Two new Triumph Rocket 3 models break cover

TRIUMPH have this morning announced the launch of two new versions of its Rocket 3 motorcycle, the Triumph Rocket 3 R and Rocket 3 GT.

With the TFC (Triumph Factory Custom) versions of the Rocket 3 now sold out, Triumph has announced the two full release models that will be available later this year. Both bikes are powered by the same 2,458cc, inline 3-cylinder, DOHC engine and each versions will deliver 165hp at 6,000rpm, and a stump-pulling 221Nm (163lf-ft) of torque at just 4,000rpm.

It is the second big reveal by Triumph in just a week following the confirmation of its upcoming Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 limited edition. 

Triumph Rocket 3 R

The Triumph Rocket 3 R is billed as the ultimate muscle roadster, with world-leading torque figures, control comfort and capability. Backing up these claims is a moody black finish to the wheels, roadster handlebars (flatter drag-style bars) and ‘Roadster’ rider and pillion passenger seat. The R version also benefits from trick looking mid-set footrests featuring vertical adjustment (-25mm/0.0mm/+25mm), a handy addition as mid-set pegs’ can often become somewhat uncomfortable for longer-legged riders.

The R version of the bike is available in the colours shown below:

Triumph Rocket 3 R Korosi Red

Triumph Rocket 3 R Phantom Black

Triumph Rocket 3 GT

The Triumph Rocket 3 GT is designed for longer tours, with rider and passenger comfort the focus. Gone are the mid footrests of the Triumph Rocket 3 R, with a forward control set-up similar to the one seen on Triumph’s Speedmaster and Bobbers of recent years. The seat on the Rocket GT is set to be a more comfortable item, with more padding and an upswept tail on the pillion seat and a pillion backrest. The Rocket 3 GT is also bestowed with a set of higher handlebars bars and a small fly-screen attaching to the top of the instrument cluster.

The GT version of the new Rocket 3 is available in the colours below:

Triumph Rocket 3 GT Silver Ice & Storm Grey with Korosi Red tank detail

Triumph Rocket 3 GT Phantom Black

Triumph is claiming the new Rocket 3 will be the class leader in its segment – the power cruiser/performance roadster sector – and backing it up is some fairly hefty hardware in the form of 47mm Showa forks with rebound, compression, and preload adjustability. At the rear, we have an offset rear shock, which is a fully adjustable unit by Showa with a piggyback reservoir.

With 40kg trimmed from the bike's kerbweight, the Triump Rocket 3 is set to lean towards a more dynamic riding set up that its predecessor. While that doesn’t make the Triumph a lightweight by any stretch (291kg for the R and 294kg for the GT), the reduced mass and massive strides in suspension, braking tech and tyres, plus and an 11% power boost, should make for a truly exhilarating riding experience.

For the brakes, Triumph turned to long-time and supplier and Italian friction maestros Brembo, with top-spec radially mounted four-pot Stylema monobloc calipers fitted to both the R and GT version. Crowning the braking systems are chunky 320mm discs and an advanced cornering ABS system.

Linking into Continental made IMU that will control the above-mentioned ABS is a switchable traction control system that includes Rain, Road, Sport, and Rider, with Rider being a user-configurable mode you can set to your own needs. All the rider modes and information are relayed to the rider through the firm’s latest TFT dash which features switchable themes, personalised start-up message and angle adjustment. The system looks to be very similar to the unit fitted to Triumph’s Scrambler 1200 range, although there are bound to be some styling tweaks included.

Triumph Rocket 3 main features:

• LED lights and DRL (Daytime Riding Light)
• Hill hold control
• Cruise control
• Keyless ignition and steering lock

Optional accessories:

• Triumph Shift Assist (quick shifter up/down)
• GoPro control system
• Turn-by-turn navigation via TFT dash
• Triumph app – controls nav a smartphone
• Answer and cancel calls, select songs via the switchgear
• Tyre pressure monitoring system

Triumph Rocket 3 dedicated accessories:

luggage range:

• Triumph patented cast aluminium pannier ‘retractable & ‘lockable’ mounting system
• 20L sports panniers
• 12L magnetic tank bag
• Innovative Triumph patented 9L quick-release tail pack

New comfort accessories include:

• Roadster and touring handlebars
• Touring and sport seat
• Rider seat pad
• Comfort pillion seat
• Passenger backrest and pads with billet machined plate
• Passenger backrest rack
• Forward and mid foot controls
• Knee pads

New style accessories include:

• Sport screen
• LED indicators (*in applicable markets)

New security accessories include:

• Track+ Thatcham approved tracker with 24/7 monitoring by UK-based secure call-centre
• Protect+ Thatcham approved alarm system
• U-lock
• Disc lock
• Alarm disc lock
• Chain and lock
• Secure ground anchor

For those wanting to really cover some miles on their Rocket, Triumph are also offering up one of their inspiration kits to help turn it into a long-distance mile muncher.

The Highway inspiration kit includes:

• Luggage rack
• Sports panniers
• Pannier mount kit
• Triumph Shift Assist
• Triumph TFT Connectivity System

Triumph Rocket 3 GT and Rocket 3 R spec