

[@bigfanpics8496]

I bring my 13 year old daughter around on the pillion and she doesn't seem to mind. But that's a lot different than a full grown woman.

[@ninakim7282]

Great Video!

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

Thanks for the visit

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I've commented on the panniers on a couple of other channels, saying that I wouldn't have any zipped bag. Cheap rubbish. Superb bike, though. I'd like one. I'd prefer the R due to the foot position. 66 lb on the rear rack!

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

They are 1/3 size too small as well, and over priced. We are working on fitting the Bonneville off road compartments to both sides for 2023.

[@seigliere1]

I love mine, no problems so far !

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

What year Marc? You will get lifter tap around 8500 miles, be sure to use premium

[@seigliere1]

2022. What is lifter tap? I have never heard of this.

[@jimanders9971]

I agree with you on the bluetooth module, not worth it.

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

Correct Jim

[@shadwox9808]

Can i have the name model of your tail bag and does it help for back a support.

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

19L Tour Master from Revzilla, and yes I use it for back support its wonderful

[@shadwox9808]

@@OnDownTheRoadProductions thx you ride safe.

[@Illest1887]

Hi. Read your statement about the valve adjustment job every 10-15k miles. I’m in the market for a purchase and that statement put me on pause until I do more research on the subject. $3000 on valves on such a high tech machine seems a little ridiculous. With that being said have you had the service done yet?

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

No, we did have some tap starting so added ZMax fuel additive to the tank and everything went back to perfect. We are waiting until 30-40k miles. If they need to check valves after 10k miles it goes back to manufacturing of the engine. To your point we can buy allot for 3k and that 3k is a sunk cost. We take excellent care of our Rocket 3 GT. A pain in the ass with TFT start issues, recalls and a dealer that could have been more customer focused. We finally have our 2020 ironed out now. As you are aware we own a GOLDWING zero issues! Started ODTRP with the Rocket, and we use it now for camping. Have you heard tires when you need them are close to 1k. We can do tires on our 4Runner cheaper. It is great that those KZbinrs that borrow them from dealers and do the free wax poetic Triumph free commercial for them over all are fake experts. Thank you for being here and trusting us. ZMax fuel additive is a motorcycle miracle drug. Kawasaki motorcycle engines are notorious for the tap, ZMax kills it. Merry Christmas Terry Piper Theresa

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

One more thing with us delaying a valve inspection we do not trust just anybody to tear apart our Rocket 3 GT motor, again why we are waiting to 40k. The Rockets at Detroit Triumph riders lost their bikes up to three months, and they had to go back for another 1-3 months to get the reassembly correct. A Triumph dealer in Farmington we hear has good mechanics we hear and have to investigate. We are disappointed with all the fake experts out there and their meaningless Rocket Triumph commercials. We have over 3 years hands on with Rockets now.

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

Also, Indian cruisers are very competitive and compelling

[@Illest1887]

Thanks for such a detail response. Truly helped me a lot. I do have another question. The 2nd gen did start in 2020 if I’m correct if not feel free to correct me if I’m wrong but my question is do you think that some of the gremlins you had are from being the first year on the new platform?

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

Potentially yet the bike is unchanged save for special paint and chrome packages. Any recall issues we suffered through should be good for 2024. The terrible TFT issues went through 2023 on Rockets. We resent Triumph 😤 for not correcting the TFT start issues sooner, it took a recall. Triumph has a way to go on quality.

[@perfjelldal3903]

Hi tks for your review , my english is not 100% and i did not understand fully what happened when your bike fell over . I understand that you accidently rev it , but i did not get why it jumped forward . Could you please tell me how it happened , i asume it was in neutral ? Per

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqurZo1spsl2rtU

[@mcwilliamsda]

Would you mind telling you height? Im 6 1 with pretty much equal leg and torso length. Where does your legs sit in the bike? In the rank sides or above them?

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

Same height, foot forward very comfortable

[@romesyoutubechannel5356]

Is there a problem with the key fob?

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

Yes constantly even with new batteries. Triumph could do better. Final step to correct will be a software re-flash. So unfortunate. Trying to address before warranty is up in January and we are not optimistic. Winter weather is making all this a challenge.

[@romesyoutubechannel5356]

@@OnDownTheRoadProductions I literally was in the motorcycle shop yesterday about to purchase a 2021 rocket 3. Is was a trade in at my local Harley Davidson Dealership. It took me and the salesman a moment to get it to start and I was a little confused on what the problem was. I stopped looked up some information and Came cross your video The key fob. The motorcycle has just under 4000 miles on it and looks like brand new but I'm a little Concerned if there's any repairs need to be made and it will be on my Tab. I do not believe there is a transferable warranty from Triumph. In a nutshell what say you buy or pass. $19900.00 GT.

[@newjerseynomad]

Imagine the face on those Harley riders when they lay their eyes on your supercharged European motorcycle

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

Lol

[@luiscardozo0000]

and what about the terrible vibrations people say from the engine and the rider position much ppl say not for highway and comparing to the goldwing i think it was too much ...thanks

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

All motorcycle engines vibrate except maybe GOLDWINGs. I call it running cheap fuel and skipping oil changes. We have had maintenance and only use 93 octane no vibration issues we would talk about it. We also add ZMax to the fuel.

[@hando8611]

Hi, did you have a problem with the rear brake?

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

Yes, it stuck closed twice in place and would pop open after the Triumph recall. The rear brake does not grab firmly or has low quality brake pads

[@seigliere1]

I have had no problems whatsoever.

[@hando8611]

@@OnDownTheRoadProductions I replaced the brake fluid with MOTUL RBF 660 and the problem disappeared. I think the muffler is too close to the brake fluid reservoir. And the standard fluid overheats and loses its properties, while the sports fluid has a higher working temperature.

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

@@hando8611 This is great to share, we will try this on ours. Fantastic advice. Thank you

[@melvininf9276]

What's the cruising range?

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

180-190 miles

[@melvininf9276]

@@OnDownTheRoadProductions That's not bad at all. For some reason I thought the range was 115 120 not sure how I came up with this range? I knew it had to be more than 120 miles.

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

We have gotten as high as 44 mpg in road mode loaded up. 4.5 x 44 gets use to 198 per tank. Realistically anywhere from 160 miles up. We also have the Power Bronze Rocket specific wind screen, obviously helping mpg and we run premium fuel.

[@NickGT221]

I've just got my GT . Still running in, but on a long run at weekend, taking it steady max 70mph I got 50.1 mpg . Well impressed

[@newjerseynomad]

Supercharge it.. it's the only reason to get a rocket

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

Lol

[@Nlang1969]

The rap music is obnoxious and overplayed. Couldn’t make it through the beginning of the video.

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

Why you hating on us lol

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5Kkk4KdmceHmK8

[@frankhayward7134]

Thanks for Bluetooth tip. I wa going to buy . For name navigation I use Google maps on my phone and my phones connected to my cardo. So I get turn by turn audibly. Thanks again. @made_in_so_philly

[@OnDownTheRoadProductions]

Anytime 😎