Triumph Rocket 3 Comparison | Which One, GT or R?

[@jimanders9971]

Just an update, I have just over 45,000 miles on my GT now and still loving it. I did put the mid mounted pegs on and I am very happy with the change. The ideal combo for me, GT bars and mid pegs. Also I have passed many many crotch rockets in the twisties and have only been passed by one that I couldn’t keep up with. And I am an old man, lol.

[@LambChopRides]

Haha good to know Jim! 😁👍

[@pontypete7357]

great review, how do you justify paying £23,000 for this bike??? Pete!

[@jimanders9971]

@@pontypete7357 How do you justify paying any money on any motorcycle unless strictly for commuting. In most of the world they make no economic sense at all.

[@dlmp70]

Jim, is the process of installing mid mounted pegs a fairly easy one? Is there a place already to be able to install them? Thanks!

[@jimanders9971]

@@dlmp70 I had my Triumph dealer install them. I didn’t want to mess with the abs system.

[@Larry_Mott]

I own the R (in Korosi red) And like it a lot. To me the deal breakers with the GT is the riding position that puts all weight on your arse and every bump gets your tail bone and transfer up your spine. Not a fan of dragging heels through corners either (or getting right lower leg roasted, which it WILL be once the temperature goes up around and above 25° C. I also don't like the paint job on the GT in your test, but of course that's purely subjective. The beauty of the R3 is no matter which one you buy you can transform it into the other since all the bits fit the other. Too late now, i know, but you should try lowering the pegs on the R. Fun to watch nevertheless, Cheers!

[@Mark_Meisho_Thompson]

Im looking at getting the R but fitting the GT backrest just to stop the other half from dropping off the back

[@M977A2]

I just bought a GT with R pegs and the quick shifter

[@alexjames421]

Love the "I'm not on KZbin" lady! Stick her on the back and film it!

[@TheTripleDubya]

Have ridden the R model and after comparing price and options, I'd got for the GT with the mid peg solution which would take care of the handlebar reach issues and give you a better seat and heated grips to boot. Totally loved my time on the R but have to agree that both models could do with fancier paint schemes.

[@jazzboy]

Great review! But let your buddy know that the new Harleys don't rattle. My 2020 Road Glide Special is tight and rides amazingly in the twisties. Love to see you wring one out as they are great fun! Keep up the great work as your reviews always make me smile.

[@evoermine]

Great review. Really enjoyed listening to that other fella chatting with you. You should do more vids together!

[@TheRtHonJimStiffOG]

Totally agree, nice to see you out with a friend Chopsy. Although we haven't seen Womble in a while

[@LambChopRides]

Pleased you like the format 👍👍

[@LambChopRides]

He will be back soon 👍

[@coffee_cneces]

Love the dual-vlog style!!! Please more of that type😍!! Great vid again 😍

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Max!

[@stevebolton8471]

@@LambChopRides Yep it's good to listen to a conversation about the bikes - works really well for comparisons like this. Cracking editing as usual chops!

[@jimanders9971]

Well I have 11,000 miles on my GT and I am still blipping the throttle every chance I get, lol.

[@LambChopRides]

Haha brilliant 👍👍

[@maxidixcy4977]

Lucky u man

[@Jafmanz]

barely run it in...

[@jimanders9971]

@@Jafmanz Well almost 27,000 miles on it now.

[@gregoryl7786]

@@jimanders9971 crazy man. It’s an awsome machine. I also have the GT and I am in love with it. Litteraly. The best machine I’ve ever own 👍

[@jeffsappington9704]

Really enjoy the "two on two" comparison. Two perspectives an two similar machines. Brilliant.

[@richjax2405]

Not a bike I would buy , but great review none the less.A future review I’d like to see panigale v2 v aprilia rs660.

