Gearbox Trouble with 2013 Rocket III Touring

FWIW, I had a challenge with finding neutral, and developed a practice where I anticipate needing to be in neutral and shifting there before coming to a stop. I also note it will not go into first easily until I blip the throttle.

I don't see it as a problem -- just how this bike operates.

That said, I would be a bit concerned if I didn't see the neutral light. For idiots or not, I find it comforting.

I surely hope someone is not blindly going to take the the bike apart for this.
 
scot in exile said:
In the MSF training circles we have a name for the neutral/green light we call it an idiot light in the manner you should never trust it 100%, not having a green light should not hamper any kind of riding one bit.
Click to expand...

I am ok without the green light, but I noticed if I catch the neutral without it, the first after this is not dependable and may pop out once I start moving. However, I can learn to live with this if others experienced it and it doesn't get progressively worse.
 
Yeah.... sounds like you might be a little lite footed... lol

I came from sport bikes so when I drop my Roadster in first I think the trans is going to explode sometimes.
 
Ok here's my two cents. Like other have said clutch slack very important. Double clutch before you put it in 1st gear from netural and it won't pop out. Yes the tranny starts loosen up around 3k. Last but not least change your oil so you know you have the correct oil in their. (Full synthetic 4T oil) my bike (2013 R3T) had similar brake in issues and I think you will be ok. I would not let anyone break into my engine for these symptoms!!!!! Good luck and enjoy!
 
Lots of good advice already. These guys are great with their knowledge of Rockets. I agree with everyone, let it break in, change your oil and make sure it is Full Synthetic as per the owner's manual, adjust your clutch cable and do not rely on the idiot light. In fact put a piece of black tape over it until you get it dialed in. New bikes are great but you need to get them loose. Have fun, ride hard and dont be afraid to slam that shift peg into gear.
 
I almost never put my bike in neutral....At a red light I just go down to first gear and hold in the clutch while waiting for the light to change to green. About the only time I use neutral is for pushing it around or when changing the oil etc.
 
A lot of times I start off in second from a stop sign or red light because starting off in first it doesn't take long at all I have to shift to second. The R3 engine has so much torque that it doesn't struggle starting off in second.

However is there a downside to this? Bad on the clutch, other parts etc...?
 
mully95 said:
Yeah.... sounds like you might be a little lite footed... lol

I came from sport bikes so when I drop my Roadster in first I think the trans is going to explode sometimes.
Click to expand...

The opposite, I haven't ridden a sportsbike, it hasn't suited my "needs". Took the Aprilia Tuono for a ride last week - no comments other than the gearbox, but the Aprilia is beyond words. Having said that, the R3 Roadster has done all that I've asked for - 5 years and 64,000 klms, ........... but I've missed out on a lot over the time I've owned it - A lot!!!
 
There is a reason for first gear. Especially in traffic, and the clutch would love you for it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

2011 Rocket iii Touring Transmission & Final Drive Q & A
Replies
7
Views
530
TURBO200R4
New Rocket 3 owner
Replies
4
Views
77
Kiwicol
Possibly picking up a Rocket III next week and have some questions.
Replies
3
Views
422
Mike188
Stalling Issues on 2025 Rocket 3R
Replies
3
Views
56
wildchild
Newbie on the rocket side
Replies
8
Views
108
Mike188
Menu
Log in
Register