Triumph Rocket III User manual

1
Foreword
FOREWORD
This handbook contains information on the Triumph Rocket III motorcycle.
Always store this owner's handbook with the motorcycle and refer to it for
information whenever necessary.
Warning, Caution and
Note
Throughout this owner's handbook
particularly important information is
presented in the following form:
NOTE
• This note symbol indicates
points of particular interest
for more efficient and
convenient operation.
cblz
Warning
This warning symbol identifies
special instructions or procedures,
which if not correctly followed could
result in personal injury, or loss of
life.
Caution
This caution symbol identifies
special instructions or procedures,
which, if not strictly observed, could
result in damage to, or destruction
of, equipment.
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Foreword
Warning Labels
At certain areas of the
motorcycle, the symbol
(right) can be seen. The
symbol means
'CAUTION: REFER TO
THE HANDBOOK' and
will be followed by a
pictorial representation of the subject
concerned.
Never attempt to ride the motorcycle
or make any adjustments without
reference to the relevant instructions
contained in this handbook.
See pages 12 and 13 for the location
of all labels bearing this symbol.
Where necessary, this symbol will
also appear on the pages containing
the relevant information.
Maintenance
To ensure a long, safe and trouble
free life for your motorcycle,
maintenance should only be carried
out by an authorised Triumph dealer.
Only an authorised Triumph dealer
will have the necessary knowledge,
equipment and skills to maintain your
Triumph motorcycle correctly.
To locate your nearest Triumph
dealer, visit the Triumph web-site at
www.triumph.co.uk or telephone the
authorised distributor in your country.
Their address is given in the service
record book that accompanies this
handbook.
Noise Control System
Tampering With the Noise Control
System is Prohibited
Owners are warned that the law may
prohibit:
a) The removal or rendering
inoperative by any person other
than for purposes of
maintenance, repair or
replacement, of any device or
element of design incorporated
into any new vehicle for the
purpose of noise control prior to
its sale or delivery to the
ultimate purchaser or while it is
in use and,
b) the use of the vehicle after such
device or element of design has
been removed or rendered
inoperative by any person.
Owner's Handbook
Thank you for choosing a Triumph
motorcycle. This motorcycle is the
product of Triumph's use of proven
engineering, exhaustive testing, and
continuous striving for superior
reliability, safety and performance.
Please read this owner's handbook
before riding in order to become
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3
Foreword
thoroughly familiar with the correct
operation of your motorcycle's
controls, its features, capabilities and
limitations.
This handbook includes safe riding
tips, but does not contain all the
techniques and skills necessary to
ride a motorcycle safely. Triumph
strongly recommends that all riders
undertake the necessary training to
ensure safe operation of this
motorcycle.
Information
The information contained in this
publication is based on the latest
information available at the time of
printing. Triumph reserves the right
to make changes at any time without
prior notice, or obligation.
Warning
This owner's handbook, and all
other instructions that are supplied
with your motorcycle, should be
considered a permanent part of
your motorcycle and should remain
with it even if your motorcycle is
subsequently sold.
All riders must read this owner's
handbook and all other instructions
which are supplied with your
motorcycle, before riding, in order
to become thoroughly familiar with
the correct operation of your
motorcycle's controls, its features,
capabilities and limitations. Do not
lend your motorcycle to others as
riding when not familiar with your
motorcycle's controls, features,
capabilities and limitations can lead
to an accident.
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Foreword
4
Table of Contents
This handbook contains a number of different sections. The table of contents
below will help you find the beginning of each section where, in the case of the
major sections, a further table of contents will help you find the specific subject
required.
Foreword .....................................................................................................1
Warning Labels..........................................................................................12
Parts Identification.....................................................................................14
Serial Numbers..........................................................................................17
General Information...................................................................................19
How to Ride the Motorcycle.......................................................................35
Accessories, Loading and Passengers .....................................................47
Maintenance and Adjustment....................................................................51
Storage ......................................................................................................93
Specifications ............................................................................................95
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Foreword - Safety First
FOREWORD - SAFETY FIRST
The Motorcycle
Warning
This motorcycle is designed for on-
road use only. It is not suitable for
off-road use.
