Triumph Rocket 3R vs GT

A quick, open, and honest look at my Rocket 3R and GT side by side, my thoughts and suttle differences between the 2 beasts.

[@jeremyorli]

Thanks for showing them side by side with you on them!

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Pleasure

[@mrunmoyable]

Thanks for the comparison mate . I found it difficult in Melbourne too to get a test ride on the rockets as there seems to be no demo bikes available. This is so weird. This is an amazing bike but no matter what you hear and see until you try it yourself there’s no way to know. I feel the BMW Motorrad guys have nailed it getting to the customers by letting us test ride their motorbikes. They had a two day test ride event of R18 and let you test all models if you like which helped me find the right model for myself. I really like the Rocket but Wish brands like Triumph could have some test ride day events. Yes Rocket is an expensive bike but so are the R18s and Diavels 😊

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

100%. Finding and getting a test ride was a nightmare. Hence going through the hassle of getting the wrong one 🫣 appreciate the comment 🙏 ride safe ❤

[@mymatemartin]

Love thess bikes. Currently riding a Suzuki C109R. Awesome bike. I can feel a Rocket 3 coming my way at some point and I found this video very helpful. Thanks.

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Amazing, and I dont think your look back ;)

[@shadwox9808]

I have a 2020 Rocket GT IM 6 feet tall and im comfortable on it no pain on wrist shoulder the seating position is excelent no pain even after hours on it. Bought it used with only 1800 km on it, was riding a Kawasaki Concours or GTR 1400 before buying the Rocket why the change the GTR 1400 is the queen of the higways no problem there but due to alot of mechanical problems with it she lasted 4 years and every summers she was in the garage for repair for about 3 week each time and summer is short here in Quebec Canada so i decide to change and i dont regret it one bit, ride safe mate.

[@valentinrizvan1870]

I'm 5'9 and sat on both. The GT felt amazing to me, but all my friends are dissing it and say the R is cooler. I'm so torn... At the moment I ride a Speedmaster and feels super comfy. Before this I had the Bobber and it felt like the R. So I kinda know the difference in ride style but I find it so difficult to choose. I like their style but I ride everyday and I need comfort and bags etc I will get one or the other in a few weeks, hope I won't regret my choice

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

I completely get that! And that’s one of the reasons I maybe got pushed over the buy the R, and don’t get me wrong, amazing bike. But it didn’t take long for the “very slightly” lent forward position worn thin. Then tried the GT and immediately didn’t care, what my mates thought! And the comfort out performed their thoughts 💭 THEN the added power destroying them every time! Well upto the speed limit of course. It’s always a personal choice, but I would think of you first 🙏 Either bike are AMAZING though.

[@josephramieri2256]

Thank God someone else is 5" 7" in the world!! I'm, so tired of reviewers that are 6' 2".

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

lol - I know right. That’s why I had to do this review, short man issues. 🫣

[@MultiDreamer1979]

Well you are the one that is short so get yourself a little bike then.

[@gra271]

Great review, I have the 221 r Where did you get the tail tidy please as looks great 👍

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Hi. Thank you 🙏 Honestly not sure as brought it with it on. But there is one on eBay that looks the same. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274702865922?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=WEC798mUTYq&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=pKRLMbJ1S9i&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@ninja12lawbreaker]

nice review brother, I am 6'2 and will be getting the R with a sissy bar for the missus and kids. ps I also love the essential removal of those hideous tail ends. Respect from Chailey

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Thank you bro. Appreciate the comment. And 100% need the SS bar on the back to keep your passenger with you. Lol

[@5942erict]

Merci ! C’est extrêmement important la position de conduite. Quelle engin !!

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

100%. 🙏

[@joseestupinan4484]

Nice video and beautiful machines indeed. I have been looking around for the Rocket 3 but still not decided to buy it, mainly because I live in a really big city with lot of traffic. I have got the R Ninet and it handles very well on traffic. What do you think about the Rocket 3? Too heavy, too powerful to ride it well in traffic? Thanks

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Thank you for the comment. They are awesome, to powerful in traffic. NOPE not at all, it’s very manageable and great low end smooth grunt. The weight. Does go once your moving, and it’s nice and light. HOWEVER, when doing 1-3 mph, cutting through gaps, changing lanes and U turns a tiger 900 is better. 🫣. But if it’s basic town and filtering foward she’s a beast and great fun. Was going a fair bit this afternoon 🙏

[@michaelrogers3254]

I have had a speed twin 1200 for two years now and no complaints great bike. But I keep looking at the Rocket Gt and the Indian super chief ltd. On spec the Rocket wins hands down. But, the only thing that I don't like on the Rocket is that rear scaffold for the number plate and lights, indicators. That is putting me off the Rocket I have seen some American motorcycle seat manufacturer that offers an alternative, but just makes it look worse. Looking at your bikes you have found the answer I'm looking for. How did you reposition the stock indicators and did you buy a bracket for the number or did you make it yourself? Great video appreciate the straight forward approach and why you bought the GT.

