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Coming soon: Triumph Rocket 3 Storm
Triumph’s monster Rocket 3 didn’t need any more power but new Storm R and GT models have it anyway, among various updates
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 19 March 2024 | 0 min read
The market for monster-engined cruisers like the Triumph Rocket 3 might seem limited but with 18,000 sales since the 2019 reinvention and upgrade to a new 2.5-litre engine it seems there are more two-wheeled power junkies out there than you might think. And with rivals – such as there are – like the Ducati Diavel V4 and Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 all chomping at the Rocket’s heels Triumph has decided to bump the power to maintain the Rocket’s position at the top of the Top Trumps pack.
Called the Storm and, as before, offered in racier R and more cruiser-like GT versions, this new 2024 Rocket 3 gets a 15 horsepower increase to a mighty 182 horsepower, now coming 1,000rpm higher in the rev range than before. Impressive, but monster torque has always been the Rocket’s real unique selling point and this gets a modest boost of 4Nm to a total of 225Nm. Which is to say more than enough to give that fat 240mm rear tyre a workout in any of the six gears, with a quickshifter available as an option if you want it.
Beyond that the new Rocket Storm is more or less as before and built around the existing combination of an aluminium frame with single-sided swingarm, 47mm fully adjustable Showa forks matched to an adjustable piggyback Showa rear suspension unit (RSU), giant 320mm front discs grabbed by Brembo Stylema calipers, an equally huge 300mm rear brake and the same cornering ABS and traction control. As before, the R has a lower-slung riding position with conventionally placed pegs with 15mm of adjustment while the GT has a more feet-forward riding position with higher, more backswept bars. As before seat heights are 773mm on the R and a cruiser-ish 750mm on the GT. A new 10-spoke cast wheel design claims to save a little unsprung weight for a fresh look and, you’d hope, a small improvement in ride comfort.
Beyond that the new Rocket Storm is more or less as before and built around the existing combination of an aluminium frame with single-sided swingarm, 47mm fully adjustable Showa forks matched to an adjustable piggyback Showa rear suspension unit (RSU), giant 320mm front discs grabbed by Brembo Stylema calipers, an equally huge 300mm rear brake and the same cornering ABS and traction control. As before, the R has a lower-slung riding position with conventionally placed pegs with 15mm of adjustment while the GT has a more feet-forward riding position with higher, more backswept bars. As before seat heights are 773mm on the R and a cruiser-ish 750mm on the GT. A new 10-spoke cast wheel design claims to save a little unsprung weight for a fresh look and, you’d hope, a small improvement in ride comfort.
Other than that the main visual differences from before are extensive use of black anodised parts and components, this meaner look inspired by the previous R Black and GT Triple Black limited editions. New colour options comprise red/black, blue/matt black and black/grey, with the R having the colour on the tank sides and dark strip down the middle while the GT does it the other way round. A range of over 50 accessories meanwhile helps you tailor your Rocket to suit your particular needs, comprising a mix of styling upgrades, luggage and more.
Prices have increased by £1,200 over the 2023 model and start at £23,195 for the Rocket 3 Storm R, which undercuts the entry price for the Ducati Diavel by a fraction. The GT is a little more expensive at £23,895, with orders for both now open and first deliveries due from April.
Prices have increased by £1,200 over the 2023 model and start at £23,195 for the Rocket 3 Storm R, which undercuts the entry price for the Ducati Diavel by a fraction. The GT is a little more expensive at £23,895, with orders for both now open and first deliveries due from April.
