TRIUMPH ROCKET III (2009 - 2017) Review

Riding fast A roads and sweeping bends are an absolute joy. The seat for rider and pillion are very comfortable for an hour or two depending if the fuel consumption is linked to a steady right hand. Riding around towns is no problem as long as you remember the bike is 360kg so stop looking at yourself in shop windows.

The response from just a slight twist of the right grip is awesome and effortless. Some May like the thought of blowing away porches off the lights but if you think about that power delivery can get you out of trouble you won’t go far wrong.

As previously mentioned the bike is superbly built but anyone thinking of buying one should be prepared to look after it and keep it clean and maintained as with a big bike even small defects are made to look big.

As far as running costs go, with a big engine comes thirsty miles. However there are not many people who buy a rocket as an everyday commute. The other thing to take into consideration is that only 2 companies make the 240 rear tyre so they have captured the market so they are not cheap.

ABS, ALARM, IMMOBALISER . See above about tyres.

Brakes could do with more feel can do a full tank 200 miles fill up and go again

Just amazing

Great service at York triumph total trust in them

Replacement pipes geat sound

It's at it's best on big sweeping corners, like touring in Spain. I use mine for everything, including blatting around Welsh mountains with the IAM on Sunday mornings. It does take a different riding style to get the most out of it, but like most bikes I can do 2 hours before I need a break, generally you need fuel by then anyway !

Stunning. Absolutely stunning. There is a big aftermarket supply of performance parts available, and quite a few specialists that look after Rockets. A few minor additions make it spectacular.

My 2017 model is one of the last made, and lots of minor little bits & pieces have been uprated over the 13 years of production. A few of the earlier models have suffered a 4th gear problem, as did my second bike at 38,000 miles. I did 30,000 miles on the first bike (54 reg Classic), 60,000 miles on the second one (Roadster), and 4,000 miles so far on the third one - that 4th gear being the only issue.

I've always serviced it myself, it takes a lot of oil - and I only ever use the best. Tyres are expensive, and both tyres and brake pads need replacing every 5-6,000 miles. The point is - you don't buy a Rocket as a cheap run-about !

The standard Metzeler tyres are terrible. Very hard, and poor in the wet. Avon Cobra are a much better option, and the later Cobra Chrome are excellent in both the wet and dry conditions. Wet performance goes off in the second half of their life however. Because of the weight, increasing the front tyre pressure to 40psi make a massive difference to the handling, the tyre seems to keep it's shape better - and goes where you point it. Quite a few owners (like me) fit the long-ride pillion seat, and both rider and pillion backrests. They take all the strain off your lower back, especially at motorway speeds.

detent spring broken at 29k

parts are slow to get at times,,,needs better dealer support here in the usa

I have never had anyone on the back as for the bike I want get the seat altered (i'm a short ass) it is fairly comfortable though I have not done any real long journeys with it.

I like the performence when I'm on a run somewhere its hard to take the stupid grin off my face.

I keep the bike in the garage so there is very little rust on it i have to clean the pipes now and then never broken down nothing failed.

When I first got the bike there was 3000 miles on the clock now Ithink its about 5000 it gets a bit juicy sometimes if I don't watch the speed.

I like the seating position and the handlebars though I wish the seat was a little lower. Tyres well I'm happy with them so far.

Compliant ride that is not overly firm yet allows sharp steering for a bike that weighs over one third of a ton. Pillions love the large rear seat and you don't even know they're there.

Incredible torque and relentless acceleration. You can pull away in 5th! Perfect bassy growl of an engine note that could wake the dead.

Beautiful build quality. Everything feels massive and completely solid.Starts first time, every time. It's a huge engine with a huge battery so needs to be turned over or trickle charged to ensure it starts without regular use.

Reasonable running costs for the size of the bike. Annual servicing is just over £200 at a main dealer. Valve clearance check is £90.

Range to empty, gear indicator and clock. Well equipped with Triumph Datatool 4 alarm/immobiliser. Metzler tyres are supreme and inspire confidence.

Probably go about an hour before a break, it's a big saddle but not that comfortable.

The Engine is Awesome (the best best part of the Bike) it pulls well in 1st-3rd (that's when it's unrestricted) but it's no more powerful than my K1600GT BMW (and the BMW goes around corners) The bikes engine would probably take you to the Moon and back no problem (I have been told that the Engines are Bulletproof.

It had a top engine casing replaced under warranty cos when I bought the bike with 11000 miles on the clock there was no engine number where it should have been. The Triumph dealer Pure Triumph of Wellingborough have stamped the engine. Number on now,

The third service is due the dealer said it would be about £200.00 but the next yearly service next year could be £500.00 (ouch) because the Valves have to be done then).

The Equipment is not bad pretty basic but I didn't buy it for it equipment. Could do with Cruise Control (that's a personal thing)

Had to replace crankshaft sensor; thankfully the factory warranty covered the cost. Also from the 1st service your next oil change is not until 10K miles later :)

premium no ethanol; i can tell bike runs better

ABS is standard on the rocket roadster.