KIWI RIDER 08 2019 VOL.2 | Page 81

pitching the new Rocket III against the likes of Ducati’s Diavel range. Both bikes share a similar aesthetic, with a muscular build and high-performance engine as the centrepiece, but the Triumph’s specs definitely put it a step ahead when it comes to wheel destroying torque compared to the Ducati. Interestingly, Triumph Motorcycles New Zealand’s General Manager has indicated that the pricing for the new Rockets will also go head to head with the Ducati. “Rocket R and GT will land in the market hot on the heels of the TFC”, says TNZ’s Leigh Beckhaus, “Triumph is benchmarking these two against the Ducati Diavel so pricing will start possibly mid to high $30,000s for the R and over $40,000 for the GT version.” As to when the bikes should land in the country, with the Rocket TFC expected in early 2020, we could see the new Rocket III tearing up our roads from as early as the first quarter of 2020. using exotic and expensive materials Combining imposing muscular stance and magnificent style, the highest levels of technology, Triumph’s class-leading handling, all of the Rocket’s world-renowned presence and all-day easy riding capability, the new Rockets are in a class of their own. With the power cruiser market a relatively small affair currently, it’s no surprise that Triumph is KIWI RIDER 81