The First Over-Powered Bike I Wouldn't Buy?! I Triumph Rocket 3 GT

[@davelawson3097]

I've got a 22 plate rocket 3gt. I have a smile on my face everytime I ride it, whenever I park up it draws attention from allsorts of people. Just love it.

[@wallheadkdir]

That giggle when you getting on the throttle....😂 got me wanting one even more now!!!

[@R3RLEE]

The r version with a quickshifter and mid pegs is the one to have.

[@flesz_]

is the GT version with closer handlebars not comfier? The forward controls can be changed to mid. Does the GT not offer quickshfter?

[@R3RLEE]

@@flesz_ quickshifter is an option.

[@chrisrobinson79]

Sorry don’t think you did this bike justice. It’s an amazing piece of engineering I have a 22 plate rocket 3R and I love it puts a smile on my face every time i ride it. Have two other bikes a speed twin and a cbr but would never part with the rocket.

[@SamVBikes]

Glad to hear you're happy with yours. I'd like to think I was pretty fair on my experience with it, mentioning it's an amazing piece of kit. It's not just a one trick pony, but it wasn't for me. Granted after 3 hours and a tank or so of fuel, I won't have the same depth of conclusion as someone that's lived with one

[@frankhayward7134]

I agree I love mine. This guy would complain about hitting the lottery

[@SamVBikes]

🙄 can't have an opinion in 2024 even if its the most caveated one ever stating the bikes an amazing bit of kit but not for me

[@logangodofcandy]

Most caveated ever? Okay, Donald Trump. Or, at least that is what other people have told you? Lol

[@mariuss.6607]

​@@logangodofcandyhey from Trump train 2024 😅

[@shadwox9808]

I have a 2020 Rocket GT and hearing you giggle and laugh is why i bought one and im a happy camper the torque for a motocyclist is where the fun is and for me that enough, i installed a quicshifter on it and its even crazier the accelaration is out of this world, and riding it geezi got alot of attention from peedestrian to car driver everyone is asking question about my bike its nuts, made alot of friend its a real magnet. Ride safe mate.

[@josephramieri2256]

I've been riding 62 years and have owned about 30 large displacement bikes of many different brands. Hands down, en" balance, my 2021 R3 GT is the most satisfying and perfect machine of all. Performance, appearance, comfort and quality of build...as well as its fabulous torque, have p[laced it in the #1 place among all.

[@Evilroco]

I toured Europe on the old 2.3 , you just had to think about parking (always try and back in) as soon as it was underway it felt balanced and coped well with the medieval roads in some of the old cities , and always drew a crowd when parked as they were fairly new at the time. I'd like to give the new one a go , looking for a good second hand but hard to justify the expense with the old model often being amazing value at under 6000

[@flatcapcaferacer]

Last year (2023) I rode a older Rocket 3 that was highly modified 260 horsepower at the Bonneville Salt Flats. It was a wet slick surface and my first ride on the bike was 162 mph , 164 on my 2nd run and a crash on my 3rd run. I couldn't get close to using the bikes power. I'll be riding 2021 Rocket with 165 horsepower this year and hopefully I'll be able to get the power down. I don’t own either bike I'm just the rider but I can see the appeal and see groups of these guys taking huge trips at tremendous speeds. I've rode on two week long trips with the Rocket 3 riders and they are the coolest group.

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

You did not hit 162mph on your 1/4 mile ride!

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

On the flats, over a 1/4 mile, yes. I've had my 2016 up to 165mph.

[@flatcapcaferacer]

@@AGRIV8TD1963 The run at Bonneville is three miles. The video with the GPS and time slip is shown

[@flatcapcaferacer]

@@AGRIV8TD1963 The speedometer are generally reading a little higher than the actual speed

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

The new Rocket 3 is an extremely well balanced bike, that feels a lot lighter than it is. Try one before trashing it!

