Triumph Rocket III reviews

Every glowing report about power, performance, handling, engineering and technology of the Rocket III Touring is true! Triumph triumphs against all competition in every category. I have owned everything from scooters to rice burners to Harley's and my RocketIII Touring is simply the fastest, best performing and most balanced machine I've ever ridden. My Black Pearl was ONE year old April 09 and has over 16,000 miles on her. I came within $300 of making a deal on a Street Glide and I can't tell you how glad I am the dealer wouldn't deal - THAT says it all. Show less

GREAT BIKE, SUPER POWER AND PULL ESP IN LOWER GEARS. I HAD A HONDA VTX 1800 AND IT WAS A GREAT BIKE ALSO, VERY STRONG, COMFORTABLE AND RELIABLE. THE TRIUMPH RIDES JUST AS WELL AND HANDLES JUST AS WELL. MORE POWER WITH THE ROCKET THOUGH. I HAVE BEEN TAKING IT EASY SO FAR TO BREAK IT IN BUT AM STILL BLOWING DOORS OFF. I HAVE NOT TURNED THE THROTTLE ALL THE WAY YET BUT WILL SOON. I LOVE THE LOOK OF THE BIKE ALSO, IT IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER BIKES ON THE ROAD, THE PIPES ARE STANDARD FOR THE TOURER AND HAS AN UNUSUAL SOUND, I HAVE HEARD IT DESCRIBED AS A LARGE SEWING MACHINE SOUND. I DID NOT LIKE THE SOUND WHEN I FIRST HEARD IT, I WAS SO USED TO HEARING THE LOUD PIPES EVERYONE HAS BUT NOW I FIND THE SOUND ADDS TO ITS UNIQUENESS. THIS BIKE IS SO MUCH FUN TO RIDE, WHETHER GOING A FEW MILES OR A FEW HUNDRED. THE DOWN SIDES TO THE BIKE ARE SMALL I THINK BUT WORTH MENTIONING. THE GEARS ARE CLUNKY IN 1ST AND SECOND WITH HITTING NEUTRAL TAKING SOME GETTING USED TO. KICK STAND IS DIFFICULT TO ACCESS, ONLY SMALL PART OF STAND AVAILABLE TO PUSH DOWN WITH FOOT. THE KICK STAND IS HARD TO VISUALIZE WHETHER UP OR DOWN. I PRAY I DO NOT DROP THE BIKE BECAUSE I THINK THE STAND IS DOWN WHEN IT isn't. I HAVE TO LEAN TO THE LEFT TO BE ABLE TO SEE IF THE STAND IS IN THE PROPER POSITION. THE OTHER ISSUE I AM HAVING IS MY BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON AFTER USING THE BRAKES A FEW TIMES I AM HAVING THAT ISSUE LOOKED AT TODAY. don't KNOW HOW LONG THE BRAKE LIGHT HAS BEEN THIS WAY. THESE ARE THE ONLY NEGATIVES I HAVE. I AM VERY GLAD I BOUGHT THIS BIKE, IT IS JUST SO MUCH FUN TO RIDE. THE BIKE HAS TREMENDOUS POWER AND IS VERY EASY TO CONTROL. I WAS VERY SURPRISED HOW EASY IT WAS TO CONTROL. I WAS DISCONCERTED THE FIRST TIME I RODE THE BIKE. I KEPT TRYING TO MUSCLE IT AND WAS AFRAID TO MAKE SHARP TURNS IN THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE I THOUGHT THE BIKE WOULD TIP TOO MUCH. AFTER A FEW MINUTES THOUGH IT BECOMES CLEAR THIS BIKE HANDLES BEYOND COMPREHENSION. JUST LOOKING AT THE BIKE AND THEN SITTING ON IT GIVES THE FEELING OF RIDING A BULL. I THOUGHT THIS IS GOING TO BE A TOUGH BIKE TO HANDLE, ESP IN CITY TRAFFIC. I WAS WRONG THANKFULLY. READING REVIEWS HELPS ALLAY ANY FEARS OF THE BIKE BEING TOO BIG, MOST ARE IMPRESSED WITH THE HANDLING, BUT UNTIL ACTUALLY RIDING THE BIKE IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE A MACHINE SO BIG CAN BE CONTROLLED SO EASILY. BEWARE THOUGH, THIS BIKE CAN TURN INTO A MONSTER AT THE TURN OF THE THROTTLE. I LOVED MY OLD VTX AND I HAD TO DO A LOT OF SOUL SEACHING TO GO TO THE ROCKET BUT I AM VERY GLAD I DID. THE BIKE HAS EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS AND MY EXPECTATIONS WERE HIGH. I PREDICT WHEN THE WORD GETS OUT ABOUT THIS BIKE, 5 OR 10 YRS FROM NOW, THIS BIKE WILL BE MUCH MORE COMMON. I KINDA HOPE NOT THOUGH, I LIKE TO BE THE ONE WITH THE KICKASS MACHINE THAT DROPS JAWS. Show less

