Triumph Rocket 3 R 2020 review

Visordown’s Toad is riding Triumph's latest Rocket 3 R 2020 muscle cruiser motorcycle in Tenerife; here’s what he makes of the motorbike so far.

Wears its weight well; packs a lot of power
It's massive

The Rocket 3 R 2020 is hailed as the biggest three cylinder production motorcycle in the world. It comes with a pretty hefty price tag too, with models starting from £19,500. 

For the near 20k asking price you’re getting a stomping 2,500cc triple-cylinder engine, 221Nm torque, 165bhp and a shade under 300kg of Hinckley heavy metal. Yes, the new Triumph Rocket 3 is a beast. So much so, that with the traction control off it will spin up the specially designed Avon Cobra rear tyre with ease - in the cold at least. Once everything gets up to temperature it’s far less of a bucking bronco. 

Toad’s been hammering around the switchback mountainous roads of Tenerife this morning and has much to report at his first coffee stop.

Rocket 3 R 2020: Design

Although the Rocket 3 R weighs 300kg, the weight is hardly noticeable on the move. Because of the shaft drive and low slung engine weight, the Rocket 3’s centre of gravity is nearer to the ground - making it handle far better than expected. However, Triumph has worked to reduce the curb mass as much as possible, reducing the frame weight by 11kgs on the previous 2020 Rocket 3.  

The 4 riding modes (Rain/Road/Sport/Rider-configurable) do an excellent job of handling the astronomical 200Nm of torque, which is more grunt than most Transit vans! The riding experience is still lively but all under control. 

The more stripped back and focused R version (which Toad is testing), is available in Korosi Red (pictured above) and Phantom Black.

The R features mid-set footrests, flip-down pillion pegs and a roadster style rear seat, just big enough for a companion! The riding position of the R is also revised, with handlebars mounted near to the top yolk to give it an aggressive, streetfighter stance.

The other version, the GT, comes in at £20,200 and has taller seat, an adjustable pillion backrest, and swept-back handlebars. It’s available in Silver Ice and Storm Grey. 

Rocket 3 R 2020: Specs

NEW ROCKET 3 (2020)

 

Engine Type

Inline 3-cylinder, water-cooled, DOHC

Capacity

2458cc

Bore/Stroke

110.2 mm x 85.9 mm

Maximum Power

182 PS @ 7,000rpm

Maximum Torque

225 Nm @ 4,000rpm

Fuel system

Ride-by-Wire, fuel injected

Exhaust

Stainless 3 into 1 headers with 3 exit Arrow branded silencer / CAT box

Final drive

Shaft, bevel box

Clutch

Hydraulic, slip-assist

Gearbox

6 speed

Frame

Full aluminium frame

Instruments

TFT multi-functional instrument pack with digital speedometer, trip computer, digital tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, service indicator, ambient temperature, clock and rider modes (Rain/Road/Sport/Rider-configurable) – Triumph TFT Connectivity System can be added

with accessory fitted Bluetooth module

Swingarm

Single-sided, cast aluminium

Front Wheel

17 x 3.6in cast aluminium

Rear Wheel

16 x 7.5in cast aluminium

Front Tyre

150/80 R17 V

Rear Tyre

240/50 R16 V

Front Suspension

Showa ø47mm upside-down 1+1 cartridge front forks, compression and rebound adj., 120mm travel

Rear Suspension

Fully adjustable Showa piggyback reservoir RSU with remote hydraulic preload adjuster, 107mm travel

Front Brake

Dual 320mm discs, Brembo M4.30 Stylema 4-piston radial monobloc calipers, Cornering ABS

Rear Brake

Single 300mm disc, Brembo M4.32 4-piston monobloc caliper, Cornering ABS

Seat Height

773 mm

Rake

27.9º

Trail

134.9 mm

Dry Weight

290 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity

19 L