Motorcycle specifications Triumph2500 Rocket III R Storm 2024 The chasm of the storm

The atmosphere is heavy... sweat is pouring down the rear rim... Thunder has been unleashed in 3 oversized cylinders and the rear axle knows it's going to have to take a terrible beating. The Rocket III becomes even meaner, even more powerful, even more megalomaniacal, and lets the world know it by calling itself Storm.

A very equivocal noun, which the English brand had already used with similar ferocity for a special version of the 1700 Thunderbird in the 2010s. With its big parallel twin and Speed Triple look, the T-Bird Storm was a real bad boy. The new Rocket III dimension follows suit, with a storm in its bowels.

Much darker, Triumph's big cruiser exudes even more growl. The entire exhaust system has been blackened, as have the brake caliper brackets, front mudguard, headlamp casing, fork tees, controls, bridges, rear frame and radiator scoops. Only the back belt and fuel filler cap escaped the night. The Storm receives virtually the same surface treatment as the 2021 "Black" special series, albeit with a colored coating over half the fuel tank. Even with that, there's no way to get that wild beast tension down.

This bike is in a class of its own. Its own, in fact. Everything can be appreciated in a different dimension. The huge tank, the tires as wide as those on the most eloquent show bikes, the falsely wise crazy look, the finish. Detailing the Rocket III is always a phantasmagorical moment. Particularly that enormous engine, so big that it had to be positioned longitudinally. It doesn't have the panache of an American twin from Wisconsin, but it crushes it at the slightest acceleration. And this is where the Rocket III Storm really stands out. Its power output has been increased by 15 hp, to reach 182 horsepower!

The Rocket III Storm was already bursting at the seams, with its devastating torque. This too has been boosted by 4 Nm. Almost 23 mkg lend a hand to the 182 hp of this monumental 2458 cm3 block.
But she already knew all those watts. Only in its TFC version.
Since then, all other Rocket IIIs have been limited to 167 hp at 6,000 rpm. Today, the Storm pushes its insanity 1,000 rpm further. To spit out its fifteen extra horsepower, the big block increases its compression ratio, redesigns its valves and modifies its camshafts. As a bonus, it passes the Euro5b standard.

long as an ocean liner and not exactly light, the Rocket III has always surprised onlookers with a ride that's far more alert than its size would suggest; though it's not a mid-size roadster either. The Storm intends to improve on this with new, redesigned wheels, lightened by one kilo, and fitted with Metzeler Cruisetec tires.
No more, no less. No chassis modifications are planned for the Storm. From the look of the stuff, you can see there's nothing to touch. The sturdy aluminum frame firmly holds a large 47 mm inverted fork. The suspension components are Showa. The tires are 150 and 240 m wide, and the braking is formidable. Given the beast's power and weight (317 kg), it takes a Brembo Stylema with 4 pistons per caliper to twist the 320 mm front discs. The rear is no slouch either, with a 4-piston Brembo caliper around a large 300 mm disc.

On the market for the past 5 years, the 2500 Rocket III has, from the outset, been equipped with a host of driving aids. New ones have since appeared, but the Storm doesn't care. It's quite content with the same equipment, i.e. ABS and angle-sensitive traction control, cruise control, hill-start assist and 4 riding modes (Road / Rain / Sport / Rider configurable). The shifter is optional, as are a connectivity system, heated grips, luggage and over fifty accessories.

the rider is always seated 773 mm off the ground, with 15 mm height-adjustable foot controls. While the GT version offers a very custom Softail attitude, our R Storm puts the body in a more vindictive position. Just as well: this is no Trident 660; here, the throttle unleashes the underworld. It's enough to make your arms, eyes, spine and rev counter needle go wild. The latter moves virtually on a color TFT speedo. In terms of "pleasure" electronics, the Storm also uses the same solutions as the previous Rocket III R, i.e. keyless ignition, a USB socket, all LED lighting and backlit controls.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Rocket III unleashes all its power under a new name. Still an exceptional, expensive and surprising machine, for sensations from another world.

M.B. - Manufacturer's photos