2020 bikesales Bike of the Year Finalist: Triumph Rocket 3 R

Superlatives come easily when describing the 2020 Triumph Rocket 3 R. With the biggest engine capacity (2458cc) and the most claimed torque (221Nm) of any current volume-production motorcycle, it's clearly no wall flower. But the attention-grabbing stats don't tell the full story, as we quickly discovered on the 2020 bikesales Bike of the Year.

Now Triumph calls the Rocket 3 R a roadster, but for us it's more in the 'power cruiser' mould, similar to last year's cruiser category winner, the Ducati Diavel 1260. And as our Bike of the Year Best Cruiser, we're not just talking about pootling along while enjoying the scenery, or admiring your reflection in passing shopfront windows (although that's all on offer here too!).

No, more often than not the glorious alpine vistas of the High Country were lost on whoever was riding the Triumph Rocket 3 R, the sweeping valley views and distant peaks swept up in a blur of furious motion as the pilot in question grappled with the forces being unleashed upon their body.

It may tip the scales at a porky 291kg (dry), but that big triple's 165hp and 221Nm is entirely capable of launching this behemoth at the horizon like an Exocet thundering towards its target. But the magic is how, despite its monster wheelbase, rangy geometry, abundant bulk and f-a-t rear Avon, those magicians at Hinckley have also somehow managed to make the thing handle.

Sure, given two riders of equal ability, the Triumph Rocket 3 R isn't going to hold a candle to the likes of the Panigale V2 or KTM 1290 Super Duke R when ridden in anger on a winding road. But it will sure keep them honest, and all while delivering a tactile, evocative riding experience you simply won't find on any other bike.

Pick a gear – any gear – and the Rocket 3 R barrels its way forward to the the aural backdrop of a unique triple exhaust note. It's a road legal affair, of course, yet it really adds to the sensory onslaught. The gearbox plays its role well enough and the brakes, despite the sizeable task before them, actually bring the beast down from speed with impressive force and feel.

The Bike of the Year judges were blown away by the Rocket 3 R's knockout punch, but also praised the machine as much for its manageability. The weight is carried low, and with a super-light clutch and a responsive but smooth throttle, it's actually no drama to manoeuvre the Rocket 3 R through tight U-turns.

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2020 Bikesales Bike of the Year winner: KTM 1290 Super Duke R

The Triumph Rocket 3 R isn't without its faults, however. The fuel cap looks the part but it's also needlessly fiddly. More concerning, we had issues with the remote key fob not registering with the bike, which made for some uncertainty every time we went to fire it up. It was likely battery related, and a relatively easy fix, but you never had these concerns with a good ol' fashioned ignition key…

And the rear shock, while seemingly more compliant than the set-up we experienced at the model's Australian launch back in March 2020, still delivers a hell of a thump to your lower back whenever you encounter a big bump or pothole. I guess there's only so much compliance (and suspension travel) you can dial in on a bike of this size and weight, without it becoming unwieldy through the bends.

The saddle is low (773mm) and well sculpted, placing the rider in a slight forward lean to that massive handlebar, while the mid-mount footpegs deliver reasonable if not excessive leg room. There's a little more space on the slightly more touring-oriented Rocket 3 GT.

As is the case on many high-spec bikes these days, getting to grips with the TFT display, its menu system, and its many techy features takes some time. The display is on the smaller side and it's a bit busy, but you can tailor how it looks and, once familiar, negotiating the various ride modes and trip info isn't an issue.

Our judges loved the Triumph Rocket 3 R's in-yer-face looks, particularly that showpiece of an engine, and its straight-line performance. But some still wanted a little more in the handling department, despite its relatively heathy cornering clearance and competent chassis and suspension.

And at an average of 8.0L/100km, the Rocket 3 R was the thirstiest bike on test. Probably no surprises there.

You don't buy a Triumph Rocket 3 R because you want practicality, economy, or anonymity. You buy one because it turns heads, makes a bold, unapologetic statement, and draws attention wherever you ride.

It's unique, an engineering marvel and a two-wheeled tribute to excess, and for those reasons alone it's an epic bike by any measure.

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 12-valve, inline triple
Capacity: 2458cc
Bore x stroke: 110.2mm x 85.9mm
Compression ratio: 10.8:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 165hp (123kW) at 6000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 221Nm at 4000rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet
Final drive: Shaft

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Full aluminium
Front suspension: 47mm Showa inverted fork, adjustable for rebound and compression
Rear suspension: Showa monoshock, adjustable for preload
Front brakes: Twin 310mm discs with Brembo M4.30 Stylema four-piston radial-mount monobloc calipers, cornering ABS
Rear brake: 300mm disc with Brembo M4.32 four-piston caliper, cornering ABS
Wheels: Cast aluminium; 17 x 3.5in front, 16 x 7.5in rear
Tyres: Avon Cobra Chrome; 180/80 R17 front, 240/50 R16 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed dry weight: 291kg
Seat height: 773mm
Wheelbase: 1677mm
Rake: 27.9 degrees
Fuel capacity: 18 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: From $31,990 ride-away
Colours: Korosi Red or Phantom Black
Warranty: 24 months/unlimited kilometres
Bike supplied by: Triumph Motorcycles Australia