Triumph Rocket 3 R // THIS CAN'T BE REAL

[@stephenhedge2489]

From the UK - I fell in love with the Rocket 3 2021 model . Just received a GT but had mid position footrests fitted - sorry guys cannot ride feet forward. Come to the UK (the Black Mountains in Wales). Your roads are so wide and straight and loads of you guys seem "scared" of some wind - that's what riding a bike is about. To all you Rocket 3 owners - have fun & try to stop grinning. To all riders everywhere - be safe and stay shiny side up. Much love from the UK.

[@jimanders9971]

Come out to the western USA and we will show you tons of twisties. For example in my state there is a road with nothing but twisties, switchbacks, along with several thousand feet elevation change that is close to 100 miles long with nary even a stop sign and no guard rails. You might see another car every half hour or so. Race you to the top on my GT!

[@Cowdog1]

Howdy from Texas... just bought a Rocket 3GT yesterday. That hopper red 221 edition. Quite a bike. Cheers.

[@masterseven4499]

@@Cowdog1 Congratulations! I wish you lots of fun and a safe ride. Regards from Switzerland

[@Cowdog1]

@@masterseven4499 -- thanks much. I just put 730 miles on her ... 98 degree heat, but I didn't care ... I was so glad to be back on a bike! Cheers from hot Texas!

[@EdwardNagel]

I'm old. I'm fat. I'm bald. I live in the U.S. I'm coming over to the dark side from Harley. I bought the GT with forward controls. Just seemed like the right thing to do. I'm always grinning when I come back from a ride. And hey, that's why they make more than one version. Ride safe.

[@TrekkieMoto]

When I was a kid in the '70s, I had a poster of a Lamborghini Countach on my bedroom wall. Now that I've hit the big five-oh, I have a poster of a Rocket 3 on the wall of my den. I'll probably never afford either, but this boy in a man's body can still dream. 😍

[@VanBlamm]

Question is, what color? (for both!)

[@TrekkieMoto]

@@VanBlamm Black, OBVIOUSLY! The Rocket 3 Black Edition will look very nice next to my Countach LP5000 Quattrovalvole.

[@luisribeiro4267]

@@TrekkieMoto There is NOTHING to dislike in the R3 Black Edition, but Elliot has a point there... There's just something classy & cheeky about a Red Bike ( as if it were a 'mermaid' calling... want to go for a spin? your place or mine?) It's a hard call... I'll tell you what: I'd settle for the R3 in Black, if I could afford/have a SPEED TWIN in red, at the same time. Solid red with just the black logo over the tank (medium size... not those overgrown ones... those belong in the Scrambler-Bond edition, nowhere else. Period.) Cheers from PORTUGAL !!!

[@DennisFromSouthFlorida]

I just bought a 22 leftover for a great price. The bike is insanely fast but also sturdy, safe, and comfortable at the same time. It turns heads everywhere I go on it. Looks like a work of art.

[@OneDownGeneUp]

“…also thank you for doing this!” My thoughts exactly!

[@nicwaples6020]

even with the massive heft of this absolute unit, since it has such colossal torque to match and that driveshaft thing, it can perform some of THE DANKEST nooners of any bike. absolute wheelie machine. so much fun. and it sounds like a car.

[@VanBlamm]

Hell yeah

[@mikebreen2890]

What kind of sick person? A Brit, obviously.

[@ReluctantBikerNYC]

Van Blamm, I was at a Triumph dealership recently and saw a guy purchasing a brand new Rocket R. I think these bikes look at lot more intimidating on camera than when seen in person. I still like your Speed Twin better, though the Rocket does look as if it will rock one’s world 😁. Keep up the good work.

