Triumph has officially revealed the specifications of the new Rocket 3 Triumph Factory Custom (TFC), a factory custom of the next-gen Rocket 3 that will be launched after this special edition. The Rocket 3 TFC is limited to 750 units and was earlier listed on Triumph’s UK website with an on-road cost of £25,000 (approximately Rs 22.7 lakh). However, all 750 units have been sold-out.
The previous-gen Rocket III came with a massive 2,300cc three-cylinder engine that was the largest on a production motorcycle – until this new engine was revealed. The revised triple on the new Rocket 3 TFC displaces 2,500cc and features lightweight titanium valves (giving a 40 percent weight saving over the previous generation), machined fins on upper and lower crankcases, a dry sump, and an integral oil tank. It doesn't come as a surprise then that the new engine produces some very impressive performance figures – 182hp and 225Nm of torque. Triumph claims that torque figure is the highest produced by a production motorcycle and we can’t think of one that produces a number that's even close. The peak output figure also makes this motorcycle the most powerful Triumph to date.
Keeping things from going south is an extensive electronics package that includes cornering ABS and traction control, four riding modes (Rider, Rain, Road, Sport), a quickshifter, all-LED lighting, cruise control and hill-hold. The electronics can be toggled via Triumph’s second-gen TFT display that will also be Bluetooth compatible and feature an integrated ‘GoPro’ control system. Other electronics include a Tyre Pressure Management System (TPMS) and keyless ignition.
Triumph has revealed that the new Rocket 3 TFC is 44kg lighter than the older model that weighed 367kg. The manufacturer has managed to reduce the weight substantially by using an all-new aluminium frame that ‘incorporates premium cast and forged components’. The Rocket 3 TFC also comes equipped with a fully adjustable 47mm USD fork and a monoshock, both by Showa. Meanwhile, braking is handled by top-of-the-line Brembo Stylema brakes.
The Triumph Rocket 3 TFC is a product of the manufacturer’s in-house custom motorcycle department. That said, it’s likely Triumph will launch a standard version in the near future, one that features the all-new powertrain and chassis, but not necessarily all the bells and whistles. We expect this motorcycle to make its way to India in the latter half of 2020. The Rocket 3’s most direct rival, the Ducati Diavel 1260, is also a great handling motorcycle, despite what its cruiser-like stance might suggest. Offering great handling will most likely be the Triumph’s biggest challenge, if it looks to take on the Diavel.
Azaman Chothia
