A decade ago, BMW’s S 1000 RR pulled off the old tablecoth trick, ripping it right from under the crockery, cutlery and glassware, but now Triumph has botched the same trick with their Rocket 3.
We’re not sure what they are trying to proved by failing at the same trick.
However, the title of their video and the accompanying text gives us a clue:
With the world’s largest production motorcycle engine, and the highest torque of any production motorcycle you can buy, Triumph Motorcycle’s Rocket 3 R takes on the iconic tablecloth trick, with a twist…
Old trick
Now here is how BMW perfected the tablecloth trick in 2010.
Obviously Triumph is trying to show what a brute the Rocket 3 is.
The original 2.3-litre Triumph Rocket III has now become the 2.5-litre Rocket 3 with the biggest capacity and most torque of any production bike in the world.
The Rocket III had the biggest capacity engine of any production motorcycle with a 2294cc triple, delivering 221Nm of torque and 109kW of power.
Now, the TFC Rocket 3 has 134kW of power and 225Nm of torque, while the base R and GT models will have slightly less output at 221Nm of torque at 4000rpm and 124kW of power at 6000rpm.
This is not the first time Triumph has made a humorous video using the Rocket.
Triumph Motorcycles Australia has not yet released pricing, but expect to pay much more than the current Rocket III ($23,990). Only 750 numbered models of the TFC will be made worldwide and Australia gets 25.
We expect the production Rocket 3 R and GT will arrive next year.
Rocket 3 output
The 2.3-litre Triumph Rocket III has now become the 2.5-litre Rocket 3 with the biggest capacity and most torque of any production bike in the world.
Currently the Rocket III has the biggest capacity engine of any production motorcycle with a 2294cc triple, delivering 221Nm of torque and 109kW of power.
The Rocket 3 TFC has 134kW of power and 225Nm of torque, while the base R and GT models will have slightly less output at 221Nm of torque at 4000rpm and 124kW of power at 6000rpm.
New Rocket 3 models come with a single-sided swingarm, chunky forks, resigned cowl, new exhaust, beefier Brembo brakes and a contoured rider’s seat.
Rocket 3 R will be available in a choice of Korosi Red and Phantom Black while the GT arrives in Silver Ice and Storm Grey with a Korosi Red pinstripe decal, or Phantom Black.
Lower weight
Triumph claims the new Rocket 3 will be more than 40kg lighter, which is 13% lighter less than Rocket III thanks largely to its aluminium frame.
It comes with a fully adjustable Showa monoshock with piggyback reservoir and 47mm adjustable Showa front forks with rebound and compression adjustability.
Brakes are top-shelf Brembo Stylema calipers with increased airflow around the brake pads to help the calipers cool quicker.
There is also a claimed world-first integrated GoPro control system that enables GoPro camera operation via an accessory Bluetooth connectivity module.
The connection and control is displayed on the TFT instruments, enabling intuitive video and photo operation via the switchgear.
Rider aids
The new models also come with a suite of hi-tech rider aids:
2nd generation TFT instruments that can be personalised, allowing the rider to update the start-up screen message with their name;
Cornering ABS;
Cornering Traction Control;
Inertial Measurement Unit developed in partnership with Continental that takes constant measurements of roll, pitch, yaw, lean angle and acceleration rates;
4 riding modes: Road, Rain, Sport and Rider-configurable that adjust throttle response and traction control, adjustable on the move;
All-LED lighting with Daytime Running Lights;
Hill Hold Control;
Cruise Control;
Keyless ignition and steering Lock;
Heated grips standard on the Rocket 3 GT and an accessory on the R;
USB charging under the seat;
Triumph Shift Assist for ‘up and down’ gear changes without the clutch;
Turn-by-turn navigation system powered by Google;
My Triumph app for iOS and Android that delivers the navigation function;
Integrated phone and music operation; and
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
Accessories
The new Rocket 3 R and GT can be personalised with more than 50 Triumph accessories.
