A day with M109R and a $22,000 Triumph Rocket 3 R

Back in December, I had the opportunity to ride a $22,000 Triumph Rocket 3 R. As a M109R Owner, who would turn down that opportunity? Especially, in an environment that wasn't a test ride or demo day. That means, riding completely unfiltered and finding out what the Triumph Rocket 3 really has to offer. Here is the day we had with it in its entirety.
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Music By:
Philanthrope, Dayle - Ocean Patio [chll.to/09215c49]
Juan Rios - Cascada [chll.to/26d3b9dc]
SAINT WKND - Girls Just Wanna Have Sun [chll.to/29a3e191]
Nymano - Sunday Mornings [chll.to/4bd43408]
Where to find Bicasso:
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Who is Bicasso:
I ride motorcycles with the full time career of being a System's Administrator. I'm like the majority - I work a lot for a living and have to find time to ride either on my commute, after work hours, on the weekend or with the two weeks vacation I get from work. A constant goal is finding a balance between working full time, riding motorcycles, creating content and being relatable to many of you out there.
For sponsorship, product reviews, and collaboration, or just to say hey!, you can email me here: [e-mail]
Tags: #BrandonBicasso #TriumphRocket3 #SuzukiM109R

[@BrandonBicasso]

Hit the thumbs up button so I can buy a VMAX 😬!

[@johnfair62]

So after the test ride of the Rocket 3 you would rather buy the VMAX? Tell me why please.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Never been on one and because they're affordable now.

[@TeamTaur]

Yeah when u ready to ride a vmax, holla!

[@jimperry4420]

My brother has one and it’s amazing!

[@TonberryShuffle]

Get on it

[@MeghanStark]

Oooh fun! Thank goodness for friends who let us borrow their bikes. This video is such a great vibe 😊

[@BrandonBicasso]

Big facts. 😅

[@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA]

This was such a REAL experience as evidenced by your sheer joy on riding the rocket 3! Outstanding comparison from a real time review. VERY COOL sir! As always, you're stuff is top notch!

[@angrymotorman1237]

Maaaaan! I love the right side view of the rocket 3! That single side swing arm and open wheel is beautiful.

[@PrecisePBJ]

Muscle bikes, so so sweet. Badass set of bikes with a sick amount of power🔥

[@droach5241]

My two FAVORITE 🤩 BIKES!!

[@NicePantsLance]

Awesome video!! The M109r and Rocket go so well together 🤘

[@craigpennington1251]

Love the Blue 109R. Very cool machine. Love to find one like that blue one but had no luck yet.

[@JetCooper3D]

Brandon - Finally! Love your new 109 ride. Glad you liked the Rocket. Love mine! Stay safe buddy.....

[@tino19625]

Great review/comparison brother - I used to own an M109R and now own a R3GT and love it - I could hear the excitement in your voice when accelerating and I bought mine with out a test ride from ALL the test riders giggling when they hit the throttle [every single one] - KUDOS - the 9 is still an amazing bike, always will be!

[@tino19625]

I shared this - hopefully you'll get more hits!

[@domG]

The sheer joy in your voice is palpable. Another informative motovlog! Alabama is beautiful.

[@SQTierHog]

I caught myself with the big smile through almost all of this video! Never the last half the audio sounds all crackled, I love it that's because of all his screaming! You can hear him laughing and screaming, even though he's muffled! Lol

[@road_king_dude]

"Passing Powerrr!!!!" "Stay on yo side!!!!" 🏍🏍🏍

[@amphibdriver1]

Roll-on power is like drug addiction and once you get a good taste of how hard it accelerates it's so hard to stop twisting the throttle. This is the bike you need Brandon.

[@dkelli6020]

Man this video just looks GOOD! Great video, you hit it out the park with this one!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Thanks, DK! Put a lot of time and effort into it.

[@bkj427dvl]

I had a 2005 and I absolutely loved that bike, 1st and 2nd took q crap and rebuild cost is gnarly. I need to be back on a 🚀 great vid 🤙

[@Juliang61]

Your enthusiasm is both infectious and genuine. I enjoyed that!!

