All-New 2,500cc Triumph Rocket 3 Announced For 2020

When Triumph launched the Rocket 3 in 2004, it was the largest-capacity production motorcycle on the market. The huge 2,300cc engine dominated the looks and riding experience of the bike and was quite unlike anything else to ride. Since its initial launch, the Rocket has undergone a number of tweaks and evolutions, in the form of touring models, roadster models, and classic cruiser-style variants. But, in Triumph's own words, things have moved on, and in the last 15 years the company's engineers have learned a lot more about how to make motorcycles better in every way. Enter the new 2,500cc, 165-hp Triumph Rocket 3.

The headline claim from Triumph is that this bike produces the highest torque of any production motorcycle at a staggering 163 pound-feet. That's 68 more than a Ducati Diavel, arguably this bike's closest rival, and 34 more than the colossal six-cylinder engine in the BMW K 1600 GT. The outgoing Rocket was never shy of shove when you opened the taps, but going by the claims on paper and reports from test riders inside the factory, the new bike is in another league.

Not to be overshadowed by the power figure, the weight reduction program for the new Rocket 3 has been incredibly thorough. The old bike didn’t so much tip the scales at 797 pounds, as fire them across the workshop. But with a full redesign and far more control over the manufacturing processes (for example, Triumph now casts its own crankcases in house), the team has been able to strip 88 pounds of weight out, all while increasing engine capacity and adding more features.

The new Rocket 3 will be available in two versions: the R and the GT. The R is a more aggressively styled roadster with mid-position foot controls (sitting somewhere between a feet-forward cruiser and a sport-touring position), less bodywork, and a single seat option. The GT has forward foot controls, a more laid-back touring handlebar position, touring seats, and a backrest for the pillion. Both bikes feature adjustable footrest positions, interchangeable seats, with an infill panel to tidy up the rear end if you opt for the solo seat.

The attention to detail and quality of both the bikes is something that really catches the eye, and goes on to impress the longer the look. There are no horrible exhaust clamps sticking out, no messy wires zip-tied to the frame, and no ugly coolant tanks sticking out from under the bodywork. Triumph’s engineers have worked hard to achieve function and form in the same package, with as little compromise as possible. Neat touches like the fold-out pillion footrests, that tuck out of sight when not in use, give the feel of a bike where every component has been under the microscope and made “just right.”

Riding the old Rocket 3 was a lot of fun, but it was an experience dominated by the engine and the weight. It could corner well, but ground clearance was always a limiting factor and actually muscling the thing through the turns required some commitment. Along with the lower weight and torquier engine, the new Rocket has a much more sophisticated ride according to Triumph, steering with far more ease and cornering better than a bike of this size has a right to. We spoke with Steve Sargent, Triumph’s chief product officer, who commented, “I think people are going to be genuinely surprised about how you can throw this thing around on a twisty road. It handles so much better than people are ever going to expect it to.”

In addition to the big noises regarding power and weight, the Rocket has been brought bang up to date in terms of technology. Rider modes, cornering ABS, and traction control all come as standard, along with hill hold, cruise control, keyless ignition, and TFT instruments. The GT gets heated grips as standard and if you dive into the accessory catalog you can get a quickshifter, GPS navigation, and even integrated GoPro functionality that lets you control your camera from the switch gear on the bike. The Rocket 3 also has full Bluetooth phone integration for calls and music.

With its 240-section rear tire and those unmissable triple exhaust headers, the new Rocket definitely doesn’t lack visual impact. The weight, power, and torque figures put it right in line to be on top of the muscle cruiser class in 2020 when it is released. If the riding experience is on par with the quality and attention to detail on the rest of the bike, the new Rocket 3 is going to be one hell of a bike. Final pricing will be confirmed in November 2019.