8 years old 5000 miles and no service history - where to start.

[Joesmoe]

Ethanol is pure politics. Learn in Economics 101 that all societies have favored agriculture, and this is just one more instantiation of that. Ethanol mandates are bad policy in almost every other respect: consumes more energy than it produces; competes with hungry people (in its current form); bad for the machines; only helps large agri-corporations and doesn't create jobs; and the list goes on.

'Tis ashame one has to purchase premium to avoid the ethanol. I understand your plight.

 

[TriumPhil]

Our three cylindered monsters will run better on the gasoline specified by Triumph (87 octane in the US). If you can't find non-ethanol fuel, add a little bit o' this per tankload and you'll be good to go... Star Brite Star Tron 32 oz. Enzyme Fuel Treatment - Classic Gas Formula-14332 - The Home Depot

The general consensus for best tire choices are Bridgestone's Exedra Max 240 or Avon radial's for the rear and either Michelin's Commander II or Avon Cobra radials in the 140 size up front, David.

Oh, and a warm welcome to the site from New Jersey, USA, Captain!

 

[kipper]

David, if you join the GLASGOW triumph owners club you'll get all the help you need. There are a few Rocket owners there including maself.The new Triumph dealership opens in feb next year at Hillington. As for tyres I've found the cobras good( been using them for years.) If you want the bike checked by a good mechanic I can recommend Stevie Brierton Arrol road Dalmarnock. He's a Triumph factory trained mech and has owned a couple of Rockets himself an knows his way around them ,He'll also supply and fit Tyres for ye without scratchin the rims! Most of the owners club use him for their servicing. See ye around.

 

[DavidGlasgowRocket]

David, if you join the GLASGOW triumph owners club you'll get all the help you need. There are a few Rocket owners there including maself.The new Triumph dealership opens in feb next year at Hillington. As for tyres I've found the cobras good( been using them for years.) If you want the bike checked by a good mechanic I can recommend Stevie Brierton Arrol road Dalmarnock. He's a Triumph factory trained mech and has owned a couple of Rockets himself an knows his way around them ,He'll also supply and fit Tyres for ye without scratchin the rims! Most of the owners club use him for their servicing. See ye around.

Hi Kip, thanks for the heads up, the new Triumph site at Hillington certainly has the acreage, I wandered past it the other day. Certainly will take your advice regarding clubs and will touch base with Stevie Brierton. Do the Glasgow Triumph owners club have ride outs, club meets etc?

 

[coolrocket]

Valves don't need to be checked until 10k, self adjusting cam chain tensioner. Looks like with the new oil, battery, tires, etc you are good to go for a while. An 8 year old Rocket with only 5k miles is a good find. Have fun!

Valve check is 20K not 10K and that's from the guys at Triumph Uk where they make them.

 

[dougl]

Metz don't last long because they're softer, which IMO makes them hold better. More important for the front which is why I got a Max for the rear and Metz for the front. I had bought my 2007 last year with 6k miles. The bike had Avon Cobras which felt brittle. They were over 4 years old with good tread. I read that tires deteriorate by 4 years. The manufacture month and year is on the tire. There weren't any rubber hoses or lines deteriorated. It depends where the bike was stored (in a garage or out in the open) and ridden (dry desert or near the salty shore). I had to change the fork seals. They don't last forever and are an archaic design. Everything else was fine except I replaced the stock suspension with Progressive and all the pads with EBC.

 

[kipper]

David, the Owners Club are going to be using the new Dealship for their meetings when it opens ,2nd Sunday of the month and yes we do have Rideouts and events.There are also Tridays Events ,I'm going to Austria Tri week next year and some of the members are arranging to go to NZ in 2019. It's well worth joining the club as there are events nationwide throughout the year as well as Discounts for spares and insurance and a good Club magazine every month. Check out TOMCC on the web if your interested. For our American friends there is now a TOMCC USA Branch newly formed .

 

[DavidGlasgowRocket]

David, the Owners Club are going to be using the new Dealship for their meetings when it opens ,2nd Sunday of the month and yes we do have Rideouts and events.There are also Tridays Events ,I'm going to Austria Tri week next year and some of the members are arranging to go to NZ in 2019. It's well worth joining the club as there are events nationwide throughout the year as well as Discounts for spares and insurance and a good Club magazine every month. Check out TOMCC on the web if your interested. For our American friends there is now a TOMCC USA Branch newly formed .

Thanks Kip, touched base with TOMCC and had some great e-mail response. Got a short stint working abroad but into first quarter next year will definitely come along and join in. Keep safe and thanks for the heads up, look forward to meeting up.