2005 Triumph Rocket III

Recalls

2 recalls name the 2005 Triumph Rocket III. Newest first.

• Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system

  Sep 26, 2007NHTSA 07V4550004,696 vehicles

  On certain motorcycles, when the engine IS returning to idle it may stall.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  If the motorcycle stalls, the rider will have to restart the engine increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy

  Dealers will inspect and download new engine management software free of charge. the recall began on october 17, 2007. owners may contact triumph at 678-854-2010.

  Full recall details →

• Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft

  Jan 7, 2005NHTSA 05V0040001,994 vehicles

  On certain motorcycles, damage to the oil seal occurred during final assembly. once damaged some of the oil in the drive unit could escape past the seal.

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  If undetected the final drive unit could run low of oil and seize causing the rear wheel to lockup, which could result in a crash.

  Remedy

  Dealers will replace the final drive unit. the recall began on january 25, 2005. owners may contact triumph at 678-854-2010.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Electrical system6
2. Engine and engine cooling5
3. Power train5
4. Service brakes, hydraulic2
5. Fuel system, gasoline1
6. Engine1
7. Structure1
8. Tires1

Latest complaints

• May 4, 2016PA30,000 mi
  Electrical system

  The rocket III has a known history of ignition failure and total electrical failure. The bike will simply turn off, often in the process of steering. The triumph rat forums are full of stories highlighting this problem, and my bike alone has had the ignition switch replaced multiple times, but triumph refuses to address the problem.

• Jun 30, 2014WA15,700 mi
  Engine

  Under acceleration, engine has a rattle like a spray paint can. I've done some research, and this IS a common problem leading to engine failure, due to a timing chain/sprocket issue. I would like triumph to issue a recall to fix this, before it fails. *tr

• Oct 12, 2013FL8,500 mi
  Electrical system
  At app. 8,500 miles going down the interstate motor just shut off. In the past year several times the instrument panel was not working. Switched bike off then back on started working. Took it to the local triumph dealer today. Owner said it was the ignition switch was failing. Told me $400.00 plus…

  At app. 8,500 miles going down the interstate motor just shut off. In the past year several times the instrument panel was not working. Switched bike off then back on started working. Took it to the local triumph dealer today. Owner said it was the ignition switch was failing. Told me $400.00 plus for part. Didn't even ask what cost to put it on was. He showed me on the computer where triumph has a modification of the new switch. Tells me there IS plenty of them going out. My understanding was there IS to much power going to the switch and he will install a bypass relay to eliminate the problem. Not happy. *tr

• Jul 24, 2011UT30,050 mi
  Electrical system
  I was riding my motorcycle to work. the ignition failed, causing the engine to quit momentarily. this problem happened on the way home, then again in the parking lot on the way into work the next morning. that evening, the engine wouldn't start at all. it turned out to be a loose solder joint…

  I was riding my motorcycle to work. the ignition failed, causing the engine to quit momentarily. this problem happened on the way home, then again in the parking lot on the way into work the next morning. that evening, the engine wouldn't start at all. it turned out to be a loose solder joint in the ignition module. numerous owners of this model motorcycle have had similar problems and have discovered that it IS due to excessive current flowing through the ignition switch. the dual headlights are powered through the ignition switch, and when a headlight ignition switch bypass relay IS installed, the problem IS solved. *tr

• Jul 19, 2011OH29,000 mi
  Fuel system, gasoline
  TL* the contact owns a 2005 triumph rocket III motorcycle. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the engine would rev very high and cause problems while shifting. The vehicle was repaired in 2007 under nhtsa campaign ID number 07v455000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system)…

  TL* the contact owns a 2005 triumph rocket III motorcycle. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the engine would rev very high and cause problems while shifting. The vehicle was repaired in 2007 under nhtsa campaign ID number 07v455000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system); however, four years later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but was not repaired a second time. The failure mileage was 29,000 and the current mileage was 30,000.

