Triumph Rocket III. March 2009
With its fuel injected, three-cylinder, 12-valve powerplant displacing 2,294cc, the Rocket III is the world's largest capacity production motorcycle. This incredible engine produces 147ft/lbs of torque at 2,500rpm, meaning that even two-up the Rocket III accelerates incredibly hard without obvious effort.
A good turning circle, seamless fuel injection and a low centre of gravity combine to make manoeuvring at low speed surprisingly easy, while the steering geometry and overall length give a securely planted and confident feel. Added to this is a generous ground clearance, the Rocket III is a truly useable machine that can cruise streets or hustle turns with equal ability.
Twin butterfly valves for each throttle body are used to give precise control over the engine and this set-up allows the ECU to vary the mixture flow and ignition map dependent on gear selected and road speed. The torque curve is thus tailored specifically for each gear ratio. And the result is impressive - over 90% of the engine's prodigious torque output is available at just 2,000rpm, giving incredible levels of flexibility and making the five-speed gearbox (nearly) redundant.
Maintenance free shaft drive lays power to the massive 240/50 section rear tyre while 43mm upside down forks and spring preload adjustable twin rear shocks, built specifically for the Rocket III, add control, composure and supple compliance.
The front brakes - twin four-piston calipers mated to 320mm floating discs - are built to sports bike specification and provide awesome stopping power. The rear brake, developed especially by Brembo, is a single twin piston caliper and 316mm disc.
The ability to personalise the Rocket III was integral to the original design philosophy of the bike. Developed and tested inhouse by accessories engineers in collaboration with the same Triumph design team and test riders responsible for the bike, the Rocket III's extensive accessory range reflects the same close attention to detail and finish as the bike itself.
The 2009 Triumph Rocket III comes with the options of a menacing phantom black or classy claret colour scheme.
Rocket III Classic
The Rocket III Classic is a real cruising motorcycle with a firm focus on rider and pillion comfort.
It's aimed squarely at those who prefer a more laid back approach to motorcycling and features a relaxed riding position with forward set footboards, pull back handlebars and a supremely comfortable stitched touring seat as standard.
The flexibility offered by the 2294cc engine makes for effortless riding whether two-up, fully loaded with luggage or solo. Sophisticated fuel injection feeds in power seamlessly, with controlled acceleration on tap at the twist of a throttle, while a maintenance free shaft drive delivers forward motion to the wide 240 mm rear rubber.
Excellent lock to lock movement, a light clutch and a low centre of gravity make low speed manoeuvring easy. The steering geometry and overall length give a securely planted feel at all speeds. Supple 43mm upside down forks and twin rear shocks add composure; twin front disc brakes with four-piston calipers and single disc rear give first class stopping power. Generous ground clearance completes the package and the relaxed, comfortable ergonomics allow the rider to take full advantage of the range provided by the 24-litre fuel tank making the Rocket III Classic the perfect long distance cruiser. The 2009 Rocket III Classic comes in a stylish pacific blue/aluminium silver colour combination with a gold coach line. The black finished engine with its deep chromed cam cover sets off the stunning paint, while the three cone silencer end finishers add a final touch to what is a truly distinctive machine.
Rocket III Touring
Combining classic touring cruiser style with strong performance and effortless long-haul ability, the Rocket III Touring is designed for those who demand the best.
Although built around the same engine platform as the Rocket III, the Rocket III Touring has been designed specifically for the job of effortlessly covering long distances from the outset. In fact, the only cycle parts shared by the Rocket III and the Rocket III Touring are the rear light and mirrors!
The fuel injected, 12-valve, in-line, three-cylinder, 2294cc engine has been tuned for ultimate cruising capability. With 154lb-ft of torque at just 2,000 rpm, the Rocket III Touring accelerates effortlessly whatever the circumstances.
Comfort for the rider and passenger is fundamental for a touring bike, so the Rocket III Touring seat is designed to give luxurious accommodation to both. The seat is constructed with two separate layers of cushioning of different densities, with the passenger getting the extra benefit of a gel pad to make sure the bike is as comfortable 500 kms later as it was when you set off.
A quick release "look-over" screen comes as standard, as do quick release 36 litre colour matched panniers.
With nearly 70 accessories designed exclusively for the Rocket III Touring, the options for individualising the bike are almost endless. Accessories include a range of seats, a selection of backrests, a variety of luggage options and a multitude of chrome parts.
