Triumph Rocket 3 GT Launching This Week

The GT is the laid back version of this incredible behemoth

• Triumph launched the Rocket 3 R trim last year at India Bike Week 2019.
• The 2,458cc triple motor appears in the same tune.
• Price is likely to be higher than the R variant.

After shying away from bringing in this particular variant earlier, Triumph India has announced that the Rocket 3 will also be arriving in the GT trim. There are no mechanical differences between the two variants as the GT leans more towards the cruiser genre with its more comfortable ergonomics. In global markets, the GT model commands a higher price tag and it is likely to be the same here. Expect it to be priced around Rs 19 lakh (ex-showroom), a lakh more than the R variant. 

The main difference on the GT model is the way the rider is perched on the bike. Instead of an attacking posture, the GT features swept back bars, forward-set footpegs and plush seats. In typical cruiser fashion, you are seated lower, which at 750mm is 18mm lower than the R. In fact, your partner will be happier sitting pillion on the GT model as there’s a proper backrest to keep them from lurching backwards. Subtle design differences include different colours, GT badging and diamond-cut alloy wheels instead of blacked out units. As a result of these changes, the GT weighs 3kg more, tipping the scales at 294 kilos dry.

The heart remains the same 2,458cc monstrous triple motor, the largest unit ever fitted to a production motorcycle. It is the world’s torquiest motorcycle engine, producing a groundbreaking 221Nm at just 4000rpm! 167PS of power too is decent for the configuration, but on these types of bikes, it is the torque that does the talking. A six-speed transmission, aided by a slip-and-assist clutch and bi-directional quickshifter, is present. Triumph claims that the new powerplant is 18kg lighter than the older and smaller 2300cc unit, which is amazing.

The engine does act as the main member of the motorcycle’s chassis. The front aluminium frame, the subframe and the swingarm are connected to the engine. Specially designed 47mm Showa USD fork (compression and rebound adjustable) can be found on the bike with a fully-adjustable Showa piggyback monoshock also present. To bring this behemoth to a stop, top-spec Brembo braking hardware is used as you get state-of-the-art Stylemas on the front wheel as well as a M4.32 monobloc at the rear. Lastly, the macho persona is completed by a 240/50 - R16 rear tyre from Avon.