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Thank you for your message, I went out for my first "proper" ride with my wife on a long spirited ride and it's just a fantastic bike.... If I'm honest both bikes had already had the conversion done but Ill believe this is the link for the one used... www.ebay.co.uk/itm/234582113796?hash=item369e2efe04:g:SmwAAOSwgFdinyFQ&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8CrkGojRNYHWdVlfrt%2FbMIiBSP0XbzIm5MyeAT7aJ9jWrt4H9n4HO%2BiWMRgt4wAiuanHcO3D%2B2Yy4p4bvJGyjzgptn9pSVy5Zl3K2XDchxLndIHx%2BWzVPOI51nd%2F4t3MiMUdDTRbj6%2Fx40bZLAe%2B4Oi%2FT7aD34TdUm2d3yEjxcNHmulPEpXxWDNp%2FygyE9iaeUkaZ%2Fn5Dr48LO4t7iuyBfNF8dPE%2B5xaOM1Hbh2xIyMIVAoQ3%2FoUxUCXNBwRskJGT1dnQnn8qeBgc%2FsiCKUsQP9m3s6L1Vvq3qPT4gBmQUyupW%2BJYvZsdpHmKaDAZ7Bq4g%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBM6qCZp65i The indicators I have located under the seat if you pause the video as it moves round you should see the difference between the 2 styles..

[@joshuacrossing7117]

On the wind screen... I like the smaller one. I like wind hitting my chest instead of my helmet. And it pushes you back more, even less wrist pressure.

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Yeah I know what you mean but hitting you in the chest. Lucky for me / my shape / maybe the way I sit, the little screen does just it over my head enough, especially when we get a little spirited 😉🫣🙏 Ride safe buddy.

[@Dinks1972]

I have a R and just like you I am not that tall so I changed the handlebars to the GT ones and I replaced the seat for the GT seat, fitted a screen then finally dropped my mid mounted foot pegs to the lowest position now rides like a real touring bike. Did the NC500 a few weeks ago and was able to ride 2200 miles in a week and no real problems just wish triumph would allow this configuration from the factory. It really is comfortable I also added the panniers and very happy with the bike now.

[@ScragNath]

Maybe should have bought the GT?

[@Dinks1972]

@@ScragNath wanted it in red also the deal I got with the trade in on my old bike was to good to turn down

[@ScragNath]

@@Dinks1972 Fair comment.

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

How was the NC500?? I'd love to do that soon

[@Dinks1972]

@@HastingsKickboxingAcademy absolutely amazing 7 days of perfect weather,amazing roads and a view around every corner, 2.200 miles in one week and I would do it again in a heartbeat. The bike was perfect all the 221 NMT came into its own pulling up hills with ease.

[@FR-ty5vn]

Really nice comparison - both phenomenal bikes - I have a GT in Carnival Red n Black - love ❤️ it - I’m 5’8/9 and have this weird issue reaching to apply the back brake - no issues with the gears on the left, just the brake on the right - I don’t like how you have to angle inwards to apply the brake lever - I have forward controls and like my legs stretched out, but thinking of moving everything from forward middle to forward back (about an inch maybe) - I could go to mid position but I’d like to keep forward controls if possible. I wish the brake were positioned out wider or started braking higher, but I don’t think you can make that type of adjustment.

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Hi and thank you for your comments. Have you tried moved the forward pegs backwards, so they are closer to you. I done this. It’s a few inches and it did make a HUGE difference for reaching out on the brake. Sadly. It enough hence changing to mid pegs. Worth a go if not already. And I know what you mean the pegs sit in a lot closer than the old model, I guess this is for more learn angle. 🙏 Sade riding.

[@FR-ty5vn]

@@HastingsKickboxingAcademy ah, makes sense on a sweeper or switchback, but straight aways are a stretch - otherwise I like them where they are and even could stretch my legs further - I considered moving them 1 inch forward but I think that would make the brake harder to reach - seems to make most sense to move pegs/etc. 1 inch back first but feel it might be a little cramped.

[@1JRW1]

You can just put some bar raisers on the R to move your handlebar closer to you.

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Bit late for that 😅. Also want the lower ride and triple Black model

[@jimanders9971]

GT with the mid pegs is the ticket. Along with the quick shifter. Oh, and a wind screen. Trust me, I am pretty sure I have more miles on a 2020+ Rocket than anyone else.

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Love that. How many miles ya done 👍

[@jimanders9971]

@@HastingsKickboxingAcademy A little over 73,000 miles on the GT

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Wow 😮. Fair play 🙏

[@joshuacrossing7117]

So I have the R. I had the choice of either, very happy with R. Between the two, if you have the chance, sit and ride both. You'll know. No wrong choice here. Just personal fit and preference.

