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56-653: The Triumph Rocket III is a three-cylinder motorcycle made by Triumph Motorcycles Ltd . At 2,294 cc (140.0 cu in) it had the largest- displacement engine of any production motorcycle until 2019 when Triumph released the Triumph Rocket 3 . The name "Rocket III" is derived from the 1968 BSA 750cc pushrod triple, the Rocket 3 , which was a badge-engineered version of the original " Triumph Trident ." The Rocket III Project started in 1998 led by Triumph Product Range Manager Ross Clifford and started with

112-403: A 180 degree crankshaft, where the outer pistons rise and fall together and inner cylinder is offset from them by 180 degrees. This results in three power strokes evenly-spaced at 180 degrees each, and then no power strokes during the final 180 degrees of crankshaft rotation. The 2020 Triumph Tiger 900 motorcycle uses a "T-Plane" crankshaft where the crankshaft throws are at 90 intervals, such that

168-558: A 240 mm wide rear tire, 5 US gal (19 L; 4.2 imp gal) fuel tank, slipper clutch and forward controls. Unlike the other models in the VRSC lineup, the Muscle had straight shot dual exhausts, with a crossover, one on each side of the bike, unlike the 2>1>2 exhaust found on all other VRSC models. Additionally, the Muscle used an air-box with mock-up air-rams like those found on many American pony and muscle cars . In

224-721: A 240 mm wide rear tire, most of the chrome components of the VRSCD were replaced with black. The wheels were replaced by black slotted disk wheels, with dark orange pin striping. The Straight shot dual exhaust produced a claimed 120 hp (89 kW) at the crank. A 5-gallon tank was standard. The DX also include racing stripes . In 2008 the VRSCDX Night Rod Special's Revolution was increased from 1,131 to 1,247 cc (69.0 to 76.1 cu in), producing claimed torque of 85 lbf⋅ft (115 N⋅m) @ 7,000 rpm, and peak power of 125 hp (93 kW) at

280-650: A 5 US gallons (4.2 imp gal; 19 L) tank in the 2006 year model, that would become standard for the line in 2007. Of the various versions of the V-Rod, the VRSCR Street Rod roadster was aimed primarily at the European market and was best able to handle the engine's 120 bhp output. MCN wrote: "The Harley-Davidson Street Rod has sharper steering, four-piston brakes made for Harley-Davidson by Brembo, new upswept exhausts for extra ground clearance, and

336-714: A 543 cc (33 cu in) four-stroke engine, which was introduced in the Alto and Fronte models. The Subaru EF engine is a 4-stroke petrol engine which was introduced in 1984 and used in the Justy and the Sumo (the export version of the Sambar). The straight-three versions of the Ford EcoBoost engine – a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine – was introduced in the 2012 Ford Focus. It uses an unbalanced flywheel to shift

392-542: A Classic Model. The addition of a windscreen, panniers (saddlebags), backrest and luggage rack from the factory, and a choice of two-tone paint schemes Triumph began developing the Rocket III Touring version in February 2004 following the launch of the original model, to target the large cruiser market which represents 50% of all US motorcycle sales. As well as a new design for the steel frame and swinging arm,

448-779: A lot of research – especially in the US, where big cruisers were selling well. The main competitors were the Harley-Davidson Ultraglide and the Honda Gold Wing so the initial idea was to develop a 1,600 cc performance cruiser. The in-house designer was John Mockett, designer of the Hesketh V1000 , the Tiger and the new "retro" Bonneville . He started work with David Stride, Gareth Davies and Rod Scivyer working around an in-line three cylinder engine. At

504-562: A non- street legal eight-second drag bike nicknamed "the Destroyer". Its Revolution engine had a longer-stroke crankshaft and increased bore, high compression forged pistons, larger valves, larger throttle bodies, dyno tuned velocity stacks, and high lift cams. Race-only drivetrain changes included a lightened flywheel , multi-stage lock-up clutch, pneumatic shifter, and programmable shift light . A total of 646 vehicles were produced with 625 released to dealer showrooms. The Destroyer inspired

