The new Triumph Rocket 3 is the world’s fastest accelerating production motorcycle
When you think of record-setting superbikes, you may imagine a Kawasaki H2R or a BMW S1000RR. The Triumph Rocket 3, however, despite boasting the world’s biggest production motorcycle engine in the world at 2,500cc, is unlikely to pop to mind. That is until now, as the British manufacturer has now proven us all wrong: a pre-production Rocket 3 R has set a new 0-60mph record of just 2.73 seconds.
The track-specced machine achieved the feat on Sunday 6th October 2019 on Spain’s Cartagena racetrack. While Triumph set it up with an emphasis on optimum grip (thanks to Avon Cobra Chrome tyres) and weight savings, it remained in near-production guise, with only the mirrors and number plate holder removed.
The professional rider who achieved the record also threw the motorcycle around the track, sliding it into corners to demonstrate its handling prowess, which is reportedly more akin to a Street Triple than a conventional cruiser.
Of the motorcycle the unnamed pro rider said: “It was great to experience this truly incredible acceleration. It’s hard to describe just what this motorcycle is capable of. The Rocket 3 R was well prepared and I felt very confident – even in this racetrack set-up.
“As early as the first attempt we made, I felt that the acceleration was so strong and that we would be successful. The Rocket 3 R ran perfectly and the track and weather conditions were ideal. The whole team did a fantastic job.”
Not only does it have the largest production motorcycle engine, but the Rocket 3 also delivers the most torque, making 221Nm (163lb ft) at 4,000rpm. It’ll cost from £19,500 when it goes on sale later this year, making it a rather good performance option when compared to say a similarly-fast-off-the-line McLaren 720S.
Triumph Chief Commercial Officer Paul Stroud said: “Triumph has once again demonstrated truly outstanding capability. With the new Triumph acceleration record achieved by the Rocket 3 R, we again enter uncharted territory because never before has a Triumph motorcycle reached such an incredible acceleration.
“Our goal was to showcase the exceptional performance of the Rocket’s unique, all-new 2,500cc triple powerplant. We have now achieved this, making the entire team incredibly proud. With the Rocket 3 line-up, we have consistently shown that we can build the highest capacity production motorcycles, capable of offering incredible performance and capability in return.”
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Rocket 3
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