Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1197900
2020 TRIUMPH ROCKET 3 R & GT FIRST REVIEW P78 deportment in turns, because it sets up a counter to the massive weight transfer on such a heavy bike when you squeeze hard on the front brake lever only. Lots of MotoGP and WSBK riders use the rear brake to set up the bike for a turn like this, and it seems to me that's what the Rocket 3 is programmed to do—electronically. The Rocket 3 duo come with a host of high-tech features as standard, including keyless igni- tion and steering lock, a hill-hold function accessed by squeezing the brakes while stationary, cruise control, a USB port in a padded receptacle so you can charge your phone on the go without it getting shaken around, full LED lighting, heated grips (standard on the GT, optional on the R), a 12v socket for accessories like heated clothing etc., and cabling and wiring tucked away inside the handlebar for a clean look. The passenger's fold- out footpegs look great, though are maybe a little on the short side. The round TFT dash is sourced from the 1200 Scrambler, but still doesn't have the Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone app that was prom- ised a year ago, and was absent from the test bikes at Tenerife. This will allow the rider to answer the phone, plot a route via turn-by-turn satnav directions, control music or operate a GoPro camera via the joystick on the left bar. No word yet when this will finally become opera- tional, but it's coming sometime! Besides these, your $26,150 price ticket also includes a high level of finish—the bikes are now 100% built in Thailand, and having visited the factory there and been impressed by the fervent attention to QC on the part of both Asian and British staff, I'm not surprised how high the build quality of both models is. One area where Triumph has downsized on a bike in which it's otherwise gone large is the fuel tank, which has been reduced to just 4.7 gal from the old Rocket III Roadster's 6.3 gal. This has to fuel a very thirsty motor, espe- cially when it's used in something approaching anger—like on a press launch! That apart, the new Rocket 3 duo is a tour de force for Tri- umph—a pair of musclebikes that handle, which are likely to appeal to lots of customers who wouldn't otherwise buy a cruiser. Think of them both—the R, especially—as a Speed Triple on steroids, and you'll get the picture. No doubt about it, less can be more, some- times, but more of everything is pretty hard to beat! CN ENGINE TYPE: ............... Inline 3-cylinder, water-cooled, DOHC CAPACITY: ..................................... 2458cc BORE/STROKE: .............. 110.2 x 85.9mm MAXIMUM POWER: .....165 bhp @ 6,000 rpm MAXIMUM TORQUE: ................163 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm 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 aluminum frame INSTRUMENTS: ...... TFT multi-functional instrument pack with digital speedom- eter, 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 aluminum FRONT WHEEL: 17 x 3.5 in. cast aluminum REAR WHEEL: ... 16 x 7.5 in. cast aluminum FRONT TIRE: ..........................150/80 R17 V REAR TIRE: ............................ 240/50 R16 V FRONT SUSPENSION: .........Showa 47mm upside-down 1+1 cartridge front forks, compression and rebound adjuster. 4.7 in. travel REAR SUSPENSION: ...........................Fully adjustable Showa piggyback reservoir RSU with remote hydraulic preload adjuster, 4.2-in. travel. FRONT BRAKE: .........Dual 320mm discs, Brembo M4.30 Stylema 4-piston radial monobloc calipers, cornering ABS REAR BRAKE: ...................Single 300mm disc, Brembo M4.32 4-piston monobloc caliper, Cornering ABS SEAT HEIGHT: ....... 30.4 in. (GT: 29.5 in.) RAKE: ................................................. 27.9º TRAIL WHEELBASE: .................... 66.0 in. DRY WEIGHT: ....... 641 lbs. (GT: 648 lbs.) FUEL CAPACITY: ............................4.7-gal. 2020 TRIUMPH ROCKET 3 R & GT ($21,900 & GT $22,600) S P E C I F I C A T I O N S