2025 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm Review | First Ride | Rider Magazine (2024)

Riding a motorcycle automatically makes you stand out in a crowd of vehicles. And when you want to set yourself apart from that condensed crowd, no other production machine does it better or bolder than the Triumph Rocket 3.

“It’s a bucket-list bike,” said Triumph’s senior design engineer, Alistair Fisher, at the launch of the 2025 Rocket 3 Storms, available in R and GT versions.

It all starts with the gargantuan 3-cylinder engine, which outguns the powerplant in my Honda family car, with 2,458cc to my Accord’s 2,354cc. My car keeps up with traffic quite well, with 177 hp pulling around roughly 3,300 lb.

For 2025, Triumph’s motor gets a boost to 180 hp, and the bike weighs a relatively paltry 700 lb – that’s just 3.9 lb/hp to the Accord’s 18.6, which translates into a speed-bending rocket. The Rocket also outpaces the Honda in terms of torque, with 166 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm compared to 161 lb-ft at 4,300. Triumph’s Triple is a beast and unlike anything else on the market.

Triumph Rocket 3 Storm | Rocket Roots

The first Hinckley-based Rocket III entered production in 2004 and remained in the lineup for a decade in various model trims. Then, in 2019, a completely new aluminum-framed Rocket 3 (note the absence of a Roman numeral) burst onto the moto scene, about 90 lb lighter and with finish detailing that shamed the original’s uninspired appearance. Despite its outsized proportions and premium prices, more than 18,000 second-gen Rockets have been sold.

Related: 2023 Triumph Rocket 3 R Review

Heartened by the model’s success and its unique place in the market, Triumph has added the “Storm” nomenclature and has updated the two versions. The R is intended for sportier riders, while the GT has more of a cruiser ergonomic layout along with a small windscreen and a passenger backrest.

Accompanying the new Storm monicker is a slathering of black-anodized finishes to give the bike a darker, moodier appearance, including the fork, hand and foot controls, and aluminum subframe. It still rolls on cartoonishly fat tires (150/80-17 front, 240/50-16 rear), but new wheels trim about 1 lb from each end for a reduction in unsprung weight.

The Storm’s headlining update is to its massive motor, which receives its newfound extra power not from lumpier cams or intake mods but simply from electronic tuning. Engineers told me the throttle valves of the previous engine didn’t open completely, limiting power to ensure adequate durability.

Over the years, Triumph discovered the engine could be pushed harder without sacrificing dependability, so we now have a fully unrestricted powerplant that delivers 180 hp at 7,000 rpm, up 15 ponies, as well as a 500-rpm higher rev limit. Torque gets a 3 lb-ft nudge to 166 lb-ft.

Triumph Rocket 3 Storm | The Cannes Can

The Cannes Film Festival is world-famous, but a few weeks earlier, the French city hosted the launch for the Rocket 3 Storms. We tested the R and GT variants on the variety of hilly roads near the Mediterranean coast.

The Rockets look imposing in the flesh, for both their enormous size and their new black finishes. If Darth Vader could ride a motorcycle around the Death Star, he’d probably choose a Rocket 3 Storm. The finish detailing is exceptional, from the black powdercoated intake cover to the hydro-formed exhaust headers.

Several brushed-aluminum components provide classy accents, including the fuel cap, oil cap, and coolant cap, as well as the tank strap running the length of the 4.76-gallon fuel cell. Lovely aluminum caps finish off the handlebar ends and serve as mounting locations for the mirrors. I also must give a shout-out to the innovative pillion footrests that fold into themselves to nearly disappear.

Facing the rider is a color TFT instrument panel with a mount that allows it to be tilted to suit different rider sizes. Hands are greeted by adjustable levers and quality-feeling switches that are conveniently backlit. A joystick on the left switch housing makes navigating the electronics relatively simple. Riders have their choice of two information layouts, and self-indulgent ones can personalize the start-up screen message with their name.

The Storms are equipped with three ride modes (Road, Sport, and Rain), and a custom map configurable to a rider’s specific preferences. They alter the throttle map and the traction-control settings, as well as the cornering ABS, all informed by an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). Hill Hold prevents the bike rolling backward when stopped by applying the rear brake until the rider re-engages the clutch.

