Before You Buy a Rocket 3 GT (Ride one on Iron Mountain!)

Ride with Marshall as he reviews his own Triumph Rocket 3 GT, and shows you how well it behaves on Iron Mountain, South Dakota.

[@flatcapcaferacer]

I took one like yours to the Bonneville Salt Flats in August 2024 and oir best timed average mile was just over 152 mph. The speedometer registered an optimistic 161 mph. We made two changes removed the license plate/brake light off and removed the ECU restrictions. We had to add steering stablizer per the rules and the bike was stable throughout the three mile run.

[@ridingwithmarshall]

@@flatcapcaferacer I want to remove the ECU restrictions! I'll bet my dealer won't do it though.

[@flatcapcaferacer]

@@ridingwithmarshall I don't think Triumph will let them but my buddy did his in about 20 minutes.

[@oddmanout43]

I've been contemplating if this is the bike for me, but as we all know by now, "What can be, unburdened by what has been." so now I'm not sure. the motor is bigly, biglier than I thought it would be. Just a little pre-election humor before it's over. This was another excellent review. Keep it up.

[@danbsimpson]

Do it, i highly doubt you'll regret it

[@dkaldossari1242]

I'll gove you an advise ...rent one if you can't try one, if you dont own a licence get one and get a proper training...I made a mistake by buying the bike first and the second biggest to this one a vmax 1700 fastest cruiser on earth

[@philcopp6414]

A great review. Numerous bikes later and 2 Rocket 3 Tourings I bought a new 2023 GT this summer. At 77, I love the bike. It does everything well with goobs of power and performance. And Yes. It will ruin you for liking or wanting any other bike. Ya gotta love the Rocket GT. It's awesome and just glides down the road. One test ride and I had to have it. I'm certainly enjoying mine.

[@ridingwithmarshall]

@@philcopp6414 Same here. I found, I rode it, I can't back a week later and bought it. No regrets. I don't think I've ever been more anxious to get the plates.

[@elithegreat6463]

I have a 2023 Rocket-R in Matte-Ice-Silver...So Bad Ass. And yes, the rear suspension has to be softened. I also put on the Heated Grips, and a Triumph Quick-Shifter, so handy when Warping onto on-ramps. As far as oil, I use the Amsoil 15-50, very easy to buy on their website. And if you feel like it Runs too Hot in the Summertime, 20-50 is also an Option, it won't hurt, if anything it'll Help in managing/protecting from Heat. You will see after reading this, that you can use the rear license plate rail/turn signal rail to hold a small strap on Leather Bag to carry whatever, mine has a Tire Repair kit. (Just use your ingenuity on how to place and what size bag you use) And Yes, the Rocket is the only Bike iv'e owned in the 40+ yrs Riding that I can say, "It's a Keeper" I love to park it, and have people just Crowd around it, and just Gawk at it. Some mistake it for a 6-Cylinder , I just chuckle and say, "No it's a 3" I couldn't stand the GT model, that riding position would make me sell the Bike...But I just love my R. Ride Safe...😎

[@victorviveros3745]

Hi, very useful info. Do you hace a pic or video where you show the mounting of the bag with tbe strap on the license or near

[@tonysimcox6592]

Great review, no stupid music. Cool Bike, well done!

[@Astartes1000-h7m]

That bike is absolutely insane. Waaaaay to much iron horse for me but if I was filthy rich I would get one. A few weeks ago I rode in a friend of my friend's ( who is filthy rich btw) Brand new Lucid Air Sapphire alledgedly capable of 0 to 60 in 1.89 seconds it was sureal . I can't even remotely imagine going 2.7 seconds open air!! Kudos to you sir and thank you for taking us on the ride with you! 😊

[@ridingwithmarshall]

@@Astartes1000-h7m Aww, that was sweet! The Rocket is so well planted with the wide tires, and it makes so little fuss, that you really don't notice that you just went from 60 to 105 while passing that semi. The only time it feels hard to control is when you have cold tires and gun it coming out of a curve. Rear wheel slid an inch or so today doing just that. Otherwise, it's well behaved. Thank you for tuning in. Next up will be a BMW S1000, followed by the new Honda E-clutch bike.

[@drdoolittle5724]

Fit young man machine?, There's neg me only thinking, 'how to pick it up', 'no crash bars', 'no reverse', I've spoiled it all for myself before I've even saved up the 18000 missing £'s! Great video Sir, from The Isle of Man, where you can legally see 145 mph, for 1 second!!!

