Triumph Motorcycles has unveiled the 2020 Triumph Rocket 3 with a bigger engine with more displacement, more power and more technology. The 2020 Rocket 3 will be available in two variants - Triumph Rocket 3 R and Triumph Rocket 3 GT, each with distinct personalities, but both sharing the same engine, cycle parts and basic features. The two models will be launched globally in January 2020, and prices will be announced when the 2020 Rocket 3 is officially launched. Here's what we know so far about the new and improved power cruiser from Triumph.
2020 Triumph Rocket 3 announced in two variants - GT and R
The 2020 Triumph Rocket 3 is available in two variants - roadster variant is called the Rocket 3 R, and the touring variant of the power cruiser called the Rocket 3 GT. The Triumph Rocket 3 R gets a sportier handlebar and footpegs positioned in the mid-section of the bike with two vertical position settings. The Rocket 3 R gets blacked out cast wheels and will be available in Phantom Black and Korosi Red.
The Triumph Rocket 3 GT is the touring-oriented variant with slightly different ergonomics with a focus on comfort
The GT is more comfort-oriented, with touring in mind, a lower seat height, an adjustable backrest for the passenger , adjustable passenger footpegs, a slightly taller flyscreen and heated grips. The rider seating position on the GT is more touring-friendly with a slightly taller handlebar and forward-set footpegs, which offer three horizontal position settings. The GT will also be available in Phantom Black shade and a two-tone Silver Ice & Storm Grey option with Korosi Red pinstripe detail.
The Triumph Rocket 3 R is the muscular roadster with blacked out wheels
Both Rocket 3 models come with distinctive full-LED twin headlights up front with LED daytime running lights as standard, as well as LED turn indicators, LED taillight, and LED number plate light. The cast aluminium single-sided swingarm with offset monoshock suspension and aluminium rear number plate hanger add to the neat and compact minimal rear end.
New 2,458 cc in-line three-cylinder engine puts out 165 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 221 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm
The bigger engine is the primary major change in the 2020 Triumph Rocket 3, and displacing 2,458 cc, it is the world's largest production motorcycle engine with an even higher capacity and performance than the last generation Rocket III. The in-line, three-cylinder, DOHC engine puts out 165 bhp of maximum power at 6,000 rpm and a massive 221 Nm of peak torque at just 4,000 rpm. But there are more significant changes than just a bigger engine.
The new 2,500 cc engine is lighter by 18 kg over the previous generation Rocket III's 2,300 cc engine
The engine is lighter by 18 kg, due to a lighter crankcase assembly which save 11 kg, a new dry sump lubrication system with integral oil tank which saves 3.9 kg, and new balancer shafts which save 3.6 kg. Peak power has gone up by 11 per cent and the engine has a redine of 7,000 rpm. The 221 Nm of peak torque has a flat curve peaking at 4,000 rpm and with a strong mid-range. The Rocket 3 has claimed acceleration figures of 0-60 mph (0-96 kmph) in just 2.79 seconds. The engine is mated to a new high-performance, six-speed, helical-cut gearbox, which offer smoother and more precise performance. A new torque assist hydraulic clutch provides the rider with a light clutch action and offers a lighter feel on the clutch lever.
New frame and new suspension aid in the Rocket 3's comfort and handling
The new aluminium frame with premium cast and forged components is more than 15 per cent lighter than the previous generation Rocket. The new Rocket 3's riding comfort and handling is aided by a fully adjustable Showa monoshock rear suspension with piggyback reservoir, and 47 mm Showa upside down cartridge front forks which are adjustable for compression and rebound.
Brembo Stylema four-piston monobloc calipers on twin 320 mm discs for sure-shot stopping power
The Brembo M4.30 Stylema Monobloc calipers grip dual 320 mm discs on the front wheel, and a Brembo M4.32 four-piston caliper grips a single 300 mm disc on the rear wheel. Cornering ABS is standard.
The riding modes can be accessed through Triumph's full-colour TFT instrument panel
The instrument console is Triumph's latest generation TFT display, which can be configured according to personal choice. There's a full suite of electronic rider aids, including a five-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) which powers the cornering ABS and cornering traction control system. There are four riding modes, with a fully customisable Rider mode and throttle response and traction control system is modified on the fly.
New generation Triumph TFT screen also offers optional GoPro integration, Google-powered navigation
There's standard cruise control, hill-hold control and keyless ignition as well. Optional accessories include integrated GoPro control system, Google-powered navigation, Bluetooth smartphone integration as well as My Triumph app for iOS and Android. Optional gear shift assist which allows clutchless shifting and a tyre pressure monitoring system is also available.
The 2020 Triumph Rocket 3 will compete directly with the Ducati Diavel 1260 and the Ducati XDiavel
The limited edition Triumph Rocket 3 TFC (Triumph Factory Custom) is already sold out and priced at $ 29,000 (around Rs.20 lakh). The production-model Triumph Rocket 3 will be available in India, although it remains to be seen if Triumph India will introduce both the R and the GT, or just the R in India. We expect the 2020 Rocket 3 to be launched in India sometime in mid-2020, with prices ranging from Rs. 16-18 lakh (ex-showroom). The new generation Triumph Rocket 3 will compete head on with the Ducati Diavel 1260 and the Ducati XDiavel.
