TRAVERSE Issue 41 - April 2024 | Page 163

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NEWS

ROCKETING ON

Twenty years after the first record-breaking Rocket III burst onto the motorcycle scene as the ultimate muscle roadster , a new generation of Rocket has been revealed , delivering more performance , better handling and a dark , moody colour scheme . It even has a new name , the Rocket 3 Storm , to match its muscular style and spectacular riding experience .
Featuring the world ’ s largest production motorcycle engine with a capacity of 2458cc , the new Rocket 3 Storm R and GT gain 15PS peak power , now delivering a massive 182PS at 7000rpm .
Torque has also been increased by 4Nm , reaching a new peak of 225Nm at a low 4000rpm . This flat , rich torque curve with maximum torque all the way through the mid-range gives explosive acceleration and effortless response in any gear .
The Rocket ’ s 16-inch rear and 17-inch front wheels have been updated with a sportier ten-spoke cast aluminium design , reducing unsprung mass . This reduction has a positive impact on steering response while on the move , improving the Rocket ’ s already impressive agility . The strong and lightweight aluminium frame , first introduced in 2019 , uses cast and forged elements for an exceptional torque-to-weight ratio .
Following the sales success of recent special edition Rockets which featured blacked-out components , the new Rocket 3 Storm models feature a dark , moody colour scheme and an impeccable level of quality detailing .
The large 18-litre tank features the new Storm name , and each model has three distinctive two-tone colour options . The R is available in Carnival Red with Sapphire Black , Satin Pacific Blue with Matt Sapphire Black and Sapphire Black with Granite . The GT is available in the same colours , but the split of the tank is reversed , providing a distinctive , high impact look and consistent colour choice across both models . The Rocket 3 Storm also comes with high-quality black finishes throughout .
Also new for 2024 , the Rocket 3 Storm now exceeds the latest Euro 5b requirements , featuring liquid cooling , low emissions and excellent fuel efficiency .
Paul Stroud , Triumph ’ s Chief Commercial Officer , said : “ Known around the world as the ultimate muscle roadster , the Rocket has already achieved global sales of more than 18,000 since the 2.5-litre engine was introduced in 2019 . By listening to feedback from our customers , we know they love the Rocket ’ s muscular presence and heart-stopping performance . We also know that riders desire even more .
“ That ’ s why the new Rocket 3 Storm R and GT have been given an impressive power and torque increase , even greater agility and an even darker , moodier style and presence on the road .”
EXCEPTIONAL HANDLING Harnessing the Rocket ’ s impressive performance to deliver a controlled and compliant ride , is a Showa monoshock RSU and piggy-back reservoir , fully adjustable for rebound and compression damping and preload . The forks are large 47mm Showas , adjustable for rebound and compression damping .
Exceptional stopping power is provided by topspecification radial Brembo Stylema brake calipers with twin 320mm discs . These lightweight , compact , and high performing calipers offer great airflow for pad cooling during spirited riding . The Brembo M4.32 4 piston radial monobloc rear caliper and 300mm rear disc is bigger and more powerful than the front brake setup on many bikes , helping to provide massive stopping power . The Rocket 3 Storm retains full optimised cornering ABS functionality .
DISTINCT ERGONOMICS Each Rocket offers a distinct feel and personality , due to key differences in their ergonomics . The Rocket R ’ s roadster rider position and handlebar placement is designed to provide optimum power and control , to create a relaxed and engaging ride . The GT has a slightly more swept back set-up with a 125mm difference in grip position versus the R , for a more upright riding position .
Each model also gets its own dedicated seating set-up , each with premium black-painted cast aluminium seat finishers . The Rocket 3 Storm R has a roadster rider and pillion seat with a 773mm seat height , offering comfort , low-speed confidence and manoeuvrability . The GT has a sculpted touring rider seat with a more generously padded pillion seat and an adjustable pillion backrest . The seat height for the GT is just 750mm , further improving comfort for the rider .
The biggest difference between the two models is the
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