[@skulldaddy8431]

Great review.. I liked the two of you going back and forth. It seems that every review I watch with the Rocket 3 the reviewers giggle in elation... Gotta get one of these.. Thanks gentlemen

[@shortlifeliveit8198]

I loved the review, thank you. I bought myself a Rocket3TFC as my first ‘big bike’ without even riding the thing first (yes I know...). It was delivered before lockdown so couldn’t ride it for the first time until a couple weeks ago. I’m in to love. I was afraid it would be too much of everything, weight, power etc for a newbie, but after riding a few times it felt like home. TFC has quick-shifter as standard which is fantastically smooth up and down the gearbox. It’s also has an arrow exhaust which sounds fantastic. It feels like the Harley-Davidson Breakout I rode as the original bike I planned to buy in comfort but I was wringing the neck of the breakout in a test-ride and hitting rev-limiter, not something you expect to do as a new rider so was disappointing. Rocket is a much better option if you want a cruiser with real muscle with the added benefit of useful safety tech and fun-factor on 100% even at slow speeds. Thanks again for review. Keep up the good work.

[@adrianv6693]

Hey Mr Chops. I've watched a few of your reviews. I remember watching your Triumph Rocket III GT and R review a few months ago. I sent you a message at that time discussing how I currently ride a Kawasaki ZX14 but due to damage and osteo arthiritis in my neck and back, the sports riding position causes me a lot of discomfort. Well.... last Friday I purchased a black 2021 Triumph Rocket III GT that I pick up on the 11th November! Your review certainly helped me in my decision making. Keep up the good work. You've been a part of easing me into the next stage of my riding life!! Thwnkyou good man. A

[@LambChopRides]

Your very welcome Adrian and enjoy the bike! 👍

[@iainian]

Great review LCR.......intercoms rider to rider crystal clear and great looking bikes. Thanks

[@h2489-m2l]

Thank you Mr Chops. I'm trying to work out what lid you are using.

[@deanharris9331]

Great review again chops 👍 You know that you've now got to compare the Diavel 1260 against the Diavel 1260 S. Being that it is the same set up as the Triumph's GT and R model's. 🙂

[@1DavidS67]

Great idea. Would love that comparison!

[@gordonsutton8312]

I think you mean X Diavel vs Diavel 1260S.....same engine different riding position?

[@JohnCunningham-sy5ug]

Rode the 2023 GT yesterday was amazed by the power ,comfort, handling. Its fit me like a glove I'm 6' with 33 in inseam 185lbs. Enjoyed coments and review. Have owned may Harleys they are in the past for me. I'm 68.

[@RichGrueber]

What I would love to see is a comparison of a series of bike that use the same engine within a manufacturers range ie Kawasaki Vulcan S, Ninja 650 and Versus 650 etc ... I don't think anyone has done that yet. Loved the video the Rocket 3 is my ultimate dream bike.

[@rickyl.colney7489]

I would love to see that too.

[@highvelocitypenguin]

Great comparison video! Just curious, how tall are you guys? Trying to work out if a Rocket would be a good fit for me.

[@neillambton3275]

Great vid chaps. As for colour schemes, Captain Rumbunctious has just posted his review (with Phil 480) on the R version, which had the GT red / silver scheme. I was told by one of the sales guys in (now gone, thanks covid) 3X Motorcycles that you can order them in a mix n match guise, swapping bits about etc. Anyway, thanks for posting the vid chaps, i`ve really enjoyed it.

[@pipersall6761]

Perhaps it was too long ago you made this video to see and answer my inquiry but here goes: I love the Rocket 3 in so many ways but I never hear an reviewer mention the open rear fender. I really do not like that because of what I would perceive as road crud being thrown up onto your backsides and especially when the roads are wet. Did you find this to be any kind of issue and would you prefer a closed rear fender for general and long distance riding? Thank you for your great reviews.

[@adrianv6693]

Hello Mr Chops from across the pond. I really enjoyed this comparison. I watched and commented on your previous GT review, so it was good to hear a comparison of the two models. Age and associated stuff is forcing me off my ZX14 Ninja, and sports bikes in general. Pending finances the Rocket will be my next bike and the GT is sounding good for.a 6ft 3inch frame. I've sat on an R. Seats are really quite plush. Need to test ride one. They seem to tick all the boxes. Thanks Lambsy, (hmmm.... 'Lambsy'?), another great review. Adrian

[@adrianv6693]

