Possible new Triumph Rocket III

[Pappy!]

Spy photos from Motorcycle.com came out with some shots of it.
Here is something from ADVrider.
https://advrider.com/triumph-rocket-iii-spy-shots-emerge/

And.....
https://www.motorcycle.com/mini-features/2020-triumph-rocket-iii-spy-photos.html

[Thunderbolt]

Looks like a couple different designs.  One looked like my 2005, the other had a lot less rear fender.  Loved mine.  Lots of fun just no place to store stuff except in a bag on the rear seat.

[Hook#3287]

I like the way the lower rear fender is attached to the swing arm.

Looks like something out of Mad Max.

[Hooter]

I liked my III Touring except the transmission was junk just like the dealership I bought it from. Never again.

[Oss]

just spent the better part of an hour reading the various parts of the site and looking at pics of riders in the snow

https://advrider.com/f/threads/freezing-your-balls-off-pictures.1315842/

Will bookmark it  Thanks for posting

[98valk]

https://advrider.com/f/threads/new-triumph-rocket-iii-for-2019.1356955/

[Rams]

Read the articles, impressive in some ways, not so much in others.   I have no doubt this two wheeler will haul ass but, as with any British product, I wonder how long before electrionic issues raise their ugly heads.   Styling leaves something to be desired but, that's a personal issue.  YMMV.

Rams 

[F6Dave]

Several years ago Triumph had a big testing event so I took a test ride on an R-III.  Who could resist?  I liked it.  It felt a lot like my Valk with way more power.  Handling was surprisingly good for such a monster.

I almost bought the Touring version, but for some reason they de-tuned the engine a lot.  I also read about mechanical problems, especially with the transmission and cam chain.  When you ride as many miles as some of us do, you want to avoid those kind of major failures.  I'd rather replace a wheel bearing or U-joint than a transmission any day!  I ended up sticking with Honda's reliability and bought an F6B  I've never regretted it.  Still have the Valks as there's nothing else like them.

[Leathel]

Read the articles, impressive in some ways, not so much in others.   I have no doubt this two wheeler will haul ass but, as with any British product, I wonder how long before electrionic issues raise their ugly heads.   Styling leaves something to be desired but, that's a personal issue.  YMMV.

Rams 

I have a fair few friends with Triumphs and its alarming at how many have had issues, one of the few that were still to have issues broke down Saturday, charging issue and battery went flat....nice bikes but .....

[Leathel]

Several years ago Triumph had a big testing event so I took a test ride on an R-III.  Who could resist?  I liked it.  It felt a lot like my Valk with way more power.  Handling was surprisingly good for such a monster.

I almost bought the Touring version, but for some reason they de-tuned the engine a lot.  I also read about mechanical problems, especially with the transmission and cam chain.  When you ride as many miles as some of us do, you want to avoid those kind of major failures.  I'd rather replace a wheel bearing or U-joint than a transmission any day!  I ended up sticking with Honda's reliability and bought an F6B  I've never regretted it.  Still have the Valks as there's nothing else like them.

mechanically the tourer is the same just different mapping so can easily be re tuned, nice looking bike the tourer...... more ground clearance than the Valk...... but they still have issues.

[F6Dave]

Several years ago Triumph had a big testing event so I took a test ride on an R-III.  Who could resist?  I liked it.  It felt a lot like my Valk with way more power.  Handling was surprisingly good for such a monster.

I almost bought the Touring version, but for some reason they de-tuned the engine a lot.  I also read about mechanical problems, especially with the transmission and cam chain.  When you ride as many miles as some of us do, you want to avoid those kind of major failures.  I'd rather replace a wheel bearing or U-joint than a transmission any day!  I ended up sticking with Honda's reliability and bought an F6B  I've never regretted it.  Still have the Valks as there's nothing else like them.

mechanically the tourer is the same just different mapping so can easily be re tuned, nice looking bike the tourer...... more ground clearance than the Valk...... but they still have issues.

I didn't realize that, but it makes sense.  It costs much less to de-tune an engine's computer than change cams, pistons, valves, etc.  So I assume the low end torque was just as good on the Touring R-III.  I loved the looks of that bike, with retro styling, a big shield, and nice large bags like the Valkyrie.  Too bad about the reliability.  Triumph makes a great line of bikes; but I've heard too many bad reports about mechanical issues and bad dealers to buy one.

[Alpha Dog]

Several years ago Triumph had a big testing event so I took a test ride on an R-III.  Who could resist?  I liked it.  It felt a lot like my Valk with way more power.  Handling was surprisingly good for such a monster.

I almost bought the Touring version, but for some reason they de-tuned the engine a lot.  I also read about mechanical problems, especially with the transmission and cam chain.  When you ride as many miles as some of us do, you want to avoid those kind of major failures.  I'd rather replace a wheel bearing or U-joint than a transmission any day!  I ended up sticking with Honda's reliability and bought an F6B  I've never regretted it.  Still have the Valks as there's nothing else like them.

mechanically the tourer is the same just different mapping so can easily be re tuned, nice looking bike the tourer...... more ground clearance than the Valk...... but they still have issues.

