The Triumph Rocket 3 has an all-new 2,500cc triple engine – the world’s largest production motorcycle powerplant, and produces an “arm ripping” 221Nm of peak torque, which is the highest on any production motorcycle. (Correct at the time of writing!) This is great, but does it ride like a Triumph or turn like an oil tanker?
The answer is..this is Triumphant magic. What Triumph have engineered can be best described as “a breathtaking contradiction”.
On one hand, this beast has an immense scale and presence : a glorious mountain of raw machinery with the looks of a bruising custom hot rod. On the other hand, the team at Hinckley England have engineered (relatively!) agile handling, a comfortable ride, a smooth power delivery, all delivered through a new frame and suspension that belies this machine’s gargantuan proportions and prodigious power-plant. This all equals cornering confidence that you should not have on a machine this size, but even more important it gives the rider a ‘smile factor’ that test riders are reporting as incredible.
One of the best professional reviews I have had the pleasure of watching is from the guys at the 44 Teeth YouTube Channel – those burnouts on tap without even breaking a sweat : literally laughter inducing insane levels of power.
There is a consistent thought and feeling coming across from the motorcycle press on this machine, “a power cruiser that really handles”. It is a machine that WILL put a smile on your face. Which in my opinion, is what any motorcycle should do. The Ducati Diavel is the only real top line direct competitor in this small sector of ‘power cruisers’ but most reviewers come away suggesting this Triumph beats it, which is jaw dropping.
ENGINE
- 2,500cc Rocket 3 triple engine
- 167PS peak power @ 6,000rpm
- 221Nm peak torque @ 4,000rpm
- 18Kg mass savings over the previous generation engine
- Beautiful hydroformed three-header exhaust run
- Incredible acceleration (2.79 sec 0-60mph)
TECH
- Optimised cornering ABS & traction control
- Four riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport and Rider-Configurable modes)
- All LED lighting with distinctive DRL
- Hill hold control
- Cruise control
There are two models to choose from the Rocket 3 R and Rocket 3 GT. The R has roadster-style handlebars while the GT’s are more touring-oriented. You’ll have a 750mm seat height on the R, while the GT is 773mm , but the GT has a foot peg position which is more forward. Both machines have adjustable pegs, but with two vertical options on the R and three horizontal positions on the GT.
Prices start at GBP £19.5k for the R.
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