Triumph updates 2010 Rocket III, now makes 165 lb-ft of torque
2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery
Just in case the original Triumph Rocket III and its 2.3-liter inline triple engine wasn't quite bonkers enough for you, the British motorcycle manufacturer has just announced it's upping the power of its awe-inspiring mill for the 2010 model year. The 165 lb-ft of torque represents a 15% improvement over the 2009 model, and that plateau is reached at just 2,750 rpm.
Couple that foundation-wrenching pulling power with 146 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and a reported 807-pound wet weight and you've got yourself a laudable power-to-weight ratio. Fortunately, Triumph has also seen fit to update the Rocket's suspension and brake components to match the newfound grunt. A new set of 43-millimeter upside-down forks join twin Kayaba shocks to keep the big bike under control and updated Brembo brakes are paired up with Triumph's proven ABS system.
On the styling side of the coin, Triumph will paint the new 2010 Rocket in any color you'd like... just so long as it's black. Hey, don't complain – you do get the choice of either glossy or matte finish, and don't forget about that engine! Rounding out the updates are twin chrome silencers and a reconfigured riding position with a shorter reach to the handlebars and slightly more rearset footpegs. We'll take ours in, um, black.
Gallery: 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster
[Source: Triumph]
PRESS RELEASE
Triumph introduce 2010 Rocket III Roadster
Higher spec and lower cost for world's largest capacity motorcycle
Legendary British motorcycle manufacturer Triumph is introducing the most powerful version yet of its 2.3 litre Rocket III, the Rocket III Roadster.
The Rocket III Roadster moves out of pure cruiser territory into the ultimate muscle streetfighter category, bringing the biggest torque found on any production motorcycle.
Coming in two mean and moody black colour options, metallic Phantom Black or an aggressive Matt Black alternative, the Rocket III Roadster is powered by an updated version of Triumph's iconic three-cylinder 2,294cc powerplant. Maximum power has increased over the outgoing Rocket III, with torque up 15%, to a mighty 221Nm.
Triumph's sophisticated anti-lock braking system is fitted as standard to the Rocket III Roadster, which is the first time that an ABS system has been specified to the Rocket III platform. The bike has received extensive ergonomic and quality improvements over the previous model.
New ergonomics provide the Rocket III Roadster with a completely different riding experience from its predecessors. The footrests are now further back, lower down and more inboard, creating a more comfortable riding position, which non-cruiser riders will feel at home with. The plush new seat positions the rider higher and further forward than before, giving a relaxed and natural leg position while reducing the reach to the handlebars. The result is a Rocket that is easier to steer through corners than previous incarnations.
New rear suspension units have been designed to offer a more controlled ride than before, while the main components are blacked out to reinforce the Rocket III's aggressive image. All modifications have been designed to release more power and torque and optimise the aural experience while creating a more balanced appearance.
The Triumph Rocket III Roadster will be available at official Triumph dealerships from early 2010.
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Joe K. 2:06PM (10/01/2009)
So it make more torque than the Toyota 2.4L... Sweet.
Reply
Joshua 1:42PM (10/02/2009)
Anyone who knows me knows that I've been saying for years the the Triumph Rocket III doesn't make anywhere near enough torque. I mean a motorcycle with ONLY 147 ft-lbs of torque??? Come on!! Well they've FINALLY addressed the problem with this update. Geeze, it's about time Triumph.
pirate 2:48PM (10/01/2009)
Oh my
(that's also more torque than the S2000)
Reply
Benfolio 2:09PM (10/01/2009)
This is AUTO blog, right? Just checking. ;)
Reply
RamblinReck89 2:13PM (10/01/2009)
I like the sound of Manualblog better. But DSGblog is kinda catchy.
Willute 2:31PM (10/01/2009)
Throttleblog.
tonyc 4:03PM (10/01/2009)
Last time I checked, this site wasn't called carblog. Thanks for bringing up an non-issue.
paul34 4:04PM (10/01/2009)
mobile = something that moves
automobile = something that can move itself
Is a motorcycle not an automobile?
Benfolio 6:57AM (10/02/2009)
Nope.
RamblinReck89 2:11PM (10/01/2009)
That's like what, 5.5 pounds per horsepower? Yeah, that's fast. I'd still rather have a Vulcan 2000, if it were my money, because I'm not a huge fan of the styling.
Reply
izaerian 2:13PM (10/01/2009)
Hmmm, this would be a very nice engine for a BEC style Locost. Good torque/hp, and it's odd and looks cool...what more could you want?
Reply
Franz 2:12PM (10/01/2009)
Sick torque number... that's more than most sport compacts.
Reply
MikeW 2:58PM (10/01/2009)
Don't forget it is 2.3 liters.
Franz 3:23PM (10/01/2009)
I'm not forgetting, just trying to put it in perspective with regards to power-to-weight.
British_Rover 2:19PM (10/01/2009)
Triumph makes some of the best motorcycles on the market right now. One of my co-workers has a 2006 Rocket III and loves it. Says it is the best bike he has ever owned.
You have to watch this awesome video made by Triumph to promote the Rocket III in full monty python style.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKEuzxC4eGc
Reply
Kooshball 2:47PM (10/01/2009)
i was just about to say, they better come up with a sequel to that promotional video to celebrate.
IOMTT 2:32PM (10/01/2009)
807 lbs!!! It better have some twist. Personally, I would go for the VMax...less weight, and more power. Now Triumph has this and the new parallel twin big cruiser.
Reply
RamblinReck89 2:40PM (10/01/2009)
Don't forget less price. Neither one is particularly attractive though. I feel like the VMax blurs the line between sport bike and cruiser and doesn't exactly pull off either.
Redline 3:22PM (10/01/2009)
I'm right with you there on the VMax bud. Makes the power of 2-3 Harleys.
BoxerFanatic 2:42PM (10/01/2009)
Triumph...
WHERE IS YOUR BIG DAYTONA??????
I fell in love with the T595 (955cc) Daytona, back in 1998. That was a sexy machine.
Where is the 1050i Daytona, or new Super III? More civilized than a Speed Triple, and sexier than a Sprint ST... and more amenable to ride than a Ducati or Japanese liter-bike super sport...
About the only Triumph I would get would be a big Daytona or a Speed Triple... I'd love to fit earlier T595-style swoopy bodywork back onto a modern, 1050cc late-model Speed Triple, with the up-side-down forks and radial brakes.
I can respect the Rocket III, but it really isn't my cup of tea...
Reply