@TheMaloney Yeah. My spirit is willing but my body is weak! The ZX14 has been an awesome machine and I've always ridden sports bikes. Thankfully the Rocket GT makes me excited to change my riding style. The new GoldWings are really nice too. Good bang for buck. Getting old disgracefully :-)

[@adrianv6693]

So I watched Mr Chops doing this review a whiles ago. Now I've owned my 2021 Model GT in Phantom Black with $4,000+ of add on's for about 5 months. I stepped off a 2010 Kawasaki ZX14 Ninja and onto the Triumph out of necessity as my newly turned 50 year old body couldn't do sports bike riding position for long rides anymore . Love both bikes but couldn't be happier. The Rocket is a comfortable engine with a seat and I love it to bits.

[@alexwilhelmi8226]

You guys are awesome! Great review, great video! Cheers from Iowa 🍻

[@the_tube]

Not my type of bike but something really appealing about them. Thanks for the video Chopsy.

[@LambChopRides]

Welcome Nick!

[@philip4588]

Can you say the same for 2000-2009 models? 21:00 That are cheaper to buy

[@sayianhunter4716]

Came across your channel after looking to get back into riding lol this is my dream bike but I'm having a hard time justifying 20k for a bike I can ride 5 months of the year at best. Any advice?

[@1990-t1j]

I missed this video when it came out. I am going through a Rocket 3 lust period. The problem is, despite being able to afford one, Thailand's roads aren't conductive to fast riding. Although you don't need to go fast to enjoy riding. I love a really flexible engine and massive torque. I like the R better. Can't do with my feet too far forward. I bet the mpg figure is grim the way you two ride. Haha! Edit: late 30s mpg is good the way you were leathering it. Serious question: do they feel too heavy? It seems not. The definitive Rocket 3 video. Well done, boys.

[@LambChopRides]

No they don't feel heavy, the weight is very low. They really are incredible motorcycles

[@1990-t1j]

@@LambChopRides Thanks for getting back to me Choppsy. I appreciate it as it is a very old video. I test rode a 2010 Roadster, which was heavier and that didn't feel heavy when on the go. It was easy to lift of the side stand, too. All that mass is so low. I am 12 years older now, though. I really fancy an R.

[@NooBiker]

Great concept. Nice dynamic duo of presenters. Future comparison suggestions: Diavel Vs X-Diavel would be an interesting comparison. KTM 790 Vs 890? Ducati V2 Vs SuperSport

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks matey and suggestions noted 👍👍

[@the_mad_leprechaun]

We as always enjoyed your review. Brilliant. Loving the banter as you 2 were riding along.

[@LambChopRides]

Appreciated 👍👍

[@the_mad_leprechaun]

@@LambChopRides can i just write bla bal bal brilliant next Saturday morning. I am running out of nice things to say. 😀😀

[@LambChopRides]

Haha you can 😂

[@RichyVida]

"Dulux paint tins" hahah nice one, Chopsy! ;-)

[@roberthall1437]

This a great video. Loved the banter between you guys. The bikes. Brutish power and neck snapping torque and comfortable. What more could you want. Well done Mr Chops.

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Robert!

[@SweeneyTTodd]

Every time I see a Triumph Rocket it always seems video'd or pictured from the exhaust side Great video Best regards Shaun.

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah it looks better that side but it's still decent from the other

[@matthjas67]

Fantastic review Chopsy. I got my 3r the day before the lockdown and now I'm able to ride it I'm absolutely loving it. A little bit of everything but most of all it's just good fun!

[@LambChopRides]

Completely agree Jason brilliant bikes, we were both really taken with them

[@jasoncatt]

Great comparison! Looking forward to the arrival of my GT in November. Now.... to convince my wife to let me keep the M109R too, instead of trading it....

[@MrAndrew1953]

I couldn't handle forward mounts, my legs feel too vulnerable out there. I'd buy a R for the shaft drive. My favourite general purpose, versatile bike is the KTM Adventure 890. The Rocket is a very nice bike. A 900 Triumph Srambler would be a very good general purpose bike especially if it had shaft drive.

[@ryanhburke]

I test rode the R ...and I find it interesting that you noted how much the riding position felt different, or (in my words) odd. For me, it killed my shoulders, even into the following day ...from a 30 min test ride! Maybe I should have tried the GT but ended up test riding the Rally 900, just for the hell of it really ...and ended up taking one home!