I have owned several bikes in my days, including the 1987 Kawasaki ZL1000 Eliminator, 1989 Yamaha VMAX, and others that are not even worth mentioning in this category. I purchased my 2008 Rocket III about 6 months ago and must admit that it behaves much, much easier on the road than I ever imagined this monster would be. However, one should make sure their hands are properly planted with a tight grip at all times, because even when changing gears at low speeds this bike wants to jump....no leap...out ahead of everything on the road. The weather here is finally warm now, so I intend to get him out and ride as much as I can. It is, indeed, funny to watch all the other cycle riders on the road and at every stop gather around this bike and ask plenty of questions. Heck, even the Harley riders seem to show nothing but respect and admiration for this behemoth on two wheels. If you want a bike that absolutely no one else on the road wants to tangle with, and one that is very comfortable for the long haul, then go get you one! This bike can purr like a kitten when needed and lurch out in attack mode like an angry lion with just a short twist of the throttle, and at a moment's notice. The only complaint I have is the Triumph makes very few accessories for this bike and there's a short list of aftermarket accessories to choose from also. Not to mention that anything you buy for this bike from Triumph will have you digging deep in your pockets. However, there's plenty of windshields, saddle bags, and even sissy bars out there that will fit, or can easily be modified to fit this bike. Show less

Although at first it seems large, that all goes away when you crack the throttle. This bike puts a smile on your face every time you power up. Endless acceleration and torque. Weight holds it in place on large expressways. Too much fun! Show less

Since the day I first rode this bike I've been in love with it. For a bike this size it handles well in the twisties and I have made about seven trips to Canada and the upper east coast. Show less

I've owned a couple dozen two wheel machines over the years, but other than dirt bikes, I'll never want anything under me but this Rocket III. I have no need to make room in the garage for anything else... this bike is everything you want in a bike. The only reason I'd tell you to buy something else is if you just don't have the strength to hang on for this ride. It is INCREDIBLE. Show less

This is one bad mama-jamma of a motorcycle. It smokes all the cruisers and customs that let their egos get the better of them. Most will not even pull up right next to me because they know they are outclassed in power, styling and engineering. The Anglos on the other side of the pond really did this one up right; so much so that I sold my beloved Harley 2003 Anniversary Road King Classic to buy this bike.
I had to take it to the dealer to fix a fork damaged in an accident. Other than that this powerhouse has been a pleasure to own and ride. Show less

I live in MN and took my Rocket on a 3000 mile trip through ND, MT, ID, NV, UT, WY and SD. I had zero issues and got about 38-41 mpg. I had a heck of a good time. The only thing I would change is the seat; maybe a gel seat or a good Corbin seat. Every time I stopped at a gas station I was asked questions - everyone loved the look. I can't blame them. Show less

I have just purchased my 2007 classic. didn't even do a test ride. I went in and bought it, and away I went real fast I might add. This bike is amazing. I have had other brands but this is a crowd stopper. All of the Harley guys checking it out is pretty funny. Everything in all of these reviews is true. It has great handling at any speed and awesome power and pull at any gear or speed. 4th gear at about 60 on the highway, then twist her open and say goodbye to the Rocket. Merging in traffic is not an issue. For the money nothing else is close to it. It is even a couple grand cheaper than certain brands. Buy one now, or don't because I like not seeing too many of them. Show less

I've been riding Triumphs for forty years and I've owned lesser brands as well, but nothing, and I mean nothing, has even come close to the Rocket III. I don't think I have ever gotten off of her without having a smile on my face. No matter where you go you get a thumbs up while you're riding and a crowd around it when you park it. It truly is an amazing bike. The acceleration is brutal; how can you not love that! But you could ride for hours at 20 mph and get no complaints from her. It handles like a middle weight going around corners and it just defies logic, but in a good way. My hat goes off to Triumph for making the world's best motorcycle! Again. I would without hesitation recommend it to anyone. Show less