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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.
Engine
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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.
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.
Ride and Handling
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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.
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.
Equipment
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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.
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.
Quality and Reliability
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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.
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.
Value
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The original Rocket III first hit the streets at £11,999 and, surprisingly, years later it’s still on sale at this price – not for long, though, because Rocket III and Rocket III Classic are being deleted from the range.
With all the updates to the Roadster, its £10,949 price seems remarkably good value in our book.
With all the updates to the Roadster, its £10,949 price seems remarkably good value in our book.
Insurance
Insurance group: 17
Model History
2004: Rocket III introduced.
2005: Mulberry Red Tribal special edition model
2006: Rocket III Classic introduced
2007: Rocket III Touring introduced
2009/2010: Rocket III Roadster introduced. Original Rocket III and Classic phased out.
2005: Mulberry Red Tribal special edition model
2006: Rocket III Classic introduced
2007: Rocket III Touring introduced
2009/2010: Rocket III Roadster introduced. Original Rocket III and Classic phased out.
Other Versions
Rocket III Touring
Specifications
| Top speed | 136mph |
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| 1/4-mile acceleration | secs |
| Power | 146bhp |
| Torque | 163ftlb |
| Weight | 367kg |
| Seat height | 750mm |
| Fuel capacity | 24 litres |
| Average fuel consumption | mpg |
| Tank range | miles |
| Insurance group | 17 |
| Engine size | 2294cc |
|---|---|
| Engine specification | Liquid-cooled, triple-cylinder four-stroke. Five gears |
| Frame | Tubular steel, twin spine |
| Front suspension adjustment | Non-adjustable |
| Rear suspension adjustment | Spring preload |
| Front brakes | 2 x 320mm disc with 4-piston calipers |
| Rear brake | 316mm disc, 2-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 150/80 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 240/50 x 16 |
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