2014 EICMA: 2015 Triumph Limited Edition Rocket X Preview
You only get to turn ten years old once, and Triumph is celebrating a decade of the Rocket III with the Limited Edition Rocket X. How does a manufacturer commemorate ten years of producing the world’s largest displacement mass produced motorcycle? We’re glad you asked.
Only 500 units will be produced – each with a specially numbered billet aluminum name badge. Through consultation with “custom paint specialists 8-Ball,” Triumph settled on a unique paint scheme that features a black base coat and “grinder” silver striping. Prior to painting the bodywork’s bare metal meets a grinding wheel which imparts random textures to the metal. Next, the black coat is added, followed by clear coats of lacquer applied over the course of two days, leaving the tally at six layers of lacquer applied to the parts. Polishing the surfaces adds the crowning touch.
Following the premium paint, many of the typically chrome-covered components wear black, instead. The instrument cluster is topped with a sporty, black fly-screen. The black wheels receive a hand painted silver stripe for a bit of panache. Highlighting the black treatment will be tasteful side panel badging and machined from billet aluminum Rocket X badges on the oil tank.
Otherwise, the Rocket X is the same as the beefy Rocket III it celebrates. The 12-valve three cylinder engine features a monstrous 101.6 x 94.3 mm bore and stroke and is solidly mounted as a stressed member. The 120 degree firing interval operates through a pair of spark plugs per cylinder. Although the torque effect of the transversely mounted Inline-Triple is minimized by counter-rotating balance input and rear drive shafts, anyone who’s ridden a Rocket III knows that whacking on the throttle at a stop gives ample proof of what’s going on inside the massive engine.
The chassis is stout and the riding position comfortably upright, making the Rocket X a motorcycle that won’t be forgotten after a stint in the saddle.
Price had not been set at press time, but the Rocket X is expected in showrooms in March 2015.
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How much is the cost?
Any Rocket X owners out there please go to Facebook "Rocket X looking for the 500" we have several on there at the moment from all over the world . It would be fantastic to find them all, I have number 297 and I am based in southern UK.