Triumph rolls out 2019 Rocket 3 TFC with 2,500cc engine

Ultra-limited edition of Hinckley’s bruiser packs largest production motorcycle engine in the world.

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This article was originally published on Cycle World

Back in January, Triumph wowed us with the announcement of its new Triumph Factory Custom series, a line of ultra-premium limited-edition models that would pack top-shelf components and accessories (and in some instances completely unique one-off bits) available in a limited production run of 750 units worldwide, for each model.

Rocket 3 TFC
The second model to come from the TFC series (the first is the Thruxton TFC), the Rocket 3 TFC is bigger, lighter, and more powerful than the first Rocket, and will retail for $29,000 (US). Courtesy Triumph Motorcycles

The first model of that series, the new Triumph Thruxton TFC debuted as a lighter, more powerful, and more exclusive version of the Thruxton R, and we were duly impressed. Then Hinckley teased us with a hot-rodded working concept of the next bike on deck, the Concept Rocket 3 TFC, a full-tilt bored-and-stroked behemoth that claimed an all-new triple-cylinder engine.

2,500cc inline-triple engine
With its beastly 2,500cc inline-triple engine, the Rocket 3 TFC claims to have the world’s “largest production motorcycle engine,” and the most torque of any production motorcycle. Courtesy Triumph Motorcycles

And now comes that bike in all its official production glory, rolling with a massive new 2,500cc Triumph triple engine, a muscular presence, up-spec technology, a refined design, and an impressive level of premium specification equipment.

The original 2,295cc Rocket III was already a show-stopper when it launched in 2004, and this follow-up improves on the tank-like original’s lines with a cleaner, more elegantly swept demeanor that reshapes the fuel tank, tucks in or ditches much of the bodywork from yore, and sleekens the silhouette for a lighter visual load. The attitude adjustment is subtle though, and the 2019 Rocket 3 TFC still brings some swagger with those 20-spoke cast aluminum wheels and the signature 240mm rear tire.

Rocket 3 TFC
Still chunky? Yeah, but at least the newest Rocket drops some pounds and reshapes its overall lines for a cleaner, more streamlined look. Courtesy Triumph Motorcycles

But the main attraction has to be that whopping, all-new 2,500cc triple, which once again claims the title of “largest production motorcycle engine in the world.” It also claims to have the highest torque of any production motorcycle, with Triumph indicating a peak number of “more than 163 pound-feet.” It stands to reason that Triumph would piggyback on that claim by also alleging the new Rocket 3 TFC is the most powerful Triumph to date, with 168 hp said to be on tap, or 13 percent higher than the first-gen Rocket III.

The higher-capacity 2019 Rocket TFC powerplant, says Triumph, is central to its “class-leading performance.” Hinckley also boasts that the massive triple delivers a “staggering 70 percent more torque than its closest competitors,” but we’re not exactly sure who that would be. Regardless, the triple engine brings premium components to the table, like state-of-the-art lightweight titanium inlet valves to allow for higher revving, and custom-made Arrow mufflers with high-zoot carbon-fiber end-caps to push out the spent gases.

The Rocket 3 TFC cradles the big triple within an all-new aluminum frame that uses the engine as a stressed member for mass optimization, and also helps bring weight down by a significant 88 pounds so you’ll feel the engine’s added juice even more. The new aluminum single-sided swingarm, lighter engine components, carbon-fiber bodywork, and leaner braking components help the Rocket 3 shed pounds as well.

single-sided swingarm
A new aluminum frame and new single-sided swingarm help lighten the 2019 Rocket 3 TFC to enhance power and handling. Carbon-fiber bits add a premium look. Courtesy Triumph Motorcycles

Less weight enhances power and improves handling, but upspec components help too, and the Rocket 3 TFC has that covered. In the braking department you’ll find premium Brembo Stylema calipers and Brembo Monoblock brakes, radial master cylinder, and MCS span, ratio-adjustable brake lever, and matching clutch lever. It’s all enhanced by optimized cornering ABS and traction control. Handling bounce duties is an adjustable 47mm inverted Showa cartridge fork, and a fully adjustable Showa monoshock out back with piggyback reservoir.