I didn't realize that, but it makes sense.  It costs much less to de-tune an engine's computer than change cams, pistons, valves, etc.  So I assume the low end torque was just as good on the Touring R-III.  I loved the looks of that bike, with retro styling, a big shield, and nice large bags like the Valkyrie.  Too bad about the reliability.  Triumph makes a great line of bikes; but I've heard too many bad reports about mechanical issues and bad dealers to buy one.

I found out about the new Rocket III back in December on a Victory Blog.  I did some searching on the current generation of them and soon found all the problems others have stated here.  Dang shame.  Seemed like a great bike in looks,  power, comfort and rideability.

[Leathel]

Several years ago Triumph had a big testing event so I took a test ride on an R-III.  Who could resist?  I liked it.  It felt a lot like my Valk with way more power.  Handling was surprisingly good for such a monster.

I almost bought the Touring version, but for some reason they de-tuned the engine a lot.  I also read about mechanical problems, especially with the transmission and cam chain.  When you ride as many miles as some of us do, you want to avoid those kind of major failures.  I'd rather replace a wheel bearing or U-joint than a transmission any day!  I ended up sticking with Honda's reliability and bought an F6B  I've never regretted it.  Still have the Valks as there's nothing else like them.

mechanically the tourer is the same just different mapping so can easily be re tuned, nice looking bike the tourer...... more ground clearance than the Valk...... but they still have issues.

I didn't realize that, but it makes sense.  It costs much less to de-tune an engine's computer than change cams, pistons, valves, etc.  So I assume the low end torque was just as good on the Touring R-III.  I loved the looks of that bike, with retro styling, a big shield, and nice large bags like the Valkyrie.  Too bad about the reliability.  Triumph makes a great line of bikes; but I've heard too many bad reports about mechanical issues and bad dealers to buy one.

Aarons bike is 16 years newer and it would be nice to be on a newer bike, and it's nice to have a clip off screen and sissy bar etc and very similar in size (Valk is quite a bit lighter though) but this is the bike that broke down Saturday with charging issues

[Rams]

  Triumph makes a great line of bikes; but I've heard too many bad reports about mechanical issues and bad dealers to buy one.

Sorry Dave but, if what you (and I) have heard, read, know of and or experienced is true about Triumph, I don't really think their product and dealer support is all that great.

I'll readily admit, they have a fairly loyal following, similar but not as large as HD but, I haven't bought into the HD thing and unless Triumph were to produce a more reliable product (like our Hondas) with good dealer support, there will never be one in my shop. Yep, when the R3 is running right, they are fast.... But, how long does that last?

Find me one R3 that compares to ALI and I'll back track.  No offense meant, just my opinion.

Rams

[F6Dave]

  Triumph makes a great line of bikes; but I've heard too many bad reports about mechanical issues and bad dealers to buy one.

Sorry Dave but, if what you (and I) have heard, read, know of and or experienced is true about Triumph, I don't really think their product and dealer support is all that great.

I'll readily admit, they have a fairly loyal following, similar but not as large as HD but, I haven't bought into the HD thing and unless Triumph were to produce a more reliable product (like our Hondas) with good dealer support, there will never be one in my shop. Yep, when the R3 is running right, they are fast.... But, how long does that last?

Find me one R3 that compares to ALI and I'll back track.  No offense meant, just my opinion.

Rams

When I said a great line of bikes, I meant I like the broad selection they offer.  I like the looks of the Bonneville variants, especially the Steve McQueen version they offered for a while.  The Tigers are nice adventure bikes, and their sport and sport/touring bikes usually get good reviews.  Their pricing is reasonable, too.  As I mentioned I was tempted to buy an R-III.

But like you, I'm not buying any of them because of their poor reliability.  I dug out that reliability survey from Consumer Reports a few years ago.  It ranked brands based on the likelihood of a problem during the first year.  Yamaha was at the top with 11%, and Honda and Suzuki followed closely with 12%.  Triumph was near the bottom at 29%, followed by Ducati (33%), BMW (40%), and Can Am (42%).  Based on what I've read and heard from other owners, and my own experience with a BMW, those numbers seem reasonable.

[..]

The Thruxton R in white is HOT!

https://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/bikes/classic/bonneville-thruxton/thruxton-r

[Pappy!]

Triumph's new line of 1200CC twins is impressive in performance all the while retaining classic styling. Gotta' love that!
Also, when a product line gets re-introduced into the market place the old snafus are usually engineered out to begin with as those questions will pop up at every single intro for the dealer network and press.

[Davemn]

I know it’s anecdotal but I have a ‘16 Triumph adventure bike (Tiger XCX). I love this bike. So much my Valkyrie just collects dust (not selling though). The Tiger had a fuel mapping problem right after I bought it but was easily resolved at the dealer. The 800 triple is so smooth and powerful. Lots of Triumph bashing and maybe fair criticism. Not enough to discourage me. I have had plenty of reliability issues with my Valkyrie as well.....clutch, water pump, fork seals, u joint all before 50k. Ride safe!

