Triumph unveiled their new power cruiser in Texas last weekend during the company’s annual American dealer conference.

The first production bike to break the two-litre barrier, the potency of this remarkable new motorcycle is captured perfectly by its name – the Rocket III.

“The Rocket III’s the ultimate power cruiser and gives Triumph an undeniable presence in the cruiser market,” explains Triumph’s Product Manager Ross Clifford. “It breaks the mould and will appeal to those riders seeking a unique but real riding experience. It’s the sort of bike that enthrals the rider completely, engaging all their senses.”

As alluded to by its name and alone among the cruiser fold the Rocket III is powered by a three-cylinder engine, an engine format that Triumph has very much made its own. Its fuel-injected, longitudinally-mounted, in-line three-cylinder engine has a cubic capacity of 2294cc – 140 cubic inches – and uses the same size pistons as a ten-cylinder American muscle car.

But the impressive numbers don’t end there as the Rocket III makes more peak torque than two together of almost any other production motorcycle. To be precise, a whopping 147 ft.lbf torque at 2500rpm, with 90 percent delivered at a mere 1800 rpm. This stunning triple digit number means, two-up, it will accelerate faster than pretty much anything else on two wheels, pulling 1.2g in the process.

A tubular steel spine frame houses the motor while maintenance-free shaft drive lays power to the massive, 240/50-section rear tyre. The front brakes are Daytona 955i specification – twin four-piston calipers mated with floating 320mm discs. The rear brake is a single twin piston caliper and 316mm disc.

The first shipment of Triumph’s Rocket III is due to arrive in Australia around June 2004. The recommended retail price is expected to be around $25,000.

TRIUMPH ROCKET III – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

• Engine - Liquid-cooled, DOHC, longitudinal in-line 3-cylinder, 12 valves

• Capacity - 2294cc

• Bore/Stroke - 101.6 x 94.3mm

• Compression Ratio - 8.7:1

• Fuel System - Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection

• Ignition Digital – inductive type – via electronic engine management system

• Final Drive - Shaft

• Clutch - Wet, multi-plate

• Gearbox - 5-speed

• Frame - Tubular steel twin spine

• Swingarm - Twin-sided, steel

• Wheels - Alloy 5-spoke, 17 x 3.5in (F) - Alloy 5-spoke, 16 x 7.5in (R)

• Tyres - 150/80 V17 (F) - Rear 240/50 V16 (R)

• Front Suspension - 43mm upside down forks

• Rear Suspension - Chromed spring twin shocks with adjustable preload

• Front Brakes - Twin 320mm floating discs, 4 piston calipers

• Rear Brakes - Single 316mm disc, 2 piston caliper

• Length - 2,480mm (97.6in)

• Width - 880mm (34.6in)

• Height - 1,150mm (45.3in)

• Seat Height - 740mm (29.1in)

• Wheelbase - 1,690mm (66.5in)

• Rake/Trail - 32º/152mm

• Weight (Dry) - 320kg (704lbs)

• Fuel Tank Capacity - 25 litres (6.6 gal US)

• Maximum Power - 142PS (140bhp) at 5,750rpm

• Maximum Torque - 200Nm (147ft.lbf) at 2,500rpm

• Colours - Jet Black, Cardinal Red

• Available - June 2004

• RRP - $25,000