[@darrylstarling2665]

Great comparison review. Well done Gents!! 👍

[@Honda_Hooligan]

When two fully grown blokes are giggling like a couple of schoolkids, you know Triumph are on to a winner. 👌🏻

[@erdsza89]

Great dual vlog/ review. Liked the format and great bikes.

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks 👍👍

[@Hipporider]

I'm a current owner of two of the older R3 . The biggest things i don't like about the new ones is that sport bike rear end, id prefer to not see the top of the tyre, that stubby rear guard. A frame mounted fairing would be great, beats me why they don't cash in on the bagger market 🇦🇺

[@pipersall6761]

I didnt see your post first but that was exactly the concern I had when I just wrote them. Sure seems that open rear tire could and would throw lots of crap, water, etc. right up your back side. Would much rather have a solid rear fender and some more substantial fairing out front. Also more color options. All the best to you. I'm happy for you getting that bike. Its a stunning machine.

[@jamest5149]

Please do a review of the Diavel.

[@barbieandbellaadventuresby9134]

Pls review the Diavel 1260s in red, looks fantastic😎

[@baymoto553]

Great video guys. How about a comparison between the Rocket 3 and the new Hayabusa for road use? Seems like they are both fast but comfortable and smooth. Cheers

[@lefterisbampaidis5446]

Do the pegs meet the asphalt easily on the GT? Is it significantly more difficult to do so on the R? I would consider the best combination to be a GT with the R's pegs position.

[@bobbyblueace]

Interested to know the opposing preference of riding positions was anything to do with the build of the riders?

[@tekkenthumbdan]

That’s excellent, a great review and a great bike!

[@simon2knine]

Great review....You are in my neck of the woods there.I have test ridden that GT and was impressed with the brakes and handling compared to my 2007 Rocket... .

[@utahokie8919]

Finally, someone who reviewed this bike in the twisties. I had the old version and it was not very good in the winding mountain roads that I drive in. This looks to do much better.

[@LambChopRides]

It handles very well for such a big bike

[@Martin_IPL5990]

This is a good format with the two of you commenting as you're riding along, one to repeat i feel. The Rocket 3 is a serious consideration, i'm purposefully not going to a dealer!! although i've just found one near me.......

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Martin 👍

[@Dave_Tae]

Can you do the 2021 MT09 SP vs The standard Duke 890.

[@borderline4]

Nice to hear they've kept a lot of the original DNA from the older Rocket my 2011 roadster is a dream at 50 mph and in fifth at 80 a turn of the throttle and you are catapulted to 135mph( I live in Germany where it's still allowed on the Autobahn)

[@stevereilly]

This video gave me the confidence to buy a Rocket 3 GT Triple Black. Thanks guys

[@leonaudacity5313]

I haven’t taken either out on the road, but I have sat on the R in the show room and found it a little uncomfortable with where the bars were abs having to tilt my upper body forward a bit. I have a sports bike too and found it odd. Maybe I should sit on a GT when I get the chance and compare.

[@Kojak-zh7qo]

What a brilliant review really enjoyed it they both look great and I would definitely have one ,thanks mate 👍

[@rykehuss3435]

Doesnt matter. Its literally just options list spec, both of them. Like the GT handlebar but dont like the GT peg position? you can change it. Or the handlebar. And the backrest, and the seat. Its all configurable. GT or R is just specs for buyers who dont want to bother. You can buy the GT and spec it into the R version and vice versa. Same engine, same transmission, same electronics, everything that matters is the same, the rest is configurable. Also I heard that the GT spec with its forward pegs is kinda unruly at highway speeds due to wind lifting your feet off, which sounds scary since this thing can do 180 mph. So perhaps move the pegs to the middle position or invest in some kind of foot wind deflector. I bet some garage with a 3D printer can make custom ones for like $800 or something, complete with fluid dynamics simulation to make sure the design is effective.

