Source: Motorcycle Cruiser –
Triumph has pumped up its Rocket 3 series yet again, with the new, more powerful Storm R and Storm GT. (Triumph/)When Triumph first rolled out its 2,300cc Rocket III back in 2009, we all gaped at the insane performance numbers printed on the mega-cruiser’s spec sheet. In hindsight though, 140 hp and 147 lb.-ft. of torque seem pretty quaint, especially when you’re looking at the specs now claimed by Triumph’s new 2024 Rocket 3 Storm. The big inline-triple added power and increased displacement in 2019, but the Storm goes a step further, trotting out a claimed peak of 180 hp. It’s pretty bananas, especially on a production cruiser, and the torque is record-breaking too, with a quoted 166 lb.-ft. coming on at a subterranean 4,000 rpm. The Storm also gets up-spec components, moody new styling cues, and premium finishes, and will come in two versions: the stripped-down Rocket 3 Storm R and the less aggressive Storm GT.The new Storm bikes keep the 2,500cc engine and aluminum frame, but have added new wheels, freshened up the style and finishes, and improved the electronics offerings. Shown is the Storm R. (Triumph/)The two Storm models are distinguished chiefly by their ergonomics and attitudes, with the R model featuring lower bars, mid-mounted controls, and a taller seat, while the GT adopts a cruiser vibe, with pulled-back bars, a lower seat, and forward controls. At their core, both still pack the world’s largest production motorcycle engine, an inline-triple with a capacity of 2,458cc, which in this iteration, gains 14.7 peak power over the standard Rocket 3, now delivering an insane 179.5 hp at 7,000 rpm. The increased torque peak of 166 lb.-ft. arrives at 4,000 rpm.If those numbers sound familiar, it’s because Triumph released a limited-edition run of 750 exclusive Rocket 3 TFC machines back in 2019 which also claimed the 180 hp, 166 lb.-ft. numbers, making them the most powerful (and torquiest) production Triumphs of all time. Those bikes sold out almost instantly, so it stands to reason that production versions were in the offing.Related: Check Out Triumph’s Biggest Bike Yet, The 2019 Rocket 3 TFCThe 2,458cc inline-triple engine is mostly unchanged, but Triumph has managed to massage it to output 180 hp and 166 lb.-ft. of torque. (Triumph/)So it’s not surprising the Storm models borrow a few bits from those TFC bikes, as seen on the 16-inch rear and 17-inch front wheels. The hoops have been updated with a sportier 10-spoke cast aluminum design to reduce unsprung mass and improve steering response, but they’re the same size as the outgoing units.Those TFC bikes represented a premium offering at the time, but much of their equipment has trickled down to the Storm as well as the standard models, like the beefy inverted 47mm Showa fork, adjustable for rebound and compression, matched to a fully adjustable Showa monoshock. Top-tier components are also found in the radial Brembo Stylema brake calipers with twin 320mm discs up front, paired with a Brembo M4.32 four-piston radial Monoblock rear caliper and 300mm rear disc, both with cornering ABS functionality.The Storm models go for a low-key, blacked-out vibe, but feature premium components. The 2024 Rocket 3 Storm R in Carnival Red. (Triumph/)The premium feel extends to the electronics suite, which features four riding modes, (Road, Rain, Sport, and rider-configurable), lean-angle-sensitive ABS, traction control, and cruise control. A Torque Assist clutch helps smooth shifts on the six-speed gearbox, and a quickshifter is available as an accessory option; Hill Hold is standard and prevents the bike from rolling backward by applying the rear brake. You’ll find most of the settings on the color TFT setup with a five-way backlit joystick, and both bikes have standard keyless ignition and a steering lock, which can be disabled.Electronics includes cornering ABS, traction control, cruise control, and four rider modes as standard, most viewable on the 5-inch TFT display. (Triumph/)Like we said, the two models definitely switch things up in the ergonomics departments. The Rocket R’s roadster feel and handlebar placement is designed for better control and a more engaging ride, while the GT places its bars closer to the rider, with a 4.9-inch difference in grip position versus the R, giving it a more upright riding position.Your foot placement varies too, with the R getting mid-mounts and 15mm of vertical adjustment; the GT’s forwards serve up a laid-back feel, with three horizontal position settings offering 50mm of adjustment.The Storm R also sets its seat at a higher 30.4 inches, while the GT’s 29.5-inch touring saddle is more sculpted and adds a generously padded pillion seat and adjustable backrest. Both the R and GT models have blacked-out, retractable pillion footrests.Related: Triumph Rocket 3 TFC Boasts A Claimed 180 HP!The Storm GT model gets different ergonomics, with forward controls, pulled-back bars, and a lower, dished saddle. Here it’s pictured with a bunch of accessory items. (Triumph/)Of course, the styling is freshened up, with the Storm models opting for a premium blacked-out look over the chrome-heavy finishes of the standard bikes. That includes everything from the black powdercoated intake cover to the hydroformed exhaust headers and black anodized finishes on the rear frame, swingarm guard, fork lowers, risers, and handlebar clamps, and more. (At press time, it wasn’t clear whether the Storm models were replacing the standard Rocket 3 R and GT bikes, as those are labeled as 2023 models on the website.)The Storm GT also adds a padded passenger seat and adjustable backrest as well as heated grips, standard. (Triumph/)Each Storm model has three two-tone color options, with the R available in Carnival Red with Sapphire Black, Satin Pacific Blue with Matt Sapphire Black, and Sapphire Black with Granite. The GT is available in the same combos but flips the colors from top to bottom. Triumph says a raft of accessories is available for each bike, with everything from foot controls to seats to luggage ready to bolt on.Triumph says the bikes will be hitting dealerships in April, with the Storm R retailing for a suggested $24,995 and the GT getting an MSRP of $25,795.Triumph says you’ll be able to choose from over 50 accessories for the Storm models, including things like luggage. (Triumph/)The Storm models feature new, lighter-weight cast aluminum wheels, though they are the same dimensions as the previous model. Metzeler Cruisetec rubber is also new this year. (Triumph/)LED lighting for the Storm’s classic bug-eye front end. (Triumph/)2024 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R and Storm GT Specs
MSRP:
$24,995 (R) / $25,795 (GT)
Engine:
DOHC, liquid-cooled inline three-cylinder; 4 valves/cylinder
Displacement:
2,458cc
Bore x Stroke:
110.2 x 85.9mm
Compression Ratio:
10.8:1
Transmission/Final Drive:
6-speed/shaft
Claimed Horsepower:
180 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Claimed Torque:
166 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, ride-by-wire
Clutch:
Wet, multiplate, torque assist; hydraulical actuation
Frame:
Full aluminum
Front Suspension:
Showa 47mm USD fork, compression and rebound damping adjustable; 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension:
Showa piggyback reservoir monoshock, compression, rebound damping, and preload adjustable; 4.2 in. travel
Front Brake:
Brembo Stylema M4.30 4-piston radial calipers, dual 320mm discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake:
Brembo M4.32 4-piston caliper, 300mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:
Cast aluminum; 17 x 3.5 in. / 16 x 7.5 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:
Metzeler Cruisetec; 150/80R-17 / 240/50R-16
Rake/Trail:
27.9°/5.3 in.
Wheelbase:
66.0 in.
Seat Height:
30.4 in. (R) / 29.5 in. (GT)
Fuel Capacity:
4.8 gal
Claimed Wet Weight:
699 lb. (R) / 705 lb. (GT)
Contact:
triumphmotorcycles.com”}]]