560-469: A revised riding position makes this a Harley-Davidson like no other – one that attacks corners with glee". Model years: 2006–2008. The Night Rod was introduced in 2006 as the “new hot rod-inspired motorcycle” built around the Revolution engine. The Night Rod has mid controls similar to the 2006 Street Rod. These are the only two V-Rod models with mid controls (Rear sets). Straight-shot mufflers helped

616-598: A straight-twin engine. Four-stroke straight-three engines have been used in road bikes and racing bikes by several companies. From 1985–1995, the BMW K75 was produced with a straight-three engine (based on the straight-four engine from the BMW K100). British company Triumph is particularly renowned for a transversely-mounted straight-three engine. Variants have been used in their Speed Triple , Trident , Sprint , and Tiger series. In addition Triumph makes

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672-457: A two-year run. It was mechanically identical to the VRSCA, with cosmetic differences including a black frame, polished aluminum and black powder-coated engine, and a slightly different clamshell, instrument housing and handlebars . The VRSCB was only offered with forward controls. Model years: 2006–2007. The Street Rod was marketed as the “roadster-inspired” member of the VRSC line. The Street Rod

728-462: A year it won’t depreciate faster than a Harley, either". The original model was released in 2004. This model trim is no longer available. The Rocket III Roadster is now the only version available. This model was awarded Motorcycle Cruiser magazine's 2004 Bike of the Year, Motorcyclist' s 2004 Cruiser of the Year, and Cruising Rider magazine 2005 Bike of the Year. This model is the newest exhibit at

784-448: Is a line of V-twin cruiser motorcycles made by Harley-Davidson from 2002 until 2017. They are often called muscle bikes for their relatively high power output. The V-Rods are the first street motorcycles made by Harley-Davidson with overhead camshafts and liquid cooling . The VRSC was introduced in 2001 in a single model called the V-Rod aiming to compete against Japanese and American muscle bikes. The V-Rod's Revolution engine

840-692: Is controlled by purpose built rear shocks and a Triumph first, 43 mm 'inverted' front forks. In 2003, the prototype was renamed the 'Rocket', following market research, continuing the heritage of the BSA Rocket 3/Triumph Trident motorcycles. It was unveiled in the US on 20 August 2003, in San Antonio , Texas. The Rocket's European launch was at the International Motorcycle Show in Milan , Italy on 16 September 2003. Sold in

896-551: Is making inroads to the market for large touring machines. " Motor Cycle News " said of the Rocket III: "It is the biggest, most bad-ass motorcycle money can buy. The Triumph Rocket III is an incredible experience and bravo to Triumph for making it. Compared to a Harley, the Rocket III is a steal. It’s better braked, faster, handles better and it’s British. Secondhand values remain high and providing you keep to 3-4000 miles

952-779: Is the Fairbanks-Morse 32E14 low-speed diesel engine. The straight-three layout is common for diesel tractor engines, such as the Perkins AD3.152 . This engine was used in the Massey Ferguson 35 and Fordson Dextra tractors, as well as for marine and stationary applications. The Hewland AE75 is a 750 cc two-stroke aircraft engine that was produced in the mid-1980s. It was an inverted three-cylinder design with liquid-cooling that produced 75 bhp (56 kW). Harley-Davidson VRSC The Harley-Davidson VRSC (V-twin racing street custom), or V-Rod ,

1008-515: Is typically used by straight-three engines, since this results in an evenly spaced firing interval . Another benefit of this configuration is perfect primary balance and secondary balance , however an end-to-end rocking couple is induced because there is no symmetry in the piston velocities about the middle piston. A balance shaft is sometimes used to reduce the vibrations caused by the rocking couple. Other crankshaft angles have been used occasionally. The 1976–1981 Laverda Jota motorcycle used

1064-590: The Rocket III model, various variants of which have held the record for motorcycle with the largest engine displacement. In 2019 , the Moto2 class in the MotoGP World Championship switched to using Triumph 765 cc (46.7 cu in) triple engines. Two-stroke designs are less common in straight-three engines than four-stroke designs, however several were produced by Japanese manufacturers in