Brembo calipers and Monoblocks
Triumph graces its latest Factory Custom model with Brembo calipers and Monoblocks, supplemented with cornering ABS and traction control. Courtesy Triumph Motorcycles

In the cockpit, controls and displays have been upgraded as well, with the latest full-color TFT instruments adding major boost in functionality; riders can choose from two information layout themes and can personalize their start-up screen. On the screens, you can choose from four riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport, and Rider-Configurable) that act to adjust the throttle map and traction control settings to either suit riding conditions or your own preference. The Rocket 3 TFC also comes with cruise control, Triumph Shift Assist, and Hill Hold Control as standard features; Shift Assist allows for clutchless shifts, while Hill Hold stops the bike from rolling backward on an incline. Added convenience and security features include a keyless ignition, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and a USB charging socket.

If you want to ride connected, an accessory Bluetooth module enables the Rocket 3 Triumph Factory Custom’s advanced TFT instruments with full connectivity to a motorcycle-integrated “GoPro” control system (the world’s first, says Triumph), Triumph’s “turn-by-turn” navigation system (powered by Google), as well as music and phone operation. The system looks similar to the recently released Scrambler 1200’s.

full-color TFT
Totally updated and upgraded electronics in the cockpit include a new full-color TFT display with four riding modes as well as Hill Hold Control and TPMS. Courtesy Triumph Motorcycles

Back on the visual front, you’ll still see those familiar twin bug-eye headlights, though they’ve been reshaped and are now full-LEDs. Internally wired flat handlebars hover over a flat-ish carbon-fiber fly screen, with other carbon-fiber parts including the front fender, muffler end-caps, exhaust heat shields, drive shaft cover, heel guards, and tank strap. Smaller details are subtle but slick, like the one-of-a-kind, twin carbon black and matte carbon black paint scheme with brushed foil decals, gold accents, and electroformed 3-D Triumph badge all contributing to a minimal rear end.

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Then there are the premium details that remind you of the TFC’s pedigree—things like a genuine leather interchangeable dual or solo saddle standard (with an infill pad supplied for the single-seat setup); a single-sided swingarm; sexy, sculpted three-header exhaust; and premium TFC badging with gold detailing. A pretty-sweet-looking numbered plaque on the instrument mount, each one totally unique, seals the deal. Additionally, every Rocket TFC owner gets a tailor-made TFC hand-over pack which includes a letter signed by Triumph’s CEO Nick Bloor, a personalized custom build book, leather rucksack, and a TFC indoor bike cover.

individually numbered plaque
Each Rocket 3 TFC carries a unique, individually numbered plaque. Courtesy Triumph Motorcycles

As we said earlier, only 750 of these beauties will be available worldwide, with 225 units slated for North America. Pricing is set at $29,000 (US). Once the production run is done, it’s done and won’t be repeated, says Triumph. More exclusive TFC models are in the works, so we’ll be keeping a sharp eye out.

2019 Triumph Rocket 3 TFC Specifications

MSRP $29,000
Engine 2,458cc, water-cooled, DOHC inline-3
Bore x Stroke 110.2mm x 85.9mm
Transmission/Final Drive 6-speed/shaft
Claimed Horsepower More than 168 hp
Claimed Torque More than 163 lb.-ft.
Fuel System Ride by wire, fuel injected
Exhaust Stainless 3-into-1 headers w/ 3-exit Arrow silencer, CAT box
Clutch Hydraulic, slip-assist
Frame Full aluminum frame
Instruments TFT multi-functional instrument pack w/ digital speedometer, trip computer, digital tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, service indicator, ambient temperature, clock and rider modes (Rain/Road/Sport/Rider-configurable); | Triumph TFT Connectivity System can be added with accessory Bluetooth module
Swingarm Single-sided, cast aluminum
Front Suspension Showa 47mm inverted 1+1 cartridge fork adjustable for compression and rebound, 4.7-in. travel
Rear Suspension Fully adjustable Showa piggyback reservoir RSU w/ remote hydraulic preload adjuster, 4.2-in. travel
Front Brake Brembo M4.30 Stylema 4-piston radial Monoblock calipers, dual 320mm discs, cornering ABS
Rear Brake Brembo M4.32 4-piston Monoblock caliper, 300mm disc, cornering ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear 17 x 3.6 in. cast aluminum / 16 x 7.5 in. cast aluminum
Tires, Front/Rear 150/80R-17 V / 240/50R-16 V
Rake/Trail 27.9º/5.3 in.
Seat Height 30.4 in.
Fuel Capacity 5.0 gal.
Claimed Dry Weight N/A
Contact triumphmotorcycles.com