[@philcaron]

Thank you for making this video. I own one, and I'm so happy that I took the plunge. I will share this video to show people how I feel when I ride my Rocket 3 R 😊

[@VanBlamm]

Wow, thank you! Glad to hear the thrill doesn't wear off

[@philcaron]

@@VanBlamm Hello again, it has been one year since I bought my Rocket 3 R and, not only the thrill did not wear off, but I love her even more. She is in Sport mode all the time and that 240 rear tire looses grip once in a while! 🤪😅 I hope you'll be able to get one soon! Cheers!

[@VanBlamm]

I appreciate the update!

[@terrible2u]

Testrode one like a year ago. My dealer let me borrow one while my Speed Triple was in service for like four days. Couldnt stop thinking about it after the initial ride. Had to let go of my ´21 R1 for the funds and room for it. Never felt happier. Will get Jekill and Hyde exhaust for it once available, air filter is changed already and it'll get a proper dyno-tune once exhaust is on. Will never sell it!

[@giantslug6969]

I love mine. Put an ECU tune on it that fixes the Euro5 nonsense that neuters it. Yes, what you just experienced is the tame version of the Rocket--even in sport mode. Default ECU map is only ~65% throttle with a full pull in sport. Mine has GT bars and mid controls. It's a super comfortable fit at 5'10".

[@VanBlamm]

Wow! Glad to hear you like that setup

[@S1000rr_vad]

Hi, I have a rocket 3r. I didn't know it was possible to flash the ecu. Is it difficult? Dealer ship can do it? It's a big difference with the stock model? It's not an obligation to change the exhaust? Thank's for help me. We always want more 😎✌️

[@conanlive3784]

@@S1000rr_vad I have a 2020 GT version, I'd also like to know how to "unleash the beast". I know it's in there......

[@mcplutt]

@@conanlive3784 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpq4gH1ultClj6s

[@mcplutt]

@@S1000rr_vad Dealer can't do it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4W3i6uerc6dg5Y

[@Hunter-nb5bj]

Motorcycles of Dulles is where I bought my 2020 Rocket 3 R in the same color with Werkes Exhaust. Its amazing!!!

[@VanBlamm]

Awesome! I bet that thing sounds incredible

[@MrBlompod]

I have one it is sublime.... the power intoxicating, 32 thousand here in Australia 😳

[@stanleylawson9015]

absolutely awesome bike, agree with your set up for it

[@BarbeCute]

I hesitated between the Rocket 3, the Diavel and the XDiavel. I finally chose the XDiavel for its more angry engine and belt drive. Even though I don't regret my choice at all, I still find this Triumph absolutely gorgeous. Great video 👍

[@VanBlamm]

Nice! I would love to try riding a Diavel or xDiavel to see how it compares. I bet it handles better than the Rocket.

[@BarbeCute]

@@VanBlamm Not really, rather the mind is different. At the crossroads between roadster, cutom and sport. It is not used for anything other than pleasure 😅 The rocket 3 seems to me more like a motorcycle with a big car engine which looks so crazy, I love it !!!

[@tomtemple69]

you made the wrong choice lol this baby can get flashed to remove the limiters and it has 200 hp and 170 hp of torque

[@DennisFromSouthFlorida]

I used to own an Xdiavel and it got stolen. I just bought the rocket 3 and actually like it better than the Ducati. Both amazing bikes. I still miss my Ducati.

[@troy9er]

My Brother just picked one of these up. Hopefully he will pick it up in Mississippi on his way back up north for the summer. 😉

[@doughboi007]

If you take it to the shop after break in, you can have them remove the limiter on the ecu. The engine actually produces around 200hp

[@massimobagordo]

is there really a limiter on the ecu to be removed ? or it is a kind of "remap" the control unit ..... I have issues to find some good shop here in Milan as where I bought the bike they say the bike is not limited..... and I have also contacted a guy who told me there is something to work on the map he toldm e hte following: The carburetion is a little lean from the factory and the accelerator potentiometer is partialized to 75% but it is not detuned to 75%. It definitely improves with the map, yes. We recover approximately 10-15hp in total. What do you think, suggestions ? Thanks Massimo.

