It could be said that the Triumph Rocket III Classic Tourer has an easy mandate to follow. Take a rider and passenger on trips of any length comfortably and in style, and let them experience exhilarating power until they reach their destination. The touring version of the 2007 Rocket III serves that description to a 'T' since it comes complete with windshield, generously sized soft-sided leather saddle bags and a passenger backrest with luggage rack, all rolled into one powerful long distance road machine.
Although the Triumph Rocket III has been in the mainstream motorcycle market since 2004, it is still a visually overwhelming image when trying to fathom the size of its main elements. Take into account the huge 24-litre fuel tank/air box, the massive width of the 240 mm rear tire, a total vehicle length of 2500 mm (8.2 feet) and last but certainly not least, the monstrous 2.3-litre engine. In fact, ask any bystander what they notice the most about this motorcycle and I'll bet they say the engine, and for good reason.
Since this bike is all about size, I'll start with the most predominant piece. This bike is all about the engine. Over the past few years since its release I have heard people give this power plant many descriptions, "It looks like a tractor engine" or "That engine is waaaayyy too big for a bike, it must weigh a ton" or "It looks like a flat-head straight six cut in half". Well, maybe all of those descriptions have some truth and that might not be so bad.
I suppose it could resemble a 'tractor engine' but as everyone knows, tractors are the workhorses of any farm. They have to produce enormous power from just off idle to perform their day-to-day duties. Similar to, oh, say a bulldozer. There's no question, the Rocket III does have enormous power just off idle.
As for the engine being big, that goes without question, but I don't think it is too big for a motorcycle, provided the rest of the motorcycle is built proportionately, able to accept the raw power the engine produces and the whole package is balanced properly. The Rocket III actually feels surprisingly light for the size of the whole package.
For those who know what a flat-head straight-six looks like, it's hard to deny the resemblance, but don't think for a minute that this engine is a throwback of yesteryear. It is a totally modern up-to-date powerhouse oozing with torque and horsepower.
The 3-cylinder, 2294 cc (140 ci) engine still holds the world title for the largest engine in a mainstream production motorcycle. Let's see, total engine size divided by number of cylinders =765 cc per cylinder. That's larger than most of today's entry-level motorcycles.
My first introduction to the Rocket III Classic Tourer was in the deepest bowels of downtown Toronto and because of traffic, I never really had a chance to experience the whiplash effect of the throttle. I had been warned of the thrust of the engine and if I remember correctly, something in the back of my mind recommended I not be in a corner during my first twist of the grip. My first opportunity to unleash the Rocket's power came as I entered the outskirts of the 'Big Smoke' and my first thought was, "I'm glad this seat has a back rest". My second thought was that of excitement and "how much fun this next week will be".
Walking up to the Rocket III and taking in its mass can be a humbling experience because of its size. Surprisingly though, it need not be intimidating as the bike is actually very user friendly. While the bike is wide, the big fuel tank sits high with dished sides for your legs and the front of the seat is tapered making the 740 mm (29.1 in) seat height quite manageable without splaying the legs too far apart. As intimidating as the Rocket III's stature is, it weighs in at 320 kg (704 lbs) in dry form but at a guess I would suspect the bike to be in the vicinity of 340 kg (750 lbs) wet with all fluids in place and ready to ride. While it may sound like a lot, the weight fits in the same vicinity as most other power cruisers and touring bikes, but the low centre of gravity, however, makes it feel much lighter. As tall as the engine looks, most of the weight is down low and lifting it off of the side stand makes the bike feel deceptively light. This low weight distribution is also evident during slow speed manoeuvring and high speed cornering.
Thumbing the starter button brings the massive engine to life, emitting a nice gentle rumble from the catalytic equipped exhaust and the engine responds instantly to a flick of the throttle. Starting off from a stop is easy. The four-position adjustable clutch lever offers an unexpectedly light pull, the friction point is very predictable and the massive torque from the engine, even at idle, makes for very easy launches of the Rocket. A slight twist of the throttle produces arm-stretching torque that you'll want to be prepared for. Back in our 2004 Special Edition, Ken Rush had the opportunity to ride the Rocket III at the Canadian press launch and he wrote, "Opening the throttle abruptly in first gear produces enough thrust to straighten arms and push one's internal organs against the back of the rib cage". A bang-on description that I couldn't agree more with...
... MMM
To read more of this shortened article, be sure to pick up this issue of Motorcycle Mojo Magazine. Current Issues are available at Chapters/Indigo and other fine newsstands across Canada and by subscription. Previous issues are available in the Mojo Store.
