Rocket III Newbe looking for advice

[Steve Block]

Hi,

I normally hang-out in the T3 forum as I use a 97 Sprint for my commute. However, I'm seriously looking at getting a Rocket III, and I'd like to ask a few questions before I take the plunge.

I'm currently torn between getting a new 09 machine or saving myself in the region of around £ 1,700 looking at a 06 machine with just over 1K miles on the clock.

Can somebody let me know how critical the break-in is on these motors?

The reason I ask, is that I understand from the dealer that the rev limit is gradually increased as the bike clocks miles up from 0 to 1000. My concern is that buying second-hand (and without a warranty) may be a bad idea if somebody hasn't had the patience to break the bike in properly (i.e. gradually). Or, is the motor's so incredibly robust that it's unlikely to have any significant impact.

And I have to ask, with 2.3 lt of displacement, what kind of mileage can I expect out of a full tank, ridden hard, putting around town, motorway use?

Any advice, greatly appreciated,
Cheers

Steve

[Diego]

Break-in is not really that critical on this engine.

Having said that, I would be a lot more leery of a bike that has been used as a demonstrator than one which was the property of a single private owner, of course. The latter has more vested interest in the long term outcome. Other than that, I would not hesitate to buy a used late model Rocket that looks to be in good shape (starts easily, rides well, doesn't burn oil, or have visible leaks or dings or odd tire wear patterns).

By late model, though, I'm not sure whether I'd include a 2006. That was the year during which Triumph gradually made some modifications curing certain problems to which the first year models ('05s) were susceptible, but it's hard for individuals to determine which --if any-- of those fixes are included in their particular bike. Also, £1,700 doesn't seem that big a savings for what is now a four year old machine, low mileage or not; plus, you kind of have to wonder why it only has 1000 miles on it.

If you could find a 2007 model or newer, you could probably feel more confident owning it. Just my thoughts, anyway.

[Steve Block]

Many thanks John, the model info is really useful. It sounds like most of the original bugs were sorted out in the 07 model going forwards.

I agree, a 2 or 3 year old bike (from a dealer) does sound like a demo machine, there's some significant deals flying about in these times on new bikes, I'll think I'll look into this area a little more.

Do you have a ball-park figure for MPG or miles per tank?

Cheers
Steve

[Apollo_18]

I usually figure aproximatly 34 to 36 miles to the gallon, so at 6.3 gallons on a standard '09 Rocket III, I would be sitting alongside the hiway after aprx 214.2 to 226.8 miles.

Cheers !!!