I recently got a postcard in the mail from my local Triumph dealer offering a test ride on the Rocket III. (plus a free t-shirt. Hey, can't pass that up!) I stopped by on my ride home yesterday and took them up on the offer. After the paperwork formalities, the salesman brings me out to the bike, goes over the basics, starts it and says, "see you in a half hour. Have fun." Now I know sport bikes are fast and all, but for a cruiser, this bike is simply unbelievable! (2300cc, 140 hp, and 147 ft.lb. of torque at 2,500 rpm!) The thing pulls like a @#$%'in tractor as soon as you crack the throttle. Smooth ride, lots of power (duh), and fantastic brakes. I took it up on the interstate, riding kind of mildly at first, just to get used to it. It handles great for such a big bike. On the way back, I felt comfortable enough to some fun with it. I was cruising at 70 mph, at about 2500 rpm, in 5th gear. Want to accelerate to pass? No need to downshift. Just roll on the throttle. The speedo was passing 110 in about 3 seconds when I had to back it off only because I was laughing my *** off! The power and acceleration that thing has is almost comical. It just wanted to keep going. When I got back, the salesman says, "so, what do you think"? I think he knew, 'cause I couldn't wipe the grin off my face! I gotta tell ya, Triumph has a winner in the Rocket III. If I ever get tired of my Road King, I know what I'm buying next! This promo Triumph is running ends this Sunday. If anyone has a dealer near them, I strongly recommend you go ride that thing. You will be impressed!

 

That bike is impressive. Beats out the Vulcan by 300cc and makes the biggest Harley seem like nothing. Of course, the other bikes are damn powerful too! Best quote I've heard about it is, "The Rocket III isn't pretty, but neither is Charles Bronson....both could kick your ***".

 

that is impressive. I could never deal with anything that ugly though. the new speed triple is growing on though.

 

Yeah, I don't see it winning any beauty contests either, but its performance is its shining point. I just couldn't pass on the opportunity to find out what 2300cc feels like between your legs! I also saw the new speed triple while I was there. Triumph bumped the displacement to 1050cc, and added quite a few improvements. My buddy has a 2001 speed triple, and he was there with me drooling over the '05's. They had one in that yellowish gold color that looks like crap on their website, but in person, it looks great, especially with the gold annodized inverted forks. They are also a Ducati dealer, so I got to ogle at some of the sexy Italians!

 

Too ugly for me too. I'd rather hop up my V-rod slightly to get the same power numbers. It'll be worth more in the end too.

I do have to say though, that kind of power is amazing from a company like Triumph. You'd expect it out of the larger motorcycle companies, but not from them. Hopefully, the other companies' will follow suit, just with a more tasteful design.