True road presence

10:00am Friday 9th May 2008

TRIUMPH through the desire and will to create something quite special has harnessed the sheer brute power of the world's largest capacity production motorcycle and, in doing so, has delivered one awesome machine.

The Rocket III's unique, fuel-injected twelve-valve longitudinally mounted inline three-cylinder engine has a cubic capacity of 2,294cc - that's 140 cubic inches - using massive 101.6mm diameter pistons. It makes 147ft-lbs of torque at 2,750rpm. This incredible output means even two-up the Rocket III accelerates incredibly hard without obvious effort, and relentless forward motion is just a slight twist of throttle away.

Without doubt the Rocket III has forever expanded the parameters of cruiser – and motorcycle – design and with 2294cc the Rocket lll truly is a mileage muncher.

From the outset of the Rocket III project, back in 1999, gaining precise control of the huge engine was recognised as intrinsic to the bike's success. Twin butterfly valves for each throttle body are used and this set-up allows the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) to control the mixture flow and ignition map dependent on gear selected and road speed.

This allows the torque curve to be tailored specifically for each gear ratio. And the result is impressive - over 90% of the engine's prodigious torque output is available at just 2000rpm, giving incredible levels of flexibility and making the five-speed gearbox (nearly) redundant.

However while the Rocket III's statistics and looks are striking Triumphs are built to be ridden, not just admired. At the heart of every Triumph motorcycle is a core belief in usability and the Rocket III is no exception. So while the Rocket's sheer presence was always a fundamental part of its appeal, one of the project team's other key goals was to build a great handling bike.

The Rocket III's chassis centres around a large tubular steel twin-spine frame, which houses the motor while maintenance-free shaft drive - a first for Triumph - lays power to the massive, 240/50-section rear tyre. The front brakes are sports bike specification - the Daytona 955i's twin four-piston calipers mated with 320mm floating discs - and provide awesome stopping power.

The rear brake, developed by Brembo especially, is a single twin caliper and 316mm disc. The 43mm upside down forks and twin rear shocks, built by Japanese suspension specialist Kayaba specifically for the Rocket III, add composure and supple compliance. This and the relaxed, comfortable ergonomics allow the rider to take full advantage of the extended range provided by the fuel-efficient engine and huge, 25 litres fuel tank (6.6 gal US).

The Rocket III may be the largest capacity production motorcycle in the world but it's designed first and foremost to be ridden. Good lock-to-lock movement, seamless fuel-injection and a low centre of gravity combine to make low speed manoeuvring surprisingly easy, while the steering geometry and overall length give a securely planted feel.

Added to this is generous ground clearance, making the Rocket III a truly useable machine that will tour highways, cruise streets and hustle turns with effortless ability. The ability to personalise the Rocket III was integral to the design philosophy and as the bike went through its prototype stages so did the myriad of factoryapproved parts designed specifically around the new machine.

To view these classic motorcycles this weekend, come along to Bevan Motorcycles at Hadfield Road, Cardiff, CF11 8AQ, Tel 02920 227477 or visit www.bevanmc.co.uk .

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