[@Larry_Mott]

Your enthusiasm is contageous! :) Remember i told you you'd like the Rocket! Now, i "made the mistake" of buying a pristine Street triple last fall, and ended up liking it more than. my Rocket. Only thing the li'l Triumph lacked was that almighty "Jet taking off" thrust, so i ended up selliing the Street Triple and swapping the Rocket for a Aprilia Tuono Factory. I just made 150 km's before winter hit here in Sweden, butt man does it show promise! I can't wait to take it out and re-experience the perfect cross between Rocket + performance and handling to match. Take care!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Never been on an Aprilia. One day 🥴

[@Larry_Mott]

That V4 sounds like nothing else outside of a MotoGP track! 🙂

[@LookingForEntertainment112]

Awesome, I could hear the smile in your voice. Very cool ride.

[@coreykitchens4835]

The Chattanooga dealership allowed me to take the GT for a spin. I am definitely thinking about purchasing it. Thanks for introducing me to such an amazing bike via your posts.

[@BrandonBicasso]

You're welcome!

[@rogercollins9298]

Ive had bikes since i was 14 and im now 61 bought the new rocket gt and must say best machine ive ever had by miles 🚀🚀🚀

[@RickyNotSoMartin]

Loved the video! It almost felt like it was me on the bike and let me tell you, I was terrified! 🤣🤣 Really enjoyed this one B! Would love to see you spend more time with the Rocket 3

[@jimmy450r]

Very enjoyable video with two of my favorite bikes... I have an 08 M109R I love but also drool over the Rocket3

[@CrusaderGeneral]

I got a TFC, one of 750 made world wide. Its an amazing bike...

[@dougindixie3829]

What an enjoyable review and comparison. Good job!

[@green_acres_7240]

Where in AL? I miss my home!! Getting a Rocket 3 GT in April and riding back to AL in May!

[@MakoVette]

"Gassing up 4300cc of motorcycles" - This is why I'm here :) Good times and good production, as always! Cheers to your pal for swapping keys, that's a class act right there. Curious if your muscle bike bar has been raised so high the VRod will become a 1 season ride for you...

[@TeamTaur]

Hehehe he 7:16 pulls into the claymud ... lol. That made me open me eyeball. All u need now is some xdiaval and yammi-V seat time. I like tha rocket... lucky dude u r!

[@spacecoastz4026]

I would have been upset if that was my new bike.

[@troycarpenter4355]

Great Video. I am in Europe. I have had two M109R's (1800 Intruders). One was Boss edition and loved it. My next bike, I plan on getting a new rocket3. Stuck between the R model or the GT model. As you said the R is more like a naked sport. Sitting on it, as opposed to sitting in it. I think the Rocket 3 GT model will be much closer to the M109 with forward controls, lower seat and bars further back. Maybe I need the Rocket 3 R with the small wind screen and rear seat from the GT model. Great video and both bikes looked like great fun.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

Ohhhh the M109 sounds delicious :O I think by all accounts Triumph hit a home run on that bike, your take is very similar to what I've heard from a lot of others. You know it's a monster but it's relatively tame for the average rider too. I want one :D

[@WhatsUpBob]

That R3 is a badass bike!

[@Sodiumfreeriding]

I wanna ride a triumph rocket 3. Out of all the bikes out there, this would be the one!!

[@rocket3man371]

Triumph of Southern California in Brea let me test ride it and I ended up trading my 2017 Rocket 3 Roadster. The tech, styling, handling and the bragging rights of having the biggest motor in production sold me.

[@pipes9878]

Seriously dude that’s awesome. The only way I can describe this is; picture your neighbour or house mate, they’re cool you like them it’s all good then 1 night you hear them screaming through the walls from some hot epic hook up.... you know the sounds just like from 10:55, you hear that fun and you’re sat all alone and ya can’t help but think.... you lucky barsteward. I can’t stay mad but damn I’m jealous right now 🤣😂 Keep Safe & Stay Awesome 🔥🤘😎👍🔥

[@41BeachComber]

They are nice. I know two riders in the Pace, Fl area that own them. Just remember there not exactly in the same league as the vtwin m109r. There a three cylinder machine with more displacement. But they are nice.

[@Mr20west]

I felt the vibes my guy another banger .bro I got on a rocket and man that bike is confortable.In person its huge tho .I love going to they release event felt fancy and low key at the same time.

[@michaellowery928]

Nice review. "THAT ROAD!" New category: Sport Naked Muscle Cruiser. Have you ever ridden the V-Max. Would love to see you review one of those.

[@pharonzin]

Awesome stuff! The R3 is an amazing piece of engineering. I agree with Brandon though - it's really a sport naked or a muscle streetfighter as I call it. From the seating, control position and single side swing arm, there's nothing cruiser about it.

[@NSTY109]

What jacket does your buddy have ?? Great video by the way! Looks wise, the 9 still kills it.

