TRIUMPH ROCKET III vs HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING

After going on a big euro trip with my daily commuter, I decided it was time to upgrade!
so i went to try out a Triumph Rocket III and put it up against a Harley Davidson Road King. Both are amazing motorcycles, and both great for touring, but i could not get both

[@tjmac1453]

I have owned Rocket III's and driven Road Kings. For me it is a no brainer, the Rocket III all day for me.

[@billwyatt2449]

I own a 2005 America and a 2015 Rocket 3 Touring. If I were to buy a Harley it would be a Road King hands down. I would say if I were picking a Triumph to compare with a Road King it would be the 1700 Thunderbird LT and not the Rocket 3. The Rocket 3 is in a class of it's own. I also think it takes a certain rider to appreciate it. I bought it to eat up interstate miles in the States and it does. I kept my America and truly believe it is one of the best all around motorcycles I have ever owned. I am running a 19/42 sprocket combination and you would find this preferable if you are running on express ways with the America. I have also installed the Triumph Twin Power Stage 1 performance kit and the Firestarter and Blue Flame coils. What you cannot make up for with the America on the expressways is the weight. You are going to get blown around. The Road King and Rocket have the weight to anchor you to the road. Anyway nice review.

[@NicePantsLance]

Best motorcycle i ever owned was a 2018 Rocket 3 Roadster. Hit a deer at 55mph. Didn't even drop the bike! The sheer mass of it saved my life

[@WinterMotors]

Damn ! Did you go through it like a hot knife ?

[@NicePantsLance]

@@WinterMotors i did actually. If you want to see pictures i can show you on Facebook lol

[@WinterMotors]

@@NicePantsLance the grotesque side of me kinda wanna see it, yes haha

[@thomasbartlett3409]

The Rocket III has a liquid cooled balanced and blueprinted motor from the factory. HD is not even in the same league..

[@gallegorider149]

The Road King is the best non-touring, touring biker ... you can make it what you want .. the after-market for Harley far outstrips the Rocket 3 ... it's all about personal preference ... you can't go wrong if you like it ... good luck!!

[@WinterMotors]

That's very true man! And a solid point ! :)

[@zimtuff]

I bought my Rocket because the factory floorboards provided enough leg room and and it came with baggage. At the time it was $5-6 cheaper than a Roadking of the same year. Roadking had about 80-90hp , the Rocket had 140hp with road melting torque. Its faster than a vRod and bigger than a roadking.

[@Leftycraig48]

This was not really a fair comparison at all. Your biggest complaint about the Triumph was the stock "beach" cruiser style handle bars. Easy fix. The Road King already was fitted with a custom seat and bars to suit the former owner. Try both over a 500 mile day. After the Harley has vibrated your hands and feet to sleep you'll be thankful for that smooth, even firing triple.

[@WinterMotors]

You're right, but these were the two bikes I that was available in my area, and this video wasn't really about a fair comparison.. I have ridden my Road King through Europe several times and it's a beautiful bike, no issues with vibration at all

[@NevermoreMoto]

No way you didn’t get the Harley. lol. It would be fun to see you try out a Triumph Thunderbird Storm.

[@WinterMotors]

I wanted to test a storm, but it was unfortunately sold by the tim I got to the dealership

[@globalteamwork4light]

sold - because it so damn nice to ride.

[@arnolddendulk2848]

I am from the Netherlands and from your reaction I think you are going for the H.D. I noticed so much trust and pleasure. You thought Triumph was a great bike. But no handlebar bike.

[@steveatkins3528]

The only reason to choose the Harley over the Rocket, is if you can’t handle the Rocket....I have owned Harleys in the past, but could not go back after owning a Rocket (which is why I have two now)

[@WinterMotors]

I like the rocket but this one was just not my cup of tea, we all have our preferences :)

[@glasgowharleyrider]

I have my Third 1600.which is a great bike , if I were to return to an HD the RK would be nice , HDs sadly.dont like rain and we get way too much here in Scotland , my iron 883 which I rode in fair weather ended up rusting , badly. My friend here has a new style sport glide , whole swingarm , covered in rust. My 09 Tbird , with 73k miles on it . Still pretty much mint condition . Enjoyed the rides man 👌👍🤟🤟

[@stefkesgts]

I own the Rocket 3 touring. After driving 700km its still comfortabel. And After one hour driving a HD you're happy you can stop and have something to drink.