[@elithegreat6463]

Most every video I see of Riders testing this bike , the part that gets me most is the uncontrolled laughter when the Bike hit Hyper-Speed LOL))) And thats why, I pick up a left-over 2023 R here in NJ in about 2 weeks. 👍💅🚀

[@davewilkirson2320]

I purchased a 2022 in Dallas, Texas on February 19th with 300 miles on the odometer. Not a scratch anywere on it. It is my 48th bike since 1972 (i'm 67). My reaction was OH MY GOD when I hit the power/torque band. It is so smooth. One of the greats for sure.

[@elithegreat6463]

@@davewilkirson2320 Wow, you got me beat, I’m 61 and the Rocket is my 32nd Bike 😉👍

[@rasmusf5615]

soo how is the rocket? i picked up a 2021 GT in the begining of febuary still snow outside. so cant ride ;(

[@elithegreat6463]

@@rasmusf5615 The engine is literally a nuclear reactor so much torque that I put it out of sport mode and into road mode because it is just a bit too much for city riding in sport mode. I like to park it and just have people admire it and that’s what makes me happy the most about the bike .

[@Keyser_Soze739]

@@davewilkirson2320i’m 62 and a couple of years ago i traded in my Kawa GTR for a Tiger 900, only because i felt the Kawa became too heavy for me. (I ride a lot in cities) Please give me some reasons why i should NOT buy a rocket. I am desperately looking for some 😅

[@michaeljkasnter]

I literally just got off a 2024-R3-R, It has to be one of the Greatest Motorcycles ever built! The new Evel Kanievel Edition has pushed me over the edge ❤Order placed

[@dinbosco9658]

You are spot on, this is not the kind of bike for one who likes KTMs, or for one who even talks about fuel consumption. Entirely different vibe, meant for entirely different population with entirely different outlook.

[@mkmahooo9722]

I have to disagree! Had 2x 1290 SA-R enjoyed every second riding it. On and Offroad. Testdrove the 🚀 3, last year back in Austria and i had so much fun riding it. A silly bike to own, i know, but can‘t get it out of my head ever since. Going to buy a 🚀 GT today. Regrets, maybe…. 😅Time will tell.

[@michaeljkasnter]

That leaves more for ME!!!! Evil Kanievel will be watching over my every ride ❤

[@jacobleonard5138]

It's hard to believe a man that he wouldn't buy one then proceed to giggle like that for 5 minutes straight.

[@LiarOfAngmar]

Tried it out today, very satisfying! A monster indeed!!

[@markfromleeds]

Good old fashioned honest review from the giggle monster.

[@SamVBikes]

Haha cheers bud!

[@thebonniebiker]

Great review Sam and it was a pleasure to meet you 👍🏼

[@SamVBikes]

Good to meet you too mate! Lovely bike too!

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Hi Sam, it's an amazing bit of kit, lottery garage contender for sure! Nice review and it looks like you had a real blast riding it 😂

[@SamVBikes]

Haha you're right... got to have a good 5+ bikes minimum! Was a good laugh!

[@michaelmclarney1994]

@@SamVBikes too right, I have just got back from Scotland's north east and bought a euro millions ticket in Fraserborough, hoping for a change in luck, just in case 😂

[@SamVBikes]

Ahh incredible! Well...be in it to win it and all that! Well bloody deserved if you do win it too bud! But you can get me a pint at ABR 😂😂

[@michaelmclarney1994]

@@SamVBikes if I win we will drink some beer on me! I hope to go again on the bike next year, it was the car this time with an overnight drive after work last thursday with a mate. Some great biking roads up that part, so different from the Highlands and west

[@SamVBikes]

Sometimes the car is nice for a change although you can't beat the bike! We've just got back from Switzerland and Austria in the car. Definitely wish I'd gone on the bike but the car was still good

[@1990-t1j]

I'd like the Rocket lllR. I test rode the Rocket lll Roadster in 2010. 40 kg heavier than the new R but so easy to ride. All the weight is low down.

[@Zippytie]

love my rocket 3 gt , fantastic for touring , oudles of performance , handles so much better than the old rocket 3 , definatly worth fitting the quick shift ,

[@motorcyclementor1785]

I own several old classic bikes, BSA and three Triumph twins from the 60's/70's and I also own a 2011 Rocket three which I love. I'm very attached to my classics but the R3 is in such a stark contrast and is honestly the only modern bike I would own as I find pretty much every other modern bike inherently boring. It's an extreme and ridiculous bike the R3 and insanely powerful and right there is exactly the reason you'd want one and I love it.