[@PhilipFly11]

The throttle is fly-by-wire and not mechanical. Mostly, the throttle is limited to about 40% opening and, even in sport mode, never opens more than about 60% to 65% above 3,000 rpm. If you search on KZbin you can find lots of videos about how to remove this throttle opening limitation and you will release 30 HP plus. Acceleration will be much improved eg 30 mph to 130 mph reduced from 10 seconds to 7.5 seconds.

[@shadowrider7072]

I was about 2 second away from pulling the trigger on one, but decided to get a 2021 goldwing tour instead...... maybe in a few years I'll still hear it calling my name and give in.

[@SrinivasGanesh]

Loved it!!! Motorcycles and Van Blamm's videos are for everyone!!!

[@jimanders9971]

You hit it dead on, I have the GT with mid mounted pegs, a perfect combo. Also I have done the Iron Butt on the GT with no issues with he seat. 43,000 miles on my GT and still grinning like an idiot.

[@VanBlamm]

Hell yeah, love to hear it! With these dream bikes I'm always afraid of the thrill wearing off after finally obtaining one. Glad that's not the case with the Rocket.

[@ericwalker2388]

Thanks you for the information let's be careful out there!!!

[@davewilkirson2320]

This bike is hard to explain. So, I won't. It is, however, a keeper. And mine sits next to my easy chair in my living room. Still new and the most beautiful machine I have in my collection.

[@VanBlamm]

That is awesome

[@johnonrust9045]

have the gt best bike ever owned and that's a lot since the 60s. am 70now they are easy simple to ride and go as hard as video. ridind in cruise mode open road returns 18kilometres per litre.

[@luisribeiro4267]

Loved the Xmas lights coming on at 2:47! Just mental... hilarious... huge fun Looking forward on your review on the K-Ninja 1000 SX .. now that is a TOURER! For long it seats in my "dream garage" wish-list, due to our common stable&doe issues Ohh... and you "Motorcycles are for everyone" is a fantastic mantra! Couldn't agree more... UNITED COLOURS of TARMAC&GREEN-LANES Take care, stay safe, have fun.... keep on riding and sharing please! Cheers from PORTUGAL

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you! The Ninja 1000SX would serve the same purpose in my garage as the Rocket 3. I could see myself getting ~2017ish Ninja 1K as a stopgap until I had Rocket money.

[@chrisrobinson79]

Just bought a new R3 221 edition GT. Get it next Saturday can’t wait!!!! 🌴😎great video love it.

[@VanBlamm]

Congratulations! Ride safe and enjoy the hell out of that thing

[@JiuJitsuCowboy1]

That thing is awesome

[@danmangan966]

got my GT back in March, 4,500 miles later no complaints, other than it has spoiled me for many other bikes...

[@VanBlamm]

Love to hear it!

[@morrisdennis]

They say they are a absolute joy 2 ride....

[@davescott1491]

Great review! Wicked bike!! Worth the money.

[@shadwox9808]

i bought it because its unique a rare machine to see on the road i like to say to Harley drivers that for the same price i got a 153 cubic inches motor more than the 135 ci that they sold here for 10k, but the Torque its why the Rocket for me is pure joy make me smile everytime i ride it its a beast of a motorcycle.

[@NickGT221]

Great video. I first saw the Rocket 3 on a factory tour last Yr. I just had to have one. So, my Rocket 3 221 GT is coming end of April 😁😁

[@VanBlamm]

Awesome, congrats!

[@willhorsley2105]

Back on form, VB!

[@RickLeierer]

That's the thing u won't stop thinking about it. I go out in my garage just to stare at mine. It's a 2023 Chrome edition.

[@usmcmma]

It's so much better looking than my 07 was.

