The Versatile Cruiser That Tackles Every Challenge Effortlessly

Initially designed for a relaxed riding experience, cruisers offer the joy of feeling the breeze and witnessing the scenery pass by. Like other motorcycle categories, cruisers have diversified, presenting various styles ranging from basic starter models to traditional variants, as well as sportier iterations that embrace aggressive cornering.

Nevertheless, if you’re seeking a versatile cruiser that manages everything effortlessly, your search will be challenging. The Harley-Davidson Sportster S is one contender, although many purists debate its classification as a true cruiser based on its frame and engine. Options like the Indian Super Chief and Harley-Davidson Fat Boy exist, yet they prefer a more leisurely pace. To discover a cruiser capable of it all without breaking a sweat, you might need to venture across the Atlantic.

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The Triumph Rocket 3 Storm GT Is The Cruiser That Does It All Without Breaking A Sweat

Price: $25,795

Tracing its origins back to the early 2000s when the demand for powerful motorcycles was high, the Rocket 3 comes equipped with a massive engine, setting it apart from standard cruisers. Triumph pioneered a unique longitudinal inline three-cylinder engine, surpassing many small cars in displacement. Now in its second generation, Triumph has not only increased the engine’s size but also prioritized making the Rocket 3 lighter and sportier, embodying the cruiser that excels across all scenarios without undue effort.

Triumph Rocket 3 Storm GT Highlights

• Largest production motorcycle engine in history
• Full electronics suite thanks to a six-axis IMU
• Top-notch chassis components complemented by its powerful engine

Triumph Rocket 3 GT Engine: ‘Monstrous’ Is Right

More Power And Torque Than Anything Else In The Segment

Triumph aimed to set the record for the largest production motorcycle engine and succeeded with the original Rocket 3’s 2,294 cc engine. This achievement outclassed Kawasaki’s recently launched Vulcan VN2000, which holds the record for the largest production twin till recently eclipsed by the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide RR. The second generation of Rocket 3 increased displacement to an impressive 2,458 cc.

Powering up to an astonishing 180 horses and delivering 166 pound-feet of torque, the torque alone rivals that of many small cars, peaking at a manageable 4,000 RPM. This engine exemplifies the notion that ‘there’s no substitute for displacement’; it lacks variable valve timing or any electronic upgrades.

This remarkable power is transmitted through a six-speed gearbox coupled with a hydraulically assisted clutch, while a shaft drive connects the engine’s output to the rear wheel. The by-wire throttle includes ride modes, and a six-axis IMU enables lean-sensitive traction control as part of the electronics package, featuring four ride modes and cruise control.

Triumph Rocket 3 GT Engine Specifications

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Triumph Rocket 3 GT: All-Aluminum Chassis Keeps Weight Down

A Single-Sided Swingarm Is A Nice Touch

The Rocket 3 features a twin-spar aluminum frame designed to accommodate the considerable engine. Utilizing aluminum allows for weight reduction, complemented by cast aluminum wheels. Additionally, the frame incorporates a single-sided swingarm, elegantly showcasing the driveshaft while revealing the attractive rear wheel design.

Showa provides the steering and rear suspension, both fully adjustable, with remote hydraulic preload adjustment for the rear shock. Triumph has not cut corners on braking, employing radially mounted Brembo Stylema calipers at the front, with a Brembo M4.32 at the rear—calipers typically found on sportbikes, ensuring they are well-equipped to control this nearly 700-pound cruiser. A six-axis IMU ensures lean-sensitive ABS and hill-hold control.

Triumph Rocket 3 GT Chassis Specs And Dimensions

Triumph Rocket 3 GT Features

Many Accessories, Needs More Standard Features

The Rocket 3 aims to exemplify muscle cruisers, which is clear from its immense engine and superior suspension and braking system. However, it lacks some luxurious features typically associated with superbikes. Although it offers a TFT display, conveniences such as Bluetooth connectivity for phone, music, and navigation are optional extras. Other options include a two-way quickshifter and a tire pressure monitoring system—features that ideally should come standard.

For added versatility, luggage options include 6.6-gallon sports panniers, a 2.4-gallon quick-release tail pack, a 3.2-gallon tank bag, and a passenger backrest rack. Additionally, if you’ve purchased a Rocket 3 R and wish for a GT model, you can easily swap footrests at the dealership, adding a nice touch of customization.

Triumph Rocket 3 GT Features

• TFT display
• Standard heated grips on the GT
• Phone connectivity is optional
• Interchangeable ergonomics between R and GT

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Triumph Rocket 3 GT Competition

It’s Italy Vs Britain

The Rocket 3 has been crafted and engineered to occupy a unique space in its class, largely succeeding in that effort. There are sporty cruisers like the Harley-Davidson Sportster S, but they lack the robust power offered by the Rocket 3. If torque is your priority, options like the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy and Indian Super Chief are available, yet they fall short in terms of their power metrics.

There’s only one competitor that poses a true challenge to the Rocket 3 GT: the Ducati XDiavel V4. This bike features a comparably potent engine, along with unique characteristics such as a counterrotating crankshaft and a lighter overall weight—allowing the XDiavel to excel in corners while being slightly behind the Rocket 3 on straightaways. Its superior electronics package further enhances it as a lighter and sportier alternative to the Rocket 3.

Triumph Rocket 3 Vs Rivals