Would you buy a 2005 Rocket 3

[atomsplitter]

I've had mine since new in 2006. No trans problems at all. If it was going to have one, it would have done it some time back. Not all the 05's had the tanny issue. If you want to be 100% sure it doesn't have the bearing problem, buy a 2013 model.

 

[TriumPhil]

Many of the first year models have been "factory trouble" free, however som e have required all or parts of the "upgrade kit" at wildly disparate mileage readings. the factory problems with bad bits and pieces was pretty well ironed out by the middle of the 07' production run (around April or May of 2007), so buying one of the earlier bikes that hasn't had any of the upgrade work performed is a bit of a crap shot. The 09' models and beyond have many new factory installed component upgrades, particularly the electronics, and they have shown themselves to be pretty bullet-proof, the 08s' just a bit less so. If I were shopping for a used R3 today, it would be for an 09' Classic (two-tone).:Tip-Hat:

 

[Blastedbones]

T.P.,One of my friends has an '08 classic... he had to get the tranny upgrades done ( warrantied)...
'course, the bike could have been MADE in 07,or from 07 parts, but registered as an 08?

 

[STRIPES]

The way the gears in earlier Rocket transmissions are configured totally different. The way they mesh when sliding back and forth on the shafts has been improved greatly to avoid the notorious first/second issues. If you ever miss a gear (second) while under power it will cause you problems. If you don't dog it, it may last indefinitely. Whatever you pay for it mentally add ~$3K because at some time, you will probably need the upgrade kit that includes gears, harness, switch, rear bearing, etc. Then you have to contend with someone doing the work. Personally I wouldn't buy anything that has not had the upgrade kit installed unless you plan on babying it for a while then selling.

 

[xhdskip]

Wife's '05 hasn't had any problems,
not even the TPS issue.
My '07 on the other hand had the output shaft bearing go,
and the TPS.
So yep, it's a crap shoot I guess.
Both are well under the vin number there the
upgraded changes occurred.