[@shadwox9808]

wow just love the way your make me feel solid about the rocket 3 see the joy in your voice as you tried out the bike was very enjoyable i had a big smile on my face listening to youre reaction bro, i like the rocket 3 but the price is just to expensive here in canada because of winter time. But great video bro and ride safe.

[@OpenRoader]

Spectacular

[@HiroNguy]

What a pleasant find! This is a very well done, professional quality video. Props also for speaking eloquently.

[@michaelsisk5938]

Another great video! Glad to see that you can get out and ride. Western NC is still to frigd to ride anything but short trips.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Thanks! When we have good days like that, it's a must to enjoy it.

[@motommajasonboss4521]

Man that is awesome you haven been on some of the fastest cruisers out there the M109R the Vrod and Rocket 3 it's time B we got to see you get on the Vmax

[@ronnieduesingjr6986]

Great video. I had a C109 and loved it. Getting my 3rd Rocket next week. Both kick ass bikes.

[@1050cc]

Triumph fan, triple fan, triumph triple fan 😁 but wasn't sold on the Rocket III. Made me rethink a little bit ! Like the pace, the syle, the tone of your videos. Like I'd taken a relaxing ride on a cruiser 😉👍

[@TayAlejandroCMisterBozos]

Dang man that that Rocket III though! Looks sharp and that thang’s fast!

[@bseidem5112]

Break in the rocket like the manual says and you'll never reach max power. Break in happens on the slow down not the speed up. Speed up a little to 2000 rpm then suddenly let off the gas to idle and do it again. Then up to 3000rpm and let off suddenly, do it again. Then up to 4000rpm then suddenly let off the gas, do it again. Follow this sequence to red line. Stop the bike to cool off. Follow the sequence all over again, then change oil. Per motorman in the 1980's the bike is broken in for racing. Did this with a KLR 640 and the mechanic looking at my bike said it had more power than other KLR 650. This break in is similar to what folks do on test rides.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Not my bike but I'll keep that in mind for another if I have the opportunity! 🙏🏾

[@STICKSHFT]

Awesome video. Great review

[@BrandonBicasso]

Preciate that! 👏🏾❤️

[@Toriavi34]

Wooooow, my husband would love to have one of those.

[@almulakimaalimalriadiat9068]

I should have married you...

[@BrandonBicasso]

😂😁

[@mariuss.6607]

Wow! There are women that actually think about their husbands!?

[@2wheelobsessed]

@@mariuss.6607 No 🤦🏼‍♂️😂

[@mariuss.6607]

@@2wheelobsessed just crushed my hopes lol

[@rocket3man371]

I traded my 2017 Rocket 3 Roadster for the 2020 Rocket 3 R. I was going to add the Vmax but the guy who was selling the Vmax bought a 2020 Rocket 3 R. No one sells a Vmax unless they are done riding. For him to sell his Vmax thats when I knew the 2020 Rocket 3 R was something special.

[@tylerperry1689]

I recognize that fresh market! I have passed it many times and stopped there myself. I currently live in Dothan. We should get together and ride some time!

[@BrandonBicasso]

It's really nice. When it warms up, definitely can make it happen.

[@alp3781]

I had the chance to see the Triumph GT in an open house dealership by me, the most beautiful bike I have ever seen. The perfection of craftsmanship is superb. I like the GT due to the more upright sitting position. However, the bike needs a good windscreen for commuting and higher speeds and more options for rear and top cases, gas tank is a bit small for that CC. The 109 is a great all around machine for an incredible price. You get so much bike for dirt cheap new, even. Also, it's pretty reliable too. You don't hear many crazy stuff going on it.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Well said!

[@ut1004bp]

Ha, I knew that day was coming.. Well I would have to say us with shorter legs might not like the seating position, and geeze, no real saddle bag option..but I like the sound of that rocket power plant under load..but I need a lower seat and that sit-in feeling and a good quick saddle bag option to really consider one. How were the brakes?

[@rogercollins9298]

Got the rocket gt and its absolutely awesome 🚀🚀

[@rnsclaims1792]

Nice bike riden that m109r many times however i miss that black rc51 on trailer lol had that one for 8 years

[@MotorcyKyleAdv]

Great video. R3 is my next adventure I think or the Diavel.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Good choice!

[@sooweeq123]

Sweet sweet bikes. Niiiiice!

[@coffeytnmilk]

Great channel and work!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Thank you!