[@Gorbyrev]

Passed one in Galashiels a couple of weeks ago. It has a fascinating subtly brutal presence on the road that as you approach it you realise it is a bike on steroids. I really like it. Also agree about the paint. Come on Triumph, crack open the Roulette Green, Lucifer Orange and Imperial Purple!

[@LambChopRides]

We had so much attention on them, especially two of them! I really like them as I think was obvious 😎😎

[@piersdenney]

i'd love to see you compare the 1260 Multistrada vs 1200 Tiger

[@davidrutherford3345]

Hi Chops.. I would like to see the BMW S1000 XR old version vs 2020 version please.. Thanks very much..

[@largelarry2126]

For longer road trips say 1000 miles plus, what other bikes would be in the same league?

[@cam8682]

i bought a new rocket 3 back in 2009 and had it a few years before feeling the need for something bigger , enter the boss hoss smallblock . after importing it and riding it around scotland for some years i sold it unfortunately . now years later i am back in the market and looking for something big again . i have narrowed it down to either the new rocket 3 or ducati diavel s . any advice would be gratefully recieved

[@vojoilic9469]

Great review chopsie, how about keeping the theme going & reviewing bobber v bobber black.

[@bradleybaker8894]

This bike is on my short list for a spring purchase. Pro and cons with both versions. I think I'd be happy with either. Liking it more than the H.D. Fat Boy. Definatly more refined than the H.D.

[@colincoleman2536]

Wow that is a bombshell ending to your review I never thought you would wish to actually own a rocket great vid guys.

[@simonrobinson7536]

Absolutely cracking comparison video

[@dannywywiasjr6199]

What kind of jacket are you wearing with the thumb loops Chops?

[@LambChopRides]

KNOX Urban Pro vest, link in the description 👍

[@motorbiketoureruk]

Great review John, they really are amazing bikes those, I’d love to have a go on one

[@bsimpson4076]

What Fullers boozer was that? I'm making a point of visiting all Fullers boozers! Love their beer

[@steveyork8069]

Both look like a real man’s bike, but would probably want more wind screen for my tall arse!💯👍🏍🍻

[@Kaivalaginiviti]

I had a rocket 3 roadster from new for 5 years until a couple years back and regret getting rid...might just have a trip to my local triumph dealer to see what trade-in on my tiger I can get for the R....bike for life stuff really 🥰

[@davidsmith5766]

I have a Kawasaki h2 sxse thinking about switching to the rocket 3 but im 6.3 tall wondering if the riding stance will be to low

[@LambChopRides]

No you will be fine David 👍

[@markjones3551]

Watched it once again….got to be one of your best review this one chopsy👍🏻

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Mark 👍

[@ragerider6283]

Nice vid. Personally I can't cope with the forward pegs on the GT so it'd definitely be the R for me. Although smart of Triumph to do two versions for sure.

[@LambChopRides]

Yes indeed very clever idea, and obviously things from each model will fit the other bike so you could pick and mix..

[@ragerider6283]

@@LambChopRides Forgot to mention, I'm about 10 minutes from Lyndhurst. Good to see you in the neighbourhood. ; )

[@aalokkarnik]

@@LambChopRides the problem with the pick and mix is the cost involved to do so. It's incredibly prohibitive. How can one get a red R version with the back rest and handle bar from the GT?

[@CrumbandLian]

Hello. I’m really considering one - the ‘r’ mostly. However, I’m 6’4”, do you think it’ll fit? Thank you for a great review. 😊

[@haris525]

I have the R, brought it brand new with 1200 miles now. I just look for excuses to ride it, however is does feel unwieldy when riding in town, and pretty heavy with the gas tank full.

[@MaverickPagan]

which helmet r u guys using ? it sounds very quiet, no wind noise

[@rajasankar390]

Which place is that? Those surroundings looks so good for the eyes

[@leeedenborough6855]

Brilliant vid, fantastic bikes. So who's the hired help? Also wonder if triumph would collaborate with the genius Allen Millyard for a V6 version ?? 😁

[@LambChopRides]

Riding buddy and Brother in-law 👍

[@stephencallil6512]

Great review Chops. I reckon the Rockets would sound brilliant with a aftermarket exhaust like an Arrow's. Only one question are the Rockets weight make them hard to push around in the garage. parking spaces etc.

