Best Cruiser: 2020 bikesales Bike of the Year Awards

Announcing the last of 11 category winners...

The 2020 bikesales Bike of the Year (BOTY) Awards recognise excellence across 11 separate motorcycle categories.

And here’s how it will work. After a massive five-day test through north-east Victoria in late November – utilising the stunning roads around the picturesque Victorian township of Bright – we'll whittle our category winners down to one outright bikesales Bike of the Year winner, to be announced on Friday, December 18.

Let's continue the 2020 BOTY by announcing the Triumph Rocket 3 R as the winner of our Cruiser category.

Where to begin with a description of the Triumph Rocket 3 R? Even the boldest of adjectives still somehow seem inadequate when it comes to this rolling leviathan…

What can be said with some certainty, however, is that it's epic in every sense, with incredible grunt and a superb build quality.

Yet it can't even be easily categorised. As opposed to its more touring-oriented sibling, the Triumph Rocket 3 GT, the Triumph Rocket 3 R is billed by Triumph as a roadster, its mid-mount controls, slightly higher seat height and straighter handlebar delivering a more upright, ready-for-action stance.

The Rocket 3 GT, meanwhile, also has a small screen, a pillion backrest and heated grips. But those differences aside, the pair are one and the same.

We've given the Triumph Rocket 3 R the win in our Cruiser category this year because we think it falls more naturally into the 'power cruiser' fold, with its long 1677mm wheelbase, hefty 291kg dry weight, and rangy 27.9-degree rake.

Its engine output surely fits the bill. That 2458cc liquid-cooled inline triple churns out a claimed 165hp (123kW) at 6000rpm and a mega 221Nm at 4000rpm, the latter higher than that of any other volume production motorcycle.

So what exactly have we got on our hands with this Triumph Rocket 3 R? Well, it's a step-change from the previous generation, for one – a bike that raises the bar in virtually every respect.

The all-new aluminium chassis is half the weight of the old tubular steel one. That insane triple, the largest capacity engine of any volume production bike, has grown from 2294cc to 2458cc, but it's 18kg lighter and now features a dry sump design.

Power is up 17hp over the old unit and while that peak torque of 221Nm remains unchanged, it's delivered higher in the rev range (now at 4000rpm instead of 2750rpm). It's far from peaky, though, and Triumph says that peak torque is now delivered over a far wider rev range.

The six-speed gearbox is also new, as is the slipper clutch, the shaft final drive, and the Brembo braking package, now with powerful Stylema calipers. And then there are the electronic smarts: ride-by-wire throttle, multiple ride modes, cornering ABS, switchable traction control, hill hold feature, LED lighting, TFT instrumentation and Bluetooth connectivity. All for $29,00 plus on-roads.

Given its size, you'd be forgiven for thinking the Triumph Rocket 3 R is a lumbering behemoth. But you'd be wrong. Instead, its immense torque combines with that chunky 240-section rear hoop to spin the earth backwards on its axis every time you wind it on.

The decidedly firmish Showa suspension handles the weight and output well, even when pushing on. And push on it does – with its low centre of gravity and healthy cornering clearance, nailing the throttle as you push through a corner apex is a quasi-religious experience, the Rocket 3 R holding its line with total conviction as the rear hoop pushes the limits of adhesion. That aspect was hammered home at the model's national media launch, which took in plenty of winding roads and even Victoria's Rob Roy Hill Climb.

Of course it's no sportsbike, but it's more nimble than a bike of this bulk has any right to be.

So that's the evil Mr Hyde bit, but for relaxed cruising it can just as easily play the mild-mannered Dr Jekyll. The slipper clutch is remarkably light, the new gearbox works well and it will just as easily trickle along on a steady throttle. It pulls just 2250rpm at 100km/h in sixth gear and will even pull with little complaint in top from just 1000rpm, such is this big mill's flexible nature.

It's relatively easy to maneuver at low speeds too, with a reasonable steering range from lock to lock, although its wide handlebars are a limiting factor when filtering in tight traffic. It's no natural commuter, but it will still handle the role if required.

And that is at the heart of this winning recipe. The Triumph Rocket 3 R is an excellent power cruiser, but it's actually a strong performer across a number of roles. But make no mistake, it’s the Triumph Rocket 3 R's gargantuan grunt that steals the show.

Congratulations, Triumph.

Best LAMS Cruiser: Benelli 502C

Italian design and know-how have combined beautifully with Chinese backing and manufacturing for Benelli, which returns in 2020 to claim its second consecutive title of Best LAMS Cruiser with its Benelli 502C.

This half-litre parallel-twin delivers pleasing, perky performance for learners and commuters alike, with some eminently manageable ergonomics and a modest 750mm seat delivering a surprisingly roomy package that will accommodate most riders.

It's fairly easy on the wallet at $9990 ride away, yet it still comes with niceties like LED lighting and TFT instrumentation. Easy to ride, fun yet unintimidating, and classy to boot – what's not to like?