HUGE PRESENCE The Rocket is big . Huge even . Long and low with vast wide tyres , few creature comforts and a massive 2.5 litre engine . In keeping with its hairy-chested looks , there are no screen or hand-guards either . Completing the ( big ) picture are rather cool , superbike spec , 320mm Brembo Monobloc Stylema brakes , as well as the stunning looking triple exhausts and intake manifolds . The whole machine looks like a work of art with a clearly lovely build quality . This bike has real presence . Big and bold , the Triumph Rocket 3 R ’ s design impact is gigantic , both visually and functionally . Of course , at this early stage I hadn ’ t truly opened the throttle in a significant way .

However , I could just tell there was menacing thrust lurking only a wee twist of throttle away . Remarkably , what was most apparent from the ride at this point was the extremely civilised low rev engine response , allowing very relaxed bumper to bumper travel about town ; no unruly surges when opening the throttle from closed , all very nice . The Rocket also felt fairly light to maneuver for such a behemoth , although I was yet to encounter any real turns . Open smooth turns were effortless . Also , it felt firmly suspended and totally planted on the road and the brakes were top-drawer . But , having only tootled along there was obviously still plenty to learn ... A small gap in the traffic near Westgate exposed boat loads of punch , launching the Rocket to policeupsetting pace in about a car length . 221 Nm of torque at 4000rpm and 165hp at 6000rpm will do that . Yeah , the 2022 Rocket was going to require a respectful learning curve !

MONSTROUS MOTOR The engine is controlled by ride by wire and has four ride modes of Rain , Road , Sport , and rider

KIWI RIDER 43