2015 Triumph Rocket X Limited Edition – First Look Review

2015 Triumph Rocket XLaunched in 2004, Triumph’s Rocket III, with its 2,294cc in-line triple, has held the title of the largest-displacement mass-production motorcycle for a decade. When we strapped our 2014 Triumph Rocket III Touring test bike to Jett Tuning’s dyno, it made a pavement-buckling 137 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel, at just 2,000 rpm.

Read our 2014 Triumph Rocket III Touring Road Test

For 2015, Triumph will produce just 500 examples of the Rocket X Limited Edition to celebrate 10 years as the King of Torque.

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'Grind' effect stripes on the tank and fenders are by paint specialists 8-Ball.
‘Grind’ effect stripes on the tank and fenders are by paint specialists 8-Ball.

KEY FEATURES

  • Limited Edition Rocket III celebrates 10 years as the world’s largest-capacity mass-production motorcycle
  • Limited to 500 units with individually numbered side panels and billeted aluminum name badge
  • Finished in a premium high-gloss custom paint scheme with ‘grind’ effect stripes courtesy of paint specialists, 8-Ball
  • Black components including exhaust, handlebars and mirrors
  • Black wheels with hand painted silver pinstripe

For the Rocket X, Triumph went to premium custom paint specialists 8-Ball to create a scheme that truly sets this bike apart and makes every one of the 500 Limited Edition bikes unique. The quality craftsmanship and attention to detail required to achieve the desired effect is at the top end of the custom paint scene and creates awesome depth between the Jet Black and “grinded” silver striping.

The Triumph Rocket X uses black almost everywhere, from the bodywork and engine to the wheels and exhaust.
The Triumph Rocket X uses black almost everywhere, from the bodywork and engine to the wheels and exhaust.

The fuel tank and mudguards are stripped completely back and then undergo a ‘grind’ effect that provides unique shapes into the bare metal. The tank stripes and logo are carefully lined and follow the painting process when craftsmen apply the Jet Black base layer followed by a clear coat layer. Allowing two days for the paint to cure, a total of six layers of lacquer are applied using ultra high solid paint. The paintwork is then highly polished and again left for two days to cure a second time. Second polishing is then applied to provide an incredible smooth finish with amazing depth. The result is truly stunning.

Vying for attention with the custom paint and 2.3-liter engine, is the black-stealth, twin-skinned exhaust system, which is coated with high temperature-resistant paint. A black fly screen shrouds the chrome-ringed instruments to add even more visual presence. The mean look has also been further enhanced with the addition of black finishing to the handlebars, mirrors, and gear and brake levers. The Rocket’s signature five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels have also received the black treatment and are skillfully finished off with a hand painted pinstripe.

Every one of the limited run 500 motorcycles will feature side panel badging and unique numbering. The oil tank mounted special Rocket X badge is machined from a billet of solid aluminum using a CNC milling machine.

The Rocket III has enjoyed 10 solid years as the King of Torque.
The Rocket III has enjoyed 10 solid years as the King of Torque.

The Rocket’s enormous, longitudinal in-line triple is solidly mounted in the frame and used as a stressed member. The forged, 39-pound crankshaft runs in four bearings with the individual crank pins set at 120 degrees, firing the three pairs of spark plugs in cylindrical order from front to rear. The balance input and rear drive shaft contra-rotate against the crankshaft, which makes for minimal torque reaction, though the mass of the big engine spinning up can still be felt at stand still – a measurable part of the Rocket III’s appeal.

The Rocket X transcends genres, with its mid-mounted pegs and relatively upright riding position. The ergonomics ensure that the Rocket X is surprisingly easy to hustle through corner and with a plush solo seat, and a comfortable and controllable rear suspension. Up front, the Rocket X sports Triumph’s trademark twin headlights, while the components carefully balance black and chrome to create an aggressive stripped down look

The new Rocket X will be available at Triumph dealerships beginning in March 2015.

 

3 COMMENTS

  1. This bike needs to be in my garage so that I can ride it when ever I want too.
    It takes a lot of guts to make a bike that is so different to main stream. Absolutely inspirational! Let’s have more of this Triumph!

  2. The good thing about this bike, you can cruise or ride it wild.. still a rocket. It’s an addict, period. Have a 2010… now thinking sell it to get the X… Why? Because I learned when something is really good, expect short life expectancy. Remember The Suzuki B-King, had one so I know the feeling of not been able to get another one after I sold it…& regret it. So I don’t want to do the same mistake.

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