KIWI RIDER 03 2020 VOL2 | Page 84

ROAD NEWS ROCKET 3 TAKES QUICKEST TRIUMPH CROWN W hile its no secret that the all-new Triumph Rocket 3 takes the crown as the biggest mass production motorcycle with its 2500cc inline-triple engine, the fact that this can propel the new bike forwards in blisteringly quick fashion comes as an afterthought. Triumph Motorcycles must have known that when we think of the giant new Rocket 3 we think of its monstrous 221Nm of peak torque over anything else, so they set out to show off just how quickly the big bike can rocket its way to 60mph (96.6km/h) from a standstill. We’re betting even they weren’t prepared for the result... “Our goal was to showcase the exceptional performance of the Rocket’s unique, all- new 2,500cc triple powerplant”, says Triumph Motorcycles Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Stroud. “With the Rocket 3 line-up, we have consistently shown that we can build the highest capacity production motorcycles, capable of offering 84 KIWI RIDER incredible performance and capability in return.” Wanting to highlight this, Triumph Motorcycles packed up shop and headed to Spain with a team of engineers ready to showcase the big Rocket’s muscle. Taking place at the Cartagena track in Spain, Triumph’s team of engineers prepared a pre- production version of the all-new Rocket 3 under the direction of Triumph’s Chief Engineer Stuart Wood. In addition to achieving optimum grip, the team attached great importance to making weight savings across the bike. But with that said Triumph claim the Rocket 3 R used was in near-production set-up: only the mirrors and number plate holder were removed as required for the racetrack environment. The Triumph team was also supported by British tyre manufacturer Avon who supplies the Avon Cobra Chrome tyres for the Rocket 3.