Triumph Rocket 3 special editions thunder in

Triumph Motorcycles has unveiled two special-edition variants of its Rocket 3, with the new 2021 Triumph Rocket 3 R Black and 2021 Triumph Rocket 3 GT Triple Black to hit local showrooms from late next month.

One thousand examples of both models will be produced globally, with Triumph Motorcycles Australia indicating we're likely to receive just 12 examples of each.

As the model names suggest, both models receive an array of blacked-out components spanning everything from their striking header pipes to wheels, handlebars to headlights.

The Triumph Rocket 3 R Black will only come in an exclusive matt and gloss black paint scheme, while the Triumph Rocket 3 GT Triple Black adopts a unique three-shade black scheme.

Each model also features a carbon-fibre front guard and will be sold with a certificate of authenticity, along with the following blacked-out components:

• Black painted exhaust headers
• Black painted heat shields
• Crinkle black powdercoated intake cover
• Black painted headlight bezels, fly screen finishers, radiator cowls, seat finishes and rear body finishes
• Blacked-out badging and rear wheel finishes
• Black anodised components, rear frame forging, brake and clutch levers, yokes, risers and handlebar clamps, RSU rocker, swingarm guard, side stand, rider footrest, brake and gear pedals, yokes, risers, heel guards and pillion footrests and hangers
• Premium black anodised bar-end mirrors

The differences are purely cosmetic, with these newcomers otherwise mechanically unchanged.

Local pricing for the pair will be announced a little closer to their arrival, but in the UK these special-edition variants attract a £1000 (approximately $A1800) premium.

Related reading:
Pricing announced for 2021 Triumph Rocket 3
2020 Triumph Rocket 3 Launch Review
2020 Triumph bikesales Bike of the Year finalist: Triumph Rocket 3 R

The arrival of the 2021 Triumph Rocket 3 R Black and Rocket 3 GT Triple Black makes perfect sense; Triumph says the introduction of the next-generation Rocket 3 family has been a resounding success, with over 8000 sales worldwide since its arrival in early 2020.

Extending the range with a couple of cosmetically enhanced limited-edition models can be achieved relatively easily and quickly. As they're based on an already popular model they're bound to sell out in a short period, while they draw media and public attention back to the brand and the revitalised Rocket 3 family.

And even without the extra bling, Triumph's Rocket 3 family easily lends itself to attention. The Triumph Rocket 3 R roadster and its more touring-oriented sibling, the Triumph Rocket 3 GT, both share the largest-capacity volume-production motorcycle engine. The 2458cc triple also produces more torque than any other volume-production bike, at 221Nm.

This next-generation Rocket 3 family represents a ground-up overhaul of the moniker, which first appeared back in 2003. The new Triumph Rocket 3 has been met with widespread acclaim, the Triumph Rocket 3 R also claiming the cruiser category of bikesales' 2020 Bike of the Year.