2020 Triumph Rocket 3 ready for launch

The next generation of the world's largest-capacity volume-production bike, the Triumph Rocket 3, is poised for lift off…

Triumph Australia will host the national media launch of its much-anticipated 2020 Triumph Rocket 3 R and 2020 Triumph Rocket 3 GT this week (February 19-20), with local motoring media descending upon central Victoria to sample the gargantuan machine on Aussie roads for the very first time.

The 2020 Triumph Rocket 3 GT (right) and 2020 Triumph Rocket 3 R. It's motorcycling on steroids...

Epic pedigree

The first generation of Triumph Rocket 3, or 'Rocket III' according to its initial nomenclature, rolled off Triumph's Hinckley production line in 2004 and caused an immediate sensation.

Originally designed to crack the lucrative US market for big-capacity cruisers and tourers, the arrival of increasingly larger-capacity rivals like Kawasaki's Vulcan VN2000, a 2053cc V-twin, forced Triumph's engineers to go even bigger, the boffins even looking at a massive piston from a Dodge Viper muscle car as a starting point.

So can they hustle? Judging by this shot, it seems they can.

The end result was a 2294cc (140 cubic inch), liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline triple, pumping out a claimed 148hp at 5750rpm and a whopping 221Nm of torque at 2750rpm.

Even in a behemoth of a package with a wheelbase of 1695mm and a wet weight of 362kg, the original Rocket III lived up to its name in terms of acceleration, and it was actually a pretty handy thing through the bends too, thanks to an effective chassis and suspension package and surprisingly generous ground clearance.

That first Triumph Rocket III of 2004 later spawned a number of variants including Classic, Roadster, Tourer and Touring models, and was available here in Australia until a couple of years ago.

Now, however, the Rocket 3 returns, with the 2020 Triumph Rocket 3 R priced from $29,990 ride away and the 2020 Rocket 3 GT priced from $30,900 ride away.

These next-generation models are powered by an even bigger 2458cc inline triple. Producing a claimed 167hp (124.5kW) at 6000rpm and 221Nm at 4000rpm, the new powerplant produces an extra 19hp over the original. The claimed maximum torque output remains unchanged, although like peak power it's now delivered higher in the rev range, but importantly the bike is now also around 40kg lighter.

With a 2548cc inline triple, it's a bigger capacity than many passenger cars. And the Triumph Rocket 3 is now around 40kg lighter too.

What are the differences between the Triumph Rocket 3 R and Triumph Rocket 3 GT?

The Triumph Rocket 3 R is described as the "ultimate muscle roadster" and has mid-mount controls, roadster-style handlebars and a 773mm seat height, while the Triumph Rocket 3 GT has a more laid-back disposition: touring-oriented handlebars, forward controls, a lower 750mm seat height, heated grips and a brushed aluminium height-adjustable pillion backrest.

Other common features include:

Hydroformed exhaust headers
Torque-assist hydraulic clutch
Twin LED headlights
Avon Cobra tyres
Single-sided swingarm
Hidden folding pillion footrests
Twenty-spoke cast aluminium wheels with a 240mm 16-inch rear tyre
Brembo Stylema monobloc brakes and adjustable Showa suspension
TFT instruments with illuminated switch cubes
Cornering ABS and traction control
Four riding modes, LED lighting, hill hold control, cruise control and keyless ignition
Underseat USB charging

Over 50 dedicated factory accessories will be offered for the 2020 Triumph Rocket 3, including an all-new luggage range, bi-directional quickshifter, integrated GoPro control system, Triumph TFT connectivity and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

The 2020 Triumph Rocket 3 R will be available in Korosi Red or Phantom Black, while the 2020 Triumph Rocket 3 GT will be available in Silver Ice/Storm Grey with a Korosi Red pinstripe decal, or Phantom Black.

Check back on Bikesales soon for a full road test of both 2020 Triumph Rocket 3 models.