[@shadwox9808]

i have a 2020 GT same color as your bike i had plenty of motorcycles in my life im 60 years old started riding in the 70 s so i know about all style of bikes and for me its the best motorcycle i ever own i love cruiser biike but the Rocket is out of this world. Great review.

[@FacelessBookReviews]

I believe this is my next bike... Only concern after several test rides in Lake George Americade is the heat this thing might put off when in traffic. But I'm not sure what other bike I want other than this one. The new Scout 101? IDK this one is just way more original than the scout.

[@ridingwithmarshall]

Both are hot in the summer. Catalytic converters for Euro 5 emissions are horribly hot. They restrict the engine, which makes it hot too. The newer Indian Scouts get very hot on your right leg.

[@FacelessBookReviews]

@ridingwithmarshall Well if they are both going to be hot might as go with my first choice.

[@ridingwithmarshall]

@FacelessBookReviews Either can be decatted.

[@FacelessBookReviews]

@@ridingwithmarshall true!

[@John-L-1961]

I have a GT in the same colour scheme as yours and absolutely love it, one thing you didn't mention when talking about the forward position of the foot rests is that they can be replaced with the mid position foot rests from the R model, I have them on mine and find it much better.

[@Bybert-9ky]

I have a GT identical to this bike. Same colors and all. I love it. First, there is a company in Ohio that makes a larger luggage rack behind the seat where you can secure a backpack style bag that easily fits a helmet plus more stuff without hiding the taillight. Second, the Triumph quick shifter is a truly great addition. Just convenient. (If it doesn't work when the dealership installs it, it's because the software needs to be upgraded.)

[@jimanders9971]

Make sure you keep checking the brackets that hold the luggage rack to the Rocket, I have had three crack and eventually break completely. Dont do much over Triumph's weight restrictions.

[@triumphthunderbird1]

Excellent review! I have had my TFC variant for nearly 5 years now. I love it! A masterpiece of motorcycle engineering. Nothing comes close! I do have two other bikes, both Triumph's but the Rocket is the Daddy! As an aside, Rocketdays in Germany is a great event with epic rideouts with over 100 Rockets (new and old variants).

[@dennisolson3667]

Welcome to my stomping grounds! As a young man me and my V65 Sabre bombed all over these roads. Now, as an older guy I run Royal Enfield. Still have a ton of fun on those roads.

[@ridingwithmarshall]

@@dennisolson3667 My ride on the Needles was pure heaven. The leaves were in full color, 74 degrees, very little traffic, it was perfect. I need to find a way to work that footage in.

[@McmeYTman]

Looking at possibly getting one of these. I've always been a bit of a power seeker and I currently have a 2019 Yamaha MT10 that's pretty heavily modded. But I am looking for something that will still give me the thrill that bike does but also be way more comfortable while doing it. This bike seems like the one and only real option for power, comfort, and "decent" handling. As long as I can ride it all day and not hate myself afterwards I think it might be a good fit for me.

[@ridingwithmarshall]

You and I seek the same things. There's only a handful of powerful bikes that are all-day comfortable too, and yet have some character. I recently posted a review of the now decade-old Honda Valkyrie GL1800C. It is one of my favorites, but still wasn't all-day comfortable without spending thousands more. I'm about to post a Ducati XDiavel review that has comparable power, but there will be downsides to that too. The Rocket 3 fits the bill for me. I usually don't like leaning forward to get to the bars, but they got the angle just right. I might get the mid-controls kit for it with Quick shifter, but for now, I'm plenty happy with it as is.

[@McmeYTman]

@@ridingwithmarshall I have also been looking at the Xdiavel but the standard handle bar position seems less that ideal for me. I would agree on the quick shifter, I have an up/down one fitted to my MT10 and it's nice to have. I would stick with forward controls myself given my bad knees and somewhat taller height. Too bad riding season is more or less closed, I'd like to go and try to test ride one.

[@ridingwithmarshall]

@McmeYTman The XDiavel had a lot of vibration, at least the used one I rode. It handled better than the Rocket, but the vibration in the engine when under power was a no-go for me. It doesn't win any awards in the looks department either. If you get a Rocket, make sure the rear master cylinder recall is or gets done. It's free.

[@McmeYTman]

@@ridingwithmarshall Currently eyeballing a few I'd need to go on a trip to pick up. I just wish I could get in a test ride before the weather improves and prices start to go up again. I'll need to keep the recall in mind, I was not aware of that.

