Triumph Introduces 2300cc Cruiser

Triumph Introduces 2300cc Cruiser

© 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

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From a press release issued by Triumph:

BIGGEST DISPLACEMENT STANDARD PRODUCTION CRUISER
INTRODUCED BY TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES

Triumph’s Legend Continues to Grow:
New 2.3 Liter (140 Cu. In.) Cruiser Unveiled in America

SAN ANTONIO, TX – August 20, 2003 – Ending months of speculation Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., unveiled Triumph’s new power cruiser – the Rocket III – in San Antonio, Texas, during the annual US dealer conference. It is the biggest production motorcycle currently being built.

There isn’t a benchmark or limit that hasn’t been exceeded. The first production motorcycle to break the 2-liter barrier, the potency of this powerful new machine is captured perfectly by its name – the Rocket III. But make no mistake, the Rocket III is not just another motorcycle; it’s the ride of a lifetime.

As the name alludes and paramount among the cruiser fold, the Rocket III is powered by a triple cylinder engine, an engine format that
Triumph has distinctively engineered for today’s performance enthusiast. Its fuel-injected, longitudinally-mounted, in-line three-cylinder engine has a cubic capacity of 2,294cc – 140 cubic inches – and uses the same size pistons as a Dodge Viper(tm).

The Rocket III produces more peak torque than two of almost any other production motorcycles combined. To be precise, a whopping 147ft.lb torque at 2,500 rpm, with 90% delivered at a mere 1,800 rpm. This stunning triple digit number means, two-up, it will accelerate faster than just about anything else on two wheels. Pulling 1.2g in the process.

From the throaty, beat of the triple-cylinder exhaust note to the Speed Triple inspired twin head lamps, the Rocket III is every inch a Triumph. Drawing styling cues from across the Triumph range, the designers fused the power and control usually associated with a sports machine with the elemental essence of our contemporary classics. To this, they added the cruiser embellishments that this customer group demands, low seat height (29.1-inches), pullback handlebars and foot-forward controls.

Riders played an integral role in the development of this power cruiser. Focus groups from around the world, and particularly within the US, confirmed that in the power cruiser world “bigger” is most definitely better. But they also made three other demands:

1. The Rocket III had to be unmistakably a Triumph and not a clone of more conventional formats

2. It must be grounded in the real world rather than a flight of fancy, with the performance to back the style

3. It had to have ‘presence’

“The Rocket III’s the ultimate power cruiser and gives Triumph a strong foot-hold in the cruiser market,” explains Triumph Motorcycles Product Manager, Ross Clifford. “It breaks the mold and will appeal to riders seeking a unique and impressive riding experience. It’s the sort of bike that enthralls the rider completely, engaging all their senses.”

And while the Rocket III’s statistics and its looks are striking, Triumphs are built to be ridden, not just admired. Usability is a core belief at Triumph and an element close to the heart of every Triumph rider, so built around the Rocket III’s motor is a chassis that’s more than a match for its monstrous output.

A tubular steel spine frame houses the motor while maintenance-free shaft drive lays power to the massive, 240/50-section rear tire. The front brakes are Daytona 955i specification – twin four-piston calipers mated with floating 320mm discs – and provide awesome stopping power. The rear brake is a single twin piston caliper and 316mm disc. The fuel-efficient engine coupled with a huge 6.6 gallon fuel tank, gives the Rocket III an impressive range.

Just as remarkable as the engine’s sheer motive force is the balance that’s been struck between power and control, making the Rocket III a surprisingly easy-to-manage machine. The ergonomics are such that it’s no more of a stretch to the foot or handlebar controls than it is on the Triumph America cruiser model. This relaxed riding position, along with the hugely torquey engine, provides the perfect platform for stealing the limelight close to home or for eating up countless miles on a cross-country jaunt.

The standard machine is fitted with a detachable pillion seat and comes in Jet Black or Cardinal Red. There is also a wide range of Triumph accessories available for those who want to add a touch of their own personal style to the Rocket III.

The last motorcycle to bear this name, was the 1960’s BSA Rocket, although badged as a BSA, the motorcycle was powered by the very first Triumph triple engine. Triumph’s own version of the same machine was the 1969 Trident.

Following the August, 2003 presentation to Triumph’s US dealer network and US motorcycle press, the Rocket III will make its European debut at the International Motorcycle Show in Milan, Italy in September. Triumph Motorcycles Limited’s press conference will be held at 4:00 p.m., September 16, 2003 in the Purricelli Room, EICMA Milan and Triumph’s full 2004 model line-up will be revealed.

Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Triumph Motorcycles, Ltd., the manufacturer of Triumph motorcycles and accessories. Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd., is located in Newnan, GA and services the Triumph dealer organization throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America.

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