[98valk]

I know it’s anecdotal but I have a ‘16 Triumph adventure bike (Tiger XCX). I love this bike. So much my Valkyrie just collects dust (not selling though). The Tiger had a fuel mapping problem right after I bought it buy was easily resolved. The 800 triple is so smooth and powerful. Lots of Triumph bashing and maybe fair criticism. Not enough to discourage me. I have had plenty of reliability issues with my Valkyrie as well.....clutch, water pump, fork seals, u joint all before 50k. Ride safe!

what is your feeling on OEM parts availability? survey many yrs ago was thumbs down. wonder if they improved.

thanks

[Davemn]

I know it’s anecdotal but I have a ‘16 Triumph adventure bike (Tiger XCX). I love this bike. So much my Valkyrie just collects dust (not selling though). The Tiger had a fuel mapping problem right after I bought it buy was easily resolved. The 800 triple is so smooth and powerful. Lots of Triumph bashing and maybe fair criticism. Not enough to discourage me. I have had plenty of reliability issues with my Valkyrie as well.....clutch, water pump, fork seals, u joint all before 50k. Ride safe!

what is your feeling on OEM parts availability? survey many yrs ago was thumbs down. wonder if they improved.


Not really sure. I replaced the front brake lever without any problems. Otherwise trouble free at 5500 miles.
thanks

[Pappy!]

I also own a 2001 Triumph Thunderbird Adventurer. A classic design with a Hinckley built 3-cylinder for power.
Parts are no issue. There are a couple of go-to dealers for Triumph parts the same as there are for our Valkyries. Same online parts diagrams/format to obtain parts information from as well.
The new Triumph Speed Twin, for example, packs 96hp into a Classic 432lb package. Not the typical old Triumph twins.

The old Adventurer.

[Hooter]

My problem was the transmission. It jumped out of first gear and almost got me hit pulling into traffic. Took it to the dealer several times without satisfaction. All they did was give me the run around. I'd been riding for more years than the service manager was old and he kept telling me how to shift the bike.

The last time I took it in he told me to ride it and live with it. In my thinking more like die with it. I rode it home, put an ad on CL and sold it 2 days later. I told the New owner in front of his friend what it was doing. He never blinked, took the bike and left. My criticism was from experience not rumor. I spent hard earned money for an inferior product. The dealership was a POS and still is.

Edit: the bike rode and handled simular to the Valkyrie only better. Had more power and torque than 10 bikes. If the transmission wasn't crap or they would have corrected the problem, I would still have the bike.

[Wizzard]

My problem was the transmission. It jumped out of first gear and almost got me hit pulling into traffic. Took it to the dealer several times without satisfaction. All they did was give me the run around. I'd been riding for more years than the service manager was old and he kept telling me how to shift the bike.

The last time I took it in he told me to ride it and live with it. In my thinking more like die with it. I rode it home, put an ad on CL and sold it 2 days later. I told the New owner in front of his friend what it was doing. He never blinked, took the bike and left. My criticism was from experience not rumor. I spent hard earned money for an inferior product. The dealership was a POS and still is.

Edit: the bike rode and handled simular to the Valkyrie only better. Had more power and torque than 10 bikes. If the transmission wasn't crap or they would have corrected the problem, I would still have the bike.

What dealer was that if I might ask?

[Hooter]

Life Cycle, Kalamazoo.

[Wizzard]

Life Cycle, Kalamazoo.

My Buddy that rides with me all the time has a Rocket III that he bought there the first year they came out. Same dealer.
I put a trailer hitch on it for him and we left out for a 3 week ride down rt 66 and up the PCH and back home through the North. Took turns pulling the trailer at 7.5 k Miles. Before the trip was over his rear tire was showing steel cord. Had a hard time finding one. Before we got home his bike started popping out of first or second gear every now and then. So he took it to that dealer. The minute they saw the trailer hitch on there they told him that voided his warranty and his problem was in the transmission. He told them "well I guess I bought the wrong bike then because my buddy has a valkyrie and he pulls the same trailer no problem at all". They contacted Triumph and I do not know what transpired but they eventually tore down the transmission and rebuilt it. He still takes it there for service and still has that bike. That bike easily eats 2 rear tires to one compared to my valk.

[Rams]

I know it’s anecdotal but I have a ‘16 Triumph adventure bike (Tiger XCX). I love this bike. So much my Valkyrie just collects dust (not selling though). The Tiger had a fuel mapping problem right after I bought it but was easily resolved at the dealer. The 800 triple is so smooth and powerful. Lots of Triumph bashing and maybe fair criticism. Not enough to discourage me. I have had plenty of reliability issues with my Valkyrie as well.....clutch, water pump, fork seals, u joint all before 50k. Ride safe!

Dave,
If you're happy, I'm happy for ya.    Just not the bike for me.   My comments are just my opinion and not intended to offend anyone.

Rams   

[Leathel]

Look what was on my trailer today......wildly expensive estimate so home to do some tests to see what we can find