[@140moorest]

The fact is the Rocket is a superior machine. No full-size cruiser can compare.

[@WinterMotors]

Not gonna argue

[@shadwox9808]

Just want say that i bought the new Triumph Rocket GT its now upgraded to 2500cc or 153 cubic inches in Harley number, and man what a torque monster very comfortable with the foward control 40 kilos less than the old version Rocket its suprisingly flickable power at any gears i nstalled a quickshifter on it so no one cant touch me at a start im already gone lol its the most powerful bike i ever owned and i can cruise with it what do you want more, ride safe mate.

[@WinterMotors]

I’d love to test ride the new RIII I think they look sick too !

[@Gary-ys6ei]

Not really related to this video, but what year is your Triumph America? I’m looking at an 07 with 6,000 miles. Loved your European tour videos.

[@WinterMotors]

I'd say it's related :) it's 2011 America, it had 21000km on it when I picked it up. It's a excellent bike ! Thanks man ! I can't wait to make a nother euro trip series !

[@140moorest]

The standard of comparison was not equal! So what is the purpose? The HD is graded on looks. Not to mention it's a customized bike. The Rocket is stock and graded on performance.

[@WinterMotors]

The purpose was to see what I could get for my money They both cost the same amount of money and I bought one of them

[@bmfilmnut]

I agree that the Rocket III Roadster was not a good looking bike but, in my opinion, the Touring is beautiful. I've owned HDs and a a R3T and the RT3 is a much better bike than any HD. It's also a torque monster. Your review is very biased. For example, your simply not used to the R3Ts handlebars but you would soon realize why they are that way. You would make a mistake if you changed them. They're there to make handling this beast easier.

[@globalteamwork4light]

rocket roadster not good looking! what the f... you have just been disqualified!

[@stephenprice1109]

I have both softail heritage and a rocket 3Tourer both heavy bikes on long trips in Australia both great but the R3 Is more comfortable i also had performance exsausts on both both bikes a very nice sound.

[@safelyanonymous5717]

i have had my roadster 2015 white stripe and sure the suspension isn't great; the Road King better on long trips. But performance and fun the RIII all day its not even close. The roadster looks slightly different the Touring is better for trips but isn't as peppy and the roadster. the harley looks and sounds cooler but you are goign to pay more to maintain

[@borderline4]

You rode the "touring" 42ps less than the roadster less torque and feet forward.

[@tomuksr3t279]

I have this bike, thats my first bike. And what can say I'll keet it, and one more thing about the chicks you wrong😃 it will you get a lot of attention from everyone. And the torque this is out of space😊

[@WinterMotors]

I wasn't impressed about the torque on the one I rode, it didn't take off as I expected, but this was a stock touring model, so I can imagine it would have had a lot of hidden potential in it

[@amphibdriver1]

Does the Rocket 111 tour have a tack and if so, what RPMs at 80 mph?

[@WinterMotors]

Oh I unfortunately don't remember

[@zimtuff]

In 5th gear they do about 1000rpm per 40kph. 4000rpm at 160kph approx

[@globalteamwork4light]

only 2500 at 100kph then! nice!

[@dannymorgan4596]

I own a 2002 Roadking, Superb bike, powerful & comfortable, when you move the weight is invisible, with 42yrs of riding many bikes, the King tops them all for me, should have got there sooner, no, they dont shake you numb, they break down less than most european bikes and only rust if you dont know how to look after them, mine gets people chatting wherever i go, kids always want pics with it, i see many WOW's' 😎

[@zimtuff]

My old Rocket wheel standed into 2nd gear. I forgot it could do that.

[@globalteamwork4light]

?

[@Nmss-cs4bz]

Get the Road King man. Its a a bit older harley which means it sounds better, there is a lot of aftermarket stuff and you living the good ol american dream man. Plus you picking up the chicks with a higher chance when you ride a harley XD

[@WinterMotors]

Excellent points xD

[@MeettheotherBrowns]

Why are there no photos of your Road King on Instagram?

