Triumphrat

bikerjoe · 09-10-2006

Would be interested on opinions on this. Took RIII for 50km ride last Sunday. All well but as soon as I started the return journey heard nasty sound. Engine cut out when going downhill in 3rd prior to changing up. The engine was warm-ish. Took bike to dealer where it had oil change, tune-up and replacement of 2 rusted spark plugs (strange in itself). Picked bike up 2 days later and still horrible clattering sound that eases or disappears when clutch is engaged. Mechanic claims that it is normal loud RIII gearbox noise but I disagree because it came on suddenly and wasn't there for the bike's first 13,000kms. I'm taking the bike back to the dealer next Monday when I think he will suggest that the tappets be adjusted. What worries me is that the sound will still be there afterwards. I'm not much good at describing noises but it's a combination sounding like air being blown into a box and clattering.

Any ideas out there? Thanks.

LukeSkyWalker · 09-11-2006

bikerjoe -
I have the 05 Rocket and have not had any transmission issues with it. I did have to have the output shaft bearing replaced at 3500 miles.
Since you ride the 06 model, have you had the engine noise / rattle produced around 2000 RPM?
It kinda sounds like a valve knock or timing chain rattle but to my knowledge, no one has had a fix for the problem.
I have it with my 05 and I'd like to get a feel from the 06 owners if this problem still persists.
Any issues like this with your 06?

rktmn3 · 09-11-2006

I ride a 2005 with 24,000 miles on it. I am having the gear box replaced right now. Just riding a long on a Sunday and all of a sudden this strange noise that got worse and then the engine stopped. Ended up stuck in second gear.

Since I purchased this bike new I have had the transmission, motor bearing, and throttle bodies replaced. So, why not the main gear box too? What could be next?

ch

bikerjoe · 09-18-2006

After getting a 2nd opinion from another mechanic I finally got an admission from the Triumph dealer that the bike needs a gearbox bearing replaced. Disappointing on 2 fronts, firstly that I had to get a 2nd opinion from a non-Triumph mechanic to get the dealer to admit that there was a problem at all (mechanic took it for 3 test rides no less and still maintained that the noise was normal), and secondly that this sort of repair should be needed after only 13,000km (8,000 miles). The repair will be done under warranty but I can't say I have a lot of faith in the mechanic's ability to repair if he can't even correctly diagnose. Unless he's full of BS of course. :-/

travelguy · 09-18-2006

hey luke, strange you should mention that , what i would describe as a lifter noise at about 2k rpm. i noticed that on my 06 with only 350 miles on it.

LukeSkyWalker · 09-19-2006

Great....not what I wanted to hear.
I was hoping that Triumph addressed this "issue" with the 06 model.
I'm hoping that my friendly Triumph shop can/will adjust the valves to eliminate this very annoying problem when I drop it off for the 10,000 mile checkup.
I'll keep you posted.

RocketEd · 09-19-2006

Luke, mine has had the dreaded rattle can syndrome for over a year and 9000 miles now. It is especially bad at startup until heat and oil pressure have built up a little. Valve clearance has nothing to do with it, as mine are spot on. My guess, and I emphasize guess, is that it is in the cam chain tensioner system.
Some mornings it is unbelievably loud.

RocketEd · 09-19-2006

Quote:

On 2006-09-11 14:51, rktmn3 wrote:
I ride a 2005 with 24,000 miles on it. I am having the gear box replaced right now. Just riding a long on a Sunday and all of a sudden this strange noise that got worse and then the engine stopped. Ended up stuck in second gear.

Since I purchased this bike new I have had the transmission, motor bearing, and throttle bodies replaced. So, why not the main gear box too? What could be next?

ch

I'm trying to decide what this says about the Rocket and its owners that you haven't sold the thing yet. Man, I feel your pain!

RockIIIt · 09-21-2006

bikerjoe...........what dealer are you talking about? , you can pm me if you wish , I tried to pm you but not enough replies to allow this yet.
I am on a 06 R3 classic , now with 600 kms on clock! and in the south west of Sydney, had no problems so far with dealer , but just in case !