Triumph Rocket 3 pays tribute to stuntman Evel Knievel
The new Rocket 3 R and GT Evel Knievel Limited Editions honor the longstanding relationship between Triumph and Knievel, from his first television appearance on a Triumph Bonneville T120 to his groundbreaking leap over the fountains of Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Knievel’s coloring
The Limited Editions feature fully chromed fuel tanks. The color scheme is inspired by Knievel’s iconic white jumpsuit, adorned with Knievel’s signature “stars and stripes. Both models feature contrasting matte Sapphire Black side panels and leather-trimmed seats with Evel Knievel’s signature embroidered in gold color.
Knievel animation
The display of the Triumph Rocket 3 Evel Knievel Editions shows a unique Knievel animation after pressing the (keyless) start button. Furthermore, each copy is numbered with a plaque in black and gold on the valve cover of the giant 2.5-liter three-cylinder engine. Buyers will further receive a collectors edition book with the story about stuntman Evel Knievel.
250 copies each
Paul Stroud, Chief Commercial Officer of Triumph Motorcycles, says: “Evel Knievel performed many stunts on Triumph motorcycles in the 1960s, but his jump at Caesars Palace on a T120 TT was the moment he elevated himself to a legend that has inspired generations of fans. In collaboration with the Knievel family, we have created two striking Limited Editions. Only 250 copies of each model are available worldwide.”
Triumph Rocket 3 sets technical records
The Triumph Rocket 3 R and GT also set technical records. They have the world’s largest production engine block. This mainly concerns the displacement of 2,458cc. The longitudinally mounted three-cylinder powerplant also dominates the side view. The engine delivers 134 kW (182 hp) and an impressive pulling power of 225 Nm at only 4,000 rpm. Via a shaft drive, all that power goes to the rear wheel.
Rocket R the sportiest
Both Rocket 3 models are true cruisers. Of these, the GT is the version with a slightly more relaxed seating position due to more rider-facing handlebars and forward-facing footrests. On the R, you sit a bit more forward and your feet are on more rear-facing supports. You also sit just a fraction higher with a saddle 773 mm off the ground. On the GT, the saddle height measures 750 mm.
Electronic guardian angels
They are certainly not light motorcycles. The R puts 317 kg on the scales and the GT adds another three kilos. However, the Rocket 3 motorcycles do come with all the electronic systems you can expect in a modern motorcycle today. Think slope-dependent ABS and traction control, hill hold system, cruise control and various riding modes. A quick shifter is optional.
Suspension and brakes
The Showa suspension and shock absorption are fully adjustable front and rear. Furthermore, Triumph applies Brembo brakes with the high-performance Stylema calipers and 320 mm front brake discs and a 300 mm rear disc. These are hefty specimens, but then they have a lot of weight to bring to a halt.
When and prices?
Both Evel Knievel Limited Editions will be at Triumph dealers starting March 2025. However, you can order now. And maybe that’s smart too, given the limited number of examples. The Rocket 3 R version comes from 33,395 euros. The GT costs 1,000 euros more.