I am considering a 2006 R IIIClassc

14,000 miles. Any insight would be appreciated. How does it compare with newer models? Mechanical issues? Performance?

I'll leave the advice to others more familiar with that model than I am, but I will take this opportunity to welcome you to the Forum from Sunny South Florida.

You're going to find that this is a great place to hang out with nice guys who are very knowledgeable about all things Rocket III.

I have that model, but only have 110,000 miles on it. I wish this weather would improve because I am ready to put the next 100,000 on it.

Ask if it has had the update kit put in. They don't all need it, but there is around 20 hours labour if it does. The usual sign that it is needed is if the bike jumps out of 2nd gear under hard acceleration. Apart from that, enjoy.

One other thing which should be done is a headlight bypass operation. There is a kit from Eastern Beaver that does this. It will give you brighter headlights and stop the ignition switch from giving you problems. It is a cheap mod.

As far as power goes, with free software and a $20 cable you can get all the power that is available. With air filter and exhaust, you can get a lot more.

The only major difference on the new models is ABS.

Davemn said:

14,000 miles. Any insight would be appreciated. How does it compare with newer models? Mechanical issues? Performance?

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I have the 2006 standard without the upgrade and 30 000 miles on the clock (living in alberta ride for 5 t6 6 six months only )
never had an issue so far ..just this winter I noticed the idiot light about engine management "on " and a small leak at the oil tank Oring nothing serious I trust the whole package to take me back and forth on all my rides. do not know how it compare to newer model? in performance probably not much in comfort a bit since the footpegs were moved back I have installed jardine exhaust and ramair filter and it is plenty power as it is.

Sounds like low miles on 06. Unsure about earlier years but motor seams to be a rock.

Welcome to the forum. Not that it really matters but you might want to be sure you're actually getting a Classic. These days you see a few R3s being sold as Classics when in fact they're not. The engine's the same but there are some significant differences between a Classic and a Standard. The Classics were all 2 tone for a start, and Standards were a single colour. Classics also had low-set floor boards and pull back handle bars, a dual touring seat instead of a tandem and cone shaped exhaust tips. Of course a lot of these features have been added to Standards - eg I did the seat - or changed on Classics, so the real give away is probably the paint (look for the initials of the person who hand painted the gold pin stripe).

Personally I prefer the Standard because it has pegs and flatter bars, and mostly because it's what I have. Others prefer Classics. Either way, the '06 is a good model with many of the bugs of the "first edition" Rockets ironed out. I have over 65,000 trouble free km on my '09, which is not only more than I've ever put on a bike, it's more than I've ever put on a car in over 40 years of riding/driving. With only 14,000 miles on the one you're looking at you should go for it.

I got my 2007 classic last year with 13,000 miles. I think there is little or no difference between the models. I've been really happy with mine, all I can say is see if its possible to test ride (if you are new to rockets, be very cautious and get familiar with the weight and balance and of course the power before getting too comfortable behind the handlebars)...look it over real good for signs of leaks or misuse. Shop around a little and check several others to compare if possible. The '06 might not be as powerful as the new models due to the low gear restrictions, but that can be modified as idk67 stated. Good luck!

Having the update kit put into my 2006 classic with almost 40, 000 kms due to the 2nd gear issue. All else has been ok.

I've got a 2007 plated Rocket III .. bought it new in January 2009 .. done 120,000 + klms on it since then .. happy owner, buy another one no worries.

06 is a very good bike I had the classic until it got totaled the only problem I had with mine was a head gasket started leaking at bout 9800 miles with only 14000 on it it is only now starting to get broke in
also make sure the drive shaft and final drive has been greased