1120-653: The UK National Motorcycle Museum . Introduced in 2006, the Classic version has rider floorboards, different shaped silencers (mufflers) and 'pullback' handlebars. More colour choices were added and the pillion seat was modified to improve comfort. In June 2007, Triumph used 'viral marketing' to promote the Rocket III Classic by posting a well-made spoof production video to YouTube and bike enthusiast websites, As of September 2012,

1176-464: The 240 mm rear tire and five gallon gas tank that came standard. The aluminum bodywork of the VRSCA was used in a few early-production VRSCAW models, but was later dropped. With these changes the VRSCAW is a claimed 37 lb (17 kg) heavier than its predecessor. For the first production year the power-plant remained an unchanged 1,130 cc (69 cu in) Revolution engine. The VRSCAW

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1232-577: The Revolution Engine to produce a claimed 120 hp (89 kW) at the crank. The Night Rod had a black frame, black and chrome engine, Brembo brakes, slotted aluminum disk wheels, and a color-matched fairing . In 2008 the VRSCD Night Rod's Revolution was increased from 1,131 to 1,247 cc (69.0 to 76.1 cu in), producing a claimed 85 lbf⋅ft (115 N⋅m) @ 7,000 rpm, and peak power of 125 hp (93 kW) at

1288-512: The Rocket III to meet the Euro IV emissions limits at launch. The torque curve is modified for each gear ratio, enabling over 90% of the engine's torque output at 2,000 rpm, giving the high levels of flexibility that the designers needed. The 1,500 W starter motor on the Rocket III puts out as much power as the engine on the very first Triumph motorcycle, Siegfried Bettmann 's 1902 1.75 horsepower (1.30 kW) single. The final design of

1344-555: The Rocket III was replaced with billet aluminium slotted wheels and narrower tyres were specified to improve steering with a 180/70 x 16 rear tyre to make it easier to fit detachable panniers that come as standard, together with a removable windscreen and Kayaba rear shock absorbers. The Rocket III Touring was discontinued in 2017. Straight three engine Less common than straight-four engines , straight-three engines have nonetheless been used in various motorcycles, cars and agricultural machinery. A crankshaft angle of 120 degrees

1400-490: The S3 prototype had a large tubular steel twin-spine frame, designed by James Colbrook. Andy Earnshaw was responsible for designing the gearbox and shaft drive to a 240/50ZR16 bike specific rear tyre. High specification front brakes were Daytona 955i twin four-piston callipers with 320 mm floating discs and the rear brake, developed specifically for the purpose, was a single twin piston calliper and 316 mm disc. Ride handling

1456-552: The Touring model has more torque at lower revs – 150 lb-ft at 2500 rpm, but less horsepower at the top end 106 hp (79 kW) @ 6,000 rpm (claimed). The Touring had a smaller 16" front wheel and standard type forks (instead of the upside down type of the Roadster New features include tank mounted instruments and a scrolling switch on the handlebar to set the clock and indicate fuel ranges. The five-spoke design used on

1512-524: The Triumph struggled to find acceptance among Harley-Davidson's ultra-traditional riders, who have barely come to terms with Harley-Davidson's own V-Rod . The 2009 Thunderbird competes more successfully with Harley-Davidson bikes. Triumph is spreading its focus: the Rocket III is now in the "musclebike" and "streetfighter" market, where the Yamaha V-Max has found success, while the Rocket III Touring

1568-561: The UK from the spring of 2004, it was awarded 'Machine of the Year' by Motor Cycle News at the 2004 NEC Motorcycle Show. The Australian launch was in Sydney in August 2004, with 230 deposits taken before any had been shipped into the country. Despite extensive market research, the Rocket III has had difficulty finding its niche. Originally intended to break into the US's lucrative cruiser market,

