OK, you Rocket Guru's

[TRI-AL]

Call me "Non-observant" or whatever, but after 4 years of "ownership" I've just recently observed a couple of "strange?" things about the beast. First off, is it "normal" for the headlight to go off while starting the bike? Just "noticed" that it does. Makes sense, but I also noticed that my buddy's "Hardly" DOESN'T! Second, while going at a good clip, is it normal for the bike to "shimmy" when you take your hands off the handlebars? (Don't ask me how I know) Tires seem to be wearing fine and once hands are replaced, seems to handle fine. So, fellow "Captains", what's the verdict?

[roadweazel]

Zero experience on the Rocket, but lotsa experience on other Triumphs and Imports.
The headlites have a relay that kills them when the starter is pushed. The headlites draw 6 amps of current each, the starter draws 75 to a hundred or more. It's easier on the system to only use one high 'draw' item at a time.
The shimmy you describe sounds like loose head bearings, but I'll let someone else tell you whether or not it's "Normal'' on your bike.
Weazel

[Tbirdnz]

Yes I've seen the RIII headlight interrupted when starting, my T-bird does and so does my CB1300. Most bikes do for the reasons outlined by roadweazel, it makes sense particularly when the battery gets older, doesn't 'strain' it as much.

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Ride on !

[Ugarte]

As others have said, the headlight is wired to go off during starting.

I have a slight bit of flutter on my Rocket when I take my hands of the bars. I have 52k on mine and have not yet lubed the steering stem bearing. My hunch is it is wearing down. I am going to replace it with an "all balls" bearing if the flutter gets even slightly worse. Hands on there is no problem at all.

[Damaged]

Your steering nut needs to be tightend...

[bozosl8]

In addition, check air pressure in front tire. A few psi down can cause wobble. Also, most tires past 50% worn begin to start "road wobble." Some brands are worse than others. My experience is Bridgestone is particularly sensitive.

33K on my `05. Less wobble for whatever reason(s) than any cruiser I've ever had.

[Ugarte]

Concur regarding the air pressure, checked my front and rear and they were low, gassed em up and now no wobble at all.

[vonbonds]

Originally Posted by Ugarte

Concur regarding the air pressure, checked my front and rear and they were low, gassed em up and now no wobble at all.

Make sure that is summer air in there too!