The Rocket 3R is a Cruiser for NONE CRUISER riders! | Triumph Rocket 3R Black 1 Month Review

[@SimonRowell]

Just bought a Rocket 3 R - for reasons of my age making my CBR1000RR uncomfortable, I switched to this Triumph. This is a heavy bike and that means that turning right from stop signs can go a bit wide but other than that it's a fine bike. It is not as speedy as my Honda by any stretch of the imagination (despite all the hype about massive torque). Instead it's a comfortable cruiser that isn't troubled by side winds or wind turbulence from trucks. I didn't like the GT version that I drove - the foot forward position meant that my back was too rounded, leading to back ache even after a few miles. The R version is more upright but my knees are more relaxed than on my Honda, so I am hoping that it allows me to ride long distances in comfort.

[@bradleybaker8894]

I had the opposite experience. I went into it thinking I wanted the R and ended up buying a Triple Black (limited edition) GT and love it. Very comfortable to ride. I like the combination of the GT bars, forward controls and seat, which are different between the two models. There isn't a right answer between them. It depends on which one suites you and your riding style. I do plan to put a slightly larger windscreen on mine. Anything over 80 MPH you notice it. That said, the bike is stable as a church in mud at the advertised max speed. Been there, done that. That is a hair raising experience on most bikes but less so on the Rocket 3 because of the excellent stability. She was pulling hard up to that point too and then the power just kinda flatlined. *More on that in a minute. The Rocket 3 is in no way a beginers bike. She is a genuine beast, but a refined and sophistocated beast and surpringly easy to ride... if that makes any sense. Jump on one, if you have the chance, and you'll see what I mean. Many people watching this review may not know you can swap any combination of the pegs (mid or forward foot positon), bars (straight or sweptback) and the seats between the two models. I am active in one of the Rocket owners groups and many GT riders have the R's mid controls and some R riders have the GT's sweptback bars. You can swap the seats too. Whatever floats your boat. I might go for the mid controls on my GT and see how that works for me. *The Rocket's motor is detuned from the factoty to meet Euro standards. There is a ton of potential locked up in that motor. I plan to have a professional unlock mine, add an aftermarket exhaust and retune the beast. At that point I might name her.

[@ichbinmartin]

I think about GT version with sports handlebars. Similar to Suki M109 which is unfortunately impossible to buy in EU. But I need to test it first. Or, would you be so kind and ask in the R3 owners community? Thanks in advance.

[@bradleybaker8894]

@@ichbinmartin There are more R owners that want the GT bars for a more relaxed riding position than the other way around. A lot of GT owners switch the foot controls to the mid position that comes with the R.

[@bradleybaker8894]

If you have back issues and need a more upright riding position, the sweptback GT bars influence that more than anything else. A GT with mid controls might be your best bet.

[@ichbinmartin]

I will test both bikes ASAP but I surely know that I will not go to mid position pegs. I sat on R3R and it was not comfortable for me. I have longer hands and legs than usual. Also GT handlebars were too close to my body, therefore I am looking for the optimal combination and somebody who has the real experience with it.

[@terrible2u]

Nothing makes me feel cooler than riding my rocket. Best motorcycle ever!

[@rocketman2458]

I got my 3R in March 2020 and I've gone through 2 pairs of 'hero blobs' since. They do ground far too easily but it's a small price to pay for such an incredible machine. Fantastic fun on the roads in the Scottish Highlands north of where I live on the North bank of the Clyde estuary. Did the North Coast 500 on it last summer and even loaded up with camping gear on silly wee single track roads it's not too big a handful, not even for a wee old fat bloke like me! Also took it to the TT for the first time this year (would have been there last year and the previous one had it not been for Covid-19) and it was an absolute blast flinging it into the corners on the Mountain Course at warp speeds. That accounted for the second pair of 'hero blobs'. I had mine specced with the GT version's fly screen and heated grips and the screen definitely makes a difference at high speed, though I'm only 5'6" tall so that probably helps. The PCP is up next March but I've decided to draw down part of my pension and buy it outright, couldn't be without it now. I'll buy a good used TigerSport 660 then and that'll be the 'commuter' and the Rocket will only come out on weekends. ROCKET FOREVER 🚀

[@jimanders9971]

Well I did 1100 plus miles in one day on my GT with no sore butt so I think the seat is passable. I agree with the reviewer that a wind screen is needed, I got a Powerbronze for mine. The only other thing I would reccomend is the speed shifter it is a great option. 40,000 miles on mine and I still get the goofy grin when I dial in the throttle.