Triumph Rocket 3 Storm GT: Giant Tremendous

I first climbed aboard the Rocket 3 Storm GT, happy to enjoy the warmth from its standard heated grips (optional on the Storm R) and the modest wind protection provided by its windscreen. The GT’s nicely stitched seat is placed at 29.5 inches to allow most legs to reach the ground flat-footed, and its footpegs are placed more forward than the R’s. Triumph engineered the GT’s foot controls to be adjustable to three positions over a 2-inch horizontal range – a nice feature.

I stuck the bike’s remote fob into my pocket and enjoyed the convenience of keyless ignition. The engine ignites quickly and twising the throttle gently rocks the bike sideways as the big crankshaft rotates below. It’s an easy reach to the handlebar, which is 4.9 inches closer to the rider than the R’s.

Considering the immense size of the powerplant, it’s startling how little effort is required to work the Torque Assist clutch. Not that the burly engine requires much clutch work, as it has the deepest well of power in motorcycling. The gearbox is smooth but notchy, and it’s a bit surprising that a quickshifter is not standard equipment on a bike that retails for $25,795 (one is available as an option).

Riding the Storms made me think of the way skilled but overweight dancers can move on a dance floor. This big ballerina weighs 705 lb and has a rangy 66-inch wheelbase, but it handles like a more diminutive machine. The motor’s low longitudinal crankshaft orientation plays a role, as do the lighter wheels.

GEAR UP

Both Storms share the same suspension package. Up front is a beefy 47mm Showa inverted fork with tunable damping in both directions and fixed preload, with 4.7 inches of travel. The Showa shock has 4.2 inches of stroke and is fully adjustable, including a hand-twistable spring preload adjustment. The bike proved to be plusher over bumps than expected, especially considering how much area the wide tires are covering with every rotation.

Naturally, the engine is the bike’s dominant component, pulling strongly from low revs and then building to a walloping whoosh as the big Triple gains revs. The engine is coarse but lovable, sounding like a mix of a Porsche flat-Six’s howl and a voracious vacuum cleaner.

Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R: Ridiculous

Switching over to the Storm R provided a sportier riding position, with a much lower handlebar and mid-mount foot controls vertically adjustable to two positions 0.6 inch apart. The seat is narrower than the GT’s and a bit higher at 30.4 inches. It’s priced $800 less than the GT and does without heated grips unless they’re ordered as an accessory. Curb weight is stated at 699 lb.

The GT is quite capable when unwinding canyon roads, but the R’s more active riding position encourages sportier behavior, and its footpegs drag a degree or so later. The bike is more agile than you’d expect, but its sporting prowess is limited by an understeer condition felt when leaned over. Despite peg-grinding lean angles, the shoulders of the 150mm-section Metzeler Cruisetec front tire remained entirely unscuffed.

Velocities build quickly with 180 horses champing at the bit, so it’s reassuring to see Triumph fit top-shelf Brembos for the braking system. Up front is a pair of radial-mount Brembo Stylema monoblock 4-piston calipers biting on 320mm discs. They don’t feel as potent as usual here, so maximum deceleration is achieved with a stomp on the rear Brembo M4.32 4-piston monoblock caliper and its 300mm rear rotor, a diameter bigger than the front brake setup on some bikes.

Triumph Rocket 3 Storm | Storming Home

As our group descended the mountain roads onto a local highway, I set the standard cruise control and reflected on my day in the saddle of the Rockets.

I shouldn’t like this bike. It’s too big and bulky for my tastes. I don’t like bikes with long wheelbases and extra-fat tires, and I certainly don’t need a motorcycle with a 2.5-liter engine. I’m not a fan of giant motorcycles, and the Rocket 3 is like a caricature.

And yet I can’t deny how much the Rockets impressed me. I was spellbound by the engine’s omnipresent grunt, and I was endlessly pleased with the careful attention to detail lavished on the bike from tip to tail. This is a machine that can hold its head high at any rider hangout, standing apart from anything else in motorcycledom.

A Rocket 3 might not be the ideal choice for a single-bike garage, but it would be a brilliant addition to sit alongside a more practical bike. It’s truly unique, which is one thing. But it’s also excellent, which puts the Rocket 3 in an exclusive class of one.

