Looking to buy a rocket soon

[Rocket Tone]

Hi names Tony I've been shopping around for a new bike for maybe 4 months now yamaha raider and Honda's vtx 1800 were top on my mind until i test drove a rocket, that thing blew me away! i was expecting a heavy pig of a bike but it was maybe easier to drive than an old Honda i had,i even did a couple u turns to test the slow ride and it was great far easier than i could have imagined.

well I've found a classic with bags, windshield, boards for the passenger, maybe a couple other things but its got roughly 36000 miles, he's asking $6k negotiable. the guys military-I'm ex military and said he's got all the services done at a dealer never had an issue. I'm nervous about this because its far away I'd be flying down and driving the bike back about an 8 or 9 hour drive I'd hate if something happened. Is this to much of a risk? I feel like i can get a deal of a lifetime here but this will be my first triumph and also the longest trip I've taken on a bike yet i want to be Sure I'm making the right decision.

I want this bike because it is different, powerful, and seems like one my girl will enjoy to ride with me on. Also its red which i hear is the fastest color...

Sorry if this has been hard to read I'm a bit excited and am typing this on my phone right now.

 

[Evil Mitch]

Welcome to the site Tony
Im sure u are going to love the rocket 3 .
If the big girl has been well looked after it shouldnt be a problem.
But without actually seeing the bike their is always that risk i guess
anyway welcome from Australia and good luck mate

 

[ponters]

Hi names Tony I've been shopping around for a new bike for maybe 4 months now yamaha raider and Honda's vtx 1800 were top on my mind until i test drove a rocket, that thing blew me away! i was expecting a heavy pig of a bike but it was maybe easier to drive than an old Honda i had,i even did a couple u turns to test the slow ride and it was great far easier than i could have imagined.

well I've found a classic with bags, windshield, boards for the passenger, maybe a couple other things but its got roughly 36000 miles, he's asking $6k negotiable. the guys military-I'm ex military and said he's got all the services done at a dealer never had an issue. I'm nervous about this because its far away I'd be flying down and driving the bike back about an 8 or 9 hour drive I'd hate if something happened. Is this to much of a risk? I feel like i can get a deal of a lifetime here but this will be my first triumph and also the longest trip I've taken on a bike yet i want to be Sure I'm making the right decision.

I want this bike because it is different, powerful, and seems like one my girl will enjoy to ride with me on. Also its red which i hear is the fastest color...

Sorry if this has been hard to read I'm a bit excited and am typing this on my phone right now.

Gday from Melb Aus and welcome to the site. Mate I cant offer any opinion on price value as I'm across the pond and things are different here. My bike is a tad newer so not 100% on all the quirks with a classic but you might want to ask him if he has had any ignition issues. I understand that most countries have had a Triumph recall on some of the ignition wiring. If that has been done thats a good start. I am positive many of the guys on this site will help you with the technical side of things if you need help.

One thing I can confidently say, this bike will be a passion of yours and provide you with a silly grin every ride...it is an addictive thing that all Rocket Captains suffer but hey, its a great thing to live with.

 

[CanberraR3]

Another Aussie welcome mate. VTX is a great bike and probably the best Jap cruiser but you're dead right about the Rocket. No need to tell you you're choosing the correct bike. And yes, the red ones are faster.

As for a 9 hour excursion, that's up to you. If the bike's in good nick and has been looked after it will be a doddle; just depends on whether your butt is up to it. Why not see if the seller is prepared to ride it half way (and maybe hop on a bus home). At least you'll know what his confidence level is and not have such a long ride yourself.

 

[vanguard138]

I would find out where he has had the maintenance done on the bike and see if he would authorize the dealer to let you know what has been performed on it.

 

[RKTNMYPKT]

What year is it? I read through the post a few times, did I miss it

 

[TRIIICK]

Just curious what year it is..if the price is negotiable check the tires they can be a bit pricy to replace.. Good Luck

 

[CanberraR3]

It's 2012 Jim.

But you're right, he only says it's a Classic, so presumably '06-'09.

One thing though, Tony, you mention that it's red and also that it only has passenger boards. You may not be aware but Classics are 2 tone and came with rider boards. You might want to check that it is actually as Classic and not a Standard. A red Classic would be either Red with white inserts (blood and bone) or black with red inserts - I think they were the only 2 combinations. There are other minor differences too, such as different bars and different badges on the side tins, dual seat (as on my bike), I believe a lower top speed (limited), but all could have been changed over the years I guess.

Standards are of course the very best and fastest of the lot, so not a huge worry; just want to make sure you're buying what you think you are. If it's older than '06 it definitely isn't a Classic. One model, the Classic Tourer in '07, had a grey engine; all the other Classics had black. Pre '06 Standards had grey motors.

Sorry to be confusing but if you post some details we can probably tell you what it really is.

 

[TOMCAT]

I would find out where he has had the maintenance done on the bike and see if he would authorize the dealer to let you know what has been performed on it.

I'd be asking for quality resolution photos covering the complete bike .. photo of forks , photo of front wheel , engine close-up etc etc. Then you will see how it's been looked after . I'd also phone the Dealer that has done services and find out what you can about the bike and rider. It's too late once you've bought it hey. Never can be too careful

 

[Evil Mitch]

It's 2012 Jim.

But you're right, he only says it's a Classic, so presumably '06-'09.

One thing though, Tony, you mention that it's red and also that it only has passenger boards. You may not be aware but Classics are 2 tone and came with rider boards. You might want to check that it is actually as Classic and not a Standard. A red Classic would be either Red with white inserts (blood and bone) or black with red inserts - I think they were the only 2 combinations. There are other minor differences too, such as different bars and different badges on the side tins, dual seat (as on my bike), I believe a lower top speed (limited), but all could have been changed over the years I guess.

Standards are of course the very best and fastest of the lot, so not a huge worry; just want to make sure you're buying what you think you are. If it's older than '06 it definitely isn't a Classic. One model, the Classic Tourer in '07, had a grey engine; all the other Classics had black. Pre '06 Standards had grey motors.

Sorry to be confusing but if you post some details we can probably tell you what it really is.

Just incase u didnt realise Canberra is joking about the standard being faster both bikes are equal