[@RamboAdventures]

i have a rocket 3 R and its my only bike. i ride it in the city and highways. it can do all, dont see a need for multiple bikes. all i can say is, its an overkill for a city

[@triumphthunderbird1]

I have one, wouldn't be without! I have the TFC variant and it is a masterpiece of motorcycle engineering! If you ride a KTM this bike ain't for you every bit as much as KTM's ain't for me. Each to their own.

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

Really!?!? I have a 2016 Triumph Rocket III roadster highly modified & customized. All murdered out, producing 260hp & 190ft/lbs of torque. 0-60 in 2.3 seconds, & the 1/4 mile in 9.6 at 138mph. It is B-E-A-Utiful!!! It's a Beast, but a complete blast to ride. It handles so much better than stock because of my mods & customization. I Jones riding it! Can't get enough! Ya'll just don't know! Jealous!?!?😂

[@R3RLEE]

Jealous of what..its just an old rocket with mods...l had the same bike...but the new one is a 100% better bike..rides better stops better handles better up to date electronics No shaft noise no clunky gearbox. What's to be jealous off.? Oh and it looks better!

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

@@R3RLEE Good for You...

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

@@R3RLEE I guarantee that this Old Bastard on my old Ass analog Rocket would out ride you anytime, anyplace!

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

There is no bike in existence to compare it to!

[@BarryMDHo]

Like marrying a super model, owning an R3 has a price, but it's worth it. Lovin my R3 R Storm.

[@greywolf9292]

You're almost certainly correct that the Rocket 3 couldn't be your only bike, at least not if you enjoy different styles of riding and mixing the type of roads you ride on. I own a 2021 Triple Black GT ( quick shifter fitted 😁) and although it brings me so much joy, I couldn't be without my other three. The Kawasaki ZZR1400 Performance Sport takes off beyond where the Triumph stops above 7,000 revs but isn't so comfortable ergonomically speaking. My KTM 890 Adventure R tackles the roads and conditions the others don't or can't enjoy, yet still hustles on the twisties and the quick shifter is fun. Last but not least my 1999 Triumph 900 Thunderbird Sport is a blast from the past, a sort of modern classic retro of its day. It's the least powerful but handles so well, looks the part and sounds gorgeous with its 3 into 2 upswept Triumph off road pipes ( so named because they weren't road legal in certain parts of the States. I've owned others over the years but I think I've found the perfect combo now.

[@SamVBikes]

That's quite a collection of bikes!! Sounds like you've got a bit of everything in there which is brilliant. Off road capable through to canyon carving! Thanks for watching!

[@greywolf9292]

@@SamVBikes Thanks Sam, yes I'm happy now, don't think I'll be swapping any untill old age means I can no longer handle them ( I'm 64yrs old). I took my 18yr old son on the Rocket 3 first blip of the throttle "f'n wow!! Then I took him on the ZZR1400 first blip " Holy Sh!+" He's now hooked on bikes so I bought him a KTM DUKE 125 as a starter.

[@SamVBikes]

Fair play to you for still riding! Haha got him hooked for life now!

[@jimanders9971]

The Rocket is the best all around street bike in existence in my opinion and the only bike I own. Tour with the touring bikes and hit the twisties with the sport bikes. I ride with a BMW group that likes to ride with good pace and I can easily stay with the top 25% of them.

[@SP-xd8gs]

Ducati v4 pikes peak, rocket 3r, kawi h2sxse, 996 01, r9t 100th , r9t racer, ducati sport 1000 from tron legacy, my stable

[@Gary-oj5cl]

Unlock the gas cap and leave it unlocked.

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

Inserting the gas nozzle too difficult!? WTF!?

[@terrible2u]

Sold my 2021 R1 for it. Ruined all other bikes for me. Still enjoy my 2001 Speed Triple for commuting, but nothing can beat my Rocket 3 R!

