Kiwi Rider August 2024 Vol.1 | Page 67

SUSPENSION The suspension action is well controlled and makes for comfortable riding . Travel up front on the large diameter , fully adjustable 47mm USD forks is a respectable 120mm . The rear has 107mm of travel and is adjustable for compression and rebound damping and spring preload . Overall , the quality of ride is very good and a massive step up from the early models from some years back .
BUILD QUALITY The Triumph has a lovely build quality . Everything is very well finished and nicely put together . It is stylish too . The look of the inline triple engine coupled with the 3-into-3 exhaust , two outlets on one side , one on the other is stunning . Also , the large driveshaft housing and diff contribute to the bold , strong and masculine look . The paint job is stunning throughout with no better example than the 18 litre fuel tank ( which is a little on the small side for distance work ). I was pleasantly surprised by the foot forward riding position . Sure , on long trips you can ’ t stand up and take the load off your butt , but the seat is very comfortable and being able to stretch out the legs was a real joy after a sportsbike I ’ d recently ridden . The bars are wide and straight and offer excellent purchase for directing the Rocket 3 . The dash is clear with lots of information , but my old eyes did struggle to see the small lettering .
LONG LIVE THE KING Overall , I liked the Triumph Rocket 3 Storm a lot . It is big , bold and beautiful . The engine is a gem with amazing punch from the bottom end onwards , yet it still has lovely manners at low revs . It handles pretty well , stops even better and is jolly comfortable . It ’ s a motorcycle that ’ s unashamedly and rightly proud of being the king of the giant muscle cruiser division . Indeed , the Triumph Rocket 3 storm is a real man ’ s bike fit for a king . Long live the king !
KIWI RIDER 67