"When the Rocket 3 was introduced in 2004, there was hope at Triumph that it would storm the United States' sales charts. After all, Americans like cruisers, the name Triumph has a cachet there and, in the land where bigger is better, the Rocket 3's monstrous 2.3-litre triple with its cylinders aligned vintage-style along the bike would surely be the best.
Even if the Triumph badge does hold a little more sway than others, however, many cruiser riders don't think in terms of which brand, only which Harley. Most aren't even aware that Triumph is back making motorcycles.
Bigger is not better either, at least not when it's so much bigger, faster and more powerful that it scares people. Harleys are gentle beasts, whereas the Rocket 3 was marketed as being faster than a Yamaha R1 superbike to 100mph, with a top speed of more than 140mph and more torque at idle than a Suzuki Hayabusa at full chat. Harley riders steered well clear.
The dynamics, though, are secondary to the outright performance and the whole mien of the machine. This is a street rod rather than the street fighter Triumph is calling it.
It sounds magnificent, goes like stink, feels refined and is beautifully made, too. It's hardly a bike for everyone, but for those who like this kind of machine, there's nothing better.
THE FACTS
PRICE/ON SALE: From £10,949/January 2010
POWER/TORQUE: 146bhp@5,750rpm/163lb ft@2,750rpm
TOP SPEED: 120mph (est)
FUEL TANK/RANGE: 5.3 gallons/150 miles
ALTERNATIVES: Harley-Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle, £12,330; Suzuki M1800R, £9,300; Yamaha V-Max, £17,499
VERDICT: Huge performance and the biggest production bike engine in a conservative styling package. Surprisingly practical."
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