Triumph Rocket 3 Storm GT and Storm R launched in India
Triumph has not only lifted off the covers of two more variants of its largest capacity road legal power cruiser, the Rocket 3, globally the Rocket 3 Storm GT and Storm R but has even launched both bikes in India. Both variants promise explosive performance with a 15PS power increase and even more record-breaking torque, up by 4Nm over the standard model.
Both Rocket 3 Storm models are powered by the same liquid-cooled, 2,458cc, inline three-cylinder engine that now makes 182PS at 7,000rpm and 225Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, which casts a shadow over something like the Ducati Diavel V4 which puts down a mere 168PS and 126Nm.
The new Storm models feature 10-spoke cast aluminium wheels that are said to be way lighter than the current setup (they haven't specified by how much exactly) and this reduction in unsprung mass is expected to make the new bikes feel more agile and quicker to turn in. The running shoes have also been upgraded from the Avon Cobras of the old one to the new Metzeler Cruisetec primed for sport touring. Tyre sizes remain unchanged at 150/80-R17 (front) and 240/50-R16 (rear).
The Rocket 3 Storm R weighs 317kg, while the GT is 3 kilos more. With the twin Brembo Stylema callipers biting down upon twin 320mm discs at the front and a Brembo M4.32 calliper clamping down upon a 300mm rear disc, the Rocket 3 Storm is ready to drop anchor as fast as it's ready to take off.
Both the Storm GT and the R bikes get keyless ignition, all-LED lighting and a USB charging port as standard kit, and in terms of features, the duo get the same list of kit that's available with the regular Rocket 3 albeit with some upgrades. The electronic aids include four riding modes, ABS & traction control, cruise control and hill hold control. You'll have to shell out extra if you fancy having heated grips, a bi-directional quickshifter, a tyre pressure monitoring system and a Bluetooth module on either of them though.
Visual cues of the new Storm models include blacked-out panels and components. The Storm GT and R are mainly differentiated by their ergonomics. The Rocket R's roadster rider position and handlebar placement is designed to provide optimum power and control, to create a relaxed and engaging ride. 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.
The Rocket 3 Storm R has a roadster rider and pillion seat with a 773mm seat height, while the GT has a sculpted 750mm touring rider seat with a more generously padded pillion seat and an adjustable pillion backrest. The also R has mid-foot controls, with two settings that offer 15mm of vertical adjustment while the GT has feet forward foot controls giving a laid-back custom bike feel, with three horizontal position settings offering 50mm of adjustment.
Triumph has launched the Rocket 3 Storm R at a price of Rs 21,99,000 and the Rocket 3 Storm GT at a price of Rs 22,59,000 (both prices ex-showroom). Which is substantially higher than the cost of the standard model. Worth it? It would appear just for now.
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