Triumph Rocket III Overview

9
Why does this bike
make everyone who
rides it grin like a
kid in a sweet shop?
Maybe because when you thumb the
starter, you feel like you’ve just poked a
bear with a sharp stick and you’re not
sure if it’s going to eat you from the
boots up. True, the Rocket III is a cruiser
with astonishing performance but as soon
as you ride it you realise that the luscious,
inexhaustible flow of power from the
triple’s 2.3 liter engine can be reined
in with two fingers. That the low centre of
gravity and composed riding position give
you a fine sense of balance and control.
So, if you want to scorch along - scorch
away. But if you want to hang in top, drop
the revs to barely believable and proceed at
a leisurely pace, you can do that too. And
while we’re on about manners, a word
about handling: The Rocket III sails round
corners that would make most cruisers
twitch. Grin? You may find yourself
laughing out loud.

Triumph Rocket III Specifications

General

Compression Ratio	10.0:1
Final Drive	Shaft
Transmission	5-speed
Rear Brakes	Single 316mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Front Tire	150/80 R17
Rear Tire	240/50 R16
Dry Weight	320 kg (705 lbs)
Fuel System	Electronic fuel injection
Exhaust	3-into-1 into 2
Clutch	Wet, multi-plate
Frame	Tubular steel, twin spine
Rear Suspension	Twin shocks, adjustable preload
Front Brakes	Twin 320mm floating discs, 4-piston calipers
Front Wheel	17 x 3.5 in
Fuel Tank Capacity	24 liters (6.3 US gal)
Engine Type	Liquid-cooled, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder