2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster Preview

The 2010 Triumph lineup includes what the Hinckley-based company calls “the ultimate muscle streetfighter”, the Rocket III Roadster. Considering the original bike’s reputation of being the meanest cruiser out there and the new model’s even greater references, we have to admit that the fact that it gets even more power and torque as well as ABS doesn’t come as a surprise although it should. What we’re talking about here is a 15% torque increase to 163 lb/ft of torque at just 2,750rpm, an impressive 146bhp at 5,750rpm and a very low (for the class) wet weight of 807lbs (367kg).

Speaking about class, calling the 2010 Triumph Rocket III Roadster a cruiser simply won’t do it justice so Triumph starts referring about this bike as being a streetfighter. And the rearranged riding position as a result of the new ergonomics (note the mid-mount foot controls) shows how Triumph isn’t that far from the truth when saying that this hot rod will provide "a completely different riding experience from its predecessor." Also, the 43mm upside down Kayaba forks with 120mm of travel, Kayaba twin shocks with 105mm of travel stand by that affirmation and will carry on the Rocket’s corner carver reputation. This also requires a more than decent braking system and the ABS upgrade comes in handy for the 320mm front discs with Nissin 4-pots up front and a 316mm disc with a 2-pot Brembo at the rear.

The 2294cc inline, liquid-cooled triple engine gets new twin cans, which are claimed to be better able to sustain an angry conversation with the enthusiastic Triumph Rocket III Roadster rider. Still, this new model stands out mostly thanks to its two black color schemes: metallic Phantom Black and Matt Black.