Rocket: 2006 vs 2013/14

Nenlow66

Standard Bore
Joined
Feb 14, 2016
Messages
9
Was considering getting a new Rocket, but I found an 06 with less than 20k miles for 6k. Even though I want a new one, 6k instead of 13k+ is doing some talking.

I'm trying to research as much as I can: did 06 have the tranny issues to look out for? Is the ride/performance on an 06 drastically different than a newer roadster?
 
I believe they did have problems but most were fixed pretty sure you can find out if update was done from the vin# and have local dealer check.other more knowledgeable members will be along shortly.
 
Some had problems some did not. That being said what you want to do is look for something in 08 with the last six of the VIN number higher then 337294 and you will be by that worrisome era. Not that you could not get lucky so I do not want to dissuade you. If you want to know if it had the full update kit in it look under the tank and see if the ignition plug has been changed. The new one will have crimps and heat shrink on the wires.

Now as for the performance it depends on whether the bike has been tuned/modified to release it like the roadster.
 
My 2006 has been perfect since day 1. Currently 32,500 miles. I have an up-date kit on the shelf should the need arise. It came in a beautiful bright red. You know ... the fastest color. My bike is only slightly modified and it out runs a stock Roadster. Oh, and Roadsters only come in dull or shiny black.

Now the advantage of the Roadster is ABS brakes. Very nice to have as the back brake on standards can lock up quite easily with to much foot force. Takes a good rider not to lock it up. The Roadster also has a all the engine up-dates and a revised foot peg position and different settings in the ECM for increased power over older stock standards.
 
Last edited:
Nenlow66

I bought a 07 new, a 08 in 11. Went bikeless for about two years, way to long.

I faced the same question and on my birthday in Feb bought a 13 Roadster.

I would not be concerned about an older Rocket, newer ones have issues also. I came very close to another 07 but for me I realized antilock brakes are a game changer. I did a test ride and checked the brakes, nearly went over the handle bars, no lockup.

I really miss the 3 pipe look and don’t care for the 2 megaphone pipes but the heart and soul is all Rocket.

By the way I got my 13, 8500 miles. Tires with 400 miles, a fresh service with several goodies installed for $8,500.00. Don’t be afraid to go low, they can only say no.

Jay
 

Bill,
I have more miles on my 2012, bought new at the end of the year!
What you state regards to ABS is right-on!
 
My '06 Classic is doing well so far. I "stole" it for $6500 with 1750 miles on the clock. Only issue I have had was a broken spark plug(apparently from the factory) and a loose connection on the #1 ignition coil.
 
I bought a 2007 with 6K miles last summer. I wanted a new one but couldn't deal with the foot peg placement. I asked the dealer to retrofit it but they didn't want to do it because of warranty issues. Otherwise, I'd have a new one, if for no other reason than the ABS.
 
I Just got a 2005 with a ton of Ks on it. I rode a couple of new roadsters 14,15 mod's. I actually found the the 05 more comfortable to ride, like a pair of old boots.
I found that the brake pedal was alot further down and harder to apply on the newer mod's (this could be changed). My personal preference is a bike without ABS,
plus a cheaper bike leaves more cash for aftermarket alterations.
 
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