Fritz the cat

I spoke to my dealer about replacing my tires under the recall, he mentioned there was also issues with the gear position sensor, and that he would also take care of that. This is the first I've heard of this recall, anybody else hear of this?

Pig9r

I heard about it from a dealer last weekend. I don't know if it is "recall" but maybe more along a TSB.

azbbqer

Just got a call from my dealer. My tires are in and the gear position sensor is on order. Should be in next week. He had already seen the alert from Triumph and checked my VIN number. That's service. (I just wish they weren't 120 miles away!)

Performance Cycle Center, Tucson, AZ
They also carry Kawasaki, KTM,...

Kmutt

This is what comes up when you do a VIN inquiry on the triumph site :

"There are outstanding service bulletins or recalls on your bike.
Please contact your nearest dealer without delay to have your bike upgraded or modified at no cost to you."

This indicates more than 1 service bulletin. I checked this about a week ago and it only listed the tires. So the gear position sensor is probably in there somewhere as well. Guarantee my dealer has no clue!!

mutt

RocketDaryl

My dealer called me today to inform me he got my clutch shaft fixed, but that there is a SB on the gear sensor and that he has ordered the part. He said he should likely have it Friday, but it could be Monday or Tuesday. They're 50 miles away so I'm just going to leave it until it's fixed. I'm not happy about the continual screw-ups with my Rocket, but hopefully all of the bugs will be worked out on it soon and I'll have a reliable bike. At least it doesn't *appear* to be a case of being a Friday afternoon or Monday morning bike, as it appears we're all suffering the same kinds of issues; clutch shafts, tires, sensors, a headgasket here and there with some, etc...

Lesson learned for me however; NEVER buy another first year model. Actually, I never do and the only reason I did is because the Touring supposedly shares the same engine that's been out for a few years, only it's supposed to have all of the updated parts.

FWIW, I did call Peter Carleo at Triumph and expressed my opinion about the issues. He took issue with me faulting Triumph for the tires as "that's a Bridgestone issue". I think he needs to ask the Ford lawyers how well that defense works. I work for a defense contractor and I could just see an Air Force General's face if I told him "Ah, sorry about that crash General, but it really wasn't our fault. I know the engine quit, but we don't build the engines. We outsource those to *insert engine builder here* so your issue should be with them in that regard.

Peter understood my frustration and was very pleasant to talk with. Additionally, he offered to pay my bill for having my bike towed Friday after stating that they really don't have to do that, but don't want the owners of their bikes to bear the full burden of these mishaps. I pointed out that he's right. They don't have to, but I also don't have to buy their bikes. I also pointed out that I just purchased my 3rd Triumph the day before (new Tiger for me). I am appreciative of the goodwill token he's extending by paying the bill, however.

Of course, none of this helps ease the bummer of missing RAA IV. Oh well, I'm trying VERY HARD to take it in stride. I will say this. I have NEVER had this many issues (as minor as some may think they are) with my newer (caveat there, my '89 was a problem child) Harleys. I sincerely hope all is fine with the bike after I get it back, as I really like the bike. I just need to have my trust restored.

Molinoman

Daryl, I hear what you are saying. In one way I would like to thank you for being the "unwitting" guinea pig for this bike, I understand your frustration. On the other hand, at least, the dealer is only 50 miles away and Dink is pretty good about getting all the updates done when he has the bike in house (which he does). Hopefully this will get the 'ol girl to a high state of reliability and you will enjoy lots of "uninterrrupted" riding in the future.

I hope that if/when I get a new R3T (if I decide to go that route, especially if the "new" Gold Wing is a color change model only for 2010) that all these "issues" will have been taken care of and maybe we will find out if the output bearing installer guy at the Triumph assembly plant was fired or not...can't believe how much that one guy has probably cost the company in good will repairs outside of warranty not counting the "in warranty" repairs. Hopefully they have a more heavy duty clutch shaft (or whatever that was that broke on you) that they are using now as well.

Enjoy your new Tiger, be sure to show your "understanding" wife how much you appreciate her for standing aside when you wanted to get your new "toy".

Dennis

47 dtg Dubai
48 dtg Home

RocketDaryl

Yeah, Dink and Julie are good folks. I think he was just as bummed about clutch shaft as I was. He was on top of getting my replacement tires so I would have them in time for the trip and he's the one that told me about the sensor (called me yesterday). It's always fast to get an appointment with them and Dink generally gets things done when he says he will. I had a couple of minor issues with regards to the delivery on my Rocket, but other than that they've been great over the years (been dealing with them since '05. We worked through my Rocket delivery issues. In fact, Dink kind of alluded to that (jokingly) Saturday after I purchased the Tiger; said he'd make sure it would be ready and he'd personally go over it. I had no doubt he would and, frankly, I'd not given that another thought since we worked it out last year. I'll say this. They gave me, IMO, a really good deal on the Tiger. I don't know if it was because of my Rocket issues or they were just simply in a position to be able to move the Tiger in and out (they only had a couple of weeks). I know it was supposed to be a demo bike for their open house; just wasn't ready in time. Other than Dink (or one of the technicians), I'm the only person that's ridden the bike.

azbbqer

When my lifter shaft broke the dealer sent it back before I could get a look at it. If there is anyone out there who might have an "extra" shaft, whole or broken, that they wouldn't mind loaning me, I like to get a look at it. I'd like to get measurements and such, to see if I can come up with a fix to the problem (other than changing it out each time it breaks). I'd be willing to pay all postage in the continental US. there's got to be a way to "beef it up" or re-design it to be stronger.

BobVC

I have a 2008 Rocket III Touring. When it went in for the 10K service, the gear position sensor was replaced under a tech bulletin. Everything thing was working fine when it went in for service. Less than 100 mi after service, the sensor failed (no neutral light and engine management light on) and it took a week for my dealer and Triumph to get together and replace it. 1K later it appears to have failed again. The neutral light is on in every gear. Also, my fuel gauge shows 3/4 full when it's full. I've also had the front forks seals replaced, all under warranty of course. I've never had this many little problems with any other new bike I've owned. I've had Harleys, a BMW, a couple of Gold Wings and many other rice burners.

HellFire

You must realize that these are 1000lb bikes (with rider) with ungodly torque, the hosepower is not even an issue ... its the torque. That kind of power puts a huge strain on EVERY part of the bike, right down to fork seals. I have yet to "smoke" the rear tire but tomorrow she gets a new one after only 8k miles. It's that damn wonderful torque, it just peels the rubber off the cord. I knew that there would be problems associated with owning a bike like this but it's the price you pay to play. I could have bought a 50 horse harley and ridden it till the tires dry rotted but where's the fun in that? I think I'm having some intermittent problems with the gear position sensor and the idle sticks at 1800rpm on occasion. She's making a funny squeeling noise right as I shut it off and have no idea where it's coming from. So I'm having issues with reliability as well but I still think it's worth the agravation, especially when the kid I just toasted at the last light pulls up and goes "WOW, what the F?"
Ya just have to look at it as a labor of love/hate and enjoy the ride.