This is Triumph’s large Rocket III motorcycle which has been purposely reigned in by the manufacturer so that it produces less than peak power in the first 3 gears. Why? To avoid “rider intimidation”, that’s why. After all, the big Rocket puts out more horsepower and torque compact cars sold in Malaysia.The Rocket III is a whirling, mechanised cyclone of power. Its three fuel-injected cylinders displace a monstrous 2,294cc and pump out 147lb-ft of torque. That amazing output is fed to the giant 240-section rear tyre via a five-speed gearbox and shaft drive, while the massively strong steel frame, upside-down forks and Daytona 955i spec four-piston brake calipers elementally contain the Rocket III’s potential.
Triumph has long been known for its innovative three-cylinder designs, but the DOHC liquid-cooled engine breaks new ground. Each piston measures over 4 inches across-the same as a Dodge Viper-giving each cylinder more displacement than an entire GSXR-750. Triumph claims 147 ft.-lbs. of torque at 2,500 RPM and 140HP at 5,750 RPM for the oversquare fuel-injected mill. All this power should give the 704-pound (dry) juggernaut a 0-60 time of around 2.8 seconds, and a 0-100 time of just over 7 seconds.Power is laid down through a five-speed gearbox, shaft drive (a first for Triumph) and an impressive 240/50-16 rear tire.Stopping the beast are twin 320mm discs and four-piston calipers from the firm’s Daytona 955i sportbike in the front, and a 316mm disk with a twin-piston caliper out back. Cruiser-style ergos should make this performance easy to handle. Seat height is set at a surprisingly low 29.1 inches, and the reach to the forward-mount footpegs and pullback handlebars is said to be no greater than the 800cc Bonneville America.
