First launched in 2004, the Rocket III forged its own niche in the power cruiser segment and earned itself a loyal band of followers. 15 years later, Triumph are upping the ante with a new high-performance and somewhat bespoke Rocket TFC, and only 750 of them will be made.
25 of the exclusive 2019 Rocket 3 TFC models will be making their way to Australian shores with incredible anticipation from potential customers. Projected delivery of these bikes into Australia is scheduled for November 2019. I think they will likely sell out this week, six months before they arrive. The price? Nothing concrete as yet but based on the UK indicative pricing, I think you can expect to pay under $50,000 here in Australia.
The headline act of the Rocket III since inception was that 2294cc but the new limited-edition run of Rocket 3 TFC boasts a massive 2458cc donk. That is a whopping 150 cubic inches for those of you that talk the language of the American cruisers.
The Rocket 3 TFC has the biggest production motorcycle engine in the world.
Quoted power is over 170 horsepower (13 per cent more than predecessor), while peak torque registers at 221 Nm. A number that Triumph also quotes as the hightest torque figure of any motorcycle.
Weight? Triumph are yet to quote an exact figure, despite giving us all the other specifications which we show you at the bottom of the page, they have just told us that the Rocket III TFC is 40kg lighter than the previous generation machine, that would put the TFC at around 320kg ready to roll. By cruiser standards that is not bad at all, especially when you have 170 ponies and 221 Nm of twist to motivate that mass!
With only 750 ever being sold worldwide, the Rocket TFC is set to be Triumph’s most exclusive and desirable motorcycle. Featuring premium TFC badging with gold detailing and a beautiful individually-numbered plaque on the instrument mount, each one will be completely unique and never to be repeated.
Every Rocket TFC owner will also receive a special tailor-made TFC handover pack dedicated to their bike, featuring a numbered letter signed by Triumph’s CEO Nick Bloor, a personalised custom build book, leather TFC branded rucksack and a beautiful Rocket 3 TFC indoor bike cover.
The Rocket 3 TFC engine features lightweight titanium inlet valves which allow for higher rpm than the previous Rocket and tailor made features such as the unique Arrow silencers with carbon fibre end-caps.
With stark signature twin LED headlights, the new Rocket 3 TFC features unique lightweight carbon fibre bodywork, including front mud-guard, silencer end caps and exhaust heat shields, fly screen, drive shaft cover, heel guards and tank strap.
The Rocket 3 TFC’s clean uncluttered style and muscular feel is further enhanced by new intricate twenty spoke cast aluminium wheels with imposing 240mm rear tyre width and commanding internally wired flat handlebars.
Additional exquisite finish and detailing includes the one-of-a-kind premium twin ‘carbon black and matt carbon black’ paint scheme with brushed foil decals, gold accents and electroformed 3D Triumph badge, and elegantly hidden pillion footrests contributing to clean minimal rear end.
The latest generation full-colour 2nd generation TFT instruments add even more sophistication and a major step up in functionality over the previous Rocket. The minimal stylish design of the TFT system offers two information layout themes and a feature that allows the rider to personalise their start-up screen.
Increasing the level of rider-focused technology even further, the optimised Cornering ABS and Traction Control set-up maintains the optimum braking performance and level of traction, whatever the lean angle. Additionally, four riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport and Rider-configurable) adjust the throttle map and traction control settings to suit the riding conditions or rider preference.
Taking the riding experience to a new level, the Rocket 3 TFC comes with Triumph Shift Assist and Hill Hold Control as standard. The Triumph Shift Assist allows for clutch-less up and down quick shifts improving the shifting times compared to manual gear changes, whilst the Hill Hold feature enables maximum rider control, preventing the bike rolling backwards.
For enhanced visibility, low energy consumption and great durability, the Rocket TFC features all-LED lighting, including all new full-LED twin headlight with signature shaped Daytime-Running-Light (DRL, market-specific availability), compact LED indicators, tail light and number plate light.
Electronic cruise control is also fitted as standard, reducing the rider’s fatigue on long journeys. And for additional convenience and security, the Rocket 3 TFC features keyless ignition, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a USB charging socket.
In addition to its standard specification, the all new Rocket 3 Triumph Factory Custom’s advanced TFT instruments have been designed to deliver even more capability when enabled by an accessory Bluetooth connectivity module. When fitted, the full TFT connectivity system delivers the world’s first motorcycle integrated ‘GoPro’ control system, Triumph’s ‘turn-by-turn’ navigation system powered by Google as well as music and phone operation.
Significant weight savings across the entire motorcycle make the 2019 Rocket 3 TFC over 15% lighter than its predecessor with over 40kg saving, for a better handling and riding experience. This saving is delivered by an all-new unique aluminium frame which uses the engine as a stressed member for mass optimisation, all new aluminium single sided swinging arm, engine component refinements, carbon fibre bodywork and lightweight braking components.
In addition to the weight saving, the Rocket 3 TFC also has a category leading level of equipment, with top specification Brembo Stylema calipers, high specification adjustable 47mm upside down Showa cartridge forks and fully adjustable Showa monoshock with piggy back reservoir.
The premium specification continues with a Brembo radial master cylinder and MCS span and ratio adjustable brake lever plus matching clutch lever.
The new 2019 Rocket 3 TFC is equipped with an incredible array of custom designed details including real leather interchangeable ‘twin or single’ seat set-up as standard, plus an infill pad supplied to work with the single seat set-up. Adding to this come a distinctive single sided swingarm and innovative sculpted 3-header exhaust run.
Triumph Rocket 3 TFC Specifcations
| NEW ROCKET 3 TFC | |
| Engine Type | Inline 3-cylinder, water-cooled, DOHC |
| Capacity | 2458cc |
| Bore/Stroke | 110.2 mm x 85.9 mm |
| Power | Over 170 PS |
| Torque | Over 221Nm |
| Fuel system | Ride-by-Wire, fuel injected |
| Exhaust | Stainless 3 into 1 headers with 3 exit Arrow branded silencer / CAT box |
| Final drive | Shaft, bevel box |
| Clutch | Hydraulic, slip-assist |
| Gearbox | 6 speed |
| Frame | Full aluminium frame |
| Instruments | TFT multi-functional instrument pack with digital speedometer, trip computer, digital tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, service indicator, ambient temperature, clock and rider modes (Rain/Road/Sport/Rider-configurable) – Triumph TFT Connectivity System can be added with accessory fitted Bluetooth module |
| Swingarm | Single-sided, cast aluminium |
| Front Wheel | 17 x 3.6in cast aluminium |
| Rear Wheel | 16 x 7.5in cast aluminium |
| Front Tyre | 150/80 R17 V |
| Rear Tyre | 240/50 R16 V |
| F Suspension | Showa ø47mm upside-down 1+1 cartridge front forks, compression and rebound adj., 120 mm travel |
| R Suspension | Fully adjustable Showa piggyback reservoir RSU with remote hydraulic preload adjuster, 107 mm travel |
| Front Brake | Dual 320 mm discs, Brembo M4.30 Stylema 4-piston radial monobloc calipers, Cornering ABS |
| Rear Brake | Single 300 mm disc, Brembo M4.32 4-piston monobloc caliper, Cornering ABS |
| Seat Height | 773 mm |
| Rake | 27.9º |
| Trail | 134.9 mm |
| Dry Weight | TBC |
| Fuel Capacity | 19 L |
Source: MCNews.com.au