ZigWheels Exclusive: 2015 Triumph Rocket X to be launched in May

First unveiled at the EICMA motor show last year, the Rocket X is a celebration of the Rocket III’s 10-year reign as the world’s largest capacity mass production motorcycle.

Limited to 500 units, some of these Rocket X bikes will make their way to Triumph dealerships in India and will be available from May 2015 in the Indian market, ZigWheels has learnt. The bike is finished in a high gloss custom paint scheme and has individually numbered side panels and a billeted aluminium name badge.

Launched in 2004, and continually developed since, the Rocket III has gained iconic status as the bike every rider has on their wish list of ‘must do’ rides.

For the Rocket X, Triumph approached premium custom paint specialists 8 Ball to create a scheme that truly sets this bike apart and would make every one of the 500 Limited Edition bikes unique. The paint scheme features a black base coat and “grinder” silver striping.

Before being painted, the bodywork’s bare metal is grinded in a grinding wheel which lends random textures to the metal. Then the black coat is added, followed by clear coats of lacquer applied over the course of two days, with a total of six layers of lacquer applied to the parts. Finally, the surfaces are polished to provide a smooth finish.

In addition to the black paint, many of the typically chrome-covered parts are also covered in black. The instrument cluster is topped with a sporty, black fly screen. The mean look has been further enhanced with the addition of black finishing to the handlebars, mirrors, gear, and brake levers.  The Rocket’s signature 5-spoke aluminium alloy wheels have also received the black treatment and are skilfully finished off with a complimenting hand painted pinstripe.

The engine, cycle parts and other mechanicals remain the same as the Rocket III. The 2294cc in-line three cylinder engine delivers a whopping 221Nm of torque at just 2750rpm. That means when you whack open the throttle, you get extraordinary acceleration and pull in any gear. Expect a premium over the Rs 21,29,560 ex-showroom price of the Rocket III currently on sale in India.