Triumph Blacks Out the Rocket 3

Triumph’s Rocket 3 can already lay claim to the world’s largest production motorcycle engine, which also produces the most torque (140.5 pound-feet on the Cycle World dyno for those of you keeping score at home), as well as a list of performance features not commonly found in the “muscle cruiser” genre, like IMU-based traction control and cornering ABS, and adjustable suspension. It is already, in a word, badass. With the new 2022 Rocket 3 R Black and Rocket 3 GT Triple Black, Triumph has doubled (tripled?) down on the badassery with two limited-edition, blacked-out versions of the “most” machine.

We could rattle off the list of blacked-out components on each, but it would be quicker to list the parts not so affected (faux engine cooling fins, instrument bezel, gas cap…). USD 47mm cartridge Showa fork with adjustable compression and rebound damping? Black. Fully adjustable Showa shock? Black. Carbon fiber front fender? Black, of course. Brembo Stylema Monoblock front calipers? Not black, the better to draw attention to their awesomeness.

There are, as it turns out, shades of black. The 2022 Rocket 3 R Black is just that: totally blacked out, the lean and mean roadster of the Rocket 3 lineup. Tell your passenger to hold on tight. Really tight. The Rocket 3 GT Triple Black brings a sort of sophistication to the blacked-out look, with a three-tone paint scheme and, of course, the GT’s somewhat more highway-friendly fly screen and handlebar, plus a pillion backrest for when you have a passenger but still want to show up the guy in the Corvette with your 2.73-second zero-to-60 time.

Both the Rocket 3 R Black and Rocket 3 GT Triple Black also feature the standard Rocket 3 specifications: four ride modes (Road, Rain, Sport, and Rider-configurable), full-color tilt-adjustable TFT display, LED lighting, hill hold control, cruise control, keyless ignition, USB charging port, and, on the GT, heated grips. Shift Assist (a quickshifter), TPS (tire pressure monitoring), and luggage are all available as options.

Only 1,000 specimens of each version will be available, with a certificate of authenticity that carries the bike’s VIN. They are expected to become available in mid-April, but like any limited-edition model, check in with your dealer early if you dig the Rocket 3 R/GT’s black-on-black-on-black vibe.