[@VanBlamm]

Couldn't agree more. I can only afford an older used one, but it would be so hard to accept the looks & weight compared to the current model

[@gypsywheels]

What a bike!! 😎

[@tomoday4450]

Great review 👍🏻

[@markettradinggenius]

van, if you had your choice between the 2022 hayabusa and the 2022 rocket 3R, which one would you definitely choose ? And, by the way, I'm down here in Fredericksburg, Va bro..haha

[@VanBlamm]

Rocket 3 100% all day every day. It is one of my dream bikes, and I am determined to own one someday. The Rocket is to low-end grunt what the Busa is to top-end speed, only it's more comfortable and better looking (in my opinion)

[@markettradinggenius]

@@VanBlamm bro, I agree with the stunning looks of the 3R. It may not be as fast as the busa off the line or even in total top end speed, but who will ever go over 140 mph anyway !!!(I say less than 1% of all motorcycle riders will go over that speed on a daily basis...also, when I think about the service intervals, you can't beat a 10,000 mile service interval. Now, regardless if the 3R is as reliable as the japanese hayabusa is another story and yet to be seen...

[@richardcerritelli9657]

The reason I would like to like to like this bike so much the maintenance just no maintenance just ride ride and ride no crappy chain to oil the engine is a car engine what can go wrong should go 200,000 miles without a sweat and stump pulling torque.

[@martinjohnson9316]

You c'ant beat the sound of a three cylinder engine.....turbine like!

[@RickLeierer]

I love my Rocket!! Nothing like it!

[@VanBlamm]

Hell yeah

[@jimmyt55]

Yeah, now I want a test ride! But I need a windscreen or it’s simply too hard to hang on at speeds over 65-70 mph. Staring at two weeks before my new Goldwing shows up. ( only 120 hp). Maybe I can schedule a test ride or two. At a couple of dealerships?

[@VanBlamm]

Even with a windscreen, a Rocket could never match the comfort of a Goldwing. Congrats on the purchase!

[@morrisdennis]

God those are amazing 👏

[@HeCoversMe]

Do those mirrors cause any issues being right next to your hands. They just look like they stick out, I could see those mirrors causing issues threading the bike into tight garage space

[@VanBlamm]

You can rotate them around so that the long ends point inwards, towards the dash, making them a bit narrower. However, my Speed Twin came with these same mirrors and I never had any trouble parking in tight spaces or filtering in city traffic, even with them flipped outwards.

[@davesouthey2619]

I'm lucky enough to have the GT version I love it but also have the original 2004 Rocket111 it's my lazy armchair of a bike with massive power .Ride both and see the difference. By the way I also have a 2nd generation Hayabusa when I wanna go sporty the Lads I work with reckon I'm mental I'm 60years old but not dead yet 👍

[@VanBlamm]

Nice! I wish I liked the looks of the old one more so that I could get an affordable used example. The newest generation is just such a knockout.

[@davesouthey2619]

@@VanBlamm The old one looks like a classic motorcycle but been given steroids some people dont like the Hayabusa shape but back end us much nicer than the 1st generation

[@N3tTurbino]

Hiya! I have a Diavel Carbon (gen. 1) and I'm actually thinking to switch to this English beauty. I'm thrilled but money and brand switch are still holding me off. Cheers from Italy!

[@suryateja933]

This new rocket is miles ahead of the old one in every way. Rode them both on long rides. The seat of the old one is more comfortable with it's back rest. But, you can't travel far on them due to their puny tanks & their low gas mileage. But, when you are on the saddle of one everything else is in your rear view mirrors 😉

[@VanBlamm]

The looks alone are enough that I'd only consider the 2019+ version. I'm sure the older ones are great (and cheaper...) but aesthetically they don't do it for me.

[@suryateja933]

@@VanBlamm I concur.

[@davesouthey2619]

The only thing that bugs me is the fuel consumption and the shitty fuel capacity on the new one They should have made a bigger tank

[@stephenhedge2489]

@@davesouthey2619 Apparently, if the tank had been bigger it wouldn't have looked right. I can put up with 140 mile range - is gas so difficult to get in the USA? (From the UK - new owner of a Rocket 3 GT 2021 and grinning on every ride out).