[@dapperstuff]

the r is not for hamsters because of the reach to the bar. The GT is even more comfortable with the mid controls. Raise the rear pre-load as from factory is at the bottom, I reduced the rebound on the front fork by 1/2 turn. The handling is now very good and more responsive and stable. They are powerful bikes but still very restricted.

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Amazing thank you. Mid pegs and shift assist going on this week ;)

[@R3RLEE]

@@HastingsKickboxingAcademy The shift assist is brilliant transforms the ride!!

[@R3RLEE]

Two things..why didnt you just put the gt bars on the r? And whats the side mount numberplate bracket your using? The one on the gt looks a great size too. Cheers

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Because when I looked into the GT bars it wasn’t just as straight forward as changing the bars over due to all the wiring harness etc etc. plus when I see the triple black I fell in love 🫣 The bracket is on eBay www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274702865922?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=WEC798mUTYq&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=pKRLMbJ1S9i&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY The plate itself is tiny. But looks super cool.

[@R3RLEE]

@@HastingsKickboxingAcademy oh l see...and thanks for the link!👍

[@777Ruffdriver]

Hi, I ride at Busa and I’m 5ft 6” is it suitable for short riders, I’m thinking about test riding one of these models.

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

I would say 100%. I’m only 5’7”. But have 28” legs so super short and I’m not flat footed but very comfortable. Much before it over my friends Busa ;)

[@richardcerritelli9657]

I have a Hayabusa 2005 now great bike problem is body hurts real bad when I ride it for that reason I don't recommend it even got the risers for it didn't know Brett still too much wrist and shoulder pain I would recommend the GT rocket

[@dermotgeraghty4563]

Quick question..I have a suzuki gs1100gk..and bring it through my front door ...do you think the rocket would fit through front door..of house...thanks

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Oh wow - what a great question 🙋‍♀️ 2 seconds I’ll go measure for you! Bike at widest point - 39” or 99cms Personally my front door is only 28” wide. So no chance for me! That said it’s got enough power to go through the wall 🤣🫣

[@dermotgeraghty4563]

@@HastingsKickboxingAcademy thanks ..great help...

[@WilliamHames-ys3wx]

Did you notice a difference with the amount of lean angle from one bike to the other when cornering given the difference in the foot peg position?

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Great question... As far as lean angle goes, I couldn't tell you if I was at 15/25/35/45 degrees.. So I don't know how far over I get, I'm not yet getting the pegs down! What I can say is having the pegs underneath me, it's hugely helped my confidence in the corners and I can defo ride faster and harder with the mid peg set up.

[@WilliamHames-ys3wx]

@@HastingsKickboxingAcademy I appreciate your feedback. Thank you. It is helpful. By the way, thank you very much for making the video comparing the two models of the Rocket 3. I am currently reviewing the pro's and con's of both bikes before making my purchase and your video was a great source of valuable information. 👍

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

No problem at Al. Glad you found it useful 🙏

[@neilgodfreybartley3143]

☯️👌🏾🤛🏾😎

[@flesz_]

Are you the guy who was selling one on eBay recently

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

I am indeed

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Why not just fit the GT handlebars on the R? You're contemplating midpegs, as well. You already had them on the R. The GT is three kilos heavier dry. Useful video. Nick

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Great questions. I wanted the GT as it was a tripple black model and it was a BARGIN price where I’ll make money on it when I sell 🙏 Swooping the R handle bars was a lot more of a motivation to do than the pegs. The GT was 2 years newer. And to be honest, I’m not a good enough rider to notice the 3 kgs. I’ll just train harder. ;). Ride safe buddy

[@princeoffame100]

does your handle shakes at high speeds ?

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Hi. Great question 🙋 what do you define as high 🫣🤣. Personally I bottle it after 120, but it’s solid to there.

[@princeoffame100]

@HastingsKickboxingAcademy due to the size of the front wheel would expect it to have a little turbulence

[@princeoffame100]

@@HastingsKickboxingAcademy cruising speed 130 som

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Not that I’ve noticed! ❤

[@saintdouche]

Bought

[@ralpheglass]

How about a link for the tail tiddy?

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Was already on the bike. But eBay rocket tail tidy there come straight up

[@hogweed1963]

Where’s the Roadster video?

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Hiding

[@richardcerritelli9657]

I like the GT better ❤

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Me 2 ;)

[@lake76]

will stick with my diavel V4...

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Stunning bike

[@lake76]

@@HastingsKickboxingAcademy They both are...

[@flesz_]

Diavel feels cheap compared

[@lake76]

@@flesz_ Have you ridden one?

[@flesz_]

@@lake76 no, but i watched a few reviews comparing them both and all of them stated it

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

Why does everyone do this!?!? It depends on the rider preference. One is Not better than the other! STOP THIS PLEASE!!!!!!!!!

[@HastingsKickboxingAcademy]

Completely agree with you! Each to their own, I just prefer what I have! Ride safe sir!