[@WinterMotors]

You seem very confident in knowing what bike I bought ! I am waiting to post pictures of my new bike before I reveal it here in KZbin

[@MeettheotherBrowns]

@@WinterMotors the Road King seems like the likely choice based on things you have said in prior videos.

[@WinterMotors]

@@MeettheotherBrowns glad someone is paying attention ;)

[@dldeanlong77]

I watched this to compare the power delivery and you are not saying a word about it.

[@WinterMotors]

that's correct

[@jerryoakley5973]

Wow what a surprise. I never saw this video coming. I say outlaws mainly ride Harley-Davidson. I like the road king personally. The king looks and sounds better than the rocket 3. The road king will hold its value better also. Plus it’s a Harley-Davidson. I vote for the road king 👑🍺👍

[@WinterMotors]

That i s true.. and the king is definitely outlaw looking! i also didn't see this video coming, but i had to upgrade! Stay tuned! the reveal video is coming soon :D

[@rev.scruffy2249]

I'm not surprised. I love Harleys but I'd pick the Triumph as well. although I'd suggest the Speed Twin. Thanks for sharing

[@WinterMotors]

I wanted a touring bike, thats why i decided to look at the RIII over any other Triumph.. they had a storm i was also interested in, but it was sold when i got to the dealership :/

[@rev.scruffy2249]

@@WinterMotors if it's strictly touring I'd still vote Triumph. I'm not a fan of the R3, but I know it's a great bike.

[@gw10758]

Hope you bought the Rocket... you can always find harleys...

[@WinterMotors]

I did not

[@eskildloen3771]

I have a rocket 3 and im 170cm so you dont have to be tall. I got the roadster tho, and not the touring. I would never consider a Harley, so its a easy choise for me 😉

[@WinterMotors]

i am 189 and was just able to flat foot the one i tried, my legs were fully stretched.. probably just the configurations of that particular bike

[@eskildloen3771]

@@WinterMotors has to be yea, i dont get a flat foot on the ground, but more than enough to back up 380kg 😉 probably a difference in setup. As you noticed in the video the triumph is not made for City crawling. But i noticed a huge difference with new tires. And also the sound is a little tame with the original exhaust, especially on the touring as it has alot less Power and "spunk" than the roadster. It really comes alive with a New exhaust though. Mine accelerates harder than my friends bmw s1000rr up to 100kmt, and it really makes me dizzy when i twist the throttle to the max from 2nd gear. Roadking looks beautifull too tho 😁 Rock on🤙🏻

[@WinterMotors]

@@eskildloen3771 I'd love to give a rocket 3 with a propper set up a real go ! I have heard so much good about them, but was disappointed by the one I drove in this video

[@eskildloen3771]

@@WinterMotors if you ever take a roadtrip to the Atlantic ocean road (i live close to it) in Western Norway let me know and you can test mine 😉

[@WinterMotors]

@@eskildloen3771 planning to ride the length of Norway one day soon :) I am originally from Norway so it might happen soon (don't forget to subscribe, and you'll see when the trip comes up)

[@FMGuido]

Get the 2020 Rocket 3 R...end of story....

[@WinterMotors]

I unfortunately don't have the cash for that haha, but that would be fun !

[@shadwox9808]

there alot of road king out there you want to stand out from the pack and the only bike who will do that its a 152 cubic inch all you have on the road king is a 114 so triumph rocket 3 man.

[@WinterMotors]

The decision is already made :O I made a reveal video ;)

[@shadwox9808]

@@WinterMotors yep im new to your channel i just subscribed just saw your new HARLEY nice bike enjoy it.

[@WinterMotors]

@@shadwox9808 welcome to my world, mate ! Hope you'll enjoy it :D

[@gallegorider149]

Oh you bought the Harley ... LMAO yes, it was that obvious ...

[@Gwydyon]

Harley was sonst. Harley ist halt Harley

[@Tom-h3s4x]

Two PITIFUL motorcycles. A truly pointless video.