Hello from New Zealand - 2004 Rocket III - Project Bike

[Nige]

Hi all,

I have started the strip down of the bike and I thought I would post a few pics so people can see I am not butchering a good bike but restoring my machine with some intimate touches.

The bike is pretty rough from being left outside and NZ does not put salt on it's roads so much of the damage IMO has been caused by Triumphs painting/chroming practices at the factory.

I'm still not sure where to go with the plan but breaking the bike down is opening me to options as I pull her apart. I also found a small leak on the water pump which seems to be a fairly common issue.

Photos!...

 

[Nige]

Hi all,

I have started the strip down of the bike and I thought I would post a few pics so people can see I am not butchering a good bike but restoring my machine with some intimate touches.

The bike is pretty rough from being left outside and NZ does not put salt on it's roads so much of the damage IMO has been caused by Triumphs painting/chroming practices at the factory.

I'm still not sure where to go with the plan but breaking the bike down is opening me to options as I pull her apart. I also found a small leak on the water pump which seems to be a fairly common issue.

Photos!...

Hello all that follow this today, tomorrow or even years from now.

This is my low kilometre 2004 Rocket 3. It has had a bit of surface rust from previous owner not looking after her (scumbag) and now she is in my care I am going to transfer her into something a little different. I wanted to make sure I captured as much of the process as possible (to the extent I took the exhaust off but then put it back on for the photos).

So here is the progress for this week as I continue the strip down and design phase. At this point I am thinking of making her a Bobber rather than a Cafe Racer. Need to do a bit of cutting to the frame though which I am reluctant to do.

 

[Clay]

Welcome mate, hope you have fun with your project. Be good to watch your progess.

 

[geno]

Hi all,

I am new to the forum and looking for some guidance (via searching forums first of course) on doing a full custom of my 2004 Rocket III I bought from my father in law. It only has 7,000 kilometers on it so pretty fresh engine but the body and paint is a bit tatty after being left outside for a while (previous owner) and needs coil replacement due to intermittent cylinder drop when hot.

I want to make it a bit special and give it a retro cafe racer'ish look with the front end and bars. Move it to single seat and chop the rear and front fenders. I had a Storm which I modded heavily before and looked outstanding but the R3 to me appears to be a harder canvas to play with.

Anyway, I am looking forward to any advise or guidance from the people in this forum!



Here she is, ready for the chop! ...

Welcome brother, I also have a 2005 r3 with less than 2700 miles, you have a very sweet machine their, enjoy and :Be Safe"

 

[geno]

Yes, I like that one a lot and I was also thinking something like this for inspiration too

I've seen this bike before, very nice" especially the spoke wheels, "Good Luck"

 

[vini]

Hello Nige. Good luck with the re-style mate. I know what you mean as I also find it harder to decide what can be done with the rocket. Most other bikes seem quite easy to imagine different styles with by comparison. Maybe they got it right already? All the best, great bunch of blokes on here

 

[Nige]

Bike 99% finished after the mods....photos to follow!! I just need some indicators, stop light and number plate bracket. All thoughts welcome.

 

[mr hunt]

Bike 99% finished after the mods....photos to follow!! I just need some indicators, stop light and number plate bracket. All thoughts welcome.

Well you can't leave us hanging...

...and no pressure but it better be good 'cos I just noticed f6b in your bike least - your credibility is on the line

 

[Nige]

Here is the project so far...still a bit to do with Lights, Exhaust/Muffler, tyres, grips, seat and side mount number plate bracket.

Styling and design not for everyone but in the flesh it looks badass!

 

[Paul Bryant]

That looks great Nige, I like it