Considering an 07 R3

[slydog75]

Looking to get back into motorcycle s after not riding for about 15 years I have a lead on a reasonably priced R3 with 18k miles. I've been perusing this forum for a day or so trying to determine what the common issues are. Unfortunately it seems like one of those common issues is the transmission locking up which scares the bejesus out of me. How common is this actually and is there a way to reduce the chances of it occuring? And is there anything specific I should check on the bike if I go look at it?

Last is the R3 too much bike for me since I'm just getting back into riding after a long hiatus? I'm a big guy (6'1", 300lbs).

 

[Boog]

Hello Slydog and welcome from Virginia.

First, the bike is not too big for you at all. We have some smallish folk on here that throw it around like it was a rag-doll. And we have a few guys who bought an R3 as their first bike and lived to tell the tale.

What year of bike are you looking at. Before we get into the difference, that will help us give you a better impression of what to look for.

On the issue of transmission locking up, that was the first few years and most of those bikes are either out of service now or have been corrected.

 

[slydog75]

Thanks for the info. The bike i"m looking at is a 2007.

 

[breeze]

where in this great land are you ?mines an 07 no trouble at all except finding road time

 

[Forrest]

Welcome from Colorado Sly!
I second what wise Boog said about it not being too much bike. It will You won't hear from most of the guys who have had tens of thousands of trouble free miles because they're still enjoying their rides and not apart of this forum. You just get to hear from the gentlemen here who self report common issues which is a fraction of all the fully functional rockets out there. I had the same concern when buying my Rocket but after the first ride I didn't stand a chance of walking away. I was hooked! You can check all the common things prior to a new(to you) bike purchase. Tires, cables, oil, coolant, lines, hoses for damage from age as well as a nice test tide!

 

[slydog75]

Thanks all, I"m in the Philadelphia suburbs. I'll check back in if I get the bike.

 

[TURBO200R4]

welcome from arizona
the early rockets some would pop out off 2nd the rockets around (2014?)would loose a clip and lock up.
just a small percent.
u can get it into 2nd and do wot but i would advise against u doing this

 

[MIG]

WELCOME! ...and I'm looking forward to see if you closed the deal. If you do, be prepare to sport a new Permanent GRIN!...
-MIG

 

[slydog75]

Is 18k a lot of miles for an R3? How many can I expect to get before it becomes a pain to keep up with?

 

[Steel]

Is 18k a lot of miles for an R3? How many can I expect to get before it becomes a pain to keep up with?

I have an 06 with 137K. I'll let you know when she starts giving me problems.