Considering R3 2005

[rainman]

I have bought 3 rockets one classic main problem with it got totaled then bought my ole lady a r3t no problem then I got me a 08r3t also 46000miles And the only issue was a blown head gasket at bout 9500 miles btw get black it's faster

 

[Jackson]

Get the bike. You want it! As you can see, there are loads of people on the site that will help you out. Enjoy the ride.

 

[rocket3jjd]

I had an o5 graphite until it got totaled
My brother has an 05 red one and our friend has an o6 black one
I replaced my 05 with an 08 black one
Personally I wish I still had my 05
It was a better bike IMHO the fit and finish was better
The frame is better
The gauge cluster was nicer with its flip up mount which I saved from my 05
The three of us have hade no problems with our bikes
That being said I would go with which ever looks like the better bike to you
There all great bikes
I depends on if you like red with a grey motor
Or black with a black motor
Good luck trying to decide
And welcome to the fun

 

[tdragger]

Welcome and good luck on your search. As you well know, all bikes have their quirks and its no different with the Rocket. Early models tend to have more issues than later models.

I have an '06 Standard in the faster color Black. The reds look nice but you must remember that you sacrifice something in the name of vanity.

If you are looking at an '07 or earlier, especially anything less than 15k miles, you will most likely need to replace the Primary Throttle Position Sensor. The earlier parts will have a black interior whereas the replacement part will have a blue interior. The problem manifests itself as the "high idle" issue where the throttle seems to stick around 2000 rpm (+/- 300 rpm). Since the TPS is basically a rheostat, it develops a flat spot around the position held for normal cruise. Most Captains begin to experience issues somewhere north of 12k miles.

'06 and earlier (and the rare '07) may also experience the "paint can rattle" issue. The early model cam chain tensioner had some issues on but it wasn't widespread as the TPS issue above. The "paint can rattle" would occur after a cold start. Under easy acceleration you could heard a knocking sound as you passed through about 1500-2000 rpm. The noise would go away after the engine warmed. Just something to watch out for.

Lastly, the only truly mandatory mod (and I'm sure others will agree), is to add a headlight relay kit to any model that you end up with. In Triumph's infinite wisdom, the headlight circuit passes it's full power through the ignition switch which has lead to numerous cases of ignition switch failure. This is a must do and to ignore it is risking being left stranded somewhere. You can roll your own or there is a high quality kit available from a Canadian living in Japan. He has a kit specifically made for the Rocket which makes for a truly easy install. It can be found here: www.easternbeaver.com

I have 40k on my '06 and would not hesitate for a second to take off on a cross country trip on it. Some have reached 100k miles with several upwards of 70k.

Again, good luck on your search.

 

[Dennsell]

Welcome.
I own a 05 R3 and there are some early design problems, I hear many owners never have any issues with the 04 - 05 models.
I had a full Triumph upgrade kit fitted to mine after a noise appeared in the drive shaft area, bringing it up to 09 specs. so far so good at 28000 kms, I am not a gambling man so I would go for the 07... you'll luvit

Just my opinion

 

[TxRIIIRider]

My '04 has 63K+ miles and the motor has never been opened except for a valve shim clearance check a while back. I have had some minor issues over the years. The main one is my local service department. But the Austin dealer does have a good service department, so I just have to travel a little farther if it's a problem I can't handle or don't have time to handle.

My experience with modern Triumphs ('00 Thunderbird Sport, '00 Trophy 1200, and my Rocket) is that the motors.. especially the transmissions, don't really get broke in until about 40,000 miles. My Rocket, like the previouse bikes did, shifts better than ever now and runs great, if not better than ever right now.. I wouldn't hesitate to get on mine and ride anywhere right now..

Every once in a while, I contemplate selling it. Mainly because other brands have more dealer support. But when I get on an hit the throttle, I always tell myself "What was I thinking?!".. lol

 

[dandiego]

There was one for sale in the local CL for $5500. I almost bought it.

Almost.

 

[sloggernobber]

Wow, what an incredible amount of information, thanks so much lads! I am now feeling a lot more relaxed about the bike and am going to buy an R3. I will call the dealership that has the R3 and doing the clutch mod to see if he will also do the TPS while he is at it. The headlight power through the ignition switch? Someone wasn't thinking there at all - definately getting that part from EasternBeaver.
I will let you know what the outcome is, stay tuned.
Nigel

 

[CanberraR3]

Just get it (if you're up to it). We have a discussion thread on here where people have posted general common problems. 77 posts in 3 years, many with similar problems or just a rant because they were pissed off at the time. Look at the first few and the last post especially. By comparison there were over 2000 posts in 7 months about a ring we had made! You should be able to reassure yourself that these are great, reliable and unique machines that will make you very happy. And if you have problems, help is here.

http://www.r3owners.net/common-issu...issues-question.html?highlight=general+common

 

[HansO]

Oh By the Way Red is Faster, don't let these other poor suckers (who bought black one)Tell any Different