Posted on 08/28/2003 7:19:33 AM PDT by Range Rover
From The Triumph UK site:
The first ever production bike to break the 2-litres barrier, the Rocket III is the ultimate power cruiser. As alluded to by its name and alone among the cruiser fold the Rocket III is powered by a triple cylinder engine, an engine format that Triumph has very much made its own. Its fuel-injected, longitudinally-mounted, in-line three-cylinder engine has a cubic capacity of 2,294cc – 140 cubic inches – and uses the same size pistons as a ten-cylinder American muscle car.
But the impressive numbers don’t end there as Rocket III makes more peak torque than two together of almost any other production motorcycle. To be precise, a massive 147ft.lbf torque at 2,500rpm, with 90% delivered at a mere 1,800 rpm. This stunning triple digit number means, two-up, it will accelerate faster than pretty much anything else on two wheels.
But while the Rocket III’s statistics and its looks are striking, our motorcycles are built to be ridden, not just admired. Usability is a core belief at Triumph and an element close to the heart of every Triumph rider, so built around the Rocket III’s motor is a chassis that’s more than a match for its monstrous output.
Just as remarkable as the engine’s sheer motive force is the balance that’s been struck between power and control making the Rocket III a surprisingly easy-to-manage machine. The ergonomics are such that it’s no more of a stretch to the foot or handlebar controls than it is on the Triumph America cruiser model. This relaxed riding position, along with the hugely torquey engine, provides the perfect platform for stealing the limelight close to home or for eating up countless miles on a longer jaunt.
The standard machine is fitted with a detachable pillion seat and comes in Jet Black or Cardinal Red. There is also a whole range of Triumph accessories available for those who want to add a touch of their own personal style.
But make no mistake, the Rocket III is not just another motorcycle; it’s the ride of a lifetime. There isn’t a benchmark it hasn’t obliterated, a limit it hasn’t disregarded. It is, simply, the biggest and most impressive production motorcycle the world has ever seen. Added to the breathtaking riding experience are truly original looks that ensure it will never be mistaken for any other machine.
Awesome is an over-used word but for the Rocket III it’s barely adequate.
The Harley VRod Engine Displacement is 1130 cc. At a Compression Ratio of 11.3:1, Torque figures stated are 88 NM @ 6300 rpm and I've seen HP figures stated as 115. It may not be unreasonable to expect something just shy of 200HP from the RocketIII
Triumph have not released many details about this Rocket III and HP/Torque figures are dependent on a number of factors including cam profile and compression ratio. Compression in the neighborhood of 12:1 is unreasonable as you would have to run 100+ octane fuel. (I have an older Thruxton Bonneville of approx. 11.5:1 ratio that is VERY unhappy unless it's fed 110 LEADED Cam2 fuel).
Torque is the most often quoted/useful figure for "cruisers" as Horsepower is really only reaching peak figures at upper RPM levels - and you typically won't be hitting them at any place but a racetrack if you're sane. The figures shown for the VRod are considered quite powerful, so this Triumph should be able to pull your arms out of their sockets if you're not careful.
....worked in preview...
The reason British beer is warm is because their refridgerators were made by Lucas. ;-)
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