[@nilsnyg01]

OC crew! Got on myself. R3R since new in May 2020. Done 30000 kms. Great review, I agree a lot. The beast keeps growing on me.

[@bradleybaker8894]

I have had my Rocket 3 for several months and it is a pleasure to ride. I never thought about it like this but the Rocket does ride like it looks.

[@johnfair62]

I have one and wouldn't trade for any other bike on the planet. I have taken long trips on mine and never had an issue. I love mine.

[@TheTripleDubya]

OC Rode one on a demo and the smile stayed for days, I ended up buying a BMW for long distance touring but when I’m done, this is top of the list.

[@generichards6497]

OC having different types of bikes: crusiers, sport, or dirt seems to be the best for the type of riding you want to do at the time you want to ride. Stay safe out there.

[@JDelta87]

OC: I'm not into traditional cruisers but muscle cruisers have started to interest me over the years. If I could have one as a secondary road bike, I'd do it.

[@josephpreston3236]

Bought the GT about 1 year ago, and rode it every day during the summer. Quickly got used to the power then had the ESU fashed and mapped. Putting out over 200Bhp, RPM increased by 500, topping out at 280 KPH. Off the line, the beast was already ridiculous, but now you do have to be more mindful of the wheel spin.

[@dlmp70]

Are you still enjoying the GT? Does the engine produce vibrations that get transferred to the handles at higher RPMs? Also, how is the suspension, especially when going on a bumpy road or potholes? Thanks!

[@josephpreston3236]

@@dlmp70 still loving it, hard to wait so long in vancouver bc for the weather though

[@KawamurAsun]

Cool! I want to unleash the Best also. Cannot imagine 280 km/h on it 🤯 have to check Who can do it in Germany. But can one still handle the power like using Rain Mode on a rainy Day or beast Mode only? Tbank you in advance

[@josephpreston3236]

@@KawamurAsun I have a CUSTOM SPORT MODE INSTALLED to identify where the best awakens..

[@thomasgessner]

This is a very good review. Many other reviewers just seem to take the bike for a brief spin and call their giggles and first impressions a review. Being a R3r owner myself, I would say you need more than a brief ride to get to the core of what this bike really is and I think you have done that. Here are my own 2c as an owner, anyways. I have been riding my Rocket since fall of 2020 and the bike currently has 6kkm on th odo. My riding is mostly mountain roads and passes, though, and I have taken the bike on long tours from Germany to the Italian and Franch Alps. The Rocket can do touring, although I would recommend the Triumph wind screen and possible also a wind deflector on top of that. It is great fun on mountain passes and switchbacks, provided you use the proper riding techniques. But you always have to respect the bike's limits - something you rightfully point out. If you do, things are smooth. If you you push it beyond what it is expected to do, the bike bike will expose a bit of an unforgiving character. Poke it too hard and it can bite you.

[@matthewgiles6495]

What I got from riding it is that everything feels significant. Everything is major.

[@ralpheglass]

O.C. These bikes R and GT are a BLAST to ride. I ride a K1600GA almost every day and the Rocket will be added to the stable shortly. It will be a GT because occasionally the bride likes to go for a ride. Also that gt will have quick shifter, mid’s instead of the forward controls… R models hurt my back leaning forward so the GT’s bars work great!!! Enjoy your channel very informative!!! RG

[@spdcrzy]

The phrase you're looking for is "nailed the design brief". The other bikes that do this PERFECTLY IMO are the Goldwing and the Grom.