Off-road operation could lead to
loss of control of the motorcycle
resulting in an accident causing
injury or loss of life.
Warning
This motorcycle is not designed to
tow a trailer or be fitted with a
sidecar. Fitting a sidecar and/or a
trailer may result in loss of control
and an accident.
Warning
This motorcycle is designed for use
as a two-wheeled vehicle capable
of carrying a rider on his/her own,
or a rider and one passenger
(subject to a passenger seat being
fitted).
The total weight of the rider, and
any passenger, accessories and
luggage must not exceed the
maximum load limit of 235 kg.
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Foreword - Safety First
Fuel and Exhaust Fumes
Warning
PETROL IS HIGHLY
FLAMMABLE:
Always turn off the engine when
refuelling.
Do not refuel or open the fuel filler
cap while smoking or in the vicinity
of any open (naked) flame.
Take care not to spill any petrol on
the engine, exhaust pipes or
silencers when refuelling.
If petrol is swallowed, inhaled or
allowed to get into the eyes, seek
immediate medical attention.
Spillage on the skin should be
immediately washed off with soap
and water and clothing
contaminated with petrol should
immediately be removed.
Burns and other serious skin
conditions may result from contact
with petrol.
Warning
Never start your engine or let it run
for any length of time in a closed
area. The exhaust fumes are
poisonous and may cause loss of
consciousness and death within a
short time. Always operate your
motorcycle in the open-air or in an
area with adequate ventilation.
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Foreword - Safety First
Safety Helmet and
Clothing
Warning
When riding the motorcycle, both
rider and passenger must always
wear a motorcycle safety helmet,
eye protection, gloves, trousers
(close fitting around the knee and
ankle) and a brightly coloured
jacket. Brightly coloured clothing
will considerably increase a rider's
(or passenger's) visibility to other
operators of road vehicles.
Although full protection is not
possible, wearing correct protective
clothing can reduce the risk of
injury when riding.
Warning
A safety helmet is one of the most
important pieces of riding gear as it
offers protection against head
injuries. You and your passenger's
helmet should be carefully chosen
and should fit you or your
passenger's head comfortably and
securely. A brightly coloured
helmet will increase a rider's (or
passenger's) visibility to other
operators of road vehicles.
An open face helmet offers some
protection in an accident though a
full face helmet will offer more.
Always wear a visor or approved
goggles to help vision and to
protect your eyes.
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Foreword - Safety First
Parking Parts and Accessories
Warning
Always turn off the engine and
remove the ignition key before
leaving the motorcycle unattended.
By removing the key, the risk of use
of the motorcycle by unauthorised
or untrained persons is reduced.
When parking the motorcycle,
always remember the following:
Engage first gear to help prevent
the motorcycle from rolling off the
stand.
The engine and exhaust system
will be hot after riding. DO NOT
park where pedestrians, animals
and/or children are likely to touch
the motorcycle.
Do not park on soft ground or on a
steeply inclined surface. Parking
under these conditions may cause
the motorcycle to fall over.
For further details, please refer to
the ’How to Ride the Motorcycle'
section of this owner's handbook.
Warning
Owners should be aware that the
only approved parts, accessories
and conversions for any Triumph
motorcycle are those which carry
official Triumph approval and are
fitted to the motorcycle by an
authorised dealer.
Triumph does not accept any
liability whatsoever for defects
caused by the fitting of non-
approved parts, accessories or
conversions or the fitting of any
approved parts, accessories or
conversions by non-approved
personnel.
In particular, it is extremely
hazardous to fit or replace parts or
accessories whose fitting requires
the dismantling of, or addition to,
either the electrical or fuel systems
and any such modification could
cause a safety hazard.