[@globalteamwork4light]

puny tanks? 24l on the old model, is one of the biggest out there. - i dont think you rode them😉

[@mr.roadking23]

I want one 😫, it needs to be in my garage with my Africa twin and Goldwing

[@VanBlamm]

That'd make one hell of a stable!

[@kerbachard]

I miss my 06 R3 so much, especially since I put it down 3 times and then rebuilt it with the insurance money...yep, we had a history. I'm not sure I would get the old 2300cc model again, I'd have to test ride the roadster. I've since learned the value of "lighter" bikes, which is why I've been looking hard at the Speed Twin, on paper it appears to be a mini-rocket. Would you say that's the case after owning one for so long? Of course I'd take the new R3 in a heartbeat! It's what the rocket should have always been but finding one on the used market for 10k (one that hasn't been rebuilt 3 times, lol) is gonna take 4-5 years at least.

[@VanBlamm]

I've been riding a lot of different motorcycles lately. After almost every single one, I have the same two thoughts when getting back onto my Speed Twin: #1) this thing is so compact, and #2) this thing is so torquey. The Rocket didn't make me think #2. It is the first and so far only motorcycle to make my bike feel less gutsy in comparison. Not even the 114 Milwaukee Eight felt like it could fling a bike the way the 1200 "HP" Bonneville twin does, simply because the former gets used in far bigger & heavier bikes. As amazing as the Rocket is, I think the Speed Twin is still the king of the torque-to-handiness ratio. Anything more muscular tends to be cumbersome, and anything sprightlier tends to feel undergunned. Hope that answers your question!

[@kerbachard]

@@VanBlamm thanks man, that’s all I needed to know. The rocket spoiled me for torque, I’m on a Versys 650 now, I miss those torque pulls SO MUCH! Had to make some temporary sacrifices about the time my r3 died, hopefully my patients is rewarded soon with a Speedy in the stable! I’ll just keep drooling over your content until then 👍🏼

[@luisribeiro4267]

@@kerbachard my thoughts are with you brother. I'll light a candle and pray that your piggy-bank grows FAST&FAT. Once you've experienced that 1200-HT Twin you won't feel the need for anything else. And nothing beats the charm and character of a BONNEVILLE... Hope to see you soon riding that stallion. Word. RESPECT. Cheers from PORTUGAL

[@mcplutt]

@@kerbachard You can tune the Speed Twin for more top end power too 🙂kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2eZgY2jgKl-bJo

[@chrissmith7669]

I’ve looked at them but they looked about as attractive as a British bulldog. After much debate I’ve decided that how it looks doesn’t matter as long as I have a shit eating grin on my face. Teasing my Milwaukee 8 street Bob for one.

[@ngbsolo138]

Nice review. Of course the earth is not rotating though....

[@stephenhedge2489]

Yep. It's Triumph Rockets that make the Earth turn.

[@morrisdennis]

I may after my harley is paid off, they fkd me on financing so I'll nvr buy another one from a dealership. 23k is a great price 👍

[@jeroendesterke9739]

$23K is nothing heavy compared to some H-D models - and people would be happy to spend THAT sort of money all day long.

[@davidmilgram6200]

i have a gt

[@ericwalker2388]

I just found out all my own questions ???

[@avinashavinash4263]

❤❤

[@williamduckworth305]

I have a Craig letter triumph hurricane with the original BSA rocket 3 ...mabey ill sell it and get 1 of these ..lol

[@bc1953]

well My ZX14 has about those same HP and TQ

[@ringo4419]

Their the same price in the UK.....about £20.000

[@konstantinw.1036]

28k in Austria

[@Cowdog1]

It's not like Harley Davidson is inexpensive...