Passenger backrest and pads with billet machined plate
Passenger backrest rack
Forward and mid foot controls
Knee pads
Style accessories include:
Sport screen
LED indicators (*in applicable markets) New security accessories include:
Track+ Thatcham approved tracker with 24/7 monitoring by UK-based secure call-centre
Protect+ Thatcham approved alarm system
U-lock
Disc lock
Alarm disc lock
Chain and lock
Secure ground anchor
Highway inspiration kit
A selection of luggage and touring focused accessories can be fitted to the R and GT:
Luggage rack
Sports panniers
Pannier mount kit
Triumph Shift Assist
Triumph TFT Connectivity System
NEW ROCKET 3 R
NEW ROCKET 3 GT
Engine Type
Inline 3-cylinder, water-cooled, DOHC
Capacity
2,458cc
Bore/Stroke
110.2 mm x 85.9 mm
Maximum Power
167PS /165 bhp (123 kW) @ 6,000rpm
Maximum Torque
221Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel system
Ride-by-wire, fuel injected
Exhaust
Stainless 3-into-1 headers with 3 exit silencer / CAT box
Final drive
Shaft, bevel box
Clutch
Hydraulic, torque-assist
Gearbox
6 speed
Frame
Full aluminium frame
Instruments
TFT multi-functional instrument pack with digital speedometer, trip computer, digital tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, service indicator, ambient temperature, clock and rider modes (Rain/Road/Sport/Rider-configurable) – Triumph TFT Connectivity System can be added with accessory fitted Bluetooth module
Swingarm
Single-sided, cast aluminium
Front Wheel
17 x 3.5in cast aluminium
Rear Wheel
16 x 7.5in cast aluminium
Front Tyre
150/80 R17 V
Rear Tyre
240/50 R16 V
Front Suspension
Showa 47mm upside-down 1+1 cartridge front forks, compression and rebound adjuster. 120mm travel
Single 300mm disc, Brembo M4.32 4-piston monobloc caliper, Cornering ABS
Seat Height
773mm
750mm
Rake
27.9
Trail
134.9 mm
Dry Weight
291 kg
294 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity
18 L
Fuel Consumption
TBC
CO2 Emissions
TBC
NEW ROCKET 3 TFC torque monster
Engine Type
Inline 3-cylinder, water-cooled, DOHC
Capacity
2458cc
Bore/Stroke
110.2 mm x 85.9 mm
Maximum Power
Over 170PS
Maximum Torque
Over 221Nm
Fuel system
Ride-by-Wire, fuel injected
Exhaust
Stainless 3 into 1 headers with 3 exit Arrow branded silencer / CAT box
Final drive
Shaft, bevel box
Clutch
Hydraulic, slip-assist
Gearbox
6 speed
Frame
Full aluminium frame
Instruments
TFT multi-functional instrument pack with digital speedometer, trip computer, digital tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, service indicator, ambient temperature, clock and rider modes (Rain/Road/Sport/Rider-configurable) – Triumph TFT Connectivity System can be added with accessory fitted Bluetooth module
Swingarm
Single-sided, cast aluminium
Front Wheel
17 x 3.6in cast aluminium
Rear Wheel
16 x 7.5in cast aluminium
Front Tyre
150/80 R17 V
Rear Tyre
240/50 R16 V
Front Suspension
Showa ø47mm upside-down 1+1 cartridge front forks, compression and rebound adj., 120mm travel
Single 220mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Seat Height
815 mm
Rake
22.7º
Trail
92.8 mm
Dry Weight
198 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity
14.5 L
Fuel Consumption
5.2 l/100km
CO2 Emissions
EURO 4 Standard: 119 g/km
**CO2 and fuel consumption are measured according to regulation 168/2013/EC. Figures on fuel consumption are derived from specific test conditions and are for comparative purposes only. They may not reflect real riding results.
The 2.3-litre Triumph Rocket III has become the 2.5-litre Rocket 3 and is till the biggest torque monster of any production bike in the world.
Currently the Rocket III has the biggest capacity engine of any production motorcycle with a 2294cc triple, delivering 221Nm of torque and 109kW of power.
Torque monster
When the limited edition Rocket 3 TFC arrives in late November it will have 134kW of power and a mouth-watering, arm-wrenching 225Nm of torque, making it still the torque monster in the world of production motorcycles.
Triumph has released further tech specs n the bike such as its hefty 320kg of weight, but still 40kg lighter than the III.
Triumph Motorcycles Australia has not yet released pricing, but expect to pay much more than the current Rocket III ($23,990).
Only 750 numbered models of each will be made worldwide and Australia gets 25.
The production version of the Rocket 3 is set to follow.
The Rocket TFC is based on the new Rocket 3 with single-sided swingarm, chunky forks, resigned cowl, new exhaust tips, beefier Brembo brakes and a more contoured rider’s seat.
Features on the TFC include special badging, twin LED headlights, three-header exhaust, leather interchangeable single and dual seat, TFT colour instruments,Bluetooth connectivity, cruise and hill control, Google-powered navigation, cornering ABS and traction control, four riding modes, shift assist and a lot of carbon fibre bodywork.
The TFC will have Brembo Stylema Monobloc brakes, adjustable Showa suspension and Brembo MCS span and ratio adjustable lever.
Every Rocket TFC owner will receive a tailor-made TFC handover pack dedicated to their bike, featuring a numbered letter signed by Triumph’s CEO Nick Bloor, a personalised custom build book, leather TFC branded rucksack and a beautiful Rocket 3 TFC indoor bike cover.
