click above image to view more pics of the Triumph Rocket III Touring
In what seems like a natural progression, Triumph has unveiled a longer-legged version of its super-sized triple, the Rocket II Touring. Unless you consider the Gold Wing or BMW K-Series of bikes competition, the Rocket Touring will be vying for sales against Harley's line of V-Twin touring bikes, as well as the touring versions of cruisers from the Japanese brands. We think that the Rocket III makes a perfect starting point for a long-distance mount; in fact it makes more sense in this role than as a standard style bike as it was first introduced. The torque-rich motor will make for relaxed running at higher speeds and should allow for panic-free passing maneuvers. The frame and bodywork have all been revised and hard luggage has been added. We also find the new tank much more attractive than the one standard on other Rocket models.
Coming in at a buck less than $17 grand, the Rocket III Touring should offer plenty of rea$on$ to consider it over the Harley tourers. Those looking to be a bit different than the rest of the crowd will be rewarded with over 140 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque, a good bit more than what's available in that price range elsewhere.
[Source: Triumph]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Carlos @ Oct 26th 2007 7:04PM
I would love to put that engine in a Formula SAE car. That torque rich six would be a blast in a 600lbs car.
Hamm Sammich @ Oct 26th 2007 11:05PM
It isn't a torque-rich six, it is a 2.3L 3cyl. Hence the III, in Rocket III...
frank @ Oct 26th 2007 9:04PM
these look nice with the add ons!!
http://www.xtremegadgets.net
howard @ Oct 27th 2007 12:46AM
Oh, if I was just 20 years younger that would be my choice over the Gold Wing or any other Japanese touring bike. Hell, forget Harley! they couldn't hold a candle to this machine! The last TRIUMPH I owned and rode was a 1966 650 BONNIVILLE and it would really blow a hole in the wind. I never came across a stock 750 Honda that could touch me on top end. And now this ROCKETIII, no, my wife would kill me if I even suggested another motorcycle, of course she's right, I'm 77 and haven't ridden since 1983.
Xchoppers @ Apr 25th 2008 3:00AM
I'm turning 60 in June and I own 3 bikes and ride everyday. Don't let anything stop you from living your dream! My wife has been riding on the back with me for over 40 years and loves it. I currently own and ride a 2002 Honda VTX 1800, a 2003 Honda Goldwing and a 2007 Suzuki M109. I'm going to test a Triumph Rocket III tomorrow. If I like it I will be adding it to my collection! I crave horsepower!
howard @ Apr 25th 2008 2:32PM
HeyXCHOPPER, let me know how the Rocket III performs? Even though I can't ride any more (the old hands just won't grip the 1/4 turn, even with a pencil pushed between the rubber and the metal on the underside, old "Arthur" got me about 4 years ago) I still want to keep up with my favorite bike! Howard
howard @ Oct 27th 2007 12:46AM
Oh, if I was just 20 years younger that would be my choice over the Gold Wing or any other Japanese touring bike. Hell, forget Harley! they couldn't hold a candle to this machine! The last TRIUMPH I owned and rode was a 1966 650 BONNIVILLE and it would really blow a hole in the wind. I never came across a stock 750 Honda that could touch me on top end. And now this ROCKETIII, no, my wife would kill me if I even suggested another motorcycle, of course she's right, I'm 77 and haven't ridden since 1983.
jeremy.korzeniewsk @ Oct 27th 2007 8:17AM
Go for it Howard... we won't tell.
JK
howard @ Oct 27th 2007 10:05PM
Thanks Jeremy! were buildig a cover on our dech and I was showing the picture of the new Rocket III to my two sons and my wife took it and said, "you really want this"? and i said sure but I know my limitations! talk about being knocked over with a feather. Then she added, "you mean you couldn't learn to ride again"? It isn't about learning to ride again, it's about my health! She looked at me and said "I know, I was just teasing but, if you want it get it"!
bill d @ Nov 19th 2007 10:16AM
I own a 2006 Rocket 3. My wife insisted we buy it for my 50th birthday. We were smitten by the Rocket back in 2004, but had to looked at and test out several brands. Our testing lasted for a couple of years. We considered bikes from the Triumph R3, BMW K1200 series, Honda 1800 Goldwing, VTX and Rhune, Harley Vrod and Electra Glide, Victory Kingpin and Hammer, Suzuki M109, Yamaha Warrior and Vmax.
We own several machines now. We call it our street fleet. We decided to sell our Honda 1500 Goldwing to make room for the next bike. We decided to go with a clasic design, and chose the the Rocket 3. We wanted a bike that was not a Harley clone.
That brings me to my point about the new R3 Tour. It has some design improvements I would like to have on my Rocket. Such as the 180 width rear tire and the 3 into 2 exhaust. However, the almost exact copy Harley clone look of the bags, exhaust and tank mounted speedometer is very disappointing. The Rocket 3 has been touted by almost every critic as not another Harley clone and even as the anti Harley. Triumph has caved in to the clone crowd and missed an excellent opportunity to create a machine that will establish a new path and allow Triumph to be the leader for other builders follow.
Xchoppers @ Apr 25th 2008 3:02AM
Sorry, it's a 3 cylinder, not a 6.