2019 Triumph Rocket 3: Preview
The new Triumph Rocket 3 has finally been unveiled. This new model has very little to do with the old one, except for the fact that the engine here is also a longitudinal three-cylinder in-line of elephantine capacity – 2,458cc, which is 164cc more than the previous version.
By Quattroruote
Have you ever tried to line up three 819cc single cylinders in a row? Here’s what happens if you do – you’re left with 2,458cc of pure British muscle! New from head to toe, Triumph’s heavyweight Rocket is back.
The new Triumph Rocket 3 has finally been unveiled. It’s not only colossal, like the previous version, but also sportier. It looks modern, muscular, tough, and is confident about its intentions. And the fact that the ‘3’ in its name is no longer written in Roman numerals should be taken as a sign that it’s distancing itself from its past.
Bigger than ever
This new Rocket 3 has very little to do with the old one, except for the fact that the engine here is also a longitudinal three-cylinder in-line of elephantine capacity – 2,458cc, which is 164cc more than the previous version. But, interestingly, the engine alone weighs over 18kgs less than the previous model. Featuring a shaft drive, it delivers 163bhp at 6,000rpm (compared to 145bhp for the old model) and a maximum torque of 221Nm at 4,000rpm, instead of 2,750rpm in the previous model.
The new Rocket 3 is a cruiser, no doubt about it, but it has tighter and compact lines that convey its sportier intentions. Oh, and it gets three exhausts – two on the right, and one on the left. It has an aluminium frame, adjustable Showa suspensions, a braking system that uses radial-mounted monobloc callipers, concealed passenger footrests and a forged 20-spoke aluminium rear wheel, with a 240mm tyre.
Compared to the old Rocket III, the new one is 44kgs lighter, which gives it confidence-inspiring manoeuvrability – something that the big old boy of the past lacked. The electronics suite lacks nothing – it includes ABS, traction control, four riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport, and Rider), cruise control, hill hold control, a keyless ignition, and a Ride-by-Wire throttle. The instrument cluster is backlit, and the tank has a capacity of 18 litres.
A tale of two brothers
The new Rocket 3 will arrive at the end of the year in global markets – in the first quarter of 2020 in India – and will be available in two versions, the R and the GT. Why? Well, to emphasise the versatility of this dragster and underline the fact that, apart from offering a flying start at every traffic signal, it can also be a very good travel companion.
Some of the details that make the GT different from its brother include advanced footrests, a lower seat, high handlebars, heated grips and a standard backrest. The weights of both bikes are different too – the dry weight of the R is 291kgs and that of the GT is 294kgs.
Twin LEDs
The new Rocket gets a TFT instrument cluster, retractable passenger footrest and Brembo Stylema brake callipers. The dual headlamps are all-LEDs, while the fuel tank has a quick-release lid, with a brushed metal stopper, and the footrests are adjustable.
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