The fitting of any non-approved
parts, accessories or conversions
may adversely affect the handling,
stability or other aspect of the
motorcycle operation that may
result in an accident causing injury
or death.
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Foreword - Safety First
Maintenance/Equipment
Warning
Consult your authorised Triumph
dealer whenever there is doubt as
to the correct or safe operation of
this Triumph motorcycle.
Remember that continued
operation of an incorrectly
performing motorcycle may
aggravate a fault and may also
prejudice safety.
Warning
Use of a motorcycle with bank angle
indicators worn beyond the
maximum limit (when the bank angle
indicator is worn to a minimum of
5 mm in length) will allow the
motorcycle to be banked to an
unsafe angle. Therefore, always
replace the bank angle indicator
pegs when they are worn to 5 mm in
length. Banking to an unsafe angle
may cause instability, loss of
motorcycle control and an accident.
Warning
Ensure all equipment that is
required by law is installed and
functioning correctly. The removal
or alteration of the motorcycle’s
lights, silencers, emission or noise
control systems can violate the law.
Incorrect or improper modification
may adversely affect the handling,
stability or other aspect of the
motorcycle operation, which may
result in an accident causing injury
or death.
Warning
If the motorcycle is involved in an
accident, collision or fall, it must be
taken to an authorised Triumph
dealer for inspection and repair.
Any accident can cause damage to
the motorcycle that, if not correctly
repaired, may cause a second
accident that may result in injury or
death.
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Foreword - Safety First
Riding
Warning
Never ride the motorcycle when
fatigued or under the influence of
alcohol or other drugs.
Riding when under the influence of
alcohol or other drugs is illegal.
Riding when fatigued or under the
influence of alcohol or other drugs
reduces the rider's ability to
maintain control of the motorcycle
and may lead to loss of control and
an accident.
Warning
All riders must be licensed to
operate the motorcycle. Operation
of the motorcycle without a licence
is illegal and could lead to
prosecution. In addition, operation
without a licence is dangerous and
may lead to loss of motorcycle
control and an accident.
Warning
Always ride defensively and wear
the protective equipment
mentioned elsewhere in this
foreword. Remember, in an
accident, a motorcycle does not
give the same impact protection as
a car.
Warning
This Triumph motorcycle should be
operated within the legal speed
limits for the particular road
travelled. Operating a motorcycle at
high speeds can be potentially
dangerous since the time available
to react to given traffic situations is
greatly reduced as road speed
increases. Always reduce speed in
potentially hazardous driving
conditions such as bad weather or
heavy traffic.
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Foreword - Safety First
Handlebars and Footrests
Warning
Continually observe and react to
changes in road surface, traffic and
wind conditions. All two-wheeled
vehicles are subject to external
forces which may cause an
accident. These forces include but
are not limited to:
• Wind draft from passing
vehicles.
• Uneven or holed road
surfaces.
• Bad weather.
• Rider error.
Always operate the motorcycle at
moderate speed and away from
heavy traffic until you have become
thoroughly familiar with its handling
and operating characteristics.
Never exceed the legal speed limit.
Warning
The rider must maintain control of
the vehicle by keeping hands on
the handlebars at all times.
The handling and stability of a
motorcycle will be adversely
affected if the rider removes his
hands from the handlebars,
resulting in loss of motorcycle
control and an accident.
Warning
The rider and passenger must
always use the footrests provided,
during operation of the vehicle.
By using the footrests, both rider
and passenger will reduce the risk
of inadvertent contact with any
motorcycle components and will
also reduce the risk of injury from
entrapment of clothing.
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Warning Labels
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WARNING LABELS
Warning Label Locations – Rocket III
The labels detailed on this and the following pages draw your attention to
important safety information in this handbook. Before riding, ensure that all
riders have understood and complied with all the information to which these
labels relate.