Check out more new bikes inRider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide

2025 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R (GT) Specifications

  • Base Price: $24,995 ($25,795)
  • Website: TriumphMotorcycles.com  
  • Warranty: 2 yr., unltd. miles  
  • Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, longitudinal inline-Triple, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.  
  • Displacement: 2,458cc  
  • Bore x Stroke: 110.2 x 85.9mm  
  • Horsepower: 180 @ 7,000 rpm (factory claim)  
  • Torque: 166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (factory claim)  
  • Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulic-actuated slip/assist wet clutch  
  • Final Drive: Shaft 
  • Wheelbase: 66.0 in.  
  • Rake/Trail: 27.9 degrees/5.3 in.  
  • Seat Height: 30.4 in. (29.5 in.)  
  • Wet Weight: 699 lb (705 lb) (factory claim)  
  • Fuel Capacity: 4.76 gal. 
2025 Triumph Rocket 3 Storm Review | First Ride | Rider Magazine (2024)

FAQs

Is the Triumph Rocket 3 hard to ride? ›

This is ridiculously heavy, but once your on the move its surprisingly easy to ride. It has very smooth power delivery from its 2.3ltr engine with bags of torque meaning you're not always changing gears as it will pull away easily in top gear.

What is the difference between Rocket 3 Storm R and GT? ›

The GT has a slightly more swept back set-up with a 125mm difference in grip position versus the R, for a more upright riding position. Each model also gets its own dedicated seating set-up, each with premium black painted cast aluminium seat finishers.

What is the 2025 Rocket 3 Storm? ›

The Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R and GT muscle bikes receive upgrades for 2025, including even more power from their massive 2,458cc inline-Triple, lighter wheels, blacked-out styling, and dark color schemes. New tuning bumps horsepower up 15 from the previous Rocket 3 to a total of 180 hp, and torque is 166 lb-ft.

What is the brake problem with the Triumph Rocket 3? ›

On October 31, 2023, Triumph Motorcycles America issued a voluntary safety recall for all 2020 through 2024 Triumph Rocket 3s, due to a potential issue with the rear brake master cylinder. On affected bikes, rear brake pedal travel may increase more than expected, which could result in increased stopping distance.

How heavy is a Triumph Rocket 3? ›

SPECIFICATION
FeatureDetails
Engine & Transmission
Trail134.9 mm
Dry Weight291 kg
Tank Capacity18 L
33 more rows

What is the price of Rocket 3 Storm? ›

And to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Rocket series, Triumph Motorcycles India introduced the Rocket 3 Storm R and the Rocket 3 Storm GT with the former being priced at Rs. 21.99 lakh and the latter being priced at Rs. 22.59 lakh (ex-showroom).

What is the difference between Rocket 3 and Rocket 3 GT? ›

Differences between the Rocket 3 R and Rocket 3 GT: roadster-style handlebars while the GT's are more touring-oriented. 750mm seat height on the GT, while the R is 773mm, though the foot peg position is adjustable with two vertical options on the R and three horizontal positions on the GT.

Who makes the Rocket 3 motorcycle? ›

Triumph Motorcycles Ltd

What is the 0 to 60 time for a Triumph Rocket 3? ›

Triumph Rocket 3 0-60 in 2.73 seconds.

How powerful is a Triumph Rocket 3? ›

A 2,500cc triple engine, peak power of 165 HP, and a higher redline of 7,000 rpm. This is the Rocket 3's unique deep growling triple soundtrack.

What is the top speed of the Rocket 3 storm? ›

Triumph Rocket 3 R top speed is 225 kmph (speedo-indicated).

What is the range of the Rocket 3? ›

How far will it travel between fill-ups? MCN recorded economy figures of 38.6mpg on a Rocket 3 R during a mix of riding conditions, which gives a theoretical range of 152 miles from its 18-litre tank. The fuel warning light came on at 129 miles.

What is the 3 stage rocket? ›

The three-stage-to-orbit launch system is a commonly used rocket system to attain Earth orbit. The spacecraft uses three distinct stages to provide propulsion consecutively in order to achieve orbital velocity. It is intermediate between a four-stage-to-orbit launcher and a two-stage-to-orbit launcher.

What is the next generation rocket ship? ›

The next generation rocket will be partially reusable and will have a carrying capacity of about 10 tonnes to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Currently, ISRO's heaviest rocket LVM3 has a carrying capacity of four tonne.

What is the high speed of Rocket 3 bike? ›

Triumph Rocket 3 GT top speed is 225 kmph (approximate).

How many miles per gallon does a Triumph Rocket 3 Roadster get? ›

ROCKET 3 SPECIFICATIONS
FeatureDetails
Engine & Transmission
Tank Capacity4.8 US gal (18 l)
Fuel Consumption
Fuel Consumption6.82 l/100km (32.43 MPG)
33 more rows

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