BIT OF a weird one this. Last night, Triumph announced a new TFC Triumph Factory Custom setup on its Facebook page, with a slick custom Thruxton R. So far, so reasonable. BUT - alongside this relatively mundane post, the firm also officially announced the new Rocket III power cruiser, which we first saw 'leaked' from the dealer conference last year.
Curious news management aside, we're very excited about the new Triumph Rocket 3. As in the prototype images, it's got an all-new chassis, with single-sided rear swingarm, and an updated version of the mighty 2.3 litre longitudinal triple which has powered the lunatic cruiser since it first launched in 2004. Up front there's a beefy-looking titanium-coated USD fork, proper Brembo brakes and a sweet muscular look.
There's not much in the way of solid on-paper spec - we'll get that in May when it launches properly, but here's the blurb on the new bike so far:
"The Rocket TFC concept showcases the next stunning TFC model to come, and will be launched on 1st May 2019 with full details and specifications. Triumph’s legendary Rocket III, launched in 2004, was renowned as a pure original, taking the world by storm with more muscle, presence and power than any of the competition. Now, 15 years on, an ultra-rare, ultra-premium Triumph Factory Custom Rocket is planned.
With an incredible array of custom details, premium finishes and beautiful practical touches, including an interchangeable dual or single seat, the new Rocket TFC goes straight to the top of every motorcyclist’s wish list. The new Rocket TFC will be nothing short of the ultimate motorcycle, with world-beating performance, cutting edge technology, muscular presence and unique engineering innovations."
Sounds saucy. The TFC Rocket III will be limited to just 750 bikes, but we're sure there will be a normal base version too. Expect a slew of top-end rider aids and high-techery, more power and torque, and (we'd hope) far better handling than any bike like this should be capable of...
The poor Thruxton TFC is overshadowed a bit by the Rocket - but still looks very sweet. It has a proper carbon-fibre fairing, Ohlins NIX30 forks, fully-adjustable Ohlins rear shocks, Brembo M4.34 calipers, and a unique Vance & Hines custom exhaust system. Even more surprisingly, the engine has been tweaked up too - making 10bhp more than the stock 97bhp unit, from high-compression pistons, cams, and ported head. There'll only be 750 of them, and each one comes with a signed certificate from John Bloor's son Nick Bloor, whether you like it or not.
No word on price or availability on either bike as yet - more when we get it...
