Bike is coming out of storage, what should I focus on?

Hello
I’m the new owner of a beautiful 2012 Rocket 3 Roadster. The bike went through a fairly comprehensive service appointment by the previous owner in 2019, but since then he only rode it for less than 1,000 Kms. I bought a new battery and changed the oil, are there any other fluids I should be changing? I’m located in Calgary, AB. Bike was/is stored indoors.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

check fuel tank, fuel lines, brake fluid and driveshaft oil.

The first thing I'd focus on is selling it and buying the new generation.

It is probably due for fresh fluids everywhere besides the oil you did. Brake fluid should be changed. I'd put some fuel conditioner in the tank. In the US I use SeaFoam with great luck. Check the hoses as it is over 10 years old. How old are the tires? Might want to think about replacing them if fairly old.

Definately flush the cooling system and clean the overflow tank. Flush the brake fluid. Look inside the fuel tank for rust. Anything rubber is suspect.

atomsplitter said:

Definately flush the cooling system and clean the overflow tank. Flush the brake fluid. Look inside the fuel tank for rust. Anything rubber is suspect.

Click to expand...

Siphon gas from tank, get running, bring up to operating temps., drain and change all fluids and filters, including brake fluid and antifreeze. Check fuel hoses in tank and external. Replace tires and grease driveshaft spline. Then she should give you problem free riding.

KSD_II said:

Hello
I’m the new owner of a beautiful 2012 Rocket 3 Roadster. The bike went through a fairly comprehensive service appointment by the previous owner in 2019, but since then he only rode it for less than 1,000 Kms. I bought a new battery and changed the oil, are there any other fluids I should be changing? I’m located in Calgary, AB. Bike was/is stored indoors.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Click to expand...

Thanks to all who responded. Another question. What is this rod/tool required for? Other than holding my “safety bell“?!

KSD_II said:

Thanks to all who responded. Another question. What is this rod/tool required for? Other than holding my “safety bell“?!

Click to expand...

tank prop

Taz said:

The first thing I'd focus on is selling it and buying the new generation.

Click to expand...

If I had money, I'd be trying to buy it from you 'cuz I think the older ones a way cooler than the new generation.

Taz said:

Brake fluid should be changed.

Click to expand...

I always suffered with changing brake fluid and bleeding until I found this little gem from Hazard Fright. It's designed for autos, and can be used by one person by putting the supply bottle with one of the included adapters in your master cylinder. With a bike, it does need another person making sure to keep the master topped off so you don't suck air. But it will swap out fluid in minutes and you shouldn't even have to bleed it when you're done.

if fuel was left in the tank you will probably have some swollen or even cracked fuel lines inside the tank plus the fuel filter might be a wee bit suspect.

Hello and welcome to the site. Congrats on one fine purchase. I too have a 2012 Roadster with 70,000 kms on it. Great bike.
Some questions.
1. How many kilometers are on the bike?
2. Did the previous owner outline what he did when he performed the comprehensive service in 2019? The owners manual should have been filled in if done by a dealer.
3. How was the bike stored, especially during the .... winter... brrr... heated garage, outside, under a tarp etc etc? Also, was it parked for extended period in the sun (kills the sidewalls on your tires)? Was the fuel tank kept full during the winter or drained?
4. When was the bike last run?
5. Do you have a copy of the owners service manual which lists when fluids and adjustments/checks should be made?
6. Is the bike stock, if not what has been done to it?

Just trying to get a feel for the condition of the bike. Knowing what the mileage is will determine how many of the recommendations the fellows proposed need to be done right away or at a later date.

I would take the time to check and tighten all the fasteners and wiring connectors. What comes typically loose for my ride are the exhaust header nuts, rad shroud bolts, primary coil wire bayonet connectors (can cause misfiring when loose), foot pegs attached to crash bars (if equipped).