What year Rocket to buy

[CanberraR3]

Look at the comment on the third thread, I took that as the pegs are moved back and down. I also found on line where the 09 had changed the foot peg position 100mm back and 20mm down, on the MCN site. Look for yourself.

I was thinking a non ABS model, which is an 09 and the pegs positioned more under me than cruiser style forward.

Not correct. The '09 has the pegs in the forward position like all previous years. From 2010 they moved the pegs back and down with the Roadster. The Roadster was also the first with ABS. Be wary of anyone telling you otherwise. Another common false claim is that a bike is a Classic when in fact it's a Standard (Standard in this case meaning "superior" ). The first Rockets were just known as R111s and later Standards. In 2006 (I think) they brought out the Classic with floor boards, pull back bars, dual touring seat and 2 tone paint. Many Standards have some of the features Classics (eg I have a Classic seat) so the 2 tone paint is the best give away. It doesn't really matter much these days but the book value is still higher for a Classic so plenty of people call anything a Classic. Just something to watch out for.

 

[Rocket65]

Not to be a thread hijacker but I'm looking at an 06 with 25k miles. Any problems I should look for or expect?

Listen for "rattle can" noise in the timing assembly 1200 to 1600 rpm. Also, some have reported jumping out of second gear at high rpm. I had to get the rattle can noise fixed on my 05. No transmission problems so far (only 10k miles)

 

[Durocdog]

I have a 2008 Classic with saddlebags, wind screen, factory seat, Corbin single seat, factory Roadster seat. Has 6100 miles on it. Considering selling it - just don't ride enough to justify keeping it. If you're interested, let me know. I still haven't decided for certain to sell it. I went for a ride yesterday and with the beautiful weather we're having here in Northern California, it's difficult to get rid of. But....may do it anyway. By the way, I'm 59 and have treated this bike like it's one of my kids.

 

[ponters]

Welcome. I have a 2013 Roadster. At first it had an issue with stalling on decel. Turned out to be a minor issue with the stepper motor. That's been resolved now. Other than that, I'm very happy with it.

What was the issue with stepper motor?

 

[STRIPES]

Not to be a thread hijacker but I'm looking at an 06 with 25k miles. Any problems I should look for or expect?

Any pre 08's are fine if....and that is a big IF.... the bike has had the factory upgrade package installed. Even if it has not given any problems, the design of the gears in the transmission have been fundamentally changed. The original gears are not as reliable. It makes no difference how many people have older models with no tranny issues. If you find what you think is a good deal on a pre 08 model, subtract 3K for the price of an upgrade and you will be in the ballpark of the actual value.

 

[BigAl52]

mine is a 11/07 build but first registered 1/09. It was recalled by the dealer a few months after I bought it to have the ignition upgraded. I've had no problems with the bike at all except an electrical fault that was a broken wire to the starter.
My transmission has always been clunky and always had a bit of 'backlash' at low revs. As far as I know they are common traits of a R3.
I have been told by numerous people not to use Premium fuel because it makes the bike run hot and never use the E10 with ethanol.

 

[wildchild]

What was the issue with stepper motor?

Tech said the voltage was a bit low. Me not knowing squat about electric issues accepted the answer and was on me merry way. Been running great since.