Triumph’s decision to revamp the original Rocket III into a streetfighter is an interesting one. Why? Because it hardly fits the bill – stripped version of a sports bike with oddball looks – because of its custom-biased specs of long wheelbase and weight, but it works. Big, no, no, really big engine meets menacing black styling meets awesome torque and horsepower to make life sane and mad at the twist of a wrist.
The 2294cc triple-cylinder isn’t new (been around in various guises since 2004) but has a ruck of mods to up torque to a mighty 163ftlb, and power to 146bhp.
The new exhaust layout including bigger volume silencers is the reason for the power increase – and incredible noise at high rpm.
Gearbox shift mechanism is updated for sweeter shifts and the clutch and shaft drive are ramped up to cope with the extra output… and tomfoolery the Roadster eggs you into.
Rear suspension units have been softened off for a more comfortable ride and the seat height is upped by 10mm to 750mm.
Best change is the moving of the footrests back by 100mm and down 20mm to make the seating position more natural, read comfortable, than the old custom feet forward style.
The Roadster does a good job of hiding its 367kg (wet) weight and is actually a very easy, nimble bike to ride. Ground clearance isn’t great, but the footpeg blobs are replaceable.
Good brakes, too. ABS is standard on the Roadster and is tuned nicely for big braking action before chiming in.
Shaft drive for reliability and low maintenance is good. ABS is also good. And heavy use of black coating throughout the bike is okay for the styling exercise.
Little details like the addition of digital readouts for fuel range, gear indicator and time of day are also nice touches.
To sum up: it’s all there and it works – this includes the biggest production motorcycle engine ever.
There were a few reported niggles with the very first Rocket models e.g. rear shaft drive seal.
Five years down the line and the Rocket III engine is proving to be a superb high mileage special.
Component finish has never really been an issue so we don’t expect and different with the Roadster.
http://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/motorcycles/range/cruisers/rocket/2013/rocket-III-roadster
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