Triumph announces Rocket 3 TFC
After debuting their new ‘Triumph Factory Custom’ (TFC) series on the Thruxton earlier this year, Triumph have announced more details on the next model in the programme; the ‘Rocket 3 TFC’.
Like the Thruxton before it, the Rocket 3 will be limited to just 750 units globally and comes in for some substantial modifications under the TFC banner, starting with what’s being described as an all-new three-cylinder engine and including more standard tech features, premium braking and suspension components, carbon fibre bodywork and a more premium feel and finish.
Triumph are boldly calling the Rocket 3 TFC “nothing short of the ultimate motorcycle”.
Engine Overhaul
The standard Rocket 3 is already a beast with its 2,294cc powerplant that produces 109kW and 221Nm, but the TFC version will trump that with a 2,458cc engine, still in three-cylinder form, that produces claimed maximum power in excess of 126kW (an increase of more than 13 per cent), with maximum torque also said to be in excess of 221Nm.
The extra capacity comes from a bore increase of almost 9mm; now at 110.2mm, compared to the current Rocket 3’s 101.6mm. Stroke is down, though; from 94.3mm to 85.9mm. Triumph are claiming this 2.5-litre (150 cubic inch) triple is the world’s largest capacity production motorcycle engine.
Other features revealed so far include titanium inlet valves that allow for higher revving and what Triumph call a ‘tailor made’ exhaust system that is a 3-1-3 design, rather than the 3-1-2 arrangement of the standard Rocket 3. Arrow silencers and carbon fibre end-caps feature on this system, too.
In harmony with the engine upgrade, the transmission gains an extra gear, now offering six speeds, as well as a slipper clutch. Shaft drive remains, but Triumph Shift Assist – an up-and-down quickshifter – is added, along with Hill Hold Control.
Lighter…
Beyond the engine, another key change on the Rocket 3 TFC is the adoption of a full aluminium frame and single-sided aluminium swingarm, replacing the steel units (including a twin-sided swingarm) on the standard model. Making these components out of aluminium accounts for a major part of the Rocket 3 TFC’s claimed 40kg weight reduction.
While Triumph have yet to reveal the final weight – wet or dry – that 40kg reduction should see the TFC tip the scales somewhere around the 294kg mark dry. Wet weight will certainly be lighter, too, as the fuel tank is now only 19-litre capacity, instead of 24 litres.
Other contributors to the reduction in weight are lightweight braking components and extensive use of carbon fibre for the bodywork. Being a cruiser, the Rocket 3 TFC doesn’t have a hell of a lot of bodywork to speak of, but nevertheless, what is there is mostly carbon, including the small flyscreen, front mudguard, exhaust heat shields, driveshaft cover, heel guards and tank strap.
Replacing the standard 5-spoke alloys are wheels in a more intricate 20-spoke design, but whether these wheels are also lighter has not been revealed. Wheel dimensions are unchanged, with a 17-inch front and 16-inch rear that takes a 240-section tyre.
Brakes get an upgrade under the TFC programme, too, with the Rocket 3 TFC using Brembo componentry at each end, instead of just the rear. On the front end, the dual discs feature 4-piston Brembo ‘Stylema’ M4-30 radial monobloc calipers, with a Brembo 4-piston M4_32 monobloc caliper on the rear. Front disc size is unchanged at 320mm, but the rear disc is actually smaller; down from 316mm to 300mm. The TFC spec also adds a Brembo radial master cylinder and cornering ABS to this braking package.
Another upgrade is the replacing of the standard KYB suspension with Showa units at each end, specifically a 47mm USD fork and remote-reservoir rear shock. Compression and rebound adjustability is available on the front end, with full adjustability at the rear, including a remote hydraulic pre-load adjuster. Front-end travel is unchanged at 120mm, but rear travel increases a fractional 2mm to 107mm.
… and Darker
Cosmetic changes that define the Rocket 3 TFC start with the two-tone ‘carbon black and matte carbon black’ colour scheme, which will be the only finish offered with this limited-edition.
Breaking this up are silver and gold foil details on the fuel tank and compact tail unit, gold accents on the exhaust system, brushed metal detailing on the seat base, side covers and wheel rims, as well as braided lines and selective engine brightwork.
Looking at the Rocket 3 TFC and the Thruxton TFC, it seems this all-over black theme will define the Triumph Factory Custom series against existing Triumph models.
The tank badge is a 3D electroformed piece, detailed in gold; a finish that extends to the numbered identification plaque and TFC badging also fitted to this limited-edition model.
Each unit sold will come with an indoor bike cover, leather TFC rucksack, personalised build book and letter signed by Triumph CEO, Nick Bloor.
High Spec, High Tech
Rider-assistance upgrades over the standard Rocket 3 include the aforementioned Cornering ABS, Shift Assist and Hill Hold Control, with traction control, electronic cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, keyless ignition and four riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport and Rider-configurable) also part of the package.
Other specification upgrades include a full LED lighting system (with distinctive LED DRLs), and a second-generation, full-colour TFT instrument display. Replacing the twin-clock combined analogue/digital display on the standard Rocket 3, this stylish single gauge offers two display options, so the rider can personalise the information presented. A Bluetooth connectivity module will be optional, adding the usual music and phone functions, as well as Triumph’s advanced turn-by-turn navigation system.
Less technological rider-assistance features include adjustable MCS brake and clutch levers, plus a seat that can be used solo or two-up, with all saddle components trimmed in real leather.
Ultra Limited
Of the 750-unit production run of the Rocket 3 TFC, only 25 are allocated for Australia, with delivery scheduled for November.
Pricing has not been released, but based on available UK numbers, the Rocket 3 TFC will likely be somewhere north of $45,000 when it arrives here.
Despite this high price tag, the local allocation of the Rocket 3 TFC is sure to sell out, given its specification and exclusivity. For further details and to order, see your Triumph dealer
Thruxton TFC specification released
When the Thruxton TFC was announced back in January, full performance data was not available. This has now been released, with the limited-edition model offering claimed maximum power of 80kW at 8,000rpm and maximum torque of 115Nm at 4,850rpm. This compares to 72kW and 112Nm maximums on the current Thruxton R, with a higher redline, too.
As previously reported in issue #362, the Thruxton TFC is also 5kg lighter than the Thruxton R it’s based on, thanks to a lighter battery and greater use of aluminium and carbon fibre.
Like the Rocket 3 TFC, Australian pricing for the Thruxton TFC is yet to be revealed, but is likely to be in excess of $30,000, where the standard Thruxton R is around the $21,000 mark (+ ORCs).
