may be buying an 05 r3

[hegels]

I may be buying a . what kinds of things should i check when i go look at it? I know to check for service history, but what should i ask has been done about the paint can noise? how about the headlight relays?


2005 Triumph Rocket III Cruiser, 2300 CC Fuel Injected. less than 16K miles, new rear tire, Saddleman Hard Bags, Candy Apple Red Metallic in color, Jardine Header dual exhaust system, fuel gauge, clock, performance upgrades, road driving lights, Mike's Custom Gel Seat, lots of add on chrome,

thats just a bit from the ad. other common issues i should ask about?

thanks,
Steve Hegel

 

[kremmen]

Hi Hegels,

Top of my head I would check if the ignition key wiring is solid ( plus wear on cables on / around top yoke).

Transmission noise very difficult to guage unless you have ridden another.

Good luck

Paul

 

[zimtuff]

thats just a bit from the ad. other common issues i should ask about?

thanks,
Steve Hegel

Ask the seller about the tuneboy software and any info about the re map.

 

[JRock]

Ask him if it ever pops out of 2nd gear after a hard 1-2 shift under full throttle.
In other words, ask if the Transmission Upgrade Kit has been installed.

 

[atomsplitter]

Ride it and see if it's been taken care of. All the rest you can sort later.

 

[zimtuff]

Check the suspension.If its still the original it will probably be a bit tired and will cost $600 for something decent to replace it. Its a night and day difference between old OEM shocks and new aftermarket gear.

Check out the the chome and the wheels close up for corrosion

 

[RocketEd]

If it is a very early '05 the cam drive bolt has fit issues, ask if it has been replaced or you risk cam dirve failures.
The clutch basket, lifter, etc. have all been updated several times since that model.
Ditto what others have said on the ignition switch/wiring.
Squeeze the front brake on. Unlike your Roadster you will very likely be able to squeeze the lever all the way to the grip.
Ask what tune is in it. Mine ran stupid hot.
Check for noise, vibration or oil leaks in the drive shaft/rear drive area as these can all be signs of output bearing failure coming. Not at all unusual on early bikes.
Listen for the dreaded "paint can rattle" as this was prevalent on the early bikes.
The kickstand on the early models was different from your Roadster and stands the bike up straighter. Not a big deal maybe, but I found it to be a pain having to plan my parking. The very early ones could also be pant leg grabbers when you go to put your foot down.
Stock shocks will not give the ride you had on your Roadster.
It will very likely not shift as well as your Roadster.
No ABS.
I'm just saying that in my experience the early Rockets are a noticeably different bike from the Roadster. Maybe those things will matter to you, maybe not.
I see people asking $10K + for their '05's. This for a 6 or possibly 7 year old bike that can be bought new and much improved for $14K. Just my personal opiniion, but especially in this economy these are 7 or $8,000 bikes that have to be considered to be at least partially project bikes unless they have recently had an Update Kit installed.

 

[hegels]

this particular bike is on craigslist for 7400

 

[RocketEd]

Much more reasonable than the guy in Lake City who still wants $10,500 for his '05 with the horse saddle on it. Sounds like a good value worth looking into IMHO.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/2490742400.html

 

[zimtuff]

Much more reasonable than the guy in Lake City who still wants $10,500 for his '05 with the horse saddle on it. Sounds like a good value worth looking into IMHO.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/2490742400.html

Whats he smoking? The saddle bags look like they have been run over by a truck and the horse saddle looks like ****e. I guess its the "air cooled" conversion that pushes the cost up.:mrgreen: