Advice from You Rocket Captains

[BigAl1952]

I consider myself a Rocket private first class after reading some of your post here so I have a question for you long time rocket captains. I have a 2005 as you know with 9300 original miles on her. I have owned it about 2.5 years. The only issue I have had with her so far is the high idle issue which has been cured for now. I haven't been able to ride it much for the last 18 months because of that issue. But I have read and heard about other issues with these earlier models. Some say that there are many out there with no issues at all . I have been looking at newer rockets. I found a 2012 locally that looks good about 14K on her. Would you keep the 05 or upgrade. Again there is no issues with the 05 now it runs and shifts great. I just cant make up my mind. Al

 

[MikeDeY]

I can't figure out how one becomes a Captain. Age? Time riding? I dunno. As for your choices, I dunno.... I love my 2011 Roadster, and have put quite a bit of money into fixing my screwups. I guess I coulda scrapped it and bought a new one, but I take pride in fixing things. Do what feels right.

 

[cardinal93]

If you've got the EB kit (or something similar) installed and the update kit, I'd keep that silverback! You'll know whether or not the update kit will be needed in the next 10k. Seems to consistently start the trans issues between 10-20k miles.

 

[Boog]

I say keep the 05. They quit making them 10 years ago or so. All kidding aside, the monetary value drops so much that most people will say it is not worth fixing. I disagree since the cost of a new one or recently used one is so high. Just keep up on regular maintence and the bike should last as long as you do.

 

[Rocket Scientist]

You could just buy a vat of black paint, dip the entire bike in it, and PRESTO instant Roadster !

 

[CanberraR3]

The ABS would be worthwhile.

 

[idk]

The Abs is about the only thing I would upgrade for, but I only have 120,000 miles on my 06.
btw, if you are piloting a Rocket, then you are a captain.

 

[BigAl1952]

Cardinal the EB relay kit was the first thing I added to the bike when I bought it. So I have that covered. As far as I know it doesn't have the upgrade kit.

Idk thanks for the Rank upgrade

Fred Black sucks. I love the colors Fred. Whoever is in charge of paint jobs at Triumph needs to stop discriminating against colors on the Rockets.

Really I just wanted to be like Warp and have a Rocket for everyday of the week

 

[TRIIICK]

Knock on wood my 05 has been good to me. FYI.. there was a recall on the idle problen that my dealer fixed no charge.
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/motorcycle_recalls/49/2005/triumph/rocket_iii/89088.html

 

[warp9.9]

Cardinal the EB relay kit was the first thing I added to the bike when I bought it. So I have that covered. As far as I know it doesn't have the upgrade kit.

Idk thanks for the Rank upgrade

Fred Black sucks. I love the colors Fred. Whoever is in charge of paint jobs at Triumph needs to stop discriminating against colors on the Rockets.

Really I just wanted to be like Warp and have a Rocket for everyday of the week

Hey I only have three and a Sprint ST, no dealer in the area. Man I went to the local Honda dealer yesterday to pick up a new helmet (somehow all mine have hit the pavement ) and as I walked in the door there was a 08 Speed Triple staring at me that came in on a trade under 12K mileage. Of course I immediately thought hmmm that would look good in my stable and Richard makes a TTS kit for it It would be a nice bike to play around locally
Alas my wife has finally asked the question "how many bikes do you need? "
Personally Al I would keep the 05 even if you have to add the update kit at some time I would just order it and place it on the shelf. Also you should pop the tank up and apply some silicone calk to the back sides of the main wiring harness plugs to the gauges. One of the things in the update kit is a new male and female plug in and separating the tach from the harness and on its own plug. This was because the OEM ones had a lack of water tight integrity some silicone can definitely prolong the life of the original plug and why you have the tank up you can separate them clean the terminals and apply some dielectric grease to the terminals before you plug it back in. This is something anyone who has not had the update kit installed on and is before the VIN number in the update kit. after that the bikes were built with the new plugs in the harness already.