Triumph Rocket 3 standard variant spied testing in Europe

A few months ago, Triumph unveiled the limited-edition Rocket 3 TFC. Barely two months after the launch, all the 750 units were already sold out. Now, test mules of the standard variants have been spotted testing abroad and they look production ready, hinting at 2019 EICMA debut.

The test mules were void of most of the premium equipment that came with the TFC like the Arrow exhaust, carbonfibre bodywork but the overall styling remains the same as the TFC. Triumph may also replace the fully adjustable 47mm Showa cartridge forks and piggyback shock with lower spec units to bring down the cost. The TFC tipped the scales at 290kg- 44kg less than the predecessor. However, skipping the use of the lighter materials will make the standard variant heavier than the TFC.

The Triumph Rocket 3 TFC is powered by a 2.4-litre longitudinally-mounted three-cylinder engine, developing 167bhp and a staggering 221Nm of peak twist. Yes, that’s the biggest engine seen on a production motorcycle and the Rocket 3 TFC also holds the title for the torquiest motorcycle in the world. The TFC gets titanium valves, however, we expect the British brand to use a more cost effective material for the valves. With different components being implemented for the engine’s construction, the output figures are expected to change as well but we cannot testify for the same at the moment.

Electronics include lean-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS coupled with four riding modes with an autoblipper and quickshifter. Other creature comforts include cruise control, hill hold control, keyless ignition and tyre pressure monitoring. The TFT display with its optional Bluetooth dongle, gives rider the ability to control the phone and even integrate GoPro.

Back in 2004, Triumph Motorcycles stumped the world by introducing the Rocket III. A cruiser from the British brand’s stable that boasted of a 2.2litre engine, the biggest the world had ever witnessed on a production motorcycle. Over the years, the Rocket III evolved into various avatars, from the Classic in 2006 to the Roadster in 2010 and the Touring model. Unfortunately, the British cruiser took its time to find its niche, especially when the American janta swore by their V-twin Harleys.

We expect the new Rocket 3 to come to India next year.