Gear Position
(page 38)
Tyres
(page 76)
Engine Oil
(page 56)
Coolant
(page 60)
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Warning Labels
13
Warning Label Locations – Rocket III (continued)
Unleaded Fuel
(page 30)
Safety Helmet
(page 7)
Daily Safety Checks
(page 33)
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Parts Identification
PARTS IDENTIFICATION
1 Front Indicator
2 Headlamps
3 Coolant Expansion Tank
4 Oil Filler Cap/Dipstick
5 Tool Kit beneath seat)
6 Rear Lamp
7 Rear Indicator
8 Transmission Shaft/Final Drive
Unit
9 Side Stand
10 Gear Change Pedal
11 Clutch Cable
12 Radiator
13 Coolant Pressure Cap
cbnt
1 2 3 4 5 6
13 12 11 10 9 8 7
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Parts Identification
14 Rear Brake Caliper
15 Rear Suspension Unit
16 Seat Lock
17 Battery (beneath seat)
18 Fuel Tank
19 Fuel Filler Cap
20 Front Fork
21 Front Brake Disc
22 Front Brake Caliper
23 Rear Brake Pedal
24 Rear Brake Fluid Reservoir
25 Engine Management ECM
(beneath right hand side panel)
26 Silencer
27 Rear Brake Disc
cbns
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
27 26 25 24 23 22 21
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Parts Identification
1 Clutch Lever
2 Clutch Lever Adjuster
3 Headlamp Dipswitch
4 Horn Button
5 Indicator Switch
6 Ignition Switch
7 Front Brake Fluid Reservoir
8 Front Brake Lever
9 Engine Stop Switch
10 Starter Button
11 Tachometer
12 Speedometer
13 Odometer
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Serial Numbers
SERIAL NUMBERS
Vehicle Identification
Number (V.I.N.)
The vehicle identification number is
stamped into the steering head area
of the frame. It is also displayed on a
plate, riveted to the frame, beneath
the rider’s seat.
Engine Serial Number
The engine serial number is stamped
on the engine crankcase, towards the
rear, on the right hand side.
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Serial Numbers
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General Information
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Table of Contents
Instrument Panel Layout ...........................................................................20
Speedometer.............................................................................................21
Tachometer................................................................................................21
Odometer/Trip Meter .................................................................................21
Warning Lights...........................................................................................22
Low Oil Pressure Warning ...................................................................22
Coolant Temperature ...........................................................................22
Ignition Key................................................................................................24
Ignition Switch/Steering Lock ....................................................................24
Ignition Switch Positions......................................................................24
Brake and Clutch Lever Adjuster...............................................................25
Right Handlebar Switches .........................................................................26
Engine Stop Switch..............................................................................26
Starter Button.......................................................................................27
Left Handlebar Switches............................................................................27
Headlight Dip Switch............................................................................27
Direction Indicator Switch ....................................................................27
Horn Button..........................................................................................27
Fuel Requirement/Refuelling.....................................................................28
Fuel Grade...........................................................................................28
Fuel Tank Cap ...........................................................................................29
Filling the Fuel Tank ..................................................................................30
Stand .........................................................................................................31
Side Stand ...........................................................................................31
Tool Kit and Handbook ..............................................................................31
Seat Lock ..................................................................................................32
Running-In.................................................................................................32
Safe Operation ..........................................................................................33
Daily Safety Checks.............................................................................33
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General Information
Instrument Panel Layout
1 Speedometer
2 Odometer/Trip Meter
3 Trip reset knob
4 Tachometer
5 Tachometer ’red zone'
6 Engine Management
Malfunction Indicator Light
7 High Coolant Temperature/Low
Oil Pressure Warning Light
8 Turn Indicator light
9 High Beam Indicator Light
10 Neutral Indicator Light
11 Low Fuel Level Indicator Light
12 Alarm Status Indicator Light
(alarm is an accessory fit)
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