By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Triumph Rocket III (MY2004) vs Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle VRSCF
Rolling into a packed lot at walking pace, the Triumph Rocket III's heft won't let a slow turn happen casually, and every stop wants planted feet. The Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle VRSCF's low stance pulls every eye.
So which one do you buy?
The Rocket III has the edge if…
Character, looks and sound
Narrow edge: Rocket III
Parked side by side, the Rocket III draws the eye a little more. It's down to a better engine note and more engine character. Only a little, and taste can flip it.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Small edge: Rocket III
The Rocket III nudges ahead once the pavement starts to wiggle. Don't expect a night-and-day difference.
What makes each one tick
Rocket III
Barely above idle, there's already a wall of torque coming out of the Rocket III's engine, with 147 lb-ft (199 Nm) on tap by 2,500 rpm. A bump mid-corner doesn't kick the chassis wide. Its brakes come from the Daytona superbike, and they'll haul the speed down hard. The rear tire eats every shove.
V-Rod Muscle VRSCF
There's a real surge waiting in the throttle once the revs climb past the middle. Rough surfaces jar through the seat. The long frame tracks arrow-straight on the gas.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The V-Rod Muscle VRSCF has the lower seat: 27.8 in (705 mm) vs 29.1 in (740 mm).
- The Rocket III makes more peak power: 140 hp (104 kW) vs 119 hp (89 kW).
- The Rocket III makes more peak torque: 147 lb-ft (199 Nm) vs 85 lb-ft (115 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Both fall short
Both of these get tiring on a long day. A proper tourer will treat you better on big miles.
Daily commuting & city riding
Look elsewhere
For the daily grind, both of these are hard work. A smaller, simpler bike will make your weekdays easier.
Look at running costs and you'll find two bikes doing the same job equally well. Fit is what breaks the tie.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Rocket III
What owners say
Trade-offs
- Excessive weight hampers low-speed agility
V-Rod Muscle VRSCF
What owners say
Strengths
- Powerful Brembo braking system
Known problems to check before you buy
Rocket III
- Final drive oil seal leak and potential lockup (recall) Recall 05V004000 Early production bikes up to 2005 suffered from an improperly installed oil seal in the final drive unit, causing oil leakage. If undetected, the unit could run dry and seize, locking the rear wheel. Addressed under NHTSA recall 05V-004.
- Engine stalling when returning to idle (recall) Recall 07V455000 Affected 2004-2007 bikes may stall while returning to idle due to incorrect fuel-injection mapping. Covered by NHTSA recall 07V455000; dealers reflash the ECU free of charge.
V-Rod Muscle VRSCF
- ABS module recall (18V-076) Recall 18V076000 Certain 2008-2011 VRSC models with ABS may experience brake fluid contamination leading to loss of braking; covered under NHTSA recall 18V-076.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
Where the spec sheets split
| Rocket III | V-Rod Muscle VRSCF | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 29.1 in (740 mm) | 27.8 in (705 mm) |
| Rocket III | V-Rod Muscle VRSCF | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2294 cc | 1247 cc |
| Engine | Inline-three | 60° V-twin |
| Power | 140 hp (104 kW) | 119 hp (89 kW) |
| Peak power at | 5,750 rpm | 8,250 rpm |
| Torque | 147 lb-ft (199 Nm) | 85 lb-ft (115 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 2,500 rpm | 6,500 rpm |
| Rocket III | V-Rod Muscle VRSCF | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 6.6 US gal (25 L) | 5.0 US gal (18.9 L) |
| Rocket III | V-Rod Muscle VRSCF | |
|---|---|---|
| Final drive | Shaft | Belt |
| Fork | Telescopic | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front tire | 150/80-17 | 120/70-19 |
| Rear tire | 240/50-16 | 240/40-18 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Rocket III | V-Rod Muscle VRSCF | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Not offered | Standard |
| Heated Grips | Option | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
