On one particular stretch of highway, I snatched a very quick look down to see the speedometer needle approaching 120mph, and couldn’t believe how hard the motor was pulling. It felt just as strong as it had a few thousand rpm earlier while still traveling at a law-abiding speed. Feeling for sure I must be in fifth, I quickly pulled in the clutch and took a quick stab at the lever just to check. Incredibly, the bike selected fifth, and carried on pulling as if nothing had happened. By this time things were happening far to fast to be paying any attention to the small round gauges, but I have to guess I was knocking on the door of 140mph.

Just seconds earlier I had been traveling around 65mph, and I can see new owners having a lot of fun with sport bikes out on the highway. Johnny squid is going to be tap dancing on the gear lever, while watching a very fat rear tire evaporate away in the distance if he tries to go up against this thing.

High-speed run complete, I grabbed a big handful of front brakes, sunk my right boot, and quickly got the bike under control. Making this a quick and painless task is a pair of Daytona 955i sourced four-piston calipers grabbing 310mm discs. Being suitably complemented by a very strong, progressive feeling 320mm rear disc, the Rocket III is endowed with some very useful stopping power.

This is aided by Triumph’s first upside down 43mm fork, which is compliant during normal riding duties, yet firm enough to limit dive and drama when the brakes are applied in earnest. I am also pleased to report the brakes get to work as soon as you start to squeeze the lever, with no delay as the fluid makes its way to the pads. This lever, like the clutch, is four way adjustable, and easily set to your desired distance from the handlebars with a conventional adjustment wheel.

During spirited riding duties, the engine certainly gives off some hairy-chested vibes. Throttling off from higher rpm will have a good healthy buzz through the controls, but Ross Clifford had told us that Triumph desired the engine to have some character. I am not sure how the vibration will play out during extended highway droning, as we spend most of our time varying the revs on twisty roads, but you certainly know there is a big burly engine beneath you.

With stunning performance, easy handling manners and very strong brakes, the Rocket III is going to be a star performer in most of the important areas. The seat is low and comfortable, and the high tank means your legs are not splayed uncomfortably wide while riding.

According to Clifford, he got 190 miles from the 6.6 gallon gas tank cruising in Europe between 80-120mph, so figure a good 200 miles between fill ups. Unfortunately our ride was too short, and I heard more than one journalist lament they were not pointing the big triple homeward to enjoy more saddle time.

Down Under the price of admission is $25,000.  The only question remaining is, who is going to be the first to bolt a supercharger and nitrous kit to one...?