The Ultimate Performance Muscle Roadster
The Triumph Rocket 3 is a big deal. Literally, it’s a big bike with a massive engine. We’ve been following its development the last several months. Triumph recently put up all the goodies on its website and you can now view them. There will be two models the Rocket 3 R and the Rocket 3 GT. The R is a bit more stripped down and the GT has all of the bells and whistles.
While the two bikes are very similar, they’re both distinct. The GT has some touring handlebars, more feet-forward footpegs, and a small windscreen, and heated grips as standard equipment. The R is more like a standard muscle cruiser motorcycle and less ready for touring. With that said, both bikes offer a ton, so let’s take a look.
The World’s Largest Production Motorcycle Engine And More
Triumph’s previous Rocket 3 motorcycle had a large engine, too, but this one is even bigger. The company developed a 2,458cc three-cylinder engine that kicks out 165 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque. That’s an insane amount of power, especially when you consider the engine is actually about 40 pounds lighter than its predecessor. The bikes themselves are about 88 pounds lighter than the old Rocket 3, according to MoreBikes.
The motorcycles get adjustable Showa suspension upfront and in the rear. Brembo Stylema Monobloc calipers handle braking. Providing grip are the Avon Cobra Chrome tires that Triumph had specially developed for the Rocket 3. Transitioning power from the engine to the rear wheel is a six-speed transmission that Triumph says is smoother than ever before it also has a ’torque-assist’ hydraulic clutch that makes it easier than ever to use.
Plenty of Technology, Too
Make no mistake, the Rocket 3 is a thoroughly modern motorcycle. It gets a TFT dash, advanced traction control, cornering ABS, hill hold, cruise control, keyless ignition, LED lighting everywhere, and the GT gets heated grips as standard equipment.
The bike also gets four rider modes. There’s Road, Rain, Sport, and Rider. The last one is one that you get to configure yourself. This is the one that I think I’d leave it in practically all the time. You select the way you want your motorcycle to behave and then enjoy yourself.
Both versions of the bike offer adjustable footpegs, too. The Rocket 3 R offers two positions—one more relaxed and more sporty. The Rocket 3 GT offers three horizontal positions to choose from.
An Awesome Muscle Cruiser
Triumph has hit it out of the park with this bike. On paper, it’s better in just about every way. It’ll be awesome to see one up close and hopefully ride one soon. It’s also important to note that in addition to all of the stuff discussed above, Triumph has over 50 new accessories designed specifically for the Rocket 3. This makes it easier to make the bike your own and outfit it for whatever you choose to use it for.