[@luckysakonta2718]

That was very interesting. Thanks

[@fbpliegorrivero8869]

Here you are, the 590 like. Get your new bike soon 🔜 🏍

[@BrandonBicasso]

We're getting there. More Likes, More attention the videos get. 🤝

[@bigmanchris8693]

That was a nice bike👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿🎯🎯🎯😎😎😎

[@ScoBro2013]

The M109R looks the goods though, IMO far better than the Rocket and lets face it, we do look a lot at our bikes ;)

[@mariuss.6607]

Jelly.. Up to 8in of snow up here in Chicago today.

[@gwaddles]

This shows why you have the M109R and the V-Rod Muscle - you feel the need for speed....

[@BrandonBicasso]

Just a lil bit 🥴

[@FernandoSanchez-nc3oj]

Thanks for the video. I have an M109R and the only bike that comes close to consider a trade-in is the Rocket 3 GT. The look is phenomenal. And for the price, I would rather consider the triumph over a compatible HD.

[@road_king_dude]

Kept having to remind myself this was before the VROD showed up.

[@glickmpb]

I owned a M109R for 5 years and sold it for a 2018 VMax. They are hands down different bikes. Although the M109R NEVER gave me any issues, I noticed a weird vibration in the front end when going 90+ mph. The bike had plenty of power but NOTHING like my my VMax. The VMax is better in pretty much every way except MPG. Ill also say there is a slight edge in comfort on the M109R. Acceleration? The VMax will eat the M109R with ease.... Love my VMax!!! :)

[@chrisludwig9783]

VMAX even faster than the rocket

[@donrudeboyt1895]

I would seriously consider this bike if it had some wind protection. As an older rider it’s one of the things I look for in a bike now.

[@78Outlaw]

Check out the GT, it’s a lot better with bigger front deflector, lower seat and front controls that can be adjusted back

[@mattmoy24]

Dude that works at the triumph dealer near me has a big cruiser fairing on the front, dont know if it's a triumph add on though

[@kenbower6611]

Excellent video! Does your friend have a channel? I'd love to see his perspective as well.

[@road_king_dude]

I wanna go to AL and do this same damn ride with Bran. Plus maybe some peach cobbler.

[@amphibdriver1]

The Triumph dealership told me to not rev the engine past 4,000 RPM"s because the engine was not broken in. When I test rode the 2020 Rocket 3R winding the engine up at 3,500-4,000 RPM"s felt plenty fast in 1-4 gears.

[@Ibrahas]

Well said man!

[@rnsclaims1792]

Now on 2011 and a 2013 triumph thunder bird storm awesome machines

[@TheMotoScout]

Nice comparison video!

[@BrandonBicasso]

Thanks 👌🏾🥴

[@nabilallaoua5544]

As always great video 🎩

[@guzzlabones7756]

I've been struggling with the decision between the m109r, the Indian bobber scout ,and the new Rocket. All great bikes but there's something about the level of excitement I hear in the voice of just about any one reviewing that rocket that is steering me in that direction. Thanks for the great video and review.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Sure thing! Imo, it does what the other two can and some. It’s an all arounder.

[@richardcerritelli9657]

This one's a no-brainer rocket for me and this is from a Hayabusa owner

[@ralpheglass]

What roads are y’all on? I visit Orange Beach 3 times a yr and tend to go ride the roads south of I-10 between Pensacola and Mobile. Next trip in august going to Barber museum and will be riding to investigate rural Alabama during my stay

[@Solley2010]

The Rocket 3 is the only bike I'd consider changing to from my M1800R.. but I'd regret not having my Intruder anymore !

[@BrandonBicasso]

I agree. The 109 holds its own even today!

[@bradleybaker8894]

You guys were having too much fun! I'm planning to buy a Rocket 3 but the GT version.

[@BrandonBicasso]

You’ll love it!

[@richardcerritelli9657]

I would go with the r version and get the high-rising handlebars as an option and you got the best of both worlds sports bike cruise bike all in one

[@bradleybaker8894]

@@richardcerritelli9657 The GT bars are not high rise. They are more swept back. A lot of GT riders switch the foot controls/pegs to the mid position, like the R has. That is an easier and less expensive change than the bars which require the bars and an expensive wiring harness. The wiring harness for the R is not compatible with the GT bars.

[@droach5241]

SOLD! I’m getting a Rocket 3

[@rogercollins9298]

I have the rocket gt and must say best bike ive ever owned and im 61 🚀🚀

[@Mr20west]

That 109 sound sooooo nasty lord

[@AW-fb8hr]

The triumph is nice....but damn that m sound good!

