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sarge
12-04-2003, 03:55 PM
Rocket III

The first ever production bike to break the 2-litres barrier, the Rocket III is the ultimate power cruiser.

As alluded to by its name and alone among the cruiser fold the Rocket III is powered by a triple cylinder engine, an engine format that Triumph has very much made its own. Its fuel-injected, longitudinally-mounted, in-line three-cylinder engine has a cubic capacity of 2,294cc – 140 cubic inches – and uses the same size pistons as a ten-cylinder American muscle car.

But the impressive numbers don’t end there as the Rocket III makes more peak torque than two together of almost any other production motorcycle. To be precise, a massive 147ft.lbf torque at 2,500rpm, with 90% delivered at a mere 1,800 rpm.

http://www.triumph.co.uk/images/dynamic/hi_res/2004%20RocketMainSmall.jpg

This stunning triple digit number means, two-up, it will accelerate faster than pretty much anything else on two wheels.

But while the Rocket III’s statistics and its looks are striking, our motorcycles are built to be ridden, not just admired. Usability is a core belief at Triumph and an element close to the heart of every Triumph rider, so built around the Rocket III’s motor is a chassis that’s more than a match for its monstrous output.

Just as remarkable as the engine’s sheer motive force is the balance that’s been struck between power and control making the Rocket III a surprisingly easy-to-manage machine. The ergonomics are such that it’s no more of a stretch to the foot or handlebar controls than it is on the Triumph America cruiser model. This relaxed riding position, along with the hugely torquey engine, provides the perfect platform for stealing the limelight close to home or for eating up countless miles on a longer jaunt.

The standard machine is fitted with a detachable pillion seat and comes in Jet Black or Cardinal Red. There is also a whole range of Triumph accessories available for those who want to add a touch of their own personal style.

But make no mistake, the Rocket III is not just another motorcycle; it’s the ride of a lifetime. There isn’t a benchmark it hasn’t obliterated, a limit it hasn’t disregarded. It is, simply, the biggest and most impressive production motorcycle the world has ever seen. And added to the breathtaking riding experience are truly original looks that ensure it will never be mistaken for anything else.

Awesome is an over-used word but for the Rocket III it’s barely adequate.

"Prices are now revealed for the Rocket III at $15,990. This is less than the $17,000 ball park that accompanied the August 2003 announcement of the monster-power cruiser.

In the real world of motorbikes, you can pose all you want, but if you don't have real power, you're just pussyfootin'. And do we dare repeat the "no replacement for displacement" mantra? Yes, if you are talking a 2.3 liter, 147 ft. lbs. torque, and 140 Harley humpin' horsepower.

The neo classic Thruxton 900 also is shown with a $7,999 MSRP.

Check out all the models at http://www.triumph.co.uk

If you feel the need to "Hump" Harleys, looks like you'll be able to do it a little cheaper than expected. Speaking of bargains, that Thruxton looks pretty sweet for an $8,000 motorcycle. :lol:

http://news.motorcycle.com/article.motml?sid=2532

http://www.thehallofmaat.com/maat/images/forum/avatar/105.gif sarge

All Ride Safe

Jack G
12-05-2003, 06:44 AM
I have a Triumph dealership about 15 miles from home. When it arrives, I WILL be there to get a closer look! My neighbor has 2 new Triumphs. Ones a cruiser, the other a crotch rocket. Wad both of them together and they may be as nice and fast as that triple!

Wonder if a better looking headlamp is available?

Valkrocket
12-05-2003, 07:04 AM
but, don't give it many style points, lose the dual headlights and put all three pipes on one side or add a dummy pipe to the other side to balance out the rear end. Here's the other side.
Looking forward to test driving that monster :twisted:
http://www.triumph.co.uk/images/dynamic/hi_res/2004%20Rocket%202.jpg

Valkrocket
12-05-2003, 07:13 AM
http://www.triumph.co.uk/images/dynamic/hi_res/2004%20Rocket%204.jpg

sarge
12-05-2003, 07:35 AM
The look is growing on me. The performance numbers look great. I am worried about the overall mechanical serviceability and longevity of the motor, tranny etc. 8)


http://www.thehallofmaat.com/maat/images/forum/avatar/105.gif sarge

All Ride Safe

R J
12-05-2003, 07:47 AM
If it is anything like the old 3 cylinder Triumph's. it is a shaker & does the numbness of fingers, hands, arm and butt vehicle.

I couldn't do 300 miles on the old triple without everything going numb.

Their electrics still are not the best in my opinion. With fuel injection and it gets a short in it, goodbye engine running. It will be another harley wantabe, pushing it that is or riding in the pickup like a big old black dog.

Yeah, I'm slamming the Triumph, it made me walk several times and I didn't appreciate that one bit. Especially if it made me late for work. Then I would get on a Harley and one nice thing about the Harley was I had a direct radio wave to the dispatcher for a tow if needed. LOL :lol:

Hollywood
12-05-2003, 10:04 AM
Keep the dual headlights. Leave the pipes alone. It's different! I like different.... Hey guys! Remember? That's why we all fell in love with the Valk just a few years ago! :biker:

Still waitin' for Honda's response! I keep tellin' ya... the Valk ain't dead... she's just restin' up for a BIG return... :pepper1:

Even some of the MC mags are startin' to whisper about the rumble off in the distance... Seems to be comin' from the MidWest... Ohio maybe... Gosh, that sound seems to be coming from... Could it be?... :shock:

Good old Art Freidman 8) has been around darn near forever... He even believes there is something stirrin' in Marysville :D ... and he has some good reasoning behind his thoughts... like Honda is a penny pinchin' giant (we all know that!) :wink: Why would they spend SOOOO much development money :money1: on a limited production machine (Rune)? That's not good business sense! :? He believes there is a more real world, mass production machine on the horizon... I'm with him! :clap2:

Ahhh, the calm before the STORM!!! Always lulls people into a false sense of security 8) ... But when the windows begin to rattle and the lightening begins to strike, :o4: only the ones who have prepared and even expected the change in the atmosphere will be able to "RIDE THE STORM OUT!" :pepper1: :biker: :clap2:

Patiently waiting and watchin' the Radar,
Hollywood 8)