I purchased my new 2006 rocket classic in march this year. I totally love the bike so far, but have to say that the purchase experience at the triumph dealer I went through left much to be desired. There were alot of unanswered questions as well as phone calls not returned. Simple common courtesy by my standards .They didn't seem to have answers to some very simple and reasonable questions. Not to mention they didn't really seem to care once the sale was made.. This has me concerned about future dealings with them with regards to ongoing service. The dealer also gave me advice or information that was contrary to what I read in the owners manual and therefore, I am hoping to have several things clarified. I'll try not to right a book, but already I'm headed in that direction.
To start, they said that regular grade gas--not a higher octane gas was ok. The manual states a minimum of 89 octane? They didn't really give specific parameters with regards to the break in period of 500 miles. Only not to go over so many rpms and try to take it easy. They also had another rocket on the floor which had been altered with aftermarket pipes--eliminating the single pipe on the left side. I liked the way it looked and it sounded better. They said it increased the hp by 13. Since it involves removing the catalytic converter, I asked whether this would make the emissions system illegal--they said absolutely not. In my manual, it states--if I understood correctly--that any adjustment to the exhaust/noise control system could possible negate certain aspects of the bikes warranty/coverage in the event of a problem..Is this true and if so- does this apply to anyone who puts aftermarket pipes on a bike--for example--those superloud Harleys? The fact that they endorse this and aren't aware of the ramifications bothers me.
My second round of questions involves cleaning the bike. After reading all the recommendations and precautions in the manual-frankly I'm a little nervous about getting it wet.
There are so many things to be careful of I couldn't believe it. I want to keep the bike looking sweet like it does now, but I don't have 5 hours a week to commit to this. Question: Are most "automotive car soaps" "ALKALINE" in nature? This is a no no, but I couldn't see anywhere on the container where it stated this. Question: What does the word Proprietary mean exactly? As in a Proprietary brand of Aluminum Cleaner--non abrasive and non Caustic. I found a brand in the auto store which appears to be for aluminum rims on vehicles. Is this the same thing, or not? If it is similiar, my next question is can this be used on chrome as well or only on the non-painted brushed aluminum parts such as clutch and brake levers and or forks. I always thought that chrome got polished. Yes or no? The exhaust system has a whole other set of rules. After washing, they recommend a product called MOTOREX 645 CLEAN + PROTECT to preserve the finish. Being from the USA , I am beginning to wonder if some of these products don't exist here. I couldn't find this anywhere. If this is the case, can someone recommend an appropriate substitute? Also with regards to the brake discs. The manual recommends not lubricating them and instead using an "OIL FREE BRAKE DISC CLEANER". Once again, a product I found was brake parts cleaner in a spray can and said nothing on the listed ingredients about being "NON_OIL". The same idea or not?
Well as you can see by now, I'm obsessing with this whole idea of keeping the bike in good condition. Is this for good reason--all you who already own the rocket--or am I way overreacting?
Sorry I wrote a book for my first forum input, but as you can tell, I wasn't given much to go on by the dealer. Hopefully some of you out there can help clarify these points for me and let me just relax and enjoy this awesome machine.
Soberdude
To start, they said that regular grade gas--not a higher octane gas was ok. The manual states a minimum of 89 octane? They didn't really give specific parameters with regards to the break in period of 500 miles. Only not to go over so many rpms and try to take it easy. They also had another rocket on the floor which had been altered with aftermarket pipes--eliminating the single pipe on the left side. I liked the way it looked and it sounded better. They said it increased the hp by 13. Since it involves removing the catalytic converter, I asked whether this would make the emissions system illegal--they said absolutely not. In my manual, it states--if I understood correctly--that any adjustment to the exhaust/noise control system could possible negate certain aspects of the bikes warranty/coverage in the event of a problem..Is this true and if so- does this apply to anyone who puts aftermarket pipes on a bike--for example--those superloud Harleys? The fact that they endorse this and aren't aware of the ramifications bothers me.
My second round of questions involves cleaning the bike. After reading all the recommendations and precautions in the manual-frankly I'm a little nervous about getting it wet.
There are so many things to be careful of I couldn't believe it. I want to keep the bike looking sweet like it does now, but I don't have 5 hours a week to commit to this. Question: Are most "automotive car soaps" "ALKALINE" in nature? This is a no no, but I couldn't see anywhere on the container where it stated this. Question: What does the word Proprietary mean exactly? As in a Proprietary brand of Aluminum Cleaner--non abrasive and non Caustic. I found a brand in the auto store which appears to be for aluminum rims on vehicles. Is this the same thing, or not? If it is similiar, my next question is can this be used on chrome as well or only on the non-painted brushed aluminum parts such as clutch and brake levers and or forks. I always thought that chrome got polished. Yes or no? The exhaust system has a whole other set of rules. After washing, they recommend a product called MOTOREX 645 CLEAN + PROTECT to preserve the finish. Being from the USA , I am beginning to wonder if some of these products don't exist here. I couldn't find this anywhere. If this is the case, can someone recommend an appropriate substitute? Also with regards to the brake discs. The manual recommends not lubricating them and instead using an "OIL FREE BRAKE DISC CLEANER". Once again, a product I found was brake parts cleaner in a spray can and said nothing on the listed ingredients about being "NON_OIL". The same idea or not?
Well as you can see by now, I'm obsessing with this whole idea of keeping the bike in good condition. Is this for good reason--all you who already own the rocket--or am I way overreacting?
Sorry I wrote a book for my first forum input, but as you can tell, I wasn't given much to go on by the dealer. Hopefully some of you out there can help clarify these points for me and let me just relax and enjoy this awesome machine.
Soberdude