• May 12, 2009NJ15,500 mi
  Power train › Manual transmission

  Transmission linkage disconnects in side transso you either get stuck in gear or neutral 2ND time this happned. *Tr

• Sep 10, 2008SC21,000 mi
  Power train › Manual transmission

  Bike jumps out of 2ND gear or wont go into 3RD, almost got runover. The sounds from the engine appear to be like a paint can rattle. There was a recall for the rear drive locking down and the idle stalling in traffic. *tr

• Apr 13, 2008NJ1 mi1 injury
  Engine and engine cooling
  I own a 2005 rocket 3 purchased new. I have experienced many problems as I still am with engine noise (rattling). I had brought this to the dealers attention when first service was performed and was told these sounds were "normal". Also the front directional tire was installed from the factory the…

  I own a 2005 rocket 3 purchased new. I have experienced many problems as I still am with engine noise (rattling). I had brought this to the dealers attention when first service was performed and was told these sounds were "normal". Also the front directional tire was installed from the factory the wrong direction. (Dealer replaced tire free of charge). Bike stalls often while stopped(fell over once hurting leg and back) dealer said ecu upgrade was as per triumph guidelines. My concern now, that the warranty has expired, I will suffer the same fate that hundreds of rocket 3 owners have already suffered...1, complete engine failure. 2,NO help from triumph now that they have stroked us all along until the warranty expired. I for 1 can not believe that after more that 100 complaints from every website/forum/national complaint board or where ever else you read about this same problem that triumph IS not held responsible for this!!!!!! If there IS any other rocket 3 owners out there that would like to look into a class action suit against triumph america please contact to prove this action we would have to provide beyond a reasonable doubt the failure of triumph to rectify this poor standard of workmanship of its "flagship" motorcycle !. Hey nhtsa are you guys/girls hearing any of what IS being said here or across the web. Triumph knew about the substandard engine parts it used in 05 rockets changed / upgraded them on there newer models, blew smoke up all of the 05 owners butts until our warranty's were up and now are charging us unbelievable amounts of money to keep our mostly un-paid off bikes on the road. I guess that's one way of covering the cost of the upgrades that the lucky/ smart ones are enjoying now....p.s. The guys at trebour have been very professional / understanding and I believe there hands are tied by triumph. *tr

• Feb 20, 2008CA22,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling · Power train › Manual transmission
  Tl*the contact owns a 2005 triumph rocket III. the contact stated that the output shaft bearing was installed backwards. this causes the bearing not to receive oil, the output shaft to stop turning, locks the rear tire, and the upper shaft creates a hole in the engine. furthermore, the failure…

  Tl*the contact owns a 2005 triumph rocket III. the contact stated that the output shaft bearing was installed backwards. this causes the bearing not to receive oil, the output shaft to stop turning, locks the rear tire, and the upper shaft creates a hole in the engine. furthermore, the failure causes the engine to lose oil and the rear tire to become slippery. the manufacturer IS aware of the failure and are repairing the vehicles that were sold overseas, not the ones sold in the united states. the manufacturer would not assist because the contact took the vehicle apart, which was not covered under warranty. the engine size and number of cylinders were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 22,000. updated 03/11/08. *lj

• Oct 12, 2007VA200 mi
  Power train › Driveline
  I own a 2005 triumph rocket motorcycle that produced excessive engine noise because of worn key ways in the cam chain. I was told when I first purchased the bike that these noises are normal. having researched web sites concerning this issue I have found that his IS prevalent in 2005 rocket 3…

  I own a 2005 triumph rocket motorcycle that produced excessive engine noise because of worn key ways in the cam chain. I was told when I first purchased the bike that these noises are normal. having researched web sites concerning this issue I have found that his IS prevalent in 2005 rocket 3 models due to the above listed problem. triumph has fixed my problem by replacing all the cam chain components via warranty, but many other consumers are suffering from the same issue and their warranty has expired. *jb

• Oct 10, 2007WY7,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline

  Lower timing chain sprocket failure. Destroying engine,and possibly locking rear tire at speed. *jb

• Oct 10, 2007FL4,500 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Engine
  I have a triumph rocket III motorcycle. 2005 model year bought it in oct of 2004. It came with a two year unlimited miles warranty. After owning for about one year I started to developed engine noise/vibration, I took it to the dealer/service center where I bought it and they kept denying that it…