1624-533: The VR-1000 engine with design input from Erik Buell , Cosworth , and Jerry Branch of Branch Flowmetrics; the cylinder head and electronic fuel injection were designed by Roush Industries which also built the series production engines. Harley-Davidson had collaborated with Porsche before, in the Nova project of the 1970s, which, like the V-Rod, was a radical departure from Harley-Davidson's traditional lineup. Nova

1680-521: The VRSCA at the time, but the VRSCSE had extra chrome, custom paint, and not the typical "clamshell" found on other VRSC models. The VRSCSE had a 1,247 cc Revolution Engine, with CNC ported heads. Model years: 2006. The VRSCSE2 was the first V-Rod or VRSC model with a 240 mm rear tire. It also used the Screamin' Eagle 1,247 cc Revolution Engine. Model years: 2007. Harley-Davidson put out

1736-600: The VRSCX as a Screamin' Eagle Tribute bike during the Harley-Davidson V-Rod's second consecutive NHRA Championship. The VRSCX had the same dimensions as the 2007 VRSCAW, featuring the 240 mm rear tire, 5 gallon gas tank, and forward controls. However, the VRSCX also had paintwork similar to the pro stock V-Rod, a smoked drag-visor windshield, as well as the 1,247 cc Screamin' Eagle Revolution Engine. 1400 were built. In 2006 Harley-Davidson introduced

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1792-502: The ante and go for a displacement of 2,294 cc. The first engine was built in summer 2002 and tested in the autumn. Twin butterfly valves for each throttle body were used to increase control and allow the ECU to vary the mixture flow and ignition map according to the gear selected and speed. The specification of twin spark plugs per cylinder and multi-hole fuel injectors by Mark Jenner (fuelling, ignition and emission design engineer) allowed

1848-411: The crank, a slipper clutch was also added, as was an ABS option. For the 2008 model year, the VRSCD was the only remaining VRSC model to still have a 180 mm rear tire or mid-pegs. 2008 was also the final year of production for the VRSCD Night Rod. Model years: 2007–2010. The VRSCAW V-Rod is the successor to the VRSCA. First Produced in 2007, it is essentially a VRSCA with a new frame to accommodate

1904-695: The crank, a slipper-clutch was also added, as was an ABS option. For the 2012 model year, Harley-Davidson launched a tenth anniversary version of the Night Rod Special. This model had a straight-shot exhaust with dual, chrome slash-cut mufflers and chrome exhaust shield; split five-spoke cast aluminum wheels with diamond cut highlights; pullback handlebar with polished finish; inverted front forks in silver and polished finishes; stylized, chrome speed screen visor; graphics, including V-Rod 10th anniversary emblem; and chrome powertrain with platinum crankcase and heads. Model years: 2009–2017. The V-Rod Muscle

1960-412: The crank. The V-Rod had 49 mm forks and a 180 mm rear tire, with solid disc wheels. The VRSCAs were all factory equipped with 3.7 US gal (14 L; 3.1 imp gal) fuel tanks. In 2006 the VRSCA was equipped with Brembo brakes. The VRSCA was only offered with forward controls. 2003 models were included in the 100th anniversary edition. Model years: 2004–2005. The VRSCB V-Rod had

2016-495: The crankshaft for the 2008 VRSCAW model. The VRXSE Destroyer is equipped with a stroker (75 mm crank throw) Screamin' Eagle 1,300 cc (79 cu in) Revolution Engine, producing over 165 horsepower (123 kW). The V-Rod engine was used in the Campagna V13R, and Campagna T-Rex from around 2008 to 2013. There is an agreement to sell the engines to the company for use in the motorized trike. Then in 2013

2072-458: The crankshaft, a slipper clutch was also added, as was an anti-lock braking system option. For the 2009 model year the VRSCAW replaced the VRSCD, which was dropped from the line, as the "base model" for the VRSC family, and the suggested retail price was reduced. Model years: 2007–2017. The VRSCDX is marketed as the factory made custom version of the standard Night Rod and is also part of Harley-Davidson's "Dark Custom" series. In addition to

