Considering to buy 2018 Rocket 3

Maximark

Standard Bore
Joined
Jan 18, 2025
Messages
4
Location
Park Ridge, NJ. USA
Ride
Kawasaki Versys 1000LT 2015
Hi everyone, I’m considering to purchase 2018 Rocket 3 matte black with white racing stripes and only 2000 miles on it. Bike has been sitting for 5 years since owner passed but it starts and engine runs seemingly good. I know I’d need to go over brakes and change oil and battery but is there anything that I should be aware of? I noticed check engine light on but I turned it off after only 5 minutes since it’s parked on slope and wasn’t sure of oil condition- if it gets everywhere it needs to go to… you know what I mean.
I’ve been riding Kawasaki V1 for many years and never dealt with Triumphs. I’ve always played with japs.
Any insight?
 
Tires that old could be a problem.
You need to check the codes to see what code is in there.
 
I wouldn't run it with the old gas. If there's not much in it now you can just top it off before driving it.
I recently bought one that had 3 year old gas in it. Ita also a 2018 flat black with stripes.
I used a dipstick oil evac pump to get the gas out. Not room for anything much bigger than that to get around the inner tank hump.
One common issue is loose connectors on the coils wires causing intermittent misfire, confusing the ECU which then cuts that coil off completely until the next time the engine is started.
Easy fis is to smash the female spade connectors closed slightly with pliers until they're a little difficult to push back on . #2 and 3 are very easy but #1 is sorta buried deep in front under the tank. You can unbolt it's bracket and twist the coil ar to get to tge connectors.

The tank is hinged in back and has a little prop rod for it stored under the tank on the right.
Check the files here and RocketIII FB group to look for free downloadable parts and service manuals. Get both!
Check the oil after it's been running because when it's sitting the oil tank slowly drains into the crankcase.
 

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Thank you for all advice. I’m definitely draining the tank although there’s not too much in tank and I added 3oz of stabilizer and was planning to add 2gal of fresh gas hoping that it’d dilute condensed ethanol but I guess it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Tire’s are basically new but I’ll definitely see how they’ll feel on the road- if I’d feel the ground contact spots.
Wzuccarello, can you drop a link to that downloadable parts diagram if possible?
There are no accessories on the bike. Only a small pouch under headlights but I think it came with bike.
Thanks again for all advice.
Mark
 
Sounds like a great find. I'd have no problem purchasing the bike even with the engine light. One necessity is to acquire TuneECU. This is a downloadable program you can use to access the ECU to reprogram, tune engine, adjust speedo, read codes, diagnose, etc etc Triumph motorcycles. It is available for Android use for a fee but is free (older form) for Microsoft systems (that's what I have on my laptop). You should use the Lonelec interface cable TUNE ECU KKL INTERFACE CABLE LEAD FOR TRIUMPH & MORE MOTORCYCLES - Lonelec to access the OBD port since it is compatable with the TuneECU program. There is a ton of info on the older Rocket Roadster model you are considering here on the forum. If you are looking for accessories, this site usually has an active buy and sell section but some parts are getting harder to find. Have fun on the beast. You will not be disappointed.
 
One more thing I just noticed that fuel gauge is not showing anything although there’s at least 2gal of gas. That’s besides error code P0638 2nd throttle control system malfunction. Called triumph dealership and rough estimate is $2K…
I can check if sending unit works but 2nd throttle malfunction scares me a bit
 
You might try clearing codes and may be they won't come back
Anyway it is worth a try I have done that on another bike with that code.
 
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