Cool-Motorcycles reviews Triumph Cruiser Rocket 3

Streetfighter on steroids.
Words will never do justice to the Rocket III. It’s a design and engineering masterpiece that really has to be ridden to be appreciated.

The awe inspiring 2300cc triple cylinder power plant delivers arm wrenching torque via shaft drive for amazing acceleration and controllable power off the line and through the gears. It’s the world’s largest production motorcycle, but the real surprise is that it handles like a bike half its size thanks to the design intent from day one. Performance, handling and usability will always be at the heart of all our motorcycles and the legendary Rocket III proves it.

It’s a real rider’s bike with unique and original custom styling. Think of it as a Streetfighter on steroids. Its sports bike derived brakes include twin front discs with Nissin 4 piston floating callipers, a Brembo rear calliper and braided hoses all round.

A massive 240mm rear tire and long chromed, triple exhaust pipes add to its presence and confirm that this incredible motorcycle has the performance to match its muscular looks.

FEATURES
Engine

The incredible 2.3 litre, in-line, water cooled, triple cylinder engine means that even two-up the Rocket III accelerates incredibly hard without obvious effort. But despite its size, the engine is incredibly smooth as the balance, input and rear drive shaft contra-rotate against the crankshaft, which makes for minimal torque reaction.

Transmission

Shaft drive is ideally suited to dealing with such a strong production engine and gives the added benefit of being highly durable and virtually maintenance free.

Brakes

The Rocket III’s front brakes – twin four-piston calipers mated with 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.

Fuelling

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 2000rpm, giving incredible levels of flexibility and making the five-speed gearbox almost redundant.

Suspension

The Rocket III’s chassis is something quite special and centers on a large tubular steel twin-spine frame, which houses the motor, while 43mm upside down forks and spring preload adjustable twin rear shocks, built specifically for the Rocket III, add control, composure and supple compliance.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine

• Type: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder
• Capacity: 2294cc
• Bore/Stroke: 101.6 x 94.3mm
• Compression Ratio: 8.7:1
• Fuel System: Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection

Transmission

• Final Drive: Shaft
• Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
• Gearbox: 5-speed

Cycle Parts

• Frame: Tubular steel, twin spine
• Swingarm: Twin-sided, steel
• Front Wheel: Alloy 5-spoke, 17 x 3.5in
• Rear Wheel: Alloy 5-spoke, 16 x 7.5in
• Front Tyre: 150/80 R 17
• Rear Tyre: 240/50 R 16
• Front Suspension: 43mm upside down forks
• Rear Suspension: Chromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preload
• Front Brakes: Twin 320mm floating discs, 4 piston calipers
• Rear Brakes: Single 316mm disc, 2 piston caliper

Dimensions

• Length: 98.4in
• Width (Handlebars): 38.2in
• Height: 45.9in
• Seat Height: 29.1in
• Wheelbase: 66.7in
• Rake/Trail: 32 degree/148mm
• Weight (Dry): 704lbs
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 6.3 gal

Performance (Measured at crankshaft to DIN 70020)

• Maximum Power: 140bhp at 6,000 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 147ft.lbt at 2,500 rpm

Colours

• Claret, Phantom Black

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Cool-Motorcycles reviews Triumph Cruiser Rocket 3