Triumph Rocket 3 -vs- BMW R18 | Detailed Comparison & Performance Review!

The two largest displacement motorcycles in existence in a single episode! In this detailed comparison, I ride and review the 2020 BMW R18 against the 2020 Triumph Rocket 3! With a combined cc of 4300, this is gonna be epic!
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[@PetroHead]

BMW R18 or Rocket 3... which one is better? Comment below.. support the cause: www.petropowered.co

[@gertjanweststrate7267]

Well.... both of them are not bikes I would own, but man ...those roads you are riding..... beautiful!!! The review is as usual on point. Those are things that I want to know. Compliments for that. Grtz your 🇳🇱 fan.

[@MrMandelsohn]

The Rocket is a great bike technically, performance and well made, but I bought the R18 for the uniqueness of the art deco retro design and the big boxer central sculpture. Less power than the Rocket but so what. Shallow? Perhaps but almost perfect for me. Enjoyed the video but in reality the two bikes are not comparable as the narrator admitted.

[@PetroHead]

But it’s fun so that’s why I did it.

[@JetCooper3D]

Cover all bases - get both... I own the Rocket - the R18 is so different.... going to get both. Lovely machines!

[@PetroHead]

When you can.. you should 👍

[@pistolpete6321]

Can’t lose with either one but my money would go to purchasing the Rocket.

[@PetroHead]

Same 👍

[@hansgluck875]

Apples and oranges compared...two completely different philosophies that are not comparable. But it's true, both are motorbikes...

[@honestlion17]

I agree, I have an R18 and had a Yamaha VMax. The Vmax is what it should be compared to.Not even in the same league.

[@jfro5867]

Fun review. Probably a Softail vs R18:would be better really as the Rocket is after a different segment. I bought an R18 and it’s wonderful.

[@78Outlaw]

You needed to lean the Rocket over more, and did you have in Sport mode?

[@necomartin2059]

the rocketIII seems more like a sports bike, the BMW more of a cruiser not a fair comparison I don't think, I personally would take the BMW home, but I am more into style and elegance, my two cents.

[@theonlyredspecial]

I liked this article. Well done. The music was a little loud in parts which made it a little tricky listening to you on my phone. Don't want to sound critical as I appreciate your work on this and honest dialogue

[@PetroHead]

You’re welcome.. when I edit these videos on my computer, sound is perfect maybe on phones music is more loud 🤷‍♂️

[@tjf2258]

I went R18 as I’m a little senior for Rocket…hahaha. As mentioned the R18 Classic is mine and it’s a truly phenomenal motorcycle. I also have an HD SG Special and RKS so I do tend to that genre machine and R18 is a close parity. Fit and finish is tops and the uniqueness is really desirable…I will say both HDs are Stage 2 and definitely more powerful…but not close to Rocket 3 power. Must say the BMW and Triumph are now making more desirable and affordable bikes than HD…and that saying something as Harley has really stepped it up. BL I totally dig the R18 as one of the best experiences I’ve had on 2 wheels…timeless and classic machine

[@eck63s36]

You can corner the Rocket with the pegs scraping the road no probs 👍🏻

[@78Outlaw]

Keep referring to the R18 cylinders as ‘air intakes’ 😂 otherwise good video and keep them coming.. 👍

[@78Outlaw]

R18 is about 50lbs heavier, much less lean, less power, less driving aids, less brakes, looks and sounds cool as F, you’d need to push them both to show the handling and performance difference

[@waydegardner7373]

According to the manufacturer websites, there’s a 20lb dry weight difference. What I found on test riding both was the R18’s weight sat lower so slower speed handling wasn’t that much of a concern. The Triumph just handled better, quicker response and very “leanable”. Still, I bought the R18 Classic for the looks, the connected to the road ride and overall smile factor, not to mention a significant difference in cost. The Triumph dealers add in the most ridiculous extra charges. BMW builds all that into the MSRP.

[@78Outlaw]

@@waydegardner7373 R3R is about 309kgs wet, R18 345kgs wet (?) so more like 70lbs difference but do take the point about weight being low down on R18. Agree very different bikes but such a great occasion when the R3 and R18 hit the road together. Both awesome.