2128-522: The final design. Once again, the feedback from market research was that it was still too radical so the lines were simplified and smoothed out to create the Series S3. Part of the reason for the secrecy was competition from other manufacturers. Yamaha had launched the 1,670-cubic-centimetre (102 cu in) Road Star Warrior in 2002, and Honda had launched the VTX1800 , so Triumph decided to up

2184-520: The four-time world champion NHRA Pro Stock motorcycle Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines V-Rod. The Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines V-Rod ran 6.815 seconds and went nearly 200 mph in the quarter-mile. The Revolution engine was developed by Harley Davidson with the aid of a few Porsche engineers from the Harley-Davidson VR-1000 Superbike race engine. Harley-Davidson engineer Mark Miller created

2240-412: The inherent three-cylinder imbalance to the horizontal plane where it is more easily managed by engine mounts, and so remove the need to use balance shafts. In 2016, cylinder deactivation was added, claimed to be a world first for three-cylinder engines. The advantages of a straight-three engine for motorcycles are that it has a shorter length than an inline-four engine and produces less vibration than

2296-697: The introduction of Saab's 750 cc (46 cu in) two-stroke engine, which was also used in the Saab 95 , Saab 96 and Saab Sonett until 1968 after which it was replaced by the Ford Taunus V4 engine . The Wartburg cars (manufactured in East Germany) and FSO Syrena (manufactured in Poland) also used straight-three engines. The 1967 Suzuki Fronte 360 uses a 256 cc (16 cu in) two-stroke engine. In 1980, Suzuki began production of

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2352-426: The late 1960s through to 1980s. The Kawasaki triple engine was produced from 1968 to 1980 and was used in various road bikes and racing bikes. Most versions were air-cooled, however several were water-cooled. Similarly, the 1972–1980 Suzuki GT series engines were used for both road bike and racing bikes, and were available in both air-cooled and water-cooled versions. An example of an agricultural application

2408-405: The production version of the bike the air-rams are cosmetic. The VRSCF also had a chopped rear fender with integrated turn signals, and a side-mounted license plate. Turn signals were integrated into the rear view mirrors for the first time as a stock feature on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The VRSCF provided at the crank a claimed 86 lbf⋅ft (117 N⋅m) of torque at 6,500 rpm, which

2464-739: The round-topped air cleaner cover. The fuel tank on the V-Rod is located underneath the seat, placing the rider on top of it, rather than the usual frontal placement. The "tank" in this case is actually the cover for the air box and coolant fill port. Loosely based on the VR-1000 Superbike , Harley-Davidson built it as a platform for drag-racing competition machines. All VRSC models were produced at Harley-Davidson's Vehicle and Powertrain Operations facility in Kansas City, Missouri . Car & Driver said Harley-Davidson's branding

2520-471: The start of the project an in-line four and V6 engine configurations were looked at but the longitudinally mounted triple design led to the design concept code named C15XB Series S1. Mockett experimented with 'futuristic' styling that included "raygun" silencers and a large chrome rear mudguard, but consumer focus groups did not like it. The S2 model was a simplified version with a more traditional rear mudguard and several features that were to make it through to

2576-473: The throws for cylinders 1 and 3 are separated by 180 degrees (therefore the three throws together forming a "T" shape when viewed from the end). Among the first cars to use a straight-three engine is the 1953–1955 DKW F91 , powered by a 900 cc (55 cu in) two-stroke engine , although this was predated by the 3 cylinder 15hp Rolls Royce produced in 1905 and a number of other cars of this era also used 3 cylinder engines. The 1956–1960 Saab 93 saw

2632-401: The video had more than 1.2 million views. The 2010 Roadster is the most powerful bike in the Rocket III line-up, with a claimed 163 lb⋅ft (221 N⋅m) torque and 146 bhp (109 kW) power, as well as a dual exhaust, one per side, instead of the previous 2 and 1 layout. Triumph calls it "the ultimate muscle streetfighter". The short-lived 2007 Tourer Limited Edition Model was

2688-408: Was "culturally rather than technologically driven