The Rocket III is dead. Long live the Rocket 3. And if you have read enough of Victorian-era novels, well, you get the gist. The Rocket III, the one that started the whole craze back in 2004 has been retired, redressed, and redesigned and is back in the business, this time, as the Rocket 3.
The Rocket III held the title of being the world’s largest production motorcycle engine, with a massive 2,294cc three-cylinder engine that looked beastly and made the Rocket roar like a leviathan among the motorcycles around. Of course, there are crazier motorcycles around with bigger engines, though very few of them are production ones.
One of the reasons for the Rocket III’s demise was also because it slipped up and did not clear Euro 4 emission rules a few years back, and so sale stopped in Europe. It continued in the North American market, unhindered, till Triumph finally did its bit and introduced the all-new Rocket 3 in 2020.
This is what we know about the Rocket 3, and you should too, in case this is the motorcycle of your dreams…
The Rocket III Vs. The Rocket 3
The Rocket III could not make Euro 4 compliance, but the all-new Rocket 3 models, and yes, there is more than one, are Euro 5 ready. So in Europe too, the Rocket is back in business.
Back in January 2019, Triumph teased its fans with a limited 750-run of the Triumph Rocket 3 TFC. And predictably, all 750 were booked even before a single delivery had been made. This is why later, instead of revealing in the rocket TFC, Triumph revealed two gems – the Rocket 3 R and the Rocket 3 GT.
With a 2.5-liter three-cylinder engine, the Rocket 3 boasts of a 164cc bigger displacement than its predecessors, and accordingly has better specs as well. With 165 horses and another 163 ft-lb of torque, this has 11% more power than the Rocket III, although the Rocket 3 TFC did jet better numbers at 179 horses.
The Rocket 3 now boasts the highest torque of any production motorcycle and is a whole 40 kilograms lighter as well – possible because of a new forward-facing air intake as well as a hollow spine, and lighter engine components.
The Cool Facts About Rocket 3
There is plenty of even more impressive high-tech stuff in the Rocket 3 motorcycles, and we mean both the models. Think Brembo brakes, adjustable front- and rear- Showa suspension, and Triumph’s latest TFT panel. The latter has illuminated switches that let the rider control cornering ABS, traction, riding modes (road, rain, sport, and rider), LED lights, hill hold as well as cruise control. The ignition is keyless and there are heated grips on the bike as well which come standard on the GT and as an accessory on the R.
There is also a quick shifter in the Rocket, as well as a tire pressure monitoring system, a GoPro, and many other options that you can customize your motorcycle with, considering they are some 50+ accessories in its dedicated range…
The motorcycles boast a brushed aluminum pillion backrest and both can be changed from a twin-seat set-up to a single rider one. Both the motorcycles ride on 20-spoke cast-aluminum rear wheels and Avon Cobra Chrome tires have been specially made for the twins.
The Rocket 3 R Vs. The Rocket 3 GT
The main differences in the motorcycles lie in the riding and seating positions. In the Rocket 3 GT, the adjustable footrests are feet forward, while in the Rocket 3 R they are mid position. The latter also has a sportier handlebar while the GT has a touring-style one.
The GT is roomier when it comes to seating and the seat height is 29.5 inches with a backrest for the passenger and a slightly taller flyscreen – the idea is to bring home that the Rocket 3 GT is the bike meant for the long haul.
There are other minor cosmetic differences in both the motorcycles as well, but at heart, they are the same. The Rocket 3 R boasts a Korosi Red color variant while the Rocket 3 GT has its own Silver Ice and Storm Grey options. Both the bikes share the same Phantom Black color choice as well.
Ultimately the choice is more aesthetic than anything else. With the Rocket 3 R, you get something a little sportier and the GT is higher on a little more comfort. The R is what you ride to create an impression, the GT is what you need if long meandering rides that are as thrilling as they are comfortable is your need of the day. It’s the same 2,548-cc engine that powers up both the variants and gives you great acceleration, thrilling speeds, and is more than ready to haul passengers and luggage as well with ease.
Take your pick, and Rocket off, if powerful motorcycling is your poison…
Sources: Bennetts.co.uk, UltimateMotorcycling