Triumph Rocket III Roadster

The British two-wheeler giant, Triumph has launched its one of their most prestigious bikes, Rocket III in India. This high status cruiser bike will take on bikes like Yamaha V-max in India. Let’s get in to the detailing of this bike.

Design and Style

Rocket III is a long and wide stance cruiser bike. Unlike other cruiser bikes, Rocket III gets comparatively less chrome treatment which differentiates it from others. The twin headlights at its front also make it quite easy for you to identify it from a distance. The elongated black colored front forks come with orange colored side on indicators. Its extremely pointed and broad front fender looks great in black matte finish. The tip and side extensions of this fender have been garnished with chrome. This color mixture looks premium and goes well with the bulky front tyre and alloy wheel. The twin circular naked instrument dials on the top of its headlight looks proportionate and makes it look macho. The chrome finished rear view mirrors are mounted on its wide handle bar. The bike looks interesting sideways. Three chrome exhaust pipes come out of its black finished engine and integrate into a long muffler. The bike has one muffler on each side. The matte finish continues on its other body panels also which includes its side panels and stretched fuel tank which also features the name of the company. The split seats look well positioned on this bike while the angular chrome bar on the rear cowl makes it look classy. Rocket III has an extremely wide rear tyre and fender. This fender also carries the retro styled tail light, number plate and side indicators.

Instrument Console

Rocket III has a modern combined analogue digital instrument console. The bike has a LCD trip computer, digital clock and odometer. It has a circular dial for its analogue tachometer, speedometer and fuel gauge. This instrument console also features fuel level indicator and gear position indicator.

Engine and Gearbox

Rocket III became the first bike to feature the largest displacement engine of 2294cc. It’s a three cylinder, DOHC engine which pumps out a power output of 145.9 bhp at 5750 rpm. The utmost torque production of this liquid cooled engine is of 221 Nm which arrives at 2750 rpm. The bike uses a five-speed manual gearbox which has one gear down and fours gears up-shift pattern.

Acceleration and Performance

The high displacement of this engine gives enough power to this bike to surprise you with its awesome low range. The bike musters up all its torque at only 2750 rpm which gives it instant throttle reaction and avoids any type of turbo lag. The bike manages to reach 0-100km/hr in less than 4.5 seconds. It can cross the speed of 100km/hr in its first gear. The short gear ratios also help the power of this engine to reach this bike quickly. The maximum power of this engine arrives early at 5750rpm which gives it strong low and mid-range. The power to weight ratio of this bike is less than its competitor though and that reflects when you drive this bike at high speeds. The bike feels best when driven around 150-170km/hr. It remains stable and calm. If you try to push this bike really hard then you might complain about the refinement level of this engine. It’s certainly not more refined than the V4 engine of V-max but it is better than many other premium cruiser bikes.

Mileage

It’s a bulky machine so don’t expect good fuel economy from this bike. The fuel efficiency of this bike may vary from 8-10km/ltr.

Comfort while Driving

The bike is a complete winner in this department. The highly stuffed seat of Rocket III gives you optimum comfort on long journeys and its low position also gives you enough space to settle on this bike. The wide handle bar offers firm palm grip and feels well in reach. It’s a vibration less handlebar which gives you confidence at high speeds. The front set foot-pegs further enhance your comfort as your knees feel relax around its spacious tank.

Storage Space and Safety Features

The side panels offer some storage space in this bike. Its twin headlights provide you clear vision of roads at night.

Suspension and Brakes

Rocket III has adjustable KYB 43mm forks at its front while it features 5-way adjustable twin shocks at the back. The bike has twin disc brakes of 320mm at its front with 4-piston callipers and single rear disc brake of 316mm with 2-piston calliper. The bike is also equipped with an advanced ABS which helps you to stop this heavy beast accurately.

Ride and Handling

This long cruiser bike has a stretched wheelbase of 1695mm which confirms its stability at high speeds. The strong suspension system easily carries the weight of this bike and also keeps it grounded on highways and boosts the confidence of rider while changing lanes. The powerful braking system also allows you to get control over this bike and improves its ride quality in city traffic. Handling this bike on highways or at high speeds is not an issue but while driving it on city roads, you have to be bit careful. The bike follows your command but it takes time. Its ground clearance of 140mm though helps you to turn this bike at slow speeds.

Verdict

Undoubtedly, it’s a high performance cruiser bike which has classy looks to attract everyone. It also has modern features and offers comfortable ride and handling which you expect from any cruiser bike of this segment. The price of the bike is INR 20 lakhs (Ex-Delhi). Yes, we feel it will be an overpriced bike but it’s certainly not costlier than the social reputation which you will enjoy after buying it.

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