CW RealTime: 2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring - First Look

Live reports from our first ride on Britain’s brave new bagger.

In 2004, Triumph announced the birth of the largest and meanest production cruiser to roam the earth, their 2300cc Rocket III. With a 2.3-liter engine making over 130 foot-pounds of torque at the back wheel, it was intended to be the final word in pavement-pounding, arm-ripping power, while still being relatively nimble and good handling.

But almost immediately, the utility of having such a smooth, torquey engine in a touring rig was pointed out. So the next logical step would be to build a dedicated touring model, following the lead of other manufacturers who have made windshield-and-bags versions of their jumbo-sized cruisers.

Well, here you go. For 2008, Triumph presents the Rocket III Touring. It’s not just an accessory package like some factories have offered. It gets an all-new chassis and motor tweaks to produce even more torque. There is also new locking hard luggage, a detachable screen and more. But will it handle as nicely as the Rocket III? We sent Charles Everitt, a child of the Lone Star State, to the new-model introduction in San Antonio, Texas, to find out. We’ll post updates as he gathers his notes and riding impressions, so check in to our RealTime forum to find out the latest news!

Check out the live coverage of the 2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring in our Cycle World forum!

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring. Read the Full Story.