[@fauveride]

was a r18 owner, now I'm curious about riding rocket 3 😋 thank you for uploading this review! that bug should go somewhere

[@tomislavstanich9379]

The difference between these two modes: Roll and Rock in BMW R18 is not in power but in more direct inject behaviour when in Rock while driving. That is all.

[@fredpaoli9057]

Great honest review of these bikes. What road were you on I want to ride it this weekend

[@tomislavstanich9379]

Correction: It does have the RPM cage, .. just go to the Left button right over the Mode button and click and push till you get it!

[@KenyonMiller-n4p]

Is it good for the long haul?

[@philipjosephbarker7737]

Defiantly the Rocket 3. Better looking, larger fuel tank, smoother, less weight and faster. No competition!

[@honestlion17]

Why are you terrified, the weight is down low and the seat height is a tad above 27" I sat on a rocket 3 at the dealership the other day and could barely get it off the kickstand, all the weight is up high and the seat height is 3" taller.

[@ronbailey8370]

Chris is a Lucky man, to own both those bad ass bikes.

[@flex215]

In my opinion (witch matters to no one) that R18 is fugly, at least in that edition. The Aus website removed all of the accessories that altered the look. But I remember optioning one to look more like a bobber and it was a little better. Good vid

[@PetroHead]

Thanks 🙏

[@davidgerlach1132]

To answer your lean angle question. I know the lean angle on my incredible '22 Rocket 3 GT is 34-degree. 🙂 BTW, I'm in San Diego too. Where in SD are you riding in your video?

[@78Outlaw]

Has an up and down QS, but it’s optional and well worth 😎

[@78Outlaw]

You can also adjust the pegs up to get more lean, plenty of guys leaning over a good amount but not a knee down bike 8)

[@royz6872]

I've scrapped my pegs on my Rocket 3 R with out thinking I was that low but she is easy to chuck round and ride into bends and the weight I don't find that noticeable to be fair but I am used to big bikes I suppose.

[@robbiebob6267]

Though both are great bikes but very different..... good video! Ps..... I have a soft spot for the BMW.

[@georgearcher5696]

The 2 bikes are like apples and oranges completely different

[@splodge5714]

The BMW looks and that vibrating engine is not for me and how is an 1800 aircooled twin heavier than the Triumph. Love the Rocket 3, wins hands down.

[@chuckmatses6803]

Probably because the Triumph has an aluminum frame, whereas the BMW has a steel frame.

[@shadwox9808]

What funny about your test is that you feel more nervous with the BMW the Rocket is more powerful and torquey than the BMW its bizarre. The Rocket is way more badass.

[@PetroHead]

It’s the weight and the torque steer / wobble that made me feel nervous. These two bikes are very heavy.

[@rickbullock4331]

The Rocket 3’s horsepower is actually 165 h.p. not 191 as you stated. The BMW’s got 91 h.p. I’m guessing the Rocket 3 would out pull the BMW with the displacement advantage alone. Two nice bikes.👍👍

[@PetroHead]

I don't doubt it...

[@Akashpagol]

I have been wanting to buy a R nineT for 2 years now but but ever since I spotted a rocket3. I’m losing mind over it.

[@PetroHead]

Way different bikes.. try both.

[@Heavywall70]

I literally cannot decide between these two bikes. Honestly I’d lean to the BMW because (see profile pic) but two and a half liters is very enticing. EVERY reviewer I’ve watched has laughed out loud when they get into the meat of the torque. Including this one.

[@wanton1234]

I currently own and ride a rocket 3R. I sat on the BMW and I could not get past those heads blocking my feet. Sitting on the bike and looking down it looks humongous. I'm sure it's fun to ride however I don't like the riding position

[@chuckmatses6803]

750 lbs.? Ah, that would be quite false. Isn't it 640?

[@cornishreptiles]

I bought an R18 and what a mistake that’s been. Worst dealer experience I’ve ever had and horrid reliability and build quality. Bikes two years old and had parts replaced for corrosion. Last dealer trip was due to the immobiliser not allowing the bike to start so it had to be trailered back to the dealer.

[@therecanbeonlyonechris5019]

Obviously you didn't read your manual. There is keyway under the seat. BTW leaving your immobilizer near the bike will drain its battery

[@cornishreptiles]

@@therecanbeonlyonechris5019 I know the key can be used under the seat but if the immobiliser won’t allow the bike to start then nothing will get it going other than a software reset. The bike wasn’t recognising it’s own key.

