During acceleration bike drops between gears and you have no power it is in nuetral have to try.to shift up or down and pray you get it before someone hits you from behind. Happens most of the time when you down shift make a turn and try to accelerate. Also at freeway speeds and acceleration it happens. Very dangerous. I called a dealer he wants bike for 3 months and $4000 to repair.. Mileage is only 32000
The worst 2008 Triumph Rocket III problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission4
- Engine1
- Wheels1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission4
- Engine1
- Wheels1
Recalls 1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
- What is wrong
- On certain motorcycles, when the engine is returning to idle it may stall.
- 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.
Recall number 07V455000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2008 Triumph Rocket III
Defect investigations
Motorcycle stalling
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 the federal safety agency'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.
PE07030
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Triumph Rocket III 94
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Daignostic software and dealers should begin using it...
- Dealer notice advising to check for an immobiliser software update before replacing any TPMS components on...
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Triumph Diagnostic Tool 2026-07 and dealers should begin...
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Triumph Diagnostic Tool 2026-06.1 and dealers should begin...
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Technical Bulletin 264.
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Triumph Diagnostic Tool version 2026-06 and dealers should...
- Technical Bulletin 264 provides instructions that relates to: Triumph Diagnostic Tool
- Dealer notice advising the availalbility of TDT version 2026-05.2 which resolves the ABS as Not Connected...
- Dealer notice reminding of Motorcycle Cleaning, prohibited use of High-Pressure & Steam Cleaning equipment.
- Dealer notice announcing the availability of Diagnostic software 2026-04 and dealers should begin using it...
What 2008 Triumph Rocket III owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
After bike sat a summer due to illness when I rode bike it started coming out of gear on acceleration and speed changes. I had shift cove replaced 2 years prior now this only has 32,000 miles
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 triumph rocket iii. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH upward on a hill, the motor vehicle made a loud noise. The failure recurred multiple times and there were issues with the vehicle staying in gears. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and multiple repairs were made and updates to the vehicle. However, the failure continued to occur. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 13,000. Updated 4/20/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 triumph rocket iii motorcycle. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the transmission slipped out of gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that a spring inside of the transmission fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 11,000.
Metzeler me880 tire produced cupping and tire separation after 3000 miles or wear. Metzeler continues to ignore my request for investigation into this tire which should have delivered a minimum of 6000 miles. A quick internet search reveals several similar incidents with the same tire. Given that this is a motorcycle tire, tire failure carries a great risk of death. Metzeler has an obligation - legally and morally - for consumer safety, and the company continues to ignore complaints.
Compare the 2008 Triumph Rocket III
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Questions about the 2008 Triumph Rocket III
Is the 2008 Triumph Rocket III reliable?
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2008 Triumph Rocket III, fewer than a typical Rocket III model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Triumph Rocket III?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 4 complaints. Next is engine (1).
How many recalls does the 2008 Triumph Rocket III have?
1 recall, covering fuel system, gasoline.
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