India Bike Week 2019 - Triumph Rocket 3 R launched at Rs 18 lakh

A few months ago, Triumph unveiled the Rocket 3 R and Rocket 3 GT. Now, the British brand has launched the bike in India. However, Triumph has chosen to launch only the R variant at Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom, India) . The Rocket 3 R goes up against the Ducati Diavel 1260 in India which is priced at Rs 17.70 lakh (ex-showroom, India).

All about the Triumph Rocket 3 R

The Rocket 3 R is powered by a 2500cc, inline-triple engine, the biggest engine seen on a production motorcycle yet. The engine produces 164.7bhp at 6,000rpm which is 11 per cent more than the predecessor and a staggering 221Nm of peak twist, making it the torquiest production motorcycle engine.

Triumph has managed to shed 18kg off the engine compared to the previous engine in a Rocket 3 despite the 200cc bump in displacement. With the new crankcase assembly, new lubrication system and new balancer shafts, the engine is not only lighter but now redlines higher at 7,500rpm.

Keeping this maniacal engine sane is Triumph’s new electronic package with an IMU developed by Continental, allowing the Rocket to have features like cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control as standard. Riding modes include Road, Rain, Sport and a custom riding mode.

New chassis and equipment

One of the biggest changes in the Rocket 3 is the new aluminium chassis that uses the engine as the stressed member. The central spine of the frame which bolts around the engine is hollow and the doubles up as the airbox. This has allowed the bike to drop 22kgs, which coupled with the lighter engine, makes the new Rocket 3 a whole 40kg lighter than the predecessor.

Suspension duties are handled by 47mm adjustable forks from Showa and a fully adjustable monoshock with a piggyback reservoir. Shedding speed on this behemoth are Brembo Stylema monobloc callipers clamping two 320mm discs at the front a single 300mm disc at the rear.

The standard models aren’t robbed of the luxuries like hill hold control, cruise control and even the second-genration TFT console from the Scrambler 1200and TFC variant. Triumph is also offering optional Bluetooth connectivity, including GoPro control via switchgear.

Devil is in the details

The Rocket 3 R variant gets a flatter handlerbar and neutrally-positioned footpegs compared to the GT variant along with roadster-like seats. Triumph is offering more than 50 accessories, including a Highway Inspiration Kit to customise your Rocket.

Triumph has already commenced the bookings of the bike and deliveries are expected to begin from January 2020. To know how this behemoth rides, watch out for our review in the January issue.