[@LambChopRides]

You can notice the weight off the bike but I think you would get used to it 👍

[@chrissmith7669]

If I pull the trigger on a Rocket I’ll be looking for a nice light 3:1 with a better sound.

[@neillambton3275]

Which "Washington" did you come down from, i`m not far from Lyndhurst?.

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

Not that I would buy a Harley without serious money behind me but I dare you to test a Rocket against similar power Harley. I just bought my Superduke and am very happy. There was a couple of those Triumphs at Box Hill this weekend, they are gorgeous

[@knotnik]

Lovely bikes and great vid. What would they be like manouvering out of the garage though? Do they have reverse?

[@LambChopRides]

No they are only 295 kg not heavy enough to need reverse

[@RRSmurf]

'Only 295kg' 😁

[@Ravan_Caw]

Nice review update chops . A enjoyable watch looks like you both enjoy that one. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@LambChopRides]

Thank you sir, yes throughly enjoyable day out!

[@andyfairchild2383]

I’d love one of those, probably the R for me. Sadly just a bit rich at £20k, maybe in a year or two on the used market if I’m lucky. For my possible next purchase though.... love to see a back to back of the Street Triple and the 890R. Thanks Chops 👍

[@antonymoore1338]

What are the 360 cameras you use ? Got to be the R for me next 👍🏻

[@markreynolds8630]

Duke 890 vs Hypermotard 950 please. Ultimate middle weight vs Ultimate motard. Both bikes chose Gran Canaria to launch..

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah really good one 👍👍

[@VeronicaAlessandrello]

Tel me you didn’t missed meeting a motorcycle living legend Sammy Miller in his own motorcycle museum in the New Forrest. That would have been a perfect pit stop with the perfect bikes. Don’t miss it! It’s a joy to arrive there in two wheels. ❤ The GT is where my heart is set to. A Masterpiece of craftsmanship.

[@andylives5575]

A really good review guys. Those bikes look cool as you like. Usually I like sport tourers which seem to be a dying breed. Would love a comparison between the FJR1300 and the new Ninja 1000SX 2020. Cheers from Oz.

[@Hipporider]

The GT bars or something similar on the R3R with a small fairing and decent , not Triumph leaking panniers, would be my preference. Trying to make them sound good is a challenge. Patriot exhaust and Werkes are the best I've heard on KZbin so far

[@tonydavis5053]

Does it have a quick shifter?

[@alexwilhelmi8226]

Would the GT be better for a taller rider? Im 6'3"

[@michaeldolan9812]

I liked the gt better than the r looks better and once you get used to riding position so comfortable And the toque, you never get bored of. I had my one piece leathers on and the back seat was uncomfortable on the back Great review chops 👍👍

[@LambChopRides]

Yes I'm with you Michael 👍

[@MrSimonfoz]

Excellent review guy’s I would love to own the R I reckon.

[@lynsmith1096]

Good video and comparison Guys. I would like a comparison of the Triumph 900 GT and the BMW XR 900.

[@LambChopRides]

Yes good idea Lyn 👍

[@theonlyredspecial]

I owned the original rocket 3 back in the day. When all my mates were on fireblades. They thought I was mental at the time. I had a blast with it. They called me buzz light year.

[@mrdingatoz1697]

I bought r black, the power is really good, now I have ridden 153 kilometers, because it is always raining these days, I only tried the rain mode and the road mode now, I will feel the sport mode in the future. I really like the matte body

[@Fishing8136]

How about reviews on the Suzuki Blvd cruisers😎🇨🇦?

[@peem1244]

Hi guys, super review of truly super bikes. My short legs means i'd go for the rear pegs. I know why you didn't top up the tanks...you couldn't slow down quick enough to get into the filling station...!!! Haha! Relly enjoyed the joint vlog. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and keep up the good work. 👍🖖😎🐶🦴🏎🏍

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Pedro 👍

[@talkingrock7011]

I can’t have any more unless I add on so I will keep my HD CVO Street Glide it does everything I need with the 117 engine, , one of those would be a great bike Triumph has improved through the years

[@johnholmes6897]

I want to know why it takes so much motor to do so little?