20 years of Triumph Rocket 3 | Mad or genius?

Triumph's Rocket 3 celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024 and BikeSocial's Michael Mann rode the 2005 version back-to-back with the modern day GT before interviewing Triumph's Chief Engineer, Stuart Wood, who was involved with the original project.
Who was involved? Why did they settle on a 2.3-litre, 3-cylinder engine? What changes happened for the 2020 model? Will there be an electric Rocket in the future?

CHAPTERS
00:00 - INTRO
00:43 - ONBOARD GT
11:07 - ONBOARD ROCKET III (2005)
17:54 - INTERVIEW (STUART WOOD)
30:51 - OUTRO

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LET’S CONNECT!

[TheEarlster]

Hello Michael, I sincerely appreciate your thoughtful review. It's genuinely exciting to come across my bike showcased in your comprehensive 20 Years of Triumph Rocket 3 write-up. Thank you for not only dedicating time to connect with me but also sharing insights with others from an ownership perspective👌

[splodge]

I bought a new Bonneville in 1982 the year before Meriden closed. I was so pleased when John Bloor took over and started the new range of bikes. Wonderful that he and all the people at Triumph turned it into the success it is today. I'm now the proud owner of a Speed Twin 1200, they've come along way since my first Bonneville. Congratulations.😊

[triumphthunderbird]

I had the Rocket III Roadster and did over 35, 000 miles on it. Loved it! I now have the Rocket 3 TFC. This thing is in a league of its own. A masterclass in motorcycle engineering! Rocketdays in Germany is an annual event that celebrates all that is all wonderful about these magnificent machines.

[shadwox]

I have a 2020 Rocket 3 GT and its awesome. Its a head turner for sure made alot of friends since i bought the bike.

[benschofield]

They should definitely go back to the dual analogue clocks on the Rocket. Those small plasticky screens that Triumph put on some of their bikes are beyond naff.

[toucan]

I can't Believe IT - 20 Years have gone by already. Well thank God for Triumph making the Rocket, the Beautiful Beast.✔✔✔✔💜💜😎

[brianchadwick]

I’m old enough to remember the BSA Road Rocket that was up there as one of the best at the time myself I had to Triumph 110 also a really nice bike

[davewilkirson]

Triumph did a great job with the latest Rocket. I have the 2020 GT. It is the pinnacle.

[plumcrazyswede]

That new Rocket 3 with forward controls is my absolute Dream Bike. There's no way I would to be able to get one in the forseable future. But It's a thing of beauty. Maybe Triumph Sweden would loan me a press bike to test for a few week in the spring

[davewilkinson]

I had a 2010 Rocket111 Classic. I loved the bike. I’ve always enjoyed a “lively” ride and although the size was always going to be a limiting factor, it’s surprising how rideable the bike is on fast country roads. I also rode from Lands End to John O’ Groats in a day (for charity) with no issues either mechanically or physically. (That’s 870 miles in 18 hrs at 45 mpg and a total of over 1800 miles.) I’d rather have owned one than not. A fantastic experience.

[greywolf]

I admired the Rocket 3 upon its 2020 revamp but held off buying one eventually opting for the last ZZR 1400 sold in Europe, another bike which holds a crown. Then last year I saw a 2021 Triple black GT and thought it looked on par with the TFC. Oddly enough as only 1, 000 were available globally about five were available at the same time in close proximity to each other.

One by one they sold from under me untill finally I secured purchase of one for sale privately. I don't know if I could own one as an only bike but it's certainly a joy to own and ride, a masterpiece of engineering. Supposing they had the battery technology an electric variant would be lacking what the the ICE model has by the barrow load...Soul, it lives, it breathes and has a pulse like nothing else on earth.

[timcarter]

If I lived in the UK I don't think I'd go for a 100+ HP motorcycle to navigate those narrow little roads. Low speed limits on basically a goat path.. I'd just get some little bike and spend the difference on something else. I've watched dozens of hours of riders cruising there, and they all go about 40 mph 90% of the time.
In the US the Rocket III makes a lot more sense. Traffic hauls azz in this place. Love to have one. The old 2005 looks the best.

[davetaylor]

I grew up with a Triumph guy, my Dad. The old original Meridian Triumphs. I still own a Triumph. All be it 1997. For me there are two companies that make the best looking bikes. Triumph and Aprillia. It is hard to find an ugly Triumph. From any era. Unfortunately not in a financial position to be able to buy a new one. But then where I live now. I probably wouldn't. Even if I had the money. The Triumph set up in Australia is appalling. If you lived in Melbourne. A bit better. But certainly in Qld. No chance. The dealers aren't good. Parts supply hopeless. Everything is expensive. And all revolves around Melbourne. A long way away. Independent bike mechanics mostly won't touch them. Mostly because of parts issues. If it was a Honda. Off the shelf, fix and go. Triumph. Bike parked up for weeks, waiting for parts. For my old girl. I contact suppliers in UK. Import them myself. Classed as obsolete out here. Nothing listed as available. But can get most things, no problem, from UK. I do see new Triumphs on the road occasionally. But in my area, a small percentage. The dealers are few, and far between. And the parts are even further away. It is weird. There almost seems an attitude against Triumph. Like, why would you want one. When we had Holden and Ford. You could turn up in a one horse town. And someone could fix them. Rock up with an Alfa Romeo. You're there for a month. That's Triumph.

[Banditmanuk]

I've test ridden the Rocket 3 R on one of Triumph's ride out days. Certainly a great experience (after the Triumph tech had managed to get the keyless to work)
Personally, I didn’t like the dash, but I guess that's a minor gripe.

[breakfortheborder]

The video of the launch was the reason who I bought my rocker 3R before it the demos even arrived

[deanmaiden]

I've been riding an xjr1300 past 5yrs just bought a rocket 3 my first British bike awesome machine.

[jimanders]

I seriously doubt that anyone has put more miles in more conditions on a Rocket than I have. And I am in love with it. I can play with the sports bikes and cruise with the baggers. In my opinion it is the absolute best all-around street bike in existence. Prove me wrong.

[ukusanz]

I would never replace my 22 GT for an electric version. Electric bikes will be the death of many manufacturers if they are forced on the customer

[robbikebob]

I seriously think most manufacturers are holding off to see it EV works or not. I'm afraid that we're highly likely to get around 10 years of mediocre vehicles while they hold off from massive investment to see it EV charging infrastructure improves and battery tech gets better. Or if hydrogen or synthetic fuels are the actual future....

[AdiRajB]

Where is the next episode of Which bike next? Temporary hiatus because of weather?