[@firmfoundation7421]

Ordered a Rocket3 GT in July was told I'd get it in Oct. Now they tell me they're not sure when I'll get it in NZ. Damn you Covid! You made me hang out for it even more Chase😊

[@78Outlaw]

Shame I’d you didn’t have the quick shifter, it’s like silk and not sure if you adjusted the pegs to highest setting Chase. It’s the ultimate muscle bike, you have to muscle it, swing the weight going into turns, use pegs and counter steer mid turn if required and I throw mine down Scottish twisty roads, a small screen makes a big difference to Rocket on highway

[@Skiliq]

OC. Just because you like the riding certain bikes doesn't mean you've been converted. Just means you found something else you like. Tastes can change as well. Nothing wrong with having multiple bikes right? I do like how this Rocket 3 looks, but I picked up a Diavel 1260 S, because I got one for a great price used still in the break in mileage, and it's lighter than the Rocket 3. Happy with my choice, but I want to add more types of bikes to my garage when I can afford to. Not sure if I will ever put a cruiser back in my garage, I really don't feel like having anything heavier than the Diavel anymore, my previous bike was a 720 lb cruiser.

[@bfarm44]

R pegs on the GT are perfect for this ride 5’9” I was able to haul out on one of these road locomotives. Sticks like snot too just an all around cruiser tank would definitely add this to the fleet if the gods allow.

[@wills69charger1]

OC cruiser here. I now want to try out the Rocket. Thanks for the video

[@Frank_Torre]

OC: Beau quietly behind the scenes converting Chase to a cruiser guy. Theory would be confirmed if a Harley Davidson shows up at the shop for a month long review.

[@nyuscdjs]

100% agree with your opinion. The bike is magical and dialed in.

[@RadDadisRad]

I think an R3R is more my style. Probably buy one this winter for spring time.

[@Smallbore2wheels]

OC: Beau definitely slowly made you a secret agent for the cruisers

[@stephensproxton9986]

Great. I agree. I have a rocket 3 done 22k in 12 month we live in Thailand. Some quick 2 up mountain rides some track days just love this big bute i put a gt windscreen beck rest and quick shifter. The rocket has all the show but it has the go also

[@watchapexmedia]

Good review, and a great bike. To your point asking for an owners perspective, yes, once you get over the initial shock of how well the bike rides, looks and is put together for such a beast, it just feels right. I will say it rides way better once you adjust the suspension for your weight and riding style, as the rear has minimum preload from the factory a full 18 clicks out. Mine is set at 8 and is way better. I talk through the suspension and exhaust "issues" on my first review video on my channel a few months ago. More on the way now my broken arm has healed enough - no, NOT bike related!

[@MrBlompod]

I have one.. The R is not a cruiser in any way shape or form… it’s kind of it’s own class.. muscle naked. But apart from that what you said is spot on…. 👍🏼

[@5point7goat94]

OC Please do something like a 2nd Ride on a Diavel now that you have more experience on "Muscle Cruisers". I would like to know if your opinion on it has changed.

[@chaseontwowheels]

Im definitely going to do that soon. I feel like I'll have an entirely different opinion on them now.

[@5point7goat94]

@@chaseontwowheels Awesome looking forward to it.

[@1990-t1j]

Good review of a brilliant bike. The best switchgear I have had on any motorcycle is surprisingly on my KTM 390 Duke Mk2. On second thoughts, my old BMW R1100GS's was as good.

[@johnhernandez6434]

OC. Always been more sports naked or sport but love these vlogs. Just love bikes in general.

[@Fernando90054]

That’s an excellent motorcycle in deed, no doubts about that aspect. I’m curious to experience the Ducati Diavel V4, because it may have one quality over the Rocket III, the superior ground clearance! I like to lean a motorcycle and I could see by this video of yours that you were leaning and the pegs were right close to the ground 😮 That kind of limitation can kill a man’s riding pleasure… thank you for the video . Ride safe and have a blast doing it ✌️✌️

[@Sabahes_ASMR]

I'm legit considering this bike now. I didn't think I could afford one, but apparently I can, and the insurance on it is like 300 bucks cheaper a year.

