Torque of the town: 2024 Triumph Rocket 3 cruisers promise more punch than ever before

Triumph Motorcycles have continued their onslaught of 2024 new bike releases with a pair of updated 2.5-litre Rocket 3 cruisers that pump out a monstrous 166lb.ft of torque at just 4000rpm.

As before, there will be a more aggressive R and distance-focussed GT, however both are now known as Storm models and will be priced at £23,195 and £23,895 OTR respectively.

Both will also be powered by a revised 2458cc three cylinder engine that meets Euro5+ regulation, with bikes hitting dealerships in April.

There’s a claimed peak power of 180bhp at 7000rpm too – representing a 15bhp and 2.9lb.ft increase over the previous model, which first arrived on sale in 2020.

“The Rocket has already achieved global sales of more than 18,000 since the 2.5 litre engine was introduced in 2019,” Triumph’s Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Stroud said. “By listening to feedback from our customers, we know they love the Rocket’s muscular presence and heart-stopping performance. We also know that riders desire even more.

“That’s why the new Rocket 3 Storm R and GT have been given an impressive power and torque increase, even greater agility and an even darker, moodier style and presence on the road.”

Special milestone

The new Rockets help mark 20 years of the iconic Triumph muscle bike name, and also feature a new design to the 16in rear and 17in front rims – opting for a 10-spoke cast aluminium design that reduces unsprung mass and improves agility.

Although we’ve been impressed with the Rocket’s ability to corner since it was updated for 2020, the changes are unlikely to transform it into a dainty super naked, thanks to a 320kg wet weight for the Storm R and 317kg for the Storm GT.

Two versions

The same aluminium frame remains as before on both bikes, as does the 18-litre fuel tank, which is said to be sipped at a claimed 42.8mpg.

That said, the riding position and bar placement are quite different. The GT features a bars a whole 125mm more upright than the R, with the seat height on the tourer also 23mm lower at 750mm.

The rider peg position is also different, with the R getting mid-mounted controls with two settings and 15mm of vertical adjustment. The GT, meanwhile, is more laid back, with three horizontal adjustment steps across 50mm of travel. Both feature blacked out, retractable pillion foot rests.

Impressive handling

Despite their 300 kilo-plus figure, both Rocket Storms should continue to make a decent stab of going round corners, thanks to chunky 47mm Showa upside down forks, adjustable for compression and rebound, with 120mm of travel.

At the back, you’ll also find a fully adjustable piggyback Showa monoshock, with remote preload adjustment and 107mm of wheel travel. Both are manually adjustable.

This then works in partnership with four-piston radially mounted Brembo Stylema calipers, which bite down onto 320mm discs, complete with lean-sensitive cornering ABS at both ends.

But that’s not the end for electronic intervention, with a ride by wire throttle allowing for cruise control. There’s also lean sensitive traction control and four riding modes (road, rain, sport and rider-configurable) for both models, as well as keyless ignition and a USB charging port with dedicated storage space under the seat.

Being a premium modern Triumph, you also get a TFT dash, and there’s a quick shifter available as one of the 50-plus official optional accessories.