Triumph Announces Rocket 3 Evel Knievel Limited Editions
11/12/2024 07:00 AM
Triumph Motorcycles has unveiled two new Limited Edition Rocket 3 motorcycles, celebrating the legendary partnership between Evel Knievel and Triumph. Offering riders a rare opportunity to own a piece of daredevil history with a record-breaking pedigree, Triumph will be making just 500 (250 each) of these special motorcycles available around the world.
The new Rocket 3 R and GT Evel Knievel Limited Editions honor the enduring relationship between Triumph and Knievel, from his first televised performance riding a Bonneville T120, to his breakthrough leap over the fountains at Caesars Palace.
Featuring stunning full chrome fuel tanks, the Limited Editions take inspiration from Knievel's iconic white jumpsuit, adorned with Knievel's iconic stars and stripes graphic on a crisp white base. The matching rear bodywork and contrasting Matte Sapphire Black panels, are paired with statement leather seats featuring a gold-embroidered Evel Knievel signature logo, creating a bold, impressive look.
Each bike features a unique start-up screen animation and individually numbered black and gold cam cover plate, laser-etched with the Evel Knievel signature logo. Every owner will also receive an exclusive collector's edition hardback book telling the story of Evel Knievel and his Triumph motorcycles, each individually numbered to match their bike.
The Rocket 3 R and GT, with their record-breaking 2500cc engines, deliver power, performance, and agility worthy of the world's most famous daredevil motorcyclist. As well as generating a phenomenal 166 lb-ft (225Nm) of torque and 180 HP (182PS) at 7000rpm, the Limited Editions benefit from a lightweight aluminum frame, high-specification suspension components, and top-tier braking performance, delivering effortless response and handling.
Paul Stroud: Chief Commercial Officer, Triumph Motorcycles
"Evel Knievel performed many stunts on Triumph motorcycles during the 60's, but his jump at Caesar's Palace on a T120 TT, was the moment he created a legend that has inspired generations of fans. Working with the Knievel family, we have created two striking Limited Editions that are as spectacular on the road as Evel Knievel was in his heyday. With just 250 of each model available globally, featuring beautiful Knievel design touches, and with a specially commissioned book celebrating his achievements with Triumph, these Rocket 3 Limited Editions will appeal to collectors, fans, and the thrill seekers among us."
DISTINCTIVE DESIGN AND PREMIUM FINISHES
The iconic red, white, and blue color scheme which incorporates America's stars and stripes, adorns the stunning chrome fuel tank, and continues on to the front mudguard, where it has been incorporated into a new EK graphic, while elegant gold signature graphics embellish the radiator cowls.
The exclusive color scheme, with Pure White accents, and contrasting Matte Sapphire Black panels on the flyscreen, headlight bowl, mudguards, side panels, and rear bodywork, highlights the bike's powerful presence. The premium leather seat features a gold-embroidered Evel Knievel signature and inset brushed aluminum Triumph badge, while a custom Knievel-branded start-up screen animation provides a bespoke welcome every time the 2,500cc triple fires up.
Every owner will also receive an exclusive, collector's edition hardback book, specially commissioned by Triumph, telling the remarkable story of Evel Knievel and his iconic connection with the brand. Written by renowned author and Knievel expert Stuart Barker, each book will be individually numbered to match the bike and signed by Triumph CEO Nick Bloor – a prized collectable in its own right for any fan of Triumph and Knievel.
ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE AND UNMATCHED PRESENCE
Riders can choose between the Limited Edition Rocket 3 R, with its bold muscle-roadster stance providing optimum power and control, or the Rocket 3 GT, which adds a more relaxed riding position and generous passenger accommodation.
Both are powered by the world's largest production motorcycle engine and this raw power translates into exhilarating acceleration and an unforgettable ride experience. The distinctive triple-exit silencers further enhance the presence of both motorcycles, producing a deep, resonant exhaust note that complements its muscular performance and amplifies its commanding road presence.
PHENOMENAL HANDLING
Harnessing the Rocket's impressive performance to deliver a controlled and compliant ride are large 1.85" (47mm) diameter Showa forks, adjustable for rebound and compression damping. At the rear is a Showa monoshock RSU with piggy-back reservoir, fully adjustable for preload, rebound, and compression damping.