[@shadwox9808]

I have a 2020 Triumph Rocket 3 GT and love my bike i lean it im not afraid twisties roundabouts no problem here its a very powerful and the torque on this thing is something i never experience before (been riding for 40 years)people talk to me everyday when im riding my Rocket asking me question about it, they attention it get is like having ferrari or a porche, very cool.Ride safe man.PS: how come you were so terrified of the Bmw after riding a much more powerfu and torqueyl bike the Rocket 3 i dont understand.

[@PetroHead]

Weight

[@wanton1234]

Same thing here I've been writing since the late sixties as a kid and I have a 2020 rocket 3R. Never written anything like it it's pretty amazing. Interesting to note I replaced my front rear tire which were both worn on the right side of the Middle. I'm not riding a track so the only answer for that is the torque. Many people on the rocket 3 Facebook form have experience the same thing with their tires

[@iantichart6397]

Moot Guzzi 1400 cali vers BMW why people don't compare

[@waydegardner7373]

I looked for a MG as part of my search. It looks like (on the US website?) they’ve abandoned their bigger bikes. Shame.

[@CrusaderGeneral]

The only "bad assery" that I felt from riding the R18 is when my ass was hurting from the lousy suspension

[@waydegardner7373]

If it was a test ride, many dealer left the suspension in “shipping mode” that is basically locked down. I’m not saying it’s fantastic but more than adequate when correctly set up.

[@honestlion17]

My BS meter just went off😮

[@leighmcqueeney9848]

Interesting what you lable torque steer. Based on your lable all bikes over a couple of hundred ccs suffer from it to some degree. The best handling bike I ever rode was a Griso 1200. No linear acceleration/deceleration torque effect on the frame. Had 5 Triumphs over 20 years and touched the pegs on all of them. Thunderbird 1600, Sprint RS, Bonnieville and Tiger 1050. I doubt that the Rocket would be any different, but I haven't ridden one yet. Rode the BMW in France for a couple of days. Absolute rubbish except the handling which is pointless due to the low lean angle.

[@PetroHead]

Label

[@leighmcqueeney9848]

@@PetroHead As an Australian in the US I am always trying to adjust to US misspelling. It is good that you know more about spelling than bikes though.

[@PetroHead]

misspelling

[@leighmcqueeney9848]

@@PetroHead 🤣😂 that one is down to autocorrect 🤣😂 corrected by hand now. imagine if you put that much effort into understanding engineering. Maybe you should look at an English language programme instead. 🤣😂

[@PetroHead]

Program

[@wanton1234]

If you lay the rocket 3 over in a corner you're gonna do some cosmetic damage. If you lay the BMW over in a corner you need to buy a new engine

[@hueydevotedUH1]

This is ridiculous. lol These are NOT in the same class. Compare the R18 to some Harley or Indian That thing is a cruiser for hipsters. Compare the Rocket to a VMax or other MUSCLE cruiser.

[@PetroHead]

I can say I rode 4500cc in one day.. not many people can say that…. So why not make a video about it. 👍

[@waydegardner7373]

At 65 I’m hardly a hipster. I preferred the R18 Classic as it suits my style of riding. Nothing wrong w the Rocket. Different strokes.

[@hueydevotedUH1]

@@waydegardner7373 I agree. Primarily I thought the comparison was a bit silly....apples and oranges.

[@poo_co_kr]

타고싶당 둘다

[@jgilp]

Chris has a lot of money :D

[@therecanbeonlyonechris5019]

This is a ridiculous comparison. Why don't you compare it to a BMW inline 4. That's a more accurate comparison

[@PetroHead]

I'll compare it to anything I want... Howabowdat?

[@therecanbeonlyonechris5019]

@@PetroHead that's fine, but still a ridiculous comparison. You can take your toys and go home now

[@PetroHead]

Ugh.. sure whatever that means.

[@therecanbeonlyonechris5019]

@@PetroHead I think you know. Just a little constructive criticism. Cheers

[@jimanders9971]

Badass? Lol, the bmw isnt even close. Meet me in the twisties.

[@morriscallihan3751]

Cat Power

[@diamondjoebloggs119]

Edit some of the nervous chuckling and it would be an enjoyable video

[@PetroHead]

Nervous chuckling