[@jonesjonz1]

How tall is Brian? I'm looking into get a Rocket 3 but like you stated it looks like you're sitting on the bike not in it. I'm on the tall side so that's why I'm asking. Great video, both bikes are awesome.

[@MrJoeylap]

Sounded like you were riding a mini pod racer Blue Smoke!

[@BrandonBicasso]

😂😂 Damn 🚀 ship

[@wiseives]

Damn you was having fun, lol

[@BrandonBicasso]

Just a lil bit

[@calvinroyals6463]

You rock. After the VMax what next a turbine? Jay Leno has one. I think you need one too.

[@squish3r]

Ok, that 109 STILL sounds good. As I've consumed more 109 content (from you and others) I've gotten used to it's (TBH) a little "odd" low-rpm sound; once it gets over halfway up the tach they really start to sing. That triple....well ohhh yeahhh. That triple note is Frank Sinatra smooth; with that James Earl Jones deep rooted feeling. Speedo is in km/h, right? :D I mean, British brand and all that.

[@darylbye8977]

Having just bought a Rocket3 Gt after spending 14 years on 2 different M109R's I have to agree with your impressions. The one thing I miss is the V Twin thump under my butt.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Yeah, it definitely doesn’t have much of that. It’s very refined.

[@ukbusman]

Those "Thumb Downers" obviously don't have good mates. Two mates tickled by the breeze on a beautiful road, with great bikes, what's not to like?

[@Сергей-с7х2в]

Great video? How does it feel comparing to vrod?

[@jhonnydumeny9816]

Need more videos. Especially anything to do with the Rocket3

[@BrandonBicasso]

Don’t have it anymore

[@DarkGMarine]

Im at the point where the M109r, the Vmax, and this R3 are all in my used bike price range. I LOVE the 9, but it seems like the R3 has TONS more safety via tech. Vmax is raw! Im sitting here hoping to make the right choice for myself.

[@BrandonBicasso]

I agree to that. 109 is dated but great bang. R3 is leaps ahead. Vmax is just ridiculous, but R3 is tameable.

[@LamonsterGarage]

You got the R3 giggle :)

[@BrandonBicasso]

😅

[@SQTierHog]

All the screaming, moaning, laughing hysterical... it's over, lights out. Lol. That's all the review I need, to go get one tomorrow or the next day.

[@TheBeardedBobber]

I absolutely love the rocket 3. My dogecoin needs to take off so I can pick one up 😂

[@BrandonBicasso]

You and me both. 🥴

[@NicePantsLance]

Right on 🤘 might be selling my speed twin for one this summer!

[@chrishunter5041]

They are one good motor.

[@BrandonBicasso]

Big facts

[@Musicmaster908]

My only question is where does it stack to you vs all the other bikes you have ridden? Would it be a bike in your garage if costs were non-existent alongside your Vrod and 109 or would another bike get that honor in your top 3 suite? I am just wondering, I always seen myself liking bikes like the Rocket 3, Valkyrie Rune, or the Truimph Thunder but fearing the actually expenses of repairs.

[@johnfair62]

Every test rider that opens the bike up and twist the throttle bust out laughing over the torque they feel. I want one.

[@BrandonBicasso]

It's an experience, definitely. If you have the opportunity, take it.

[@johnfair62]

@@BrandonBicasso I plan on buying one.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

I like this version of the Triumph better than the 1st version. I want to see one in person. "Sport naked" is my preferance. What was that on Brian's trailer?

[@theeredking]

RC51

[@upsidedowndog1256]

@@theeredking That's what I thought it was! I love those bikes. I bought an SV1000S instead. RC51 insurance versus SV was huge when they were new.

[@theeredking]

@@upsidedowndog1256 SV's are fun bikes with some soul to the ride. Love them too.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

@@theeredking Been riding mine since 2003. No newer bikes interest me. I don't like "rider aids" like ABS and on up. It DOES have a bit of soul in the thump. I call it Thor's Hammer! I have been mistaken for a helicopter more than once. Not the fastest thing but shifting out of 3rd at 120, how fast do you really need to go?

[@ferdiedeleon7046]

I have both bikes and a 1700 Vmax. The Vmax will spank both of them anytime. The M109R is my choice if I’m on the interstate because it does not get affected by any turbulence from any vehicle that is in front of me. Not even 18 wheelers affect it.

[@BrandonBicasso]

It's a tank on wheels haha

[@kalaga2k]

the guy on the Rocket...are you coming or going?