04 Rocket OK?

[triumphtrophyrider]

I've got a chance to buy a very low mile (<1000 miles) 2004 Rocket III for about $8500. I've searched through the forum and was still wondering if there are any issues with this model year that I should pass on the deal. It looks like there was a recall for the idle surge issue. Since it is has very few miles I'm a little apprehensive that there may still be some warranty issues lurking and this bike is well out of the warranty period due to the model year. Any opinions? What about the price I'm being asked to pay? Thanks.

Pete

 

[Bishop]

WAY too high of a price.

Talk them down to $6k.

 

[RocketEd]

Some '04s had issues with the cam drive nut coming loose (Paint Can Rattle), clutch lifter arm, torque shaft output bearing going out, the final drive should have been recalled, the oil pan was changed on the later Rockets, don't know why. There may be other things I've forgotten.
All of these issues are handled with the Upgrade Kit which is often being installed free regardless of the bike's age. I would think the most important thing is to have a good/sympathetic dealer available.
I'll defer to Jugg's on the price, as I'm finding them all over the place.

 

[Mitchcpc]

I don't know..

I don't know, with my Rocket being in the shop now for 5 days with another 5-6 weeks before it is out (having the upgrade kit installed) $8,500 for an 04 with no miles as a back-up is looking pretty good. I'd buy it for 6K today if I found one with <1000 miles on it.

If it develops the paint can rattle, there is a chance (but not a sure thing) Triumph would warranty the repairs. I agree with RockerEd, the most important thing is to have a good/sympathetic dealer available. You might want to discuss the purchase with the dealer beforehand.

 

[triumphtrophyrider]

Thanks for the info. I've looked into the prices on eBay, Craigslist, etc. and haven't seen any '04s but the '05s with 5,000 or less miles are pushing closer to $10,000. I'd be great to get it for $6k but I doubt anyone who has one would sell it for that. The info on the mechanical problems is very helpful. I still am unsure if this is the bike for me (I've already got a Triumph Trophy, Bonneville, Tiger, and Thunderbird Sport) but I had to look into when I heard about the low miles and what I thought was a good price. It appears that the Rocket III wasn't as sorted out as a lot of the previous models from Triumph since it has had a good share of recalls and service bulletins. I've been up and down on considering this - power is interesting, styling is so-so. My biggest attraction is that I don't have one! Thanks guys.

Pete

 

[dunringil]

04 rocket

It is my understanding that the rocket III came out with 2005 as their first model year. The 2005 rockets were first available in July ish, of 2004. I have one of those rockets myself. It is a 2005 rocket and it came with a certificate signed by the president of triumph stating that it is one of the first 100 rockets manufactured.

I have had no issues whatsoever thus far. However, I remain concerned about some of the issues, mine has had none. 18,000 miles and fitted with an aerocharger turbo. SO it undergoes a little additional stress than most.

steve

 

[Triple Trouble]

There are no '04s as such. In North America they are all registered as '05s. Regardless of how it is registered they are all from the same production run.