Used Rocket 3 buying help.

[alpental]

Hello !

After a GAP of 6 long years, I have finally decided to buy a used motorcycle to drive during summer and fall season. I have found a 2005 Rocket 3, priced at USD 5.5K, 10K miles on it.

Before I go ahead and make this amazing buy - I need some help and guidance !

1. I would urge you not make a "joke" out of this - but my past motorcycle was a 180 CC - 2nd biggest motorcycle you could buy on a budget in India at that time. I always wanted to buy a big bike for cruising, on the highways - and I have the rocket 3 on my mind (2094 CC). I am fearful if this motorcycle will be too much for me ? Anyone bought this as their -second or first motorcycle ?

2. What are a couple of things I must request the past owner to specify, before I buy this bike ?

Please help me out !

Thanks
Sandeep.

I bought a R3R as my first bike a few weeks ago and love it. Haven't dropped it yet (knock on wood) or even had any close calls (knock knock knock!). But I'm a bigger guy and am pretty confident muscling it around.

My 2 cents is that if you're honest with yourself and find that you're fearful of the bike, it's probably not the right choice. But if you respect its size and power, and have the confidence and maturity to go along with it, then you can get on and do well.

 

[Randy]

All great answers to your questions...take your time! This is no toy its a real big bike with lots of HP. When ridding a R3 you always have to consider where you park and how your going to get out when your ready to leave. Slow speed turns etc. can be a challenge until you understand the bike. If you take the time to learn the bike you will never buy anything else. These are the bikes of all bikes...enjoy!

 

[Jag]

I've had mine almost 2 years and I'm still learning how to get the most out of this monster and their is always more to learn. Driving a motorcycle is more difficult than flying a helicopter. According to MSF. as long as you can plant both feet on the ground and have enough strength to muscle around the bike ( esp at low speed) you will be fine. Good luck and have fun finding the right motor for you!

 

[alpental]

I've had mine almost 2 years and I'm still learning how to get the most out of this monster and their is always more to learn. Driving a motorcycle is more difficult than flying a helicopter. According to MSF. as long as you can plant both feet on the ground and have enough strength to muscle around the bike ( esp at low speed) you will be fine. Good luck and have fun finding the right motor for you!

I can speak from experience... The less experience you have with this bike, the greater your squat needs to be!

 

[ken]

It was nearly 12 years between bikes my last one being an old Honda 750 four, then jumped to my classic. I thought to myself you never forget how to ride a bike, well they are no ordinary bike, I drove from the dealers and craped myself at the first set of lights.
Footboards were in the way and I was nearly not fast enough getting my feet down, also when I moved off footboards were in the way and the ride position is totally alien but comfortable to a standard bike. I took my time with her and 6 months later I am still learning new things about her, especially in parking lots and always to back in to a space so you can ride out instead of looking a fool if is slightly up hill.
Just take your time a be very careful if you get one

 

[Boog]

Hello Sandeep and welcome from Virginia. My first thought is this; if you rode any motorcycle in India for six years, you have no choice but to be a good rider. Traffic there is no joke!

I see lots of great advice about what to look for above and feel you will do well. Buy the Rocket, take your time getting accustomed to it and enjoy life from a whole new persective!

 

[Sandeep]

Update !

I went one step ahead - and bought the insurance and requested the owner ( with a down payment ) to take the rocket 3 for a ride. IT WAS AMAZING. I drove about 50 miles, and took the rocket 3 through city traffic and on the highway. I was able to touch the 60mph limit super quick, and I was able to move around moderately tight corners and intersections with a bit of effort. I guess the more I ride it - the better I learn to control the motorcycle. I think I am going to buy this beautiful machine.

Also, 3 more followup questions -

1. This motorcycle does not have a crash guard. Has anyone installed a after market crash guard ? If yes, could you please help me with a online link ?

2. The throttle handle roates freely. It appears a bit loose, as in upon rotating the throttle handle, it provides throttle only after rotating it to some extent.

3. I drove for a while, and all of a sudden, a exhaust fan kind of noise started, as if it was rapidly cooling down ? anyone experienced that before ?

Thanks
Sandeep.

 

[alpental]

Update !

I went one step ahead - and bought the insurance and requested the owner ( with a down payment ) to take the rocket 3 for a ride. IT WAS AMAZING. I drove about 50 miles, and took the rocket 3 through city traffic and on the highway. I was able to touch the 60mph limit super quick, and I was able to move around moderately tight corners and intersections with a bit of effort. I guess the more I ride it - the better I learn to control the motorcycle. I think I am going to buy this beautiful machine.

Also, 3 more followup questions -

1. This motorcycle does not have a crash guard. Has anyone installed a after market crash guard ? If yes, could you please help me with a online link ?

2. The throttle handle roates freely. It appears a bit loose, as in upon rotating the throttle handle, it provides throttle only after rotating it to some extent.

3. I drove for a while, and all of a sudden, a exhaust fan kind of noise started, as if it was rapidly cooling down ? anyone experienced that before ?

Thanks
Sandeep.

Awesome, glad you love it and that it feels so right!

1. I installed the Triumph dresser bars up front. They look great and are high quality, and will help a lot if you drop the bike. Triumph lists the pair for $295 but my dealer sold them to me for $220. Install was $60, but is pretty simple if you have a good stand and jack.
http://shop.triumphmotorcycles.com/chrome/id-A9758099/Front_Engine_Dresser_Bars
There are rear dresser guards available, but I read that they're ineffective in preventing damage to the bike if dropped, and are mostly cosmetic, but maybe someone can correct me.

2. Factory spec if I recall is 2-3mm for free rotation before the throttle engages. Any more than that and you'll need it tightened up.

3. The bike is water cooled, so you're probably just hearing the radiator fan. It goes on and off depending on how you're driving and the weather. Nothing to be worried about if that's what it is.

 

[Blackthou]

Well done Sandeep. Sounds like the throttle cables need adjusting. Engine bars are a Triumph accessory, I suggest for starters you look on their website.

If you buy her, keep taking it easy. Don't get carried away.

 

[Sensfan]

Go for it, might as well buy your last bike first, it will ruin every other bike on the planet for you, they will seem small.