[@jamesneufeld-b7e]

Is it as big as a Munch Mammut?

[@Evilroco]

I cant see the problem with having a locking petrol tank ? , why ask for more possible failure points by having it electronic? unless you ae suggesting it's to much effort to get the key out of your pocket and open the tank.

[@SamVBikes]

Personally, it's either both ignition and tank, or neither. If you have a key in the ignition, it's easy to take it out for the tank. And if you have keyless ignition, the weight and electronics are mostly already there so very little extra effort to make the tank keyless. Bike clothing pockets always have linings that come out the second you look at them

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

Makes you giggle, don't it!?!?😂

[@pod-puretone]

Just a side note - those Bobbers sound mean.

[@j.bin_genex1927]

rocket3 gt for sport and touring . nice toy indeed mine is 20k km now❤

[@SamVBikes]

Nice! Good to hear of someone actually using their bike 👏🏼

[@johnratcliffe4105]

Great objective review Sam, ive yet to see a Rocket 3 reviewer that isnt laughing like a child when they are opening it up..😉

[@SamVBikes]

Haha thank you bud! Yeah it's almost impossible not to laugh when your organs are starting to hurt!

[@richardharris885]

like automobiles they come in all shapes and sizes and for different tastes and the rocket does have a loyal following and not meant for the faith hearted and no its not a bike Rossi would ride but diffinitely a triump enthusiast would

[@JaySalvoUK]

When are you back in Europe?

[@SamVBikes]

Whenever funds allow! Probably not until next year now!

[@JaySalvoUK]

@@SamVBikes bugger thought you were there this week, I would of said meet you for a cuppa up the Timmeljoch 😂

[@SamVBikes]

Haha sorry bud! I wish! 😂

[@jackchristodoulou197]

If I owned one I would be catching the bus to work after I lose my licence

[@theodavies8754]

It'll be right for some people but I'm not one of them. Always plenty available, wouldn't want to be trying to sell one without losing a shed load.

[@cpuuk]

You can't get your nozzle in the hole- not the first time I shouldn't wonder ;-)

[@SamVBikes]

😂😂😂 yeah it annoyed me that much then too

[@darylbye8977]

I had to remove the tank once and got the mechanic to expand that stupid narrow hole at the bottom of the filler tube, a huge improvement.

[@carlrenshaw3649]

I want one 😊

[@mickkingston1450]

You can ride them like a sports bike in corners as well if you have the experience of getting the most out of a bike, and use the gearbox properly. They are Great fun,your bripes, are a bit daft...

[@SouthWest-jj8yu]

I’ve always liked the look of the Rocket but not the bike for me. BMW keyless you don’t need the key for the petrol cap.

[@SamVBikes]

Ahh have they updated it? I know the S1000R, RR and a few others needed to use the key!

[@SouthWest-jj8yu]

@@SamVBikes ye Sam I’ve got three with keyless and a 19 plate I sold last year also had it. There’s no place to put the key so if the electrics go wrong, and they do sometimes you’re a bit stuffed.

[@SamVBikes]

Yeah very true! Maybe it's just the sportier bikes that don't have the keyless fuel caps. I thought the GS had keyless but I remember moaning about it in my S1000R vid haha

[@timkis64]

one would think it would be like riding a 2 wheeled peterbilt.

[@peterreeton6051]

tanks smaller than my 08 bandit

[@SamVBikes]

Haha that's surprising for such a big bike vs a bandit

[@rustyblade5845]

My 20 ft van 3.5 tonnes, and as areodynamic as the side of a house, does 28 miles to the gallon. Not as much fun as that bike though.

[@kilpel2]

Different strokes for different folks 😅

[@Lee-70ish]

Dont like clumsy bikes.

[@jimanders9971]

My clumsy Rocket passes way more sports bikes than have passed me.

[@R3RLEE]

Nothing clumsy about this bike...just the people who can't ride them.

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

The Rocket is far from clumsy!

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

Exactly, my Rocket isn't clumsy when I'm passing my Sport bike friends.

