Gearbox Trouble with 2013 Rocket III Touring

[Joesmoe]

FWIW, I had a challenge with finding neutral, and developed a practice where I anticipate needing to be in neutral and shifting there before coming to a stop. I also note it will not go into first easily until I blip the throttle.

I don't see it as a problem -- just how this bike operates.

That said, I would be a bit concerned if I didn't see the neutral light. For idiots or not, I find it comforting.

I surely hope someone is not blindly going to take the the bike apart for this.

 

[Alex K]

In the MSF training circles we have a name for the neutral/green light we call it an idiot light in the manner you should never trust it 100%, not having a green light should not hamper any kind of riding one bit.

I am ok without the green light, but I noticed if I catch the neutral without it, the first after this is not dependable and may pop out once I start moving. However, I can learn to live with this if others experienced it and it doesn't get progressively worse.

 

[Fingers]

When you put these beasts in 1st gear make sure to put a bit of force into it they usually clunk alittle wheñ put iñto 1st gear.

 

[mully95]

Yeah.... sounds like you might be a little lite footed... lol

I came from sport bikes so when I drop my Roadster in first I think the trans is going to explode sometimes.

 

[Jag]

Ok here's my two cents. Like other have said clutch slack very important. Double clutch before you put it in 1st gear from netural and it won't pop out. Yes the tranny starts loosen up around 3k. Last but not least change your oil so you know you have the correct oil in their. (Full synthetic 4T oil) my bike (2013 R3T) had similar brake in issues and I think you will be ok. I would not let anyone break into my engine for these symptoms!!!!! Good luck and enjoy!

 

[Rick Morris]

I bought a slightly used 2013 Rocket III with just about 1200 miles on it. Almost right away I started noticing that when I downshift from 2,3,4,5 gear I can not catch a neutral. So say when I need to stop at intersection, I have to downshift all the way to the first and then back to neutral, otherwise the neutral is not quite there and the green light indicating neutral is off. Even if I chose to stay in this faux neutral, I can not shift to first reliably after that.
I took the bike to a dealer and they said they need to take the transmission apart and quote about 20 hours of labor, but what concerns me is that they act like they've never seen anything like this before. Which means they may take it apart and put back together at my expense and still not solve the problem.
Has anyone heard anything similar to this? DO you know if there are specialists in Chicago land area who can correct the problem other than official dealers?

Thanks in advance.

Lots of good advice already. These guys are great with their knowledge of Rockets. I agree with everyone, let it break in, change your oil and make sure it is Full Synthetic as per the owner's manual, adjust your clutch cable and do not rely on the idiot light. In fact put a piece of black tape over it until you get it dialed in. New bikes are great but you need to get them loose. Have fun, ride hard and dont be afraid to slam that shift peg into gear.

 

[Jeff Cameron]

I almost never put my bike in neutral....At a red light I just go down to first gear and hold in the clutch while waiting for the light to change to green. About the only time I use neutral is for pushing it around or when changing the oil etc.

 

[mully95]

A lot of times I start off in second from a stop sign or red light because starting off in first it doesn't take long at all I have to shift to second. The R3 engine has so much torque that it doesn't struggle starting off in second.

However is there a downside to this? Bad on the clutch, other parts etc...?

 

[gra53]

Yeah.... sounds like you might be a little lite footed... lol

I came from sport bikes so when I drop my Roadster in first I think the trans is going to explode sometimes.

The opposite, I haven't ridden a sportsbike, it hasn't suited my "needs". Took the Aprilia Tuono for a ride last week - no comments other than the gearbox, but the Aprilia is beyond words. Having said that, the R3 Roadster has done all that I've asked for - 5 years and 64,000 klms, ........... but I've missed out on a lot over the time I've owned it - A lot!!!

 

[Rick Morris]

A lot of times I start off in second from a stop sign or red light because starting off in first it doesn't take long at all I have to shift to second. The R3 engine has so much torque that it doesn't struggle starting off in second.

However is there a downside to this? Bad on the clutch, other parts etc...?

There is a reason for first gear. Especially in traffic, and the clutch would love you for it.