[@danbsimpson]

I loved it. I highly doubt you'd regret it

[@RMJ3032]

I've had a Bonneville T100 since 2009 with now 29K. Triumph Owner's handbook lists Mobil 1 4T 10W/40 or 15W/50 oil. A few years later (?) the Triumph dealerships changed to Castrol 4T 10W/50. I live on the East Coast/Mid Atlantic and Cycle Gear stores do stock Castrol 4T 10W/50. I once drove a 1 1/2 hour round trip Saturday Afternoon to finish an oil change I was one quart short. Now I buy/have bought the 6 quart box of Castrol 4T 10W/50 on Amazon usually in the mid $50-60 price range plus the filter not exceeding $75 so far. Oil also works great in the 4 cycle leaf blower hence the 1 quart shortage. Great video! I've sat on the 3 GT at the local dealership and it does feel good. But, I just put a new clutch in my '08 T100 at 28.5K and the bike is still a great option for me. I agree I want cruise control, heated grips? and the chain lube is getting old. When and if I finally wear out my '08 T100, like you, a slightly used bike ('22 or later T120) would be a great replacement.

[@DavidPierce-pn4lc]

You missed your calling...I haven't laughed that hard since watching Mad Hank Zaney in San Luis Obispo CA. in 1986😂. Love that 🚀

[@markwalding8205]

That road looks amazing.

[@SeadogSeven]

Hey bro! Great video. I agree about the forward pegs not equating to a more comfortable ride. However, I added mod pegs to my Triple Black and modified the forward pegs so that I have both now. I uploaded the video to my channel.

[@jimanders9971]

One of the first things I did on my 2020GT was get the mid range pegs, those and the quick shifter were the best additions I have made. Oil? I buy Quicksilver full synthetic motorcycle oil from Amazon for about 12 bucks a quart. My windshield is a Madstad and it does a great job and also easy to install, I also have the Triumph panniers so you pop them on and you are ready to tour, With the Rocket you can play with the sports bikes and cruise with the touring bikes. Oh, the heat. I has a Harley Ultra for a while and that bike generates much more heat for the rider than the Rocket does. And I am not talking about 90 degree heat but in over 110 degree heat. The power? I have over 88,000 miles on my 2020 Rocket and I still get the stupid grin on my face when I peg the throttle and run through the gears with the quick shifter, lol. Just getting on the freeway is a hoot.

[@ridingwithmarshall]

@@jimanders9971 The midpegs and quick-shifter are on my wish list. The taller windshield will come first. I think I'll keep the tail rack for now, although it hides my tail light. I'm happy to hear you got 88k miles!

[@jimanders9971]

@@ridingwithmarshall You are correct the taller screen is a must if you ride a lot. And I bought an oversized tail rack (lamonster garage) too. Keep in mind if you put much more than what Triumph reccomends for weight the bracket will eventually crack.

[@ladharms]

Hey Jim, after reading most of the comments I come to you for your suggestions. I have been considering this bike over harley street glide and bmw continental. My confusion is I will probably just do 1 or 2 tours a year around 1500-2000 miles per trip. Do you recommend this bike for long trips? Is the wind bad relatively with its naked body ?

[@jimanders9971]

@@ladharms I have dont at least three trips of 10 days and at least 3000 miles on my Rocket and I would highly reccomentd it for touring. The only thing I would add is some sort of wind screen. Mine is a Madstad which I like a lot. Now my wife does not ride with me so I could not have an opinion on riding with a pillion. But for me my self I could not reccoment the Rocket with more enthusiasm. Like I said more than 88,000 miles and still grinning.

[@ladharms]

@ I appreciate your response and thanks for restoring my confidence back into triumph. I almost gave up. I checked out madstads and it looks better than a fairing from corbin. Hopefully they come out with lower deflectors for the latest models. 🍻

[@evgenismirnov2924]

Thank you for this honest review 👍

[@davewilton3101]

Corbin bags would be nice other than the cost.

[@davewilkirson2320]

Great review sir. I have the 2020.

[@erichouck9487]

did that ride 2 years ago on the Shadow, great ride

[@ukbusman]

A beautiful bike, and streets ahead of any other manufacturer in quality and finish, as was our beloved Concorde..RIP (a political killing)

[@eldorado5686]

Spot on on all accounts. I went with liqu Moly, 15 W 50 motorcycle oil on my last change. Cost me right around $90 between the oil and the filter. Liqui Moly is a decent oil and I don’t foresee having any issues. I’ve had this bike, to different events and the Harley Bros just don’t know what to make of it. Definitely causes them to scratch their heads and wanna go rev their motorcycles. I’ve been several different triumphs in my riding career. My last bike was a Bonneville T120. You are correct when you say that this bike will ruin you for others. It is by far the best handling most power, most comfortable, and most head turning bike I’ve ever owned. Just ordered an IXIL exhaust and looking forward to a little bit more noise in those wonderful pops on deacceleration.

