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Fly Me to the Moon
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2005 Triumph Rocket III
Neale Bayly
08/01/2005
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Gold & Goose
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Since the reintroduction of Triumph motorcycles in the
mid-1980s, the English motorcycle manufacturer has continued to make pragmatic,
measured movement forward with its model lineup. Its engines have grown
gradually larger and more powerful, the styling slowly has become more modern,
and sales figures have continued to climb. Triumph built its loyal fan base with
reliable, enjoyable motorcycles, but it also established a reputation for having
a relatively conservative nature.
However, that all changed early last year.
Like a finishing school graduate embracing punk rock, the new Rocket III didn’t
just roll off the Hinckley production line, it stormed from the factory with a
smoking rear tire. Displacing a cruiser-class-busting 2,294cc from its inline
3-cylinder engine, Triumph’s first true heavyweight produces an incredible 140
hp at 5,750 rpm, and a Herculean 147 ft lbs of torque at just 2,500 rpm; even
more amazing, 90 percent of that torque is available from only 2,000 rpm. The
largest, most powerful production cruiser in the world, the Triumph Rocket III
bests its largest competitor, the Kawasaki Vulcan 2000, by nearly 300cc, and
dwarfs Harley Davidson’s 1,449cc Twin Cam 88.
Leaving some serious dents in
the asphalt at 704 pounds dry, and rolling on a 66.7-inch wheelbase, the Rocket
III intimidates on its approach. I slide down into the wide seat, while staring
slack-jawed at the massive gas tank and engine between my legs. I turn the
ignition key, reach to the high, wide bars and give a light pull on the clutch;
hitting the starter button sends three massive 101.6mm pistons into action.
I half-expect a violent explosion, but the low, guttural growl from the
exhausts proves a pleasant surprise, with an appealing intake roar and a gentle
pulling to the right with each blip of the throttle.
As the engine warms up,
a quick preflight check confirms all the necessary control features are where
they should be, although I am unsure about the small speedometer and tachometer.
Gently letting out the clutch without applying any throttle allows me to perform
simple parking lot maneuvers with both feet up on the pegs, and by the time I
roll onto the highway I already feel right at home.
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