configurable . Unsurprisingly for a Triumph , the engine is a DOHC , liquid cooled , inline triple . However , it is mounted north / south like most cars of old which is a little unusual , as is the 2458cc . It has a wet , multi plate torque assist clutch set to allow minimal engine braking . This is a good thing because , without it , rear wheel lock ups when changing down would be common place and perhaps hazardous . Despite the hugely wide and grippy 240 / 50-16 rear tyre it would have little chance of “ back spinning ” the massive engine up to speed on a sudden down shift or two . Thanks to the slipper-clutch , chopping the throttle only causes the Rocket to flow into the corners as though the clutch has been pulled in . It ’ s all very civilised and only multiple rapid down shifts bring on some engine braking effect . Rough maths says the triple has three 820cc pistons – now that ’ s a good-sized piston if it was in a single cylinder machine . So , you ’ ll understand , that while it has 165hp , it ’ s not going to be a high revving sports bike kinda power delivery . No , this engine is about low rpm punch and huge torque . And punch
it does . Hard . Launching the Rocket from zero to 100km / h in just 2.79 seconds . A little over 3000rpm in top , sixth gear , will have you cruising at 140km / h . It pains me a little to say this , but top end power is not actually that impressive . However , have no fears , the huge torque means there is no need to ever go over 5000rpm on public roads . And if you do , you will probably be walking home ... the police will do that bit for you . I rode in Sport mode almost exclusively and found it very manageable and yet very business-like when required . I ’ d be more than happy to ride in the rain in Sport mode because the power delivery is still very predictable , but also because the nature of the beast curbs reckless enthusiasm somewhat .
TURNING A ROCKET Sure , it is a bloody rocket in a straight line , but no one will ever call it nimble , light or particularly manageable at speed when you hit real turns . Motorways and open smooth highways suit the chassis best . The tighter the turn the more effort required to negotiate . On
44 KIWI RIDER