Sunday, October 25, 2009

The ultimate in big capacity thrills



ROCKET III ROADSTER
Triumph Motorcycles has always had its own distinctive character and a history of creating motorcycles that become design classics. And it is not lost that touch – the inspiration and engineering passion that birthed the iconic Triumph Bonneville of the 60’s has today created bikes like the stunning Rocket III and the unmistakable Speed Triple.

The world’s ultimate motorcycle Roadster moves out of pure cruiser territory and transcends into that of the ultimate muscle streetfighter with the new Rocket III Roadster.
Coming in two mean and moody black color options, metallic Phantom Black or an aggressive Matte Black alternative, the Rocket III Roadster is powered by an uprated version of Triumph’s iconic three-cylinder 2,297cc powerplant. Maximum power has increased over the outgoing Rocket III, with torque up by 15% to a mighty 163 ft.lbs.
Triumph’s sophisticated anti-lock braking system is fitted as standard to the Rocket III Roadster, the first time that an ABS system has been specified to the Rocket III platform.
New ergonomics give the Rocket III Roadster a completely different riding experience from its predecessors while new rear suspension units have been designed to offer a more comfortable and controlled ride than the previous Rocket III, while the main components take on a blacked-out appearance to reinforce the Rocket III’s ‘bad boy’ image. Many components have been taken back to black, including the forks, yokes and rear springs. New silencers, one on each side, are the final touches. These have been designed to release more power and torque and optimize the aural experience of the Triumph Rocket III Roadster.
Engine

The Rocket III Roadster features the most powerful version yet of the incomparable 2.3 liter, in-line, water cooled, triple. With 146bhp at 5,750rpm, the Rocket III Roadster is the most powerful model in Triumph’s range – but it’s the massive torque that really separates the Rocket III Roadster from the rest. With 163 ft.lbs, more than any other motorcycle on the market, the Rocket III Roadster accelerates unlike nothing else. But despite its size, the engine is incredibly smooth as the balance, input and rear drive shaft contra-rotate against the crankshaft, which makes for minimal torque reaction.

Brakes
The Rocket III Roadster features a sophisticated anti-lock braking system that makes 100 calculations each second to ensure the rider retains full control under extreme braking. Up front, the twin four-piston calipers are mated to 320mm floating discs to deliver the sort of stopping power you’d expect from a high-performance bike. The rear brake, developed especially by Brembo, is a single twin piston caliper and 316mm disc.

Chassis
In sparkling Phantom Black or menacing Matte, the Rocket III Roadster emits menace and quality in equal dozes. The chassis is a tubular steel twin-spine design using the engine as a stressed member for maximum stiffness and control. New ergonomics place the rider in an ideal position to push the bike effortlessly into corners, while the blacked-out components perfectly match the aggressive streetfighter styling and ensure the Roadster looks as good as it rides.

Engine
Specifications
Type-Liquid-cooled, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder
Capacity-2294cc
Bore/Stroke-101.6 x 94.3mm
Compression Ratio-8.7:1
Fuel System-Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with twin butterflies and progressive linkage on primary butterflies .


Transmission
Final Drive-Shaft
Clutch-Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox-5-speed constant mesh


Dimensions
Length-98.3 in
Width (Handlebars)-38.2 in
Height-45.8 in
Seat Height-29.5 in
Wheelbase-66.7 in
Rake/Trail-32 degree / 148 mm
Wet weight-807 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity-6.3 gals
Performance (measured at crankshaft to 95/1/EC)
Maximum Power EC-146bhp @ 5,750 rpm
Maximum Torque EC-163 ft.lbs @ 2,750 rpm
Colours-Phantom Black, Matte Black