[@jimanders9971]

The Rocket is, I feel, the best street bike made. I can play with the sports bikes, I have passed way more of them than have passed me in the twisties. And I can tour with the touring bikes (I have 69,000 miles on my 2020 GT) The best combination of both worlds out there. To the reviewer: one moment you talk about how boring it is and the next you are giggling like an idiot. And after 69,000 I am still grinning. I only have the one bike and when it is time I will replace it with another Rocket. It may not be special to you but I dont think you know how to ride it. You can keep your KTM, pfffft.

[@SamVBikes]

I'm glad you are enjoying yours. I try to be as fair as I can in my videos, giving my own experience. As I mentioned in the video, It wasn't for me, and we are all entitled to our own opinions. It's a beast of a bike, and hilarious to accelerate on, but I didn't find myself wanting to ride it for any longer than I had. I can understand where it fits in the market, but if I was spending £22k on a bike, I personally would want it to cover far more bases without being compromised. Something I feel an adventure bike would do a better job of. Doesn't mean I don't know how to ride it. It's just personal preference

[@superdacoolman]

Right on, kinda odd comments. Boring yet giggles like a little kid? Very versatile. Can cruise and can play.

[@Zippytie]

wow ! well done to get those miles on your bike , Im only a shorty , and I cant even reach the floor on a 125 KTM , but my Rocket 3 gt , no problem , no contest .

[@rogercollins7948]

Well said my friend I've had a gt for 4 years and would not part with it only for maybe another rocket

[@jimanders9971]

@@rogercollins7948 82,000 miles on my GT now.

[@alansavage3549]

What no wheelie 😮

[@SamVBikes]

If you can wheelie something that long, you're a master haha

[@jimanders9971]

No such thing as an overpowered bike sammi, go finish your knitting.

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

You whine a lot! Complain about nothing! What is your deal!?

[@14biscuits]

I've always thought if you had enough money for this bike and you bought it as your *only* bike, it's fairly compromised in what it might offer you. You'd be better saving money and buying something less extreme, or buying two bikes (which is always the right answer if it's an option 😁)

[@SamVBikes]

Totally agree mate! I think that kind of bike as an only bike is for the people who just recycle their PCP agreements every year and want to try something new. I think I'd struggle unless I had a huge amount of money and just wanted one to add to the collection

[@nr3157]

For people who are mainly interested in long-distance touring, the Rocket 3 GT seems like a great bike, it looks amazing, and I know this is subjective but the KTM I have seen at their website are incredibly ugly. I'm not talking about the models made for the racetrack. It's crazy how bikes like Ducati Multistrada V4 S are so expensive, starting at 27K dollars. This bike does not look expensive at all, it looks like a 12K dollar bike, now the Rocket 3 GT is expensive and it looks expensive. @@SamVBikes

[@simongilbert2704]

well, you made me laugh ;;; the bike is not for me though , looks weird , does'nt sound great , it's for people that just want the biggest ;;

[@SamVBikes]

Haha well at least I got a laugh!

[@bobgrant-beer3020]

Was that review a glitch in the matrix. Holy Cow. What a wining Knob. “I found it a bit difficult putting fuel in it “, what ?. I bet you’d moan about driving a Bloody Bentley Continental GT. Nothing is perfect. If I’m wrong or unfair , My Bad, I’m a Knob.

[@SamVBikes]

😂😂 Most of these new bikes are very much faultless so you have to pick at things that could be annoying over time. Same with my KTM where everyone moaned about the indicator switch. And because I didn't mention it in my video, I was told I was apparently being paid by KTM to do a positive review. Be too positive, it's a paid promotion, and be slightly negative and pick at little things, I'm a "whining knob"... Can't win.

[@taz473]

Theirs only 1 beast,and that's the ktm 1290 super adventure. Isn't it funny how blokes always shake the fuel nossel 😂

[@SamVBikes]

Haha! Yeah I wonder if it's years off shaking droplets of fluid from other things that fluid comes out of 😂😂

[@mkmahooo9722]

Had 2 1290 KTM SA-R. Awesome Bikes. Testdrove the rocket 3 GT yesterday. Had a smile from one ear to the other riding it. Decisions, Decisions 😅