Triumph’s Rocket 3 power boost

Triumph’s wild Rocket 3 hypercruiser celebrates 20 years on sale in 2024. And the firm has given the gigantic pieces of earth-quaking mobility a bit of an update for

2024, with even more power and torque, a new ‘Storm’ moniker, and detail chassis and styling tweaks.

Peak power is up by 15bhp, which is a pretty tasty increase in power for most bikes. What’s amazing is that the firm says there are no hardware changes behind the power gains though, it’s simply been able to map in 15 extra ponies (a more than 10 per cent boost) through ECU software mods – which is highly impressive. When you have a 2458cc engine to play with, that’s probably a lot easier, of course. Torque is also up by 3lb-ft to 166lb-ft, and the full performance figures are now 180bhp at 7,000rpm and, yes, it is worth repeating this figure,

166lb-ft at just 4,000rpm. That makes it officially the most powerful and most torquey Triumph motorcycle ever (the latest Speed Triple 1200 RR puts out around 178bhp and 92lb-ft). Amazingly, all this comes with an engine that is also Euro 5+ emissions compliant, which is a good trick.

Other performance changes are limited to the wheels, which are now 1kg lighter each, with a 10-spoke design, and new Metzeler Cruisetec tyres, replacing the discontinued Avon OE fitments. Electronics, brakes and suspension are all pretty much as you were.

There are two variants: the Storm R at £23,295 and the marginally more expensive Storm GT at £23,895, with the GT offering a bit more in terms of rider and pillion comfort, with a backrest, forward-set controls, extended flyscreen and lower seat, while the R has mid-set footpegs, flatter bars and slightly taller seat.

All the seat/footpeg/screen/ bars combos can be fitted as official accessories though, so you’ll be able to spec your perfect combination from the dealership.