New Rocket III

Just two days till you get your bars (captian). I've had mine for 6000 trouble free, Harley butt kicking, ear to ear grining miles. Enjoy:bch:

First Service/Warranty

Gents,
Dealer says 1st service (check all, switch to full synthetic, et al) between 600-1000 - sound correct? Good to hear the shifting smooths out; thought in might be the freeplay/clutch not fully engaged - figured they'd check it out on the service (took me a whole two weeks to get to 600 miles!!). Only other issue I've had is my brakes squealing - figure that is an easy fix also??? Finally, guess I, too, got the fuel sensor that is wacky - goes on with about 3.0 gallons remaining - figure that is a warranty fix...

Bottom Line - I love this bike!!! Think the warranty is unnecessary...
Bob

:bch:

Ride to Myrtle Beach as a Break-In

Thanks for all the replies ... I've attached my contact information below for those that may be interested.

I'm 48, was born & raised in the foothills of NC, went to school at Appalachian State, and lived in NYC for 17 years before the birth of my daughter in 1997. Extensive travel from my work has taken me all over the US, Australia, western Europe (8 times), Canada, etc. We are planning a trip to Scotland (the land of my people) for the summer of '09 to celebrate my 50th. My family and I have been in Acworth, GA (23 miles from downtown Atlanta, 5 miles from Lake Allatoona, 6 miles from Redtop Mountain, 8 miles from Kennesaw Mountain) ever since ... with no regrets in the lifestyle changes or income.

Other than riding around 10K a year and loving on my wife & daughter, my hobbies are playing music (guitar, bass, keyboard & vocals) and tennis ... it's been awhile since we got into SCUBA or sailing ... the only issue I have with Atlanta and its suburbs is that it's in the middle of Georgia.

The Traveling Men is a Riding Club comprised of Free & Accepted Masons. We currently have 15 chapters in Georgia. We have weekly rides originating at all points across the state, and chapters have opened in or are planned for SC, NC & AL. The only requirements are that you be a Master Mason, spouse or significant other, and ride a bike ... honorary members who do not ride but want to drive the chase van are also welcome.

I'm riding to Bike Week at Myrtle Beach on Wednesday with two of my brothers ... they're on Harley's and I am planning on riding my '07 Classic Tourer (still picking it up tomorrow, I now have the check in-hand from the credit union) from Atlanta to the event. Regarding the speeding post, take my advice and ride with cops ... it cuts WAY down on issues on the road.

Does anyone have any comments regarding extended highway riding during the engine break-in period? The dealer stated that since the engine is past 500 miles I'm good to go. I am picking up a demo 2007 Classic Tourer (black & cream) with 700 miles on it. I'll probably change out the oil to synthetic Tuesday night.

That's the end of my diatribe ... I've already ordered the front & rear dresser bars for my ride ... my only other, current dissatisfaction is in the factory pipes.

Be safe & have fun!

All comments are welcome!

--
Dean G. Watts, Senior Deacon
Fulton Lodge No. 216
c/o Atlanta Masonic Center
1690 Peachtree Road NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

Children's Home Ambassador, Piedmont Lodge No. 447
President, NGa3 Traveling Men, Chapter IX

DeanGWatts@gmail.com
770.560.9186

Welcome DGWatts

I have about 8k on my 2005. To this day when I start the bike in neutral so I can leave the kickstand down and shut my garage door, it seldom will slip into first right off. I give it a push down and let off the clutch a little, then reclutch and hit it hard and it goes in. Sounds trying, but I am so used to it now its like sop. Same thing happens when I come to a stop from another gear by just breaking and clutching vs. down shifting. I typically then have to repeat the proceedure above. I am sure it can be fixed, but it really does not bother me. But you can be assured, when a Hardley pulls up alongside I am checkin for first fast!

You'll have to get new pipes! Lots to choose from. There has been a lot posted about this mod. Check out Rockets Across America Thread, ride to Nashville with us, and your going to hear all the options: D&D's like mine, Jardines, Satintunes, TORs etc.

Salesmen get paid commissions to push the extended warranty.

If you want a more comfortable seat, talk to Jamie about Sheep(for)skin!

Raymond:

That's referred to as 'floating the clutch' in truckdriver lingo.

My clutch has about 4500 miles on it and it still requires special techniques for 1st gear engagement. And, occasionally dissengagement to neutral. But the later symptom is not uncommon/unlike with many sickles.

From personal experience and without the mechanical justification I dare say:
Engagement to 1st from neutral at stand still continues but the reach around is no big deal. Release the clutch partially, realizing it not engaged, then pull the clutch and tap 'er into gear. Duh, what else would you do. There should be a distinct sound, but, not the harsh rolling downshift clunk. Habitually going through this process will keep it in 1st without popping out on accel.

Downshifting to stop (Left Coast or otherwise): Just before shifting to 1st give a bit of quick braking action. The forward G's apparently lines up this or that and a much smoother downshift into 1st results (without the major clunK).

Perhaps someone here may speak of the synchros???

My first oil change did effect (improve) the shifting somewhat. But the symptoms remain at ~4500 miles. Past due on my Scotts assessment and possible interim oil change.

And welcome to THE forum. Watch you speeling and gramma. The janitor hates to clean up after us

Welcome

DG,
I am also late in welcoming you aboard. You will find Rocket life most enjoyable. The night I picked up my bike up from the dealer, I didn't think I would ever find first to get it on the trailer. The dealer said give it time to break in and it will improve with the first oil change from break in oil to synthetic. He wasn't lying. The more miles, the better the better she shifts. Enjoy the Beast......

HeR3tic said:

Past due on my Scotts assessment and possible interim oil change.

Click to expand...

Yes you are but then I wouldn't expect anything else.