A Closer Look at the New Triumph Rocket III

Who doesn't like riding motorcycles? They are fun vehicles, allowing you to ride places where cars can't go. It's an intimate feeling to hop on your bike, a melding of man and machine. The wind in your hair, riding on open highways, and the feel of its powerful engine between your thighs are just a few of the reasons why so many love bikes. Things are good for motorcycle aficionados. But, they're about to get even better for Triumph Rocket III fans. The completely updated motorcycle will be launched later this year. If you are a fan of this brand and are eagerly awaiting this event, we've got good news for you. We offer a sneak peek of the new design to help alleviate your anticipation.

Why the change?

Just like a lot of other motorcycles, the Rocket III was withdrawn from the European market because of Euro 4 emission rules. These rules state, among others, that motor vehicles must have the ability to use a cleaner burning fuel. As such, designers had to go back to the drawing board to make the recommended changes. So, when the new Rocket debuts, you can expect a completely different machine.

How we go out hands on the specs

Little is known about the reincarnation of one of our favorite motorbikes. However, dealers that attended the firm's international dealer meeting in October managed to post some pictures and other information online. These fortunate souls were given a pre-launch sneak preview that has many dying with envy.

What's Different?

By all indications, the new Rocket is more aggressive, much like Ducati's famous Diavel and other motorbikes. This is different from its predecessor, which was known for its unique 1294 CC inline 3-cylinder engine and conservative cruiser styling. There are also rumors about the new version having a single-sided swingarm. The original had traditional twin shocks and dual-sided arms. This suggests that this motorcycle has a new chassis under its bodywork. Unfortunately for die-hard Rocket III fans, some signature components were completely revamped as well. For instance, the twin round headlights were replaced with a single light and a swingarm-mounted license plate bracket like the Diavel.

Gone as well are the long chrome exhaust system. It was replaced with a stubby system that has two tails that come out by your right foot. The Rocket III now also has low straight bars that add to the look of a muscle bike. One thing that all Rocket III fans will appreciate is the increased power that the newer model boasts. The current version has a 2.3L engine with 148 horsepower. It also has 163-pound-feet of torque that is accessible at just 2750 RPM. This is incredibly powerful but, the newer model has even higher figures. In fact, some sources suggest that the engine might be increased to as much as 2.6L. Can you imagine the things you can do with a more powerful bike?

In terms of weight, the Rocket isn't necessarily light. The existing model is a little over 700 lbs, which some might consider being on the heavy side. But, even with the lightweight materials used for its latest design and the redesigned chassis, things haven't changed much. The bigger size of the transmission and engine cancels out the weight-reducing changes.

New Revelations

As you can see, rumors abound about the new Rocket III. But, the ones mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg. For instance, there are some who say that the new Rocket III may be a part of Triumph's new range. Known as Triumph Factory Custom, this brand focuses on making limited edition bikes with higher specs than normal. This will be a treat for those looking for high-powered motorcycles with super-powered specs. The plans for this particular lineup will be released at the end of January. More accurate information about the Rocket III should be announced at this time as well. It is then we will finally separate the truth from the rumors.

The Bottom Line

With all the changes, it's safe to say that the Rocket III is practically a brand new machine. Still, it's sure to be a worthy competitor with die-hard fans as well as its more powerful brethren. Regardless, it's sure to uphold Triumph's legacy of producing high quality and high performing machines.