NEW ROCKET 3 TFC torque monster
Engine Type
Inline 3-cylinder, water-cooled, DOHC
Capacity
2458cc
Bore/Stroke
110.2 mm x 85.9 mm
Maximum Power
Over 170PS
Maximum Torque
Over 221Nm
Fuel system
Ride-by-Wire, fuel injected
Exhaust
Stainless 3 into 1 headers with 3 exit Arrow branded silencer / CAT box
Final drive
Shaft, bevel box
Clutch
Hydraulic, slip-assist
Gearbox
6 speed
Frame
Full aluminium frame
Instruments
TFT multi-functional instrument pack with digital speedometer, trip computer, digital tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, service indicator, ambient temperature, clock and rider modes (Rain/Road/Sport/Rider-configurable) – Triumph TFT Connectivity System can be added with accessory fitted Bluetooth module
Swingarm
Single-sided, cast aluminium
Front Wheel
17 x 3.6in cast aluminium
Rear Wheel
16 x 7.5in cast aluminium
Front Tyre
150/80 R17 V
Rear Tyre
240/50 R16 V
Front Suspension
Showa ø47mm upside-down 1+1 cartridge front forks, compression and rebound adj., 120mm travel
Single 220mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Seat Height
815 mm
Rake
22.7º
Trail
92.8 mm
Dry Weight
198 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity
14.5 L
Fuel Consumption
5.2 l/100km
CO2 Emissions
EURO 4 Standard: 119 g/km
**CO2 and fuel consumption are measured according to regulation 168/2013/EC. Figures on fuel consumption are derived from specific test conditions and are for comparative purposes only. They may not reflect real riding results.
Only 25 limited-edition 2.5-litre Triumph Rocket 3 TFC (Triumph Factory Custom) models will be coming to Australia, but you better be quick.
Triumph Motorcycles Australia spokesman Dale McBride says they have had “massive interest and most deposits already down for a chance to own the special edition”.
Pricing is yet to be announced.
Meanwhile, the Thruxton TFC has finally been homologated for Australia with 80kW of peak power at 8000rpm, 115Nm of peak torque.
That’s 7.5kW more power and 4Nm more torque than the Thruxton R, while also 5kg lighter at 198kg.
These TFC models are the first of a new line of limited-edition motorcycles from the British manufacturer.
Only 750 numbered models of each will be made worldwide and there is no word yet on when the Thruxton will arrive.
While pricing for these limited-edition models has not yet been released, expect to pay much more than the current Thruxton R ($21,100) and Rocket 3 ($23,990).
Rocket 3 TFC
The Rocket 3 TFC is not a tarted-up current model, but based on the upcoming model with increased engine capacity from 2.3L to 2.5L.
So it’s still the biggest capacity engine of any production motorcycle in the world!
While the previous 2294cc triple delivered 109kW of power and 221Nm of torque, the new 2458cc triple has more than 125kW with the same peak torque.
It will also have Showa cartridge forks and top-spec Brembo Stylema brake calipers.
Some of the other features of the Rocket TFC are Arrow exhaust, full LED lighting, colour TFT instruments, internally wired flat handlebars and loads of carbon fibre in the front guard, exhaust, fly screen, drive shaft cover, heel guards and tank strap.
Tech features include keyless ignition, tyre pressure monitors, cruise control, USB charging socket, cornering ABS and traction control, four riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport and Rider-configurable), up and down quickshiter and hill hold control.
There will also be an optional Bluetooth module to integrate GoPro control, music and phone operation, and Triumph’s navigation system which is powered by Google.
It will come in carbon black and matt carbon black paint scheme with brushed foil decals, gold accents and electroformed 3D Triumph badge, hidden pillion footrests and a leather interchangeable ‘twin or single’ seat.
Once the TFC model is sold out, we expect standard and touring models to follow. We are not sure how many of these features will be included on those models.
Triumph says the 2019 Rocket 3 TFC is more than 15% lighter than its predecessor with a 40+kg saving.
The base and touring models may be a little heavier without all that carbon.
Rocket TFC tech specs
Engine Type
Inline 3-cylinder, water-cooled, DOHC
Capacity
2458cc
Bore/Stroke
110.2mm x 85.9mm
Maximum Power
Over 125kW (170PS)
Maximum Torque
Over 221Nm
Fuel system
Ride-by-Wire, fuel injected
Exhaust
Stainless 3 into 1 headers with 3 exit Arrow branded silencer / CAT box
Final drive
Shaft, bevel box
Clutch
Hydraulic, slip-assist
Gearbox
6 speed
Frame
Full aluminium frame
Instruments
TFT multi-functional instrument pack with digital speedometer, trip computer, digital tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, service indicator, ambient temperature, clock and rider modes (Rain/Road/Sport/Rider-configurable) – Triumph TFT Connectivity System can be added with accessory fitted Bluetooth module
Swingarm
Single-sided, cast aluminium
Front Wheel
17 x 3.6in cast aluminium
Rear Wheel
16 x 7.5in cast aluminium
Front Tyre
150/80 R17 V
Rear Tyre
240/50 R16 V
Front Suspension
Showa ø47mm upside-down 1+1 cartridge front forks, compression and rebound adj., 120mm travel
Single 300mm disc, Brembo M4.32 4-piston monobloc caliper, Cornering ABS
Seat Height
773mm
Rake
27.9º
Trail
134.9mm
Dry Weight
TBC
Fuel Tank Capacity
19L
Thruxton TFC
The Thruxton TFC will come with lashings of carbon fibre, Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes with adjustable lever, Metzler Racetec RR tyres, Vance & Hines pipes, flip-up Monza fuel cap, all-LED lighting and brushed aluminium accents.
A highlight is the hand-painted gold lining.
Thruxton TFC also has a lightweight engine, body and frame components that strip weight.