[@ridingwithmarshall]

You caught me; I realized when I finished the video, I had left out the decel pops. I didn't buy it for the sound anyway. Not looking to change the pipes, but losing the cat would be nice in the summer.

[@hershchat]

Liked the review. Thanks.

[@victorviveros3745]

Awesome ,,, What do you really mean with yhe pushrods comments, is that bad? How do you managed with luggage ( small rack ) is there any bag that you will recommend? Thank you on advance

[@ridingwithmarshall]

@@victorviveros3745 Harley's, except for the V-rod s, have pushrods. These rods are heavy and limit the rpms. This is one reason why you don't see too many V-Twins pushing rpms past 5k. You can bore out the cylinders, change the cam, change the engine mapping, but you are still fighting gravity with push-rods. Look at a photo of a Street Glide and you'll see the rod housings running up and down the cylinders. As for luggage, stay tuned. Triumph sells a set of small side bags, but I think I'll get a top case instead.

[@ralpheglass]

Adjust the suspension per the manual and the ride is excellent! If you test ride one without adjusting the suspension you’ll likely have a poor and painful ride! I sure did.

[@Booboosik]

Looks like you are missing a coolant cap.

[@ridingwithmarshall]

Yeah, the metal decorative bit. That's what happens when you save $10k buying used. I'll have to order the decorative cap. I'll bet it's $39.99

[@celsoescobar9630]

My 2021 used Rocket came without it too. It seems that it is a poor project so they fall off the bike.

[@ichbinmartin]

Oh, I bought my 2 and half year before you did the video. What now?

[@ridingwithmarshall]

@@ichbinmartin Enjoy it!

[@ichbinmartin]

Please remove the ugly windshield. It can be maybe on Honda PCX, but not on the Rocket!

[@timmythetimeisnearXRP]

Sounds (another exhaust system) like this bike is a keeper? See how many miles it can go before another newer Rocket might be needed 😂

[@ridingwithmarshall]

@@timmythetimeisnearXRP One of my viewers has 88,000 miles on his. We will see!

[@BugManRides]

So range, need to get a BMW R1250GSA if you want range. 300+ miles.

[@Bob-xc2us]

My Kawasaki W800 speedometer reads about 3% faster than you are actually going. Why do they do that? My 2023 Ford Maverick speedometer is very accurate by comparison.

[@ridingwithmarshall]

Exactly. Accuracy only counts in American Cars and Japanese Bikes

[@joetrumblak3522]

Would this bike work as a touring bike .

[@ridingwithmarshall]

@@joetrumblak3522 with luggage, yes. I only live 5 hours from South Dakota, but I stayed there two nights. I should have made it three, but money was tight having just bought the bike.

[@4998826p]

It IS a touring bike

[@RickLeierer]

I spent 520$ at dealer for my first oil change on my 2023 Rocket R.

[@ridingwithmarshall]

Oil change, or first service? My whole first service was $465. Oil changes are about half that at my dealer.

[@RickLeierer]

​@ridingwithmarshall it was the first service.

[@markduro5924]

REALLY ??? YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE PRESIDENT !!!

[@ridingwithmarshall]

@@markduro5924 Hey, they could do worse...

[@nightmarezero8465]

So i just got this bike 2023... what kind of oil do you use? I saw 3 different kinds of motul whom i love that brand.

[@ridingwithmarshall]

@@nightmarezero8465 That's an excellent question. I had the dealer do the first service and haven't had to add a drop so far. They used Triumph oil, but we both know motorcycle brands don't refine their own oil. It's either Castrol or Motul. I'll let you know when I change it in April. With a 10,000 mile service interval, I'm going to get at least 5k out of the oil.

[@nightmarezero8465]

@ridingwithmarshall thanks for the reply. Also as far as tires go there is a mod for i think a tire called an excedra? It's taller and has way better turn in. But due to it being taller you have to modify the guard a bit so it doesn't rub with some simple washers. If you wanna know more about that look up the rocket 3 forums. I'll probably dig in to that forum about the oil once riding season starts. Cause the bike is still at 1 mile. It kills me I can't let it rip for awhile until the break in period is done which I think is 500 miles