ROCKET LAUNCH TO ANOTHER DIMENSION
THE idea of fitting a motorcycle with an engine larger than one found in a family car may seem bonkers – but that’s what Triumph has done with the Rocket 3.
Featuring a whopping 2,500cc capacity, this monster is truly impressive. It comes in two versions – a touring-oriented GT and the more sportster-like R.
Both look fantastic, the proportions seem almost other-worldly, like something out of a superhero movie. Yet the design and the way it all melds together around that giant engine is a thing of beauty.
The quality is superb, from the deep paint finish, to the distinctive twin headlights, the Monza-style fuel cap and the brushed aluminium shields on the triple header exhaust.
Internal wiring on the handlebars keeps everything looking neat, and the pillion foot pegs fold twice so they tuck away into the fairing.
I liked the layout on the TFT screen, it is easily readable even in sun.
The GT has forward mounted (adjustable) foot pegs, a lower seat height and wider, higher bars, plus a brushed aluminium pillion backrest. It also comes with heated grips and a pretty effective fly screen.
The R has a more aggressive stance thanks to mid-mounted foot pegs (also adjustable), higher seat and narrower bars.
With the keyless fob in your jacket pocket, fire up the 2,458cc, liquid-cooled triple and you’re off. For the world’s largest production engine the sound is surprisingly muted, but not displeasing. It has four ride modes – Road, Rain, Sport and Rider-configurable. Electronic wizardry includes cornering ABS, traction control and hill-hold control.
With a dry weight of 291kg, this is a heavyweight fighter. But the new cast aluminium frame and lighter engine components have contributed to a huge 40kg saving compared to the previous model. And it shows.
The Rocket is surprisingly rideable. Oodles of torque mean gear changing across the six-speed gearbox is minimal. Power delivery is smooth and muscular via the low-maintenance shaft drive.
The big revelation is through the bends, where adjustable USD Showa forks and a Showa monoshock rear set-up, plus modelspecific Avon Cobra tyres, combine for precise handling.
I love the Rocket – it’s a monster, but a refined and good-looking one, and a joy to ride.