The Triumph Rocket III Roadster features a sophisticated anti-lock braking system that makes 100 calculations each second to ensure the rider retains full control under extreme braking. The rear brake, developed especially by Brembo, is a single twin piston caliper and 316mm disc.
Combined with the mid-mounted controls and revised ergonomics, the Rocket III Roadster offers the sportiest ride of any motorcycle to proudly display the Rocket III badge.
Two menacing black finishes make the Roadster the meanest looking Rocket III yet. From the Roadster’s 2.3 litre heart to the 43mm forks up front, the blacked out components of the Rocket III Roadster ooze classic streetfighter aggression.
In sparkling Phantom Black or menacing Matt, the Rocket III Roadster oozes menace and quality in equal dozes.
Coming in two mean and moody black color options, metallic Phantom Black or an aggressive Matte Black alternative, the Rocket III Roadster is powered by an uprated version of Triumph’s iconic three-cylinder 2,297cc powerplant. Triumph’s sophisticated anti-lock braking system is fitted as standard to the Rocket III Roadster, the first time that an ABS system has been specified to the Rocket III platform.
The Triumph Rocket III Roadster is a big machine and, although the weight is carried low, at a claimed 807 pounds wet, it is also heavy. While the 43mm male-slider forks and twin Kayaba shocks offer no damping adjustability, the Roadster's overall handling is a revelation. Fortunately, the Roadster's low-slung weight and wide bars means the machine responds enthusiastically and predictably through corners. The big front 150mm footprint increased confidence and I found myself pushing the Roadster more than it was probably designed for.
The Roaster handled abuse on twisty canyon roads far better than I expected; this is an enjoyable motorcycle to ride hard. Claiming a 15-percent power increase over the Classic (now discontinued) and Touring Rocket III models, and despite a relatively modest 122 peak horsepower compared to the VMax, the Roadster's incredible 147 ft/lbs of rear wheel torque gives this "cruiser" its staggering level of thrust.
Considering Harley's Twin Cam 96 motor-itself a strong, torquey performer-churns out a healthy 85 ft/lbs of torque at the rear wheel, it rather puts the Triumph's astonishing motor in perspective. Even more remarkable still, the Rocket III Roadster cranks out some 130 ft/lbs of torque just off idle at a mere 1500 rpm