Along the way, the bike has gone from sketches, to mock ups, to pre-production machines, and finally to complete production line made motorcycles, ready to be sold to the public. Listening to Clifford talk of the many challenges this has presented certainly made me feel very humble. But the part that really brought Triumph’s dedication of home to me was, when Clifford told us that during dyno testing the engine made so much power the whole exhaust system was glowing red. It actually got so hot; the extraction system could be seen glowing at its exit. This, apparently, he told us with a grin, made quite the sight from outside at night. This spoke volumes to me about the hours these guys must have worked, and the obvious enthusiasm shared on this project by Clifford and his team at the Hinckley Factory in England.

It was interesting to learn also of the challenges this has presented for the factory and a new assembly line had to be built. Due to the weight of the crankshaft and the massive rear wheels, cranes have had to be built to put these pieces in place. Triumph couldn’t expect anyone to physically lift a 39 lb crankshaft and put one in place every 3 1/2 minutes during a production run. Cranes have also had to be employed to swing the rear wheel into place, as the 17 inch alloy 5-spoke rim is just too heavy to lift.

Armed with the facts, it was time to go and see how all of this works in the real world on a day ride into the country. Assigned our bikes for the day, I have to admit to being a trifle intimidated by the bike’s physical presence and not too taken by the looks. There is no denying the look and style of the Rocket III is unique, but that’s a bit like the old saying “she has a great personality.”

The engine looks agricultural, and I am not to keen on the bolt on chrome covers that conceal the header pipes. I think the speed triple derived twin headlights are cool though, and there is no denying the bike has a seriously aggressive look; I am just not in love so to speak.

The clocks have a radical look also, but are a little too close for my failing eyesight, and I found myself having to lean back to read the small numbers. And while I’m complaining, a number of the parts like the footrest hangers look like bolted on afterthoughts.