Triumph Motorcycles has given its legendary Rocket III Roadster and Touring models – widely known as the World’s largest capacity production bikes – a complete makeover for 2013. While the Roadster’s 2.3 litre engine has been unleashed to provide even more power through its lower gears, the Rocket III Touring gets chrome engine dresser bars, a quick-release sissy bar and luggage rack. Both models come in a range of new colour schemes.
New Rocket III Roadster – Bigger and meaner
As the performance of all motorcycles continues to improve, Triumph is raising the bar by offering a full-strength, undiluted Rocket III Roadster. On all previous Rocket III models, the massive triple cylinder, 2,294cc engine’s huge torque has been electronically reduced in the first three gears, simply to prevent rider intimidation. But with the Rocket III Roadster’s performance credentials established, the time has come to bow to consumer demand for an unfettered version, so the restriction has been lifted and the full torque and power are on tap from the moment the clutch is released.
The styling has been made even meaner to match the hike in performance with a change from chrome to black for a host of key components, making this the most brooding, hardest hitting Rocket III yet.
New Features
- More power and torque in the first three gears. The new engine provides an additional two bhp of power and 21 more Nm of torque.
- New black finished components on an extensive range of parts:
- New radiator cowls to matt black from chrome
- ABS pulse rings to black
- Rear mudguard rails to black from chrome
- Air box cover to black from chrome
- Fork protectors to black from chrome
- Horn cover to black from chrome
- Headlight bowls and bezels to black chrome from chrome
- New tank badge, chrome with black text
- Mirrors to black from chrome
- New seat vinyl and stitching pattern
- New colours:
- Metallic Phantom Black with twin red centre stripes
- Matt Phantom Black with twin white centre stripes
The Rocket III Roadster builds on the unique, torque-driven performance of the original Rocket III with a more upright and sportier riding position designed to help the rider attack the curves. The rigid frame and sophisticated suspension, comprising 43mm upside down forks and adjustable rear units, lets the Rocket III Roadster sweep through corners and change direction with an agility that belies its size and capacity.
New Rocket III Touring – power and style as standard
The Rocket III Touring has always been much more than a Rocket III with bags and screen added. In fact the first 2007 Touring model shared only its front brake, mirrors and tail light with the Rocket III, along with the epic, 2.3 litre, three-cylinder engine. The rest was designed specifically for the touring cruiser role.
For 2013 Triumph has enhanced the Rocket III Touring with a package of extras designed to give touring riders even more as standard, including:
- Chrome engine dresser bars, aiding protection of bike and rider while embellishing its looks. These also provide further scope for personalisation with highway pegs and additional lighting.
- A quick-release sissy bar with backrest for extra passenger security.
- A purpose-designed, quick-release Triumph luggage rack.
- New colours with hand-painted coach lines:
- Black and red with single coach line
- Black with twin, gold coach lines
The huge torque output (203Nm) of the Rocket III Touring’s unmistakable 2,294cc triple engine is perfect for a relaxed, low revving ride regardless of load or conditions, with or without a passenger, while the dependable shaft drive minimises maintenance.
The chassis has an exceptionally low centre of gravity, making the Rocket III Touring easy and unintimidating to manoeuvre, while the 16 inch wheels and 180 section rear tyre - narrower than the original Rocket III’s - provide a level of agility without compromising stability.
Other Rocket III Touring unique features include a gel passenger seat and a dual density, layered foam seat for the rider. The quick-release screen is standard equipment, as are the 36 litre panniers.