[@anthonyortiz9257]

Just wait a year or 2 and more of these will be on the used market significantly lower from guys who made it out the break in period and realized its too much bike

[@VanBlamm]

If I saw one with like 10,000 miles on it for ~$14K I'd be seriously tempted

[@johnal-kel9063]

Man this is Child's play compared to a boss hoss. 600 -1200hp AMERICAN V8 Bro!!

[@davewilkirson2320]

No IT IS NOT. First off I owned the Boss Hoss 502 (8.2L) and the Boss Hoss 350ZZ4 (5.7L). Not in the same universe. Boss Hoss is more of a home made brand. The 502cid was 1500 pounds heavy. It turns like a Mack Truck (have one of those too) and has no value in turns. In straight line acceleration the 502cid didn't come close to my 2022 Rocket 3 GT. The Boss gets the stares but it is not precision. It is a straight line bike and at 650hp it ended up burning the transmission planetary gear set out on the highway. The NESCO tranny had pieces of crude, splintered gears in the bottom. I tried to get a machine shop to build a new planetary unit but they said no. NESCO wanted five grand for another two speed tranny. I said no. Not worth it. I pulled the 502 for a truck I was building and parted out the rest. I tried running Busa Bikes and V-Max 2nd gen with the 502 and got beat everytime. It is too heavy, power is lost in the tranny, and no handling. If your idea of some grandiose machine with a Chevrolet crate engine in it is a special deal for you then you missed the mark BIG TIME. The Triumph is precision, smooth, great for twisty handling and far, far more superior in workmamship than the $80,000 I paid for both Boss Hoss bikes. A British company builds a super-charger for the Rocket. I watched that vid today. It makes all cruisers look like...uh....what you said... Child's play.

[@johnal-kel9063]

Yea man i agree Boss Hoss is more of a Novelty Cruiser. @@davewilkirson2320

[@globalteamwork4light]

your bikes are so cheap in the us. i am buying a used rocket from 2006, for around 25.000 in usd. i live in denmark. so 23.000usd for a new rocket is a steal - come on!

[@tyranusz]

23k? Meh ...That's like 27k euro in Europe

[@SquireSCA]

You think its fast now? Get the ECU flashed. The ride by wire tables are severely restricted, and despite twisting the throttle to the stop, the ECU never opens the throttle plates more than 64%... So you are never actually getting even close to full power, even in sport mode.

[@gdevelek]

No, it's not suitable for touring as it has no wind protection. Isn't that obvious? On top of that, it burns gas like crazy. This is a show-off bike.

[@VanBlamm]

I personally don't find wind protection to be of any benefit.

[@gdevelek]

@@VanBlamm You are the first biker I know to make such a claim. I wouldn't be surprised if you turn out to be the last.

[@R3RLEE]

Lol not a cruiser!! Ofcourse it is the gt is so comfortable with a taller screen and fuel isn't a problem... if you cant afford the fuel get a scooter!!

[@gdevelek]

@@R3RLEE Yeah, of course, there are two kinds of bikes, this one and scooters. Right.

[@firmfoundation7421]

I bought one 6 months ago. Ticks all the boxes. I loves it precioussss

[@ababbit7461]

The "Red Headed Step Child" of motorcycles. It is not the fastest (Super Sports beat it), it is not the best cruiser (Baggers are better), it is not the most comfortable (Goldwing beats it). So what is it? Yes, "The Red Headed Step Child" of motorcycling... Let's see = Vmax, XDiavel, Rocket 3R. They all do the same thing an Adventure Tourer does, but in the cruiser"ish" world. Nothing "the best" as they fail at being the best in the speed world, the comfort world, the laid back cruiser world, but they still try to make it over the hill, just like the "little train that could", only they sell few bikes doing so. Rocket 3r welcome to the Honda Valkyrie's world. The best manufacturer's profit failure that big money can buy... Jay Leno wannabees buy Rocket 3Rs.