  I have a triumph rocket III motorcycle. 2005 model year bought it in oct of 2004. It came with a two year unlimited miles warranty. After owning for about one year I started to developed engine noise/vibration, I took it to the dealer/service center where I bought it and they kept denying that it had a problem and that they couldn't detect the noise or vibration. I took it to another local triumph dealer/service center for the same issue, they had it for over two weeks, and they claimed they could not detect any noise or vibration, and they charged me shop rate fees for the assessment, claiming that since they could not find anything then they could not write it up as a warranty claim. Now my two year warranty period IS over and now the vibration IS so bad it can now be determined that it IS a problem with the crankshaft sprocket to the timing chain. And they want over 1500 dollars just for parts. It IS known to be a common problem with this engine. My inquiry into this problem with other rocket III owners revealed that triumph IS aware of a specific lot of timing chain sprockets that were substandard. My contention IS that this problem with my bike should be covered under a recall, or under a extension of warranty for circumstances as described above. Of the many owners that I know that have had this part fail it will take out the chain and both camshafts will stop turning and bend all of the valves and in some cases it has broken the pistons. I believe my engine should be fixed by triumph before it becomes a catastrophic failure. Right now I can still ride it, but I feel that it could break at any time, and it can lock up the engine/cause crash, but I am only hoping that a recall or admission of responsibility will come. I am still paying $363 dollars a month for this thing and cannot fathom that I should have to fund this mistake on their part. No pun intended. Thanks.... *tr

• Oct 10, 2007WA30,300 mi
  Engine and engine cooling › Engine
  Timing chain, sprockets, blades and tensioner are constructed and engineered under substandard guidelines causing failure of one or all timing components and engine failure which could result in the loss of vehicle control and cause a vehicle crash. triumph has updated the design and construction…

  Timing chain, sprockets, blades and tensioner are constructed and engineered under substandard guidelines causing failure of one or all timing components and engine failure which could result in the loss of vehicle control and cause a vehicle crash. triumph has updated the design and construction of these components in later model years but has not issued a recall for the earlier years containing the faulty components. instances of failure have occurred anywhere from 1,000 to 35,000 miles on the vehicle and has been documented numerously on triumph rocket III owners group websites under the term "paint can rattle" as the sound that IS produced by the failing components sounds similar to the ball bearing rattle inside a spray can of paint. Several failures have happened outside of manufacturer warranty and the rebuild cost of $2,000+ has been pushed on to the customer. It IS understandable that a timing chain IS a consumable item much like tires and brakes but complete sprocket and engine failure should not be considered consumable. *tr

• Oct 6, 2007NC16,000 mi
  Electrical system › Software

  High engine idle when coming to a stop or releasing the throttle. No engine braking available. High idle 1300-2000rpm when shifting . Problem developed after service bulletin 386 was performed by dealership. Returned to dealership , they found high idle but could not do anything to fix it. Ecu program problem I was told. *jb

• Apr 26, 2007NJ1,000 mi
  Electrical system
  Tl*the contact owns a 2005 triumph rocket three. while at a stop light the vehicle began shaking and it shut off. this happened whenever the vehicle had less than 1000 rpms. he was able to restart the vehicle immediately. the dealer stated the computer needed to be tuned. the dealer tuned…

  Tl*the contact owns a 2005 triumph rocket three. while at a stop light the vehicle began shaking and it shut off. this happened whenever the vehicle had less than 1000 rpms. he was able to restart the vehicle immediately. the dealer stated the computer needed to be tuned. the dealer tuned the computer. however, the problem continued to occur. the dealer tuned the computer four months later and the failure continued to occur. the failure mileage was 1000 ,and the current mileage was 2600. *Ak updated 05/23/07. *Jb

• May 30, 2006CA398 mi
  Power train › Manual transmission

  Dt*: the contact stated while traveling at various speeds, the vehicle would not shift above third gear. the vehicle was taken to the dealership and a spring in the transmission was replaced.

