2021–2022 · Cruiser · Buyer's Guide
The Biggest Triple Standing Still
The Rocket 3 GT Triple Black is built around one idea: more. Its 2458 cc liquid-cooled inline-three makes 165 hp at 6,000 rpm and 163 lb-ft at 4,000, and all of it goes through a shaft to a 240/50-16 rear tire. On this limited edition, Triumph paints the whole bike black, which pulls that mass of metal together into one dark, menacing shape. The GT spec adds forward foot controls, a comfortable seat and a pillion backrest. Cornering ABS, traction control, ride modes, cruise control, heated grips and keyless ignition all come standard. It's a cruiser with serious presence. Pure attitude!
For all its bulk, the Rocket steers far more willingly than its considerable weight suggests, and at highway speed it stays dead calm. You get adjustable suspension at both ends and shaft drive, so there's no chain to fuss over on long days. It suits the rider who wants a statement cruiser that can still cover real distance, solo or two-up. Now the caveats. At 4.8 gal (18 L), the tank is modest for a bike with GT in its name. Make sure recall SRAN 611 has been done on the rear brake master cylinder, and keep an eye on the oil level. Buy it for the character.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 165 hp (123 kW) @ 6,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 163 lb-ft (221 Nm) @ 4,000 rpm |
| Displacement | 2458 cc |
| Engine | Inline-three |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Shaft |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front brake | 320 mm |
| Front tire | 150/80-17 |
| Rear tire | 240/50-16 |
| Wheelbase | 66.0 in (1677 mm) |
| Seat height | 29.5 in (750 mm) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.8 gal (18 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Comfort
Connectivity
Lighting
Safety
Thumb the starter and the triple settles into a deep, busy growl. It sounds layered and mechanical, and it gets a harder edge the moment you roll on. It's a sound you keep listening for. The seat sits just 29.5 in (750 mm) off the ground and the forward pegs stretch your legs out. Look down and there's a lot of motorcycle in front of you. That's proper cruiser posture, and it suits the bike. What surprises me is how little buzz reaches your hands and boots. The engine hums along smoothly, so the character comes through your ears, not through numb fingertips. At an easy back-road pace, everything feels unhurried. You catch yourself short-shifting just to hear the next gear come in, then rolling on again for the same reason. Every ride feels like an occasion!
Recall: Increased rear brake pedal travel
The original rear brake master cylinder may allow air bubbles to form over time, leading to increased pedal travel. Triumph issued recall SRAN 611 to replace it with an updated cylinder.
TFT display failure causing no-start condition
Some owners report the TFT display not powering up, preventing the fuel pump and ignition from engaging. A Triumph technical note suggests a possible right-hand switch cluster issue.
Excessive oil consumption on some units
A small number of owners have reported the engine consuming up to 1 quart of oil per 3,000 miles, though this is not universal.
Where this Triumph Rocket 3 GT Triple Black pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the Rocket 3 GT Triple Black is actually built for.
If riding means sound, ritual and rolling into Sturgis on something nobody else has, this is your bike. The triple's voice and the blacked-out look make an entrance every time.
Made for A1A — Florida Atlantic Coast · Black Hills / Sturgis Rally Hub · Daytona Main Street / Bike Week
The GT seat, pillion backrest, cruise control and heated grips make real distance easy for both of you. Just plan fuel stops around the 4.8 gal tank. Luggage is an option, not standard.
Made for Beartooth Highway · Blue Ridge Parkway · Going-to-the-Sun Road
You'll love the style and the unhurried rhythm, but know what you're buying: this is a heavy, extroverted muscle cruiser, not a light classic. It has charisma to spare, though.
Made for Acadia National Park · Austin / Handbuilt Motorcycle Show · Blue Ridge Parkway
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2004–2008
Two Thousand CC's Of Intent
Compare to the previous model →If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this Triumph Rocket 3 GT Triple Black. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
