Triumph Rocket 3 R Debuts with 165hp Three-Cylinder Engine

The Triumph Rocket III was already an absurd motorcycle, with its 2,294cc three-cylinder engine – the largest of any production motorcycle.

Well, the Brits are aiming for next-level insanity now with the Rocket name, debuting today the Triumph Rocket 3 R and Triumph Rocket 3 GT, which feature a 2,500cc triple that makes 165hp and 163 lbs•ft of torque.

That’s an 11% power increase over the previous generation, though just shy of the performance figures boasted on the Triumph Rocket 3 TFC that we saw earlier this year.

Like that Triumph Factory Custom model, the two new Rocket 3 models shed 88 lbs from their predecessor’s mass, with more than a few styling changes along the way.

With the two variations, Hinckley says that it is making a “muscle roadster” with the Triumph Rocket 3 R model, while the Triumph Rocket 3 GT is more of a “,laid-back cruiser riding attitude and effortless touring capability.”

Both bikes have twin LED headlights, hydroformed three-pipe headers, hidden passenger pegs that fold out, and 20-spoke cast aluminum wheels with a 240mm rear tire.

Don’t think that the Rocket 3 lineup is all show though, as Triumph has included Brembo’s new Stylema calipers, along with Showa suspension. There is a TFT dash, cornering ABS, and IMU-assisted traction control as well.

The GT model also includes niceties like an all-LED lighting setup, hill-hold control, cruise control, keyless ignition, and heated grips (heated grips are accessory fit on the R model).

The bikes will be available in January 2020, with pricing to be released in November 2019. So, stay tuned.