Exceptional stopping power is provided by top-specification radial Brembo Stylema brake calipers with twin 12.6" (320mm) discs. These lightweight, compact, and high performing calipers offer great airflow for pad cooling during spirited riding. The Brembo M4.32 four-piston radial monobloc rear caliper and 11.8" (300mm) rear disc is bigger and more powerful than the front brake setup on many bikes, helping to provide massive stopping power. The Rocket 3 R and GT Evel Knievel Limited Editions retain full Optimized Cornering ABS functionality.
DISTINCT ERGONOMICS
Each Rocket offers a distinct feel and personality, due to key differences in their ergonomics. The roadster rider position and handlebar placement of the Rocket 3 R is designed to create a purposeful and engaging ride. The GT has a slightly more swept back set-up with a 4.9" (125mm) difference in grip position versus the R, for a more upright riding position.
Each model also gets its own dedicated seating set-up. The Rocket 3 R has a roadster rider and passenger seat with a 30.4" (773mm) seat height, offering comfort, low-speed confidence and maneuverability. Designed for enhanced comfort on longer rides, the Rocket 3 GT Evel Knievel Limited Edition offers greater touring comfort with more generously padded leather rider and passenger seats, with matching leather backrest, ensuring both comfort and style for the passenger. The seat height for the GT is just 29.5" (750mm), further improving rider confidence.
The biggest difference between the two models is the footpeg positions. The R has mid-foot controls, with two settings that offer 0.6" (15mm) of vertical adjustment, to cater for every size of rider, delivering a natural and sporty riding position. The GT has forward foot controls giving a more laid-back cruiser feel, with three horizontal position settings offering 1.97" (50mm) of adjustment, to provide the most comfortable position for long rides. Both R and GT models have innovative and neat retractable passenger footpegs.
Amplifying the bikes' aggressive stance and attitude, both Rocket 3 Limited Editions have twin LED headlights with the Triumph maker's mark triangle. The premium indicators, rear light, and number plate light deliver a distinctive light signature, maintaining the Rocket 3's strong road presence even at night.
GENEROUSLY EQUIPPED
Intuitive rider-focused technology allows riders to confidently exploit the epic Rocket 3 performance potential.
Ride-by-wire enhances rideability, safety, and control, while the Rocket's high-performance gearbox is engineered with helical cut gears to transmit the huge torque to the rear wheel smoothly. The Torque Assist clutch helps riders shift up and down the six-speed gearbox with satisfying speed and smoothness, while a Triumph Shift Assist quickshifter is available as an accessory fit for both models.
Both models feature optimized cornering ABS and traction control for enhanced stability, improving both straight line and cornering, acceleration and braking. Hill Hold prevents the bike from rolling backwards and applies the rear brake until sensing the rider is starting to move forward. Both come equipped with four riding modes (road, rain, sport, and rider-configurable) which adjust the throttle map and traction control settings.
The electronic cruise control system is fitted as standard. Activated by a single press of the button, the speed can be set and adjusted up or down in 1mph increments, as well as be resumed with just one touch.
Both models feature a high functionality full color TFT set-up with a five-way back-lit joystick. This has a minimal stylish design with two information layout design themes, and the adjustable instrument angle set-up provides optimum visibility for every height of rider. The rider can even personalize the start-up screen message with their name.
Adding extra security, both bikes have standard fit keyless ignition and steering lock, which can be disabled. The key fob can also be turned off to prolong battery life and increase security. Plus, there's a USB charging socket in a dedicated compartment under the seat, where devices can be kept safe and dry while charging.
LIMITED EDITION WITH EXTRA PERSONALISATION
With over 50 Genuine Triumph Accessories to add comfort, practicality, style and security, riders can customize their Limited Edition Rocket to make it truly bespoke. Owners can choose from interchangeable R and GT foot controls, rider and passenger seats for tailored ergonomics, plug and play technology for greater convenience, styling parts to customize the look, and luggage solutions for longer rides.
ON THE ROAD
Arriving in dealerships from February 2025, the new Rocket 3 R Evel Knievel Limited Edition will be available from $27,495 in the US and $28,295 in Canada, while the Rocket 3 GT Evel Knievel Limited Edition will be $31.995 in the US and $32, 995 in Canada. Customers can place an order or find out more at triumphmotorcycles.com.
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