I have an '05 and have just over 67K miles on it now. (and that's with it being down most of last year!). The BIGGEST problem with the Rocket is parts availabilty. My bike was down so long last year mostly because I was waiting on parts, such as spark plug wires (mine were cracked and the ends are molded on). The second biggest problem with any Triumph and I assume other brands, is dealer techinician competency. My local dealer technician has proven incompetent at anything beyond a service code, so I now use the Austin dealer, who I have been more than happy with. I try to do most of my own service, but if it starts cutting into my time, which I don't have, I take it in..
Ummm.. Primary Throttle Posistion Sensor problems.. Many of the early models have problems with the Primary TPS going bad. This causes erratic idle problems, and idle at 2000 RPM, or it won't idle at all, or anything in between. Triumph has an improved Primary TPS, which I have on mine now.. That was part of my issues last year.
A FEW Rockets have had transmission issues. The transmissions can be a bit clunky, but if it's super excessive, or if it's jumping out of gear then beware.
Tires Prices.. Metzler and Avon are expensive. However, many of us have discovered that Bridgestone now makes a 240 series Excedra Max, and a 150 series Excedra G501 (Gold Wing tire) that work on our Rockets. These tires WAY less expensive and so far have proven to be great.
1) A good price for an '05? Umm.. I had been debating on selling mine at one point. I would say about $6500 would be a good price. I think KBB is a bit more but not much.
2) See above.. overall I am very happy with my Rocket and despite lack of dealers and my high miles, I would hop on it tomorrow and take a trip across the States if I had the time!.. My iginition switch has not failed ever.. (knock on wood!)
3) Riding position is very subjective. I prefer the stock seat actually.. and I also have a Rocket Classic seat for 2-up on occaision. I ride with no windshield and a full face helmet.. I've been to South Dakota, Colorado, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma.. basically all up and down the middle of the country.. I like my Rocket III Standard peg position because I can throw my feet over them like high way pegs and just sit back and cruise.. Sometimes I fold my legs under to the passenger pegs for a different position on long days.. Others on here have there's set up more for touring than me though.
4) Like I said.. Mine is my daily driver too. I ride a 70 mile round trip to work with half interstate and half back roads.. and have no problems. and looking forward to 100,000 miles..