[@thorstenmetalhead9666]

I'm also a controlls nerd and it's a deal breaker for me, if a bike has mushy not good feeling or poorly laid out buttons.

[@TopDonBarrow]

OC. Man I love this bike. Before it came out officially, I went to Philly to catch the unveil in the tour triumph was doing back in late 2019. I want one but need experience in the saddle first. Smh. Seems like you love it Chase. You should def check out some more muscle cruisers like the XDiavel S, M109r, and a Night Rod Special if you can get your hands on one.

[@mweeks2000]

OC loved the video. I love the Rocket 3 looks and am not surprised at all by Triumph's refinement.

[@damnlogin]

OC: I can't wait to test ride one of these. I wonder how it compares to the Ducati Diavel.

[@bradleybaker8894]

Call the dealership first. Not all dealerships allow test rides on the Rocket 3.

[@motoflash6591]

Great videos. Nice explanations. I have mine 8 months. My experience with bumps while cornering at low speeds about 50 km/h is bad. Handlebar shakes during two or three seconds. One week ago, my dealer test it for second time and said the bike is ok. I send them a video in slow motion to watch in detail, and they only said that it's not recomended to have only a hand in the controls. Now I am claiming with the help of a vehicle expert and my lawyer. If anybody knows if it's normal in this bike or not, please let me know. Thank you .

[@Mo-xx9gg]

It actually rides very differently than it looks! I think that you are wrong there! It feels much lighter and more flickable!

[@ecrusch]

(OC) Throw a set of higher bars and a little louder pipes on there along with a comfortable seat, and I can see one of those in my garage. peace.

[@rizzoyo8557]

I do care about how the controls feel, alot. I have a 2019 CB1000R and when I got on a MT10 all I could think about was how crappy the controls felt.

[@etherjoe505]

OC great video C2W, love your enthusiasm and genuine ness.

[@mammaandpapparides9306]

OC i was converted to cruisers quite a few years ago and i can see you might be heading there too :) buit even if you don't i just love the fun factor on these bikes. Great reviews as always.

[@npthaiduong]

I own a BMW R9T but would love to have the Rocket 3 in the future. However, the 24k price tag is not a small feast at all.

[@chrisrobinson79]

Chase thanks for these videos on the rocket I wanted a rocket for a while but wasn’t sure weather to get the GT or the R. After watching your videos I’m sold on the R. Love the seating position. You’ve enjoyed the R so the R it’s is. Bought the R model take delivery in one week the hopper red and sapphire black 221 paint job looks amazing. Once again thanks so much. 🌴😎

[@gatogato3748]

I have the bobber black. I might have to pick up this beast next.

[@vinnycbr1851]

Heavy clutch ....is machine....is love

[@rielfernandes]

I will be going in for the GT Model shortly, still in the phase of saving some money for it…

[@JamesExcell-InterJex]

OC Cruiser guy is evolving!

[@ronaldk.wileyjr.5476]

OC. This is a SUPREMELY Kool bike... & I'm a sportbike rider.

[@dinbosco9658]

Great review. Looks like it's perfect fit for you size wise. Mind telling your height and how comfortably you could flat foot it ?

[@bradleybaker8894]

Height is not the issue. Inseam is the issue. You need a 30 inch inseam to flat foot the GT. Not sure about the R because the two models have different seats. I believe the R's seat is slightly higher. There is a fairly petite lady in one of the owners groups I am active in. She can flat foot her Rocket 3 and she gets by just fine with the bike.

[@Drfudd]

OC, now that your MT-10 is full on dad mode, you are drifting to muscle cruiser territory

[@jedexc]

OC, test riding the storm version tomorrow as my first bike!

[@GamingComfortably]

Hey man love the content! Would like to hear your opinions in a comparison of the rocket and diavel.

