What happens when you mix nearly 150 foot pounds of torque with a vehicle weighing approximately 700 pounds? According to Triumph, you have a power cruiser that can reach 60 mph even quicker than a Suzuki Hayabusa. This claim does not reside in the following press release, but it did make its way to some of the dealers, and press, in attendance at Triumph’s dealer meeting this last Sunday. Among other things, the claimed dry weight of the Rocket III is remarkably low given its 2.3 liter engine displacement. Take a look at Triumph’s press release describing their new power cruiser.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – August 20, 2003 – Ending
months of speculation Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., unveiled Triumph’s new
power cruiser – the Rocket III – in San Antonio, Texas, during the annual
US dealer conference. It is the biggest production motorcycle currently
being built. There isn’t a benchmark or limit that hasn’t been exceeded. The
first production motorcycle to break the 2-liter barrier, the potency of this
powerful new machine is captured perfectly by its name – the Rocket III.
But make no mistake, the Rocket III is not just another motorcycle; it’s the
ride of a lifetime.
As the name alludes and paramount among the cruiser
fold, the Rocket III is powered by a triple cylinder engine, an engine format
that
Triumph has distinctively engineered for today’s performance
enthusiast. 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 Dodge Viper(tm).
The Rocket III produces
more peak torque than two of almost any other production motorcycles
combined. To be precise, a whopping 147ft.lb torque at 2,500 rpm, with 90%
delivered at a mere 1,800 rpm. This stunning triple digit number means,
two-up, it will accelerate faster than just about anything else on two wheels.
Pulling 1.2g in the process.
From the throaty,
beat of the triple-cylinder exhaust note to the Speed Triple inspired twin head
lamps, the Rocket III is every inch a Triumph. Drawing styling cues from
across the Triumph range, the designers fused the power and control usually
associated with a sports machine with the elemental essence of our contemporary
classics. To this, they added the cruiser embellishments that this
customer group demands, low seat height (29.1-inches), pullback handlebars and
foot-forward controls.
Riders played an integral role in the
development of this power cruiser. Focus groups from around the world, and
particularly within the US, confirmed that in the power cruiser world “bigger”
is most definitely better. But they also made three other
demands:
1. – The Rocket III had to be
unmistakably a Triumph and
not a clone of more conventional formats
2. – It must be grounded in the real
world rather than a flight
of fancy, with the performance to back the style
3. – It had to have
‘presence’
“The Rocket III’s the ultimate power cruiser and gives Triumph
a strong foot-hold in the cruiser market,” explains Triumph Motorcycles Product
Manager, Ross Clifford. “It breaks the mold and will appeal to riders
seeking a unique and impressive riding experience. It’s the sort of bike
that enthralls the rider completely, engaging all their senses.”
And
while the Rocket III’s statistics and its looks are striking, Triumphs 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.
A tubular steel spine frame houses the motor while maintenance-free
shaft drive lays power to the massive, 240/50-section rear tire. The front
brakes are Daytona 955i specification – twin four-piston calipers mated with
floating 320mm discs – and provide awesome stopping power. The rear brake is a
single twin piston caliper and 316mm disc. The fuel-efficient engine
coupled with a huge 6.6 gallon fuel tank, gives the Rocket III an impressive
range.
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 cross-country jaunt.
The standard machine is fitted with a detachable pillion seat and comes
in Jet Black or Cardinal Red. There is also a wide range of Triumph
accessories available for those who want to add a touch of their own personal
style to the Rocket III.
The last motorcycle to bear this name, was the
1960’s BSA Rocket, although badged as a BSA, the motorcycle was powered by the
very first Triumph triple engine. Triumph’s own version of the same machine was
the 1969 Trident.
Following the August, 2003 presentation to Triumph’s US
dealer network and US motorcycle press, the Rocket III will make its European
debut at the International Motorcycle Show in Milan, Italy in September.
Triumph Motorcycles Limited’s press conference will be held at 4:00 p.m.,
September 16, 2003 in the Purricelli Room, EICMA Milan and Triumph’s full 2004
model line-up will be revealed.
Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Triumph Motorcycles, Ltd., the manufacturer of
Triumph motorcycles and accessories. Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd.,
is located in Newnan, GA and services the Triumph dealer organization throughout
the United States, Canada and Latin America.
