AI Damage2006 Triumph Rocket III: common problems
Owners of the 2006 Triumph Rocket III filed 9 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and engine. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 9
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 67% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 11% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 11% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel system 11% of all complaints
- 5 Wheels 11% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 6 complaints (67% of all).
- Engine: 1 complaints (11% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (11% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (11% of all).
- Wheels: 1 complaints (11% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 9 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact stated while riding the motorcycle at approximately 50 MPH, there was a vibration. The contact noticed the rear output shaft bearing assembly had deteriorated. The contact also mentioned that the shift lever was loosened and not installed properly. The contact made it safely to the destination.
Additionally getting dangerous steering shake between 45-25 mph decelerations. Bike has under 9,900'miles. Dealer found a transmission oil seal installed backwards by factory, upon tear down/diagnosis of transmission triumph so far refuses any help, bike too old they say.
First noticed after purchase in 2013 while shifting from first to second gear, the manual five speed transmission jumps out of second gear. This happens every time, under various load conditions and road hazards.
Both of them can end in either a catastrophic engine failure (timing chain breakin
The timing chain has started making a rattle and it sounds like it is going to break. After googling it I found out that hundreds of other owners have had the chain break causing complete engine destruction. Some have had the motor seize causing loss of control.
While driving 5-10 mph, the vehicle stalled when coming to a stop. In addition, the vehicle would idle high and shut off. The dealer stated that the computer caused the failure and they downloaded the new engine software; however, the failure continued. As of december 4, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 11,366 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 31% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Rocket III has 9 complaints (4 years in the data). This year has 9, about average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Triumph Rocket III?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, engine, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 9. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: vibration (22%), engine failure or replacement (11%), knocking, grinding or other noise (11%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2006 Triumph Rocket III?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2006 Triumph Rocket III from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2006 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.