Triumph Rocket 3 Gt: when displacement matters! [TEST LAUGH]

Triumph Rocket 3 GT was born in England but makes its famous stars and stripes motto “No replacement for displacement”, that is “there is no substitute for displacement”. Here the Anglo-Saxon technicians got carried away by creating a three cylinders of 2.458 cc, unique and powerful engine which governs the driving experience of this Rocket 3 GT.

Aesthetics and design

Triumph Rocket 3 GT it has a line muscular and aggressive, with the engine clearly visible and many oversized details such as the tyres, which have truly unusual sizes. In fact, at the front we have 150/80 on a 17" rim, while at the rear is exaggerated with a tire with dimensions of  240/50 on 16" rim. The rims are very beautiful, with a series of polished aluminum spokes and a series painted in black.

Everything is impressive precisely, like the 47mm Showa fork in diameter with upside down stems and fully adjustable, supported by wide steering plates and capable of even accommodating two circular headlights. The latter are LED with the Triumph “T” logo. Continuing we find the handlebars, which has electrical wiring that passes inside to have a very clean look, almost custom. The tank harks back to the past, with a brushed strap to hold it in place and the “Monza” aluminum cap, which recalls that of the racing cars of the 60s. This detail it is then proposed again on the radiator cap and on the engine oil one, where the dipstick for checking the lubricant level is hidden inside. The engine we were saying it is the dominant part not only from a performance point of view but also from an aesthetic one. On the right we find it steel exhaust brushed made by hydroforminga very clean appearance and cared for. Here we also find two of the three exhaust terminals, as one is on the left of the bike together with the intake manifold.

Molto beautiful finishes of the black monoblock that has the ribs machined aluminium and attention to detail with all wiring hidden. The saddles they are placed on two levelsa important rear support for both the pilot and the passenger. Worth noting is the creation of rear footrests , that they come out rotating while they are completely hidden when put away. The design is therefore very refined and rich in details, making the bike look like a whole very beautiful to look at and with an exclusive appearance, almost like a custom motorcycle made in a unique example.

Instrumentation

The instrumentation consists of one configurable TFT screen both regarding the data we want to see and in the general graphics, where it is then possible to choose a appearance which recalls i old chronographs very scenic and original.

From here it is then possible manage your smartphone via bluetooth. It is also reported the type of mapping choice (which is managed by the joystick on the left control) between road, rain, sport and rider where it is possible to configure the individual ABS, traction control and engine output items as desired. On this version there are also several series heated grips and cruise control.

Motor

No replacement for displacement we were saying, and here Triumph followed the saying to the letter. This is the largest engine ever mounted on a mass-produced motorcycle and also has the higher torque, 221 Nm (!) at 4000 rpm, always for a production motorcycle.

To better understand what this is all about, a mid-size petrol sedan often doesn't get that much torque. Even the power is no different, with 167 HP at 6000 rpm. This engine is capable of turning up to 7000 rpm and brings this Rocket 3 GT to 100 km / h in 2,89 seconds and with a maximum speed of 221 km / h.

Driving

The driving experience is certainly unique and it reserves many surprises especially in terms of rideability and handling. There riding position it is rather backwards and a little taller than expected, the handlebars are wide and a little distant, while the platforms are advanced the right one and they are also adjustable to three positions to find the correct posture.

At this point we are here, Let's start this engine 2500 cc monsters. The sound is intense with the prevalence of the intake which has a different timbre from any other bike, much more so guttural and deep. Triumph Rocket 3 Gt has unexpected handling qualities, also allowing low speed maneuvers without problems or go around the city without any limitation. Just going slow the heat that is issued from the exhaust manifolds on the right it is felt together with what comes from the engine, a situation which no longer causes any problems as soon as it is moving. The 6-speed gearbox It has a precise functioning, but what is surprising is the clutch control which is very modular and especially very light to operate, despite controlling the largest clutch ever used on a motorcycle. Another one positive note relating to transmission is the total lack of rear wheel locks even in the most difficult climbs, lock-ups which, given the displacement and the cardan transmission, would be very dangerous. What governs the driving experience of this Rocket 3 GT however it is clearly the engine and its monstrous torque, which translates into a readiness to control the throttle never experienced. The response is lightning fast and has one incredible strength, so much so that it reaches 7000 rpm in an instant.

The good thing is that also moving to the higher gear the thrust does not decrease and you find yourself at truly high speeds in an instant. Worthy of note is the dispensing in fourth gear, which gives a boost that is difficult to achieve in second gear with other bikes. The sixth is the only ratio, let's say at rest, but even here when the throttle is called the progression is always notable. This is then accompanied by one chassis with rather rigid calibration, to avoid excessive load transfers, even if not very precise. Tireless i Brembo Stylema front brakes, always called to do the extraordinary given the burning acceleration and the mass of 294 kg.

At the rear we also have a Brembo plant, but the answer does not convince all the way down, a factor most likely linked to a possible presence of air in the system on the model being tested. Comfort in the saddle is good, with the bust which comes in part sheltered from the air from the small fairing, while the shoulders and face remain exposed to the air. On the front of consumption the average value using the motorbike both in the city and on motorways and ring roads was 13 km / liter.

Pricing

The range Triumph Rocket 3 starts with the R version with a price of 23.100 euro, and the GT version being tested has a price list of 23.900 euros for the black color, while for the two-tone one it rises to 24.500 euros. This price is justified of very high quality, the high level finishes and the exclusivity of this motorbike. To this we then add the unique sensations that this engine is able to offer.