Buying a Rocket III info needed

[HammerMac89]

Hey guys, I found the bike I want but it's on the other side of the country, anyone in Florida that would mind taking a look for me? I could transfer some money through PayPal if necessary

 

[geneseo1911]

Hey Claviger-
Would you care to expand on the differences between the older and newer ECU's?

 

[Mhboldt]

I would keep looking for 'the' bike that is worth the trip. I've bought 8 vehicles long distance, and on the first three I realized that I was just buying because they were available, not because they were exactly what I was looking for, and I could have waited until something closer came up.
The Rocket I just bought was 1200 miles away, and I had to buy it sight unseen because of the asking price. I couldn't let it sit a day without putting a deposit down. Make a list of everything you want in a rocket and keep looking until you find one close enough to what would be great. For me it was a newer Roadster with less than 8k miles, close to stock with only upgrades recommended on this forum. I ended up with the best deal I've ever found on a Rocket, low enough that I thought I might be getting scammed. Like someone else said earlier, read the forum posts, and figure out what you're looking for, and don't settle for less just to get in the saddle.

 

[HammerMac89]

Hey @Mhboldt, take a look at this, this is the one mentioned earlier
2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster - 610 total miles!

This is exactly what I wanted and for a good price. To top it off @Fingers said he will check it out for me. Side note I am very glad I found this site, you guys rock and have been super helpful even in the short time that I have been here. I can't wait to get a seat like @Idaho Red Rocket 3 that thing is slick

 

[Mhboldt]

Hey @Mhboldt, take a look at this, this is the one mentioned earlier
2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster - 610 total miles!

This is exactly what I wanted and for a good price. To top it off @Fingers said he will check it out for me. Side note I am very glad I found this site, you guys rock and have been super helpful even in the short time that I have been here. I can't wait to get a seat like @Idaho Red Rocket 3 that thing is slick

If it's exactly what you want, the price is good, go for it. It is 5 miles away from where I just got mine! As a side note, Illinois made me get a notarized statement from the previous owner that it was not harmed during the recent hurricanes before I could title the bike.

I have bought two cars that had ridiculously low miles on them, and both had issues like dried out intake gaskets, brake lines rusted from the inside out, transmissions (automatic) that were full of gunky fluid and exhausts that were rusted out from rarely getting warm enough. That bike has been sitting for 7 years in a very salty environment. I have NO idea if the Rocket would be susceptible to these or other issues, but if it were me I'd be looking for a bike that was more in the 'standard usage' category.

I just got mine, so I know how hard it is to look objectionably at a bike that could be perfect, but might not be the right one.

 

[HammerMac89]

Man I am really happy you brought that to my attention. @Fingers hey Fred, could you check those things if possible when you drop by?

 

[HammerMac89]

Side note, from all the pictures on there, it looks like he has a garage, he also said he just moved there, I will ha e to see from where he moved. Thanks again @Mhboldt

 

[Claviger]

If it's exactly what you want, the price is good, go for it. It is 5 miles away from where I just got mine! As a side note, Illinois made me get a notarized statement from the previous owner that it was not harmed during the recent hurricanes before I could title the bike.

I have bought two cars that had ridiculously low miles on them, and both had issues like dried out intake gaskets, brake lines rusted from the inside out, transmissions (automatic) that were full of gunky fluid and exhausts that were rusted out from rarely getting warm enough. That bike has been sitting for 7 years in a very salty environment. I have NO idea if the Rocket would be susceptible to these or other issues, but if it were me I'd be looking for a bike that was more in the 'standard usage' category.

I just got mine, so I know how hard it is to look objectionably at a bike that could be perfect, but might not be the right one.

My first bike I bought was a 2002 with 4200 miles on it, in 2010. It was in great condition as far as anyone could tell. Within 500 miles a bearing and seal had failed, which, where they were located prompted an entire engine replacement :O

I don't mean to scare you off the Rocket, as it uses a totally different design and the failure I had is not possible, but just don't go into it thinking a 5 or 10 year old bike with less than 10k miles is going to be flawless. It may look it, but the single worst thing besides crash a bike you can do.... stuff it in storage for years on end with no maintenance!

 

[HammerMac89]

https://www.smartcycleguide.com/L50024854 Can you guys check this out, a 2014 for 7k seems pretty odd!

 

[ThisGuy]

https://www.smartcycleguide.com/L50024854 Can you guys check this out, a 2014 for 7k seems pretty odd!

From my phone (not sure if it looks any different on a bigger screen), exhaust mod, missing bearclaw, random leather bag on the handlebar they couldn't be bothered to remove?, rough looking all around, auction place?, unknown mileage… I have no idea. Tons of unknowns and if they're not interested in posting a decent listing or presenting the bike in the slightest positive light, pretty sure it is just sitting there neglected, and probably has a spotty history. I'd take a look and find out what the deal is if it was down the road, but wouldn't give another look based on this ad.