2003 Triumph Rocket III concept, prototype, spy shots

You are here: Index --- Total Motorcycle Big Book of Concept Bikes --- 2003 Triumph Rocket III

2003 Triumph Rocket III
Back to the Total Motorcycle Big Book of Concept Bikes

Click photos to enlarge.
They make great desktop images.

2003 Triumph Rocket III concept spyshot

2003 Triumph Rocket III concept spyshot

2005 Triumph Rocket III

• 2003 Triumph Rocket III

2003 Triumph Rocket III

2003 Triumph 2300 Rocket III (rocket 3)

I can remember when these spy shots were leaked and they did shock the motorcycle world. Many could not believe that Triumph would make such a large cruiser motorcycle and that it would never go into production. Others were shocked that it wasn't a V-Twin, but a huge (2300cc) Triple engine configuration. Well, into production it did go, and for the 2005 model year (it's first year of production) it sold out before it hit dealership showrooms! Way to go Triumph!

The original report we did of it in 2003...(Below)

April 16, 2003

The first spy photos of the new Triumph Cruiser are out..... a hefty looking beast.

The engine looks incredible. What a monster !! Looks like they are going for the top part of the Cruiser market.

We now know it as the Triumph 2300 Rocket III (Rocket 3).

The first ever production bike to break the 2-litres barrier, the Rocket III is the ultimate power cruiser.
As alluded to by its name and alone among the cruiser fold the Rocket III is powered by a triple 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 2,294cc – 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 Rocket III makes more peak torque than two together of almost any other production motorcycle. To be precise, a massive 147ft.lbf torque at 2,500rpm, with 90% delivered at a mere 1,800 rpm. This stunning triple digit number means, two-up, it will accelerate faster than pretty much anything else on two wheels.

But while the Rocket III’s statistics and its looks are striking, our motorcycles are built to be ridden, not just admired. Usability is a core belief at Triumph and an element close to the heart of every Triumph rider, so built around the Rocket III’s motor is a chassis that’s more than a match for its monstrous output.

Just as remarkable as the engine’s sheer motive force is the balance that’s been struck between power and control making the Rocket III a surprisingly easy-to-manage machine. The ergonomics are such that it’s no more of a stretch to the foot or handlebar controls than it is on the Triumph America cruiser model. This relaxed riding position, along with the hugely torquey engine, provides the perfect platform for stealing the limelight close to home or for eating up countless miles on a longer jaunt.

The standard machine is fitted with a detachable pillion seat and comes in Jet Black or Cardinal Red. There is also a whole range of Triumph accessories available for those who want to add a touch of their own personal style.

But make no mistake, the Rocket III is not just another motorcycle; it’s the ride of a lifetime. There isn’t a benchmark it hasn’t obliterated, a limit it hasn’t disregarded. It is, simply, the biggest and most impressive production motorcycle the world has ever seen. Added to the breathtaking riding experience are truly original looks that ensure it will never be mistaken for any other machine.

Awesome is an over-used word but for the Rocket III it’s barely adequate.

Our Sponsors