R3 Touring model differences over the years?

[SonOfJorEl]

Hi friends, I've decided I want to buy a Rocket 3 Touring. I just LOVE this look! (the model in the pic is a 2016 I think)

They don't make them new anymore so Im going to buy it used when I find one I like.

However, it looks like the Touring models go as far back as 2005 to as recent as 2017. But, what has changed over the years in these models? Looks, i'm assuming, at the very least. What else?

I've been searching online for a way to do a comparison of the various models over the years but to no avail. I'm sure they are all great but they all look so similar in the pics when I google them.

 

[Chip]

Hi friends, I've decided I want to buy a Rocket 3 Touring. I just LOVE this look! (the model in the pic is a 2016 I think)

They don't make them new anymore so Im going to buy it used when I find one I like.

However, it looks like the Touring models go as far back as 2005 to as recent as 2017. But, what has changed over the years in these models? Looks, i'm assuming, at the very least. What else?

I've been searching online for a way to do a comparison of the various models over the years but to no avail. I'm sure they are all great but they all look so similar in the pics when I google them.

 

[idk]

Year model 2005 was the first R3. The Classic came out in 2006. It has 2 tone paint, floorboards, heel/toe shifter, pullback handlebars, and a couple of other things. The Tourer came in 2007 and was an optioned out Classic.
The R3T or Touring came out in 2008. It has a single headlight, factory hard bags, and only 2 exhaust pipes. ABS started appearing on them in around 2012.
The standard R3 evolved into the Roadster around that time as well.

 

[Chip]

Well a fellow Touring fan! I think your going to get confused with the Rocket labels. The Rocket your posting is the Rocket III Touring. This sold from 2008 to??? I haven’t seen a Touring after 2015. Some claim they were made@ until 2018. Maybe. I just haven’t touched one. I own a 2008 that’s Black with Red accent. I also own 2015 sold in 2017. This Touring is Red with Black accent. The bikes are virtually identical. The newer bike has ABS. Big difference in stopping. Also I’ve been tod the newer bikes have less problems with the detent spring. I sure hope so. I’ve changed the sting twice on the 08. I’ve put 65,000 miles on the 2008. I’ve got 4,500 on the 2015. The picture you see with my info is the 08. I did the work on the trim package. The 2015 is virtually stock. I still take the Dresser on the vacations. I like the ride better and it’s a lot better at highway riding.
if your looking for a TR3T, I would buy 2013 or newer. That gives you ABS and less miles. Good Riding.

 

[Tripps]

Only difference I can think of is they fixed an ignition issue in 2010, and added abs, not sure exactly when, other than someone before me said 2013.

 

[Ransom]

The early 08s did not have the fog lights, front crash bars or backrests standard. They were an option.

 

[Chip]

The early 08s did not have the fog lights, front crash bars or backrests standard. They were an option.

I must have got lucky. Mine had, has them. I’ve noticed the bikes without the fog lights. I Wondered why someone would take them off. Thanks for the info.

 

[SonOfJorEl]

Thank you in advance for all this valuable info. I’d love to see some more comments and suggestions.

 

[martym52]

The early 08s did not have the fog lights, front crash bars or backrests standard. They were an option. My 2009 did not have fog lights, it came as a bare model with a windshield.

 

[SonOfJorEl]

Am I reading this right? Rocket 3 vs Rocket III? Same bike, correct? Sorry, having a stupid moment here