[@caballerosuave]

@chaseontwowheels, I'm curious about your thoughts on the forward controls on the GT vs the R. I ask because this will be my first bike for a long time and I want the most comfortable set up.

[@jr3628]

@chaseontwowheels do you guys setup the suspension on the bikes? it seems like the preload and the rebound is really soft for you when the shots showed the bike from the side. A small change will make the bike feel more planted in the turns and fix that middle of the turn disruption you mentioned.

[@bradleybaker8894]

The dealership gives you the bike with the factory suspension settings which are set that way for shipping. Each rider should adjust the suspension based on their weight and how they ride. There are instructions on how to set up the suspension and the dealership will help you if you ask them. If you dont ask, they wont touch it. There are also excellent KZbin videos on how to do it. It makes a huge difference. Every review I've seen that uses a bike right from the dealership has been done on a Rocket 3 with factory suspension settings. In all fairness, who would know you need to do that? I am willing to bet the bike reviewed in this video had the factory suspension settings too. KZbin video is maybe 12 minutes. About the same time to zero out and reset all the front and rear suspension settings to your weight. You can fine tune it from there. Makes a world of difference. Of course, a demo bike isn’t going to be set up for you but your own bike should be.

[@RicardoMatosgoogle]

OC: great vídeo. Beautifuly edited. Cheers from Portugal

[@tonydavis5053]

This bike is similar to the original Ford GT40 slow for tight corners and make it up in the straights!

[@droach5241]

That exhaust has to go once I get mine

[@paulbell927]

OC, chase! Thanks for supporting British!

[@johnbroadbent322]

OC love the the rocket in the black edition.

[@lapinobel]

Recently bought a BMW R1250R because I really liked the torque and comfort, very much might be a possibility that it will be replaced by a rocket3 in the future. Tried a GT version a few weeks ago, was pretty cool but didn't like the riding position but the R might fit the bill. Outro-crew ;)

[@duaneconliffe9071]

OC. Thanks for the great Rocket 3 video!

[@OnTheHundreds]

OC. Man I still can’t decide between the Sportster S or the Rocket

[@goldenshine9434]

OC: To me, this is a beautiful bike.

[@arpakdemircan3854]

I’ve tested both last weekend and I am on the edge of making a decision between Rocket 3 and HD Road King. I am not a HD guy, as a matter of fact hated the HD motorcycles. I’v ridden over years anything from a Thruxton tı Diavel to Goldwing. I do not seem to find my style of moto. I usually ride in town and some highway miles. I think after this video I am leaning towards R3R. Let me know what you would choose between the HD and R3R? Thanks

[@rdalev1]

Go with the Triumph. They make great machines, imo. Riding a 2017 Trophy SE here and love it. It's a big, heavy bike but, as soon as the wheels start to roll, all that weight dissappears. I believe Triumph makes a more refined bike, no matter the model, than most manufacturers and hey, it's a "Triumph"! Don't see as many of them on the road as HD's, and have never been a big fan (and not bashing HD), they just never made a model that has appealed to me. I know that going from a Triumph Trophy, a sport-tourer, to a cruiser, like a Rocket III sounds a little off but, if I had to choose another bike it would be the Rocket simply because it's a Triumph and this bike just looks Bad-ass! The glowing reviews is just icing on the cake!

[@Mo-xx9gg]

This is like the Sting (from Police) of motorbikes! All genres think it's cool! And they are right!

[@stephensproxton9986]

Oc. I agree fantastic bike rode aboutb25k in Thailand on my rocket 3 r triple black. Fun fun fun

[@Иван-т4з8б]

Pity there was no comparison with xDiavel... Evidently many of potential buyers are looking at Italian "cruiser" as well and riding "duel" could help a lot.

[@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA]

OC bro yo chase how about the panniers ? decent size for carrying day trip gear? and you tube feed, drone, camera etc thanks man!

[@Hulk-1967]

AWESOME video great beautiful bike!!!

[@Mo-xx9gg]

The Triumph warranty doesn't support aftermarket exhausts (they want to balance the guilt of a big engine - with the euro-5 regulations).

[@VrappStar]

Everyone needs a rocket in their life!

[@BradRhame]

OC…Great content and review!

[@AkaBull]

OC. If a low rider s didn't convert you, I don't see how the Sportster s or the rocket will.

[@Bandido6oo]

OC. Great content. As Always.

[@johnsaddleton4241]

Just about to buy a Rocket 3 your final video was the decider. Order placed to be delivered with scree.

[@johnsaddleton4241]

OC forgot to put this on my comment.

[@chaseontwowheels]

You won’t regret it man. I’m still missing it.

[@jasong5498]

Knew you would come around chase. Amazing bike and I only got to demo one for 15miles

[@cliffordmaggard9403]

Oc and yes u are they're just fun muscle bikes personally I'd love to see u do a first ride on a m109r but that's just me.

[@josebellorin3419]

That alfa romeo at the end 🤤

[@ericlee7523]

Can anyone help advise me, on which one should i choose the triumph rocket 3R or KTM super duke 1290 R EVO, 6 inches 2 with 200 lbs guys right on here.

[@DeadZoneGaming]

Chase should do a first ride on the 2021 Honda Grom. I’d love to see that! 😂😂

[@awaisakhtar5091]

Very rock it review 👌

[@TheKingsapostle]

The headlights look stupid. That's my only complaint about it.

[@itsmePassport]

Isn't the maximum speed limit sixty two miles an hour

[@chrisrobinson79]

OC. Chase!!! All the way. 👍

[@aweba25]

OC. The Yamaha Vmax 1700 will completely convert you to a muscle cruiser guy.

[@channel8888]

Awesome bike! I'm looking to get one!

[@bfarm44]

And yes it rides like it looks 😎

[@dyoungctn]

OC great video!

[@Im_Perfect.]

A bike id love to see you review is the bmw 1250gs

[@jurgents0303]

OC: I just think your love for motorcycles got expanded, not really a change in the type of riding that you would be doing. :)

[@riggzx8035]

how do you feel about this bike as a beginner or noob rider ?

[@riggzx8035]

OC

[@jeffmellow]

You need to ride an first generation (unmodified) V-Max. Edit, oh yah here's the OC for you.

[@flesz_]

How many miles on full tank ?

[@dmdm13]

OC - You got to ride a XDiavel now and make a comparison!

[@2wheelife878]

I own both. The XDiavel is quicker off the line, but the power delivery’s is smoother on the rocket 3. The Diavel feels like a wild horse, while the rocker 3 feels more tamed. The Diavel is more flickable than the rocket 3. I’ve taken them both on long rides( 500 miles) and they both handled it like nothing. On the twisty roads, the Diavel handles a bit better. I’m the city surprisingly the rocket 3 does better. Mainly because it’s comfortable at low revs. The Diavel prefers to be revved up.

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

I'm on a T-120 now (and a retirement budget), but if I hit the lottery...

[@bc1953]

Oc rew deeply thinking about getting that bike

[@davidf2392]

Will chase get the triumph tiger 660

[@briandagostino7009]

OC: I think your evolving into dad form

[@motommajasonboss4521]

Love the review awesome job sir. Your take on being seen is a little weird for me your wearing all black low vis clothes for the most part and you can't say louder pipes make you more visible lol. You are edgey today sir

[@bradleybaker8894]

Supposedly there are "studies" that give evidence that louder pipes do not make others more aware of you on the road. I do not believe that. I have been riding longer than I care to admit. I am open minded and I will change my opinion if I see information that causes me to see things differently. I do not believe that louder pipes do not help people be aware of the rider. I know from experience that they are more aware of the bike with louder pipes. I also drive cars and trucks so I have seen this from both sides. Also, several Police officers have told me that one of the issues with electirc cars is lack of awareness of them by other motorists and even pedestrians who walk right out in front of them. So, there goes the loud pipes dont work theory.