• May 11, 2006MD10,300 mi
  Electrical system

  Dt*: the contact stated the motorcycle intermittently stalled while driving 20-25 mph and while stopped at stop signs and lights. the motorcycle always restarted after the throttle was twisted for one minute. the dealership was unable to determine the cause of the stalling, but reset the computer twice. however, the intermittent stalling continues. *Ak

• May 11, 2005OR605 mi1 injury
  Service brakes, hydraulic · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
  Dt: riding at 5 to 10 mph coming to stop, consumer's front brakes locked up, and a loud metal ping sound occurred. The consumer went to the dealer for this problem, and the dealer stated that the brakes were not properly installed and that happened at the factory. The consumer had heard loud…

  Dt: riding at 5 to 10 mph coming to stop, consumer's front brakes locked up, and a loud metal ping sound occurred. The consumer went to the dealer for this problem, and the dealer stated that the brakes were not properly installed and that happened at the factory. The consumer had heard loud scraping sound when driving at low speeds, and reported this factor to the dealer which found nothing. 20 minutes later the brakes locked up, but managed to keep the bike upright injuring self in process. the model IS a speedmaster . *Nm the dealer found that the right hand front brake caliper mount bolts had not been properly torqued at the factory. the upper mount was loose and the lower bolt had backed out almost completey. *Tt *sb

• May 2, 2005FL7,800 mi
  Tires

  The tires on the motorcycle were bought with uneven wear, and the dealer sanded them with an orbit sander. The second set of tires were not balanced, they shook while driving. the engine IS not running correctly. took to dealer for 16 days. dealer said it was fixed but it was not. *ak

• Aug 5, 2004NJ500 mi
  Structure › Motorcycle › Kickstand/center stand

  The kick stand extender rides up too high. As a result, consumer lost balance when coming to a stop, and fell out into oncoming traffic. No injuries reported. *Ak

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Motorcycle stalling

  PE07030Opened Jun 20, 2007Closed Oct 19, 2007Recall 07V455000
  Following our opening of this pe and subsequent discussions with triumph motorcycles ltd, the company decided to launch a safety-related recall of all rocket III model motorcycles to address occurrences of sudden and un-foreseen tip-out stalling.this action was taken in lieu of responding to nhtsa's information…

  Following our opening of this pe and subsequent discussions with triumph motorcycles ltd, the company decided to launch a safety-related recall of all rocket III model motorcycles to address occurrences of sudden and un-foreseen tip-out stalling.this action was taken in lieu of responding to nhtsa's information request and involves the installation of an upgraded ecu incorporating revised engine management software. With triumph's safety-related recall, this pe IS closed.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11011144Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-13 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 11008179Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-12 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 11006921Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-11 and that dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 11005458Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-10 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 11005456Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-09.1 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 11005455Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-09 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 11003732Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-08.1 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 11003730Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-08 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 11000794Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-07 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10253644Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-04 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10253642Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-03 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10252943Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-02 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10251740Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2024-01 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10249307Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2023-08 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10247139Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2023-06 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10239437Dealer notice advising of a bug notification affecting calibration download function on certain systems.
• 10239435Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2023-02.1 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10236782Technical Bulletin 230 provides instructions that applies to Electronic Systems Commissioning and Motorcycle Unlocking, Introduction of New Instrument Hardware, Triumph Diagnostic Tool 2023-02 Update - Calibrations Removed From Service and Encapsulated Fixings.
• 10236781Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2023-02 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10236780Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2023-02 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10236313Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2023-01.3 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10231157Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2022-08.1 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10231156Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2022-08 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10231150Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2022-07 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10228576Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2022-11.1 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10228572Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2022-11 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10228571Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2022-10 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10212878New tools are required for technicians to complete all required work on new Triumph models.
• 10212877Triumph has released diagnostic software version 2022-01
• 10212876Triumph has released Technical Bulletin 222 including 8 subjects across a range of models.
• 10212078Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2022-03.1 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10210482Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2022-02 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10192921Mudgaurd extension, swinging arm/chain rubbing strip, final drive unit, maximum payload, twist grip position sensor, rear suspension drag link and drop link fixings, recommended crankcase sealnt, silencer heat sheild clamp fixings, front brake caliper bolts, oxygen sensor, seat latch fixings, belly pan fixings, and top toke washer.
• 10186191Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2020-12 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10182506Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2020-10 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10181210Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2020-9.1 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10177231Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2020-6.2 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10175253Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2020-05 and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10173770Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2020-4.2 available and dealers should begin using it immediately.
• 10172477Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2020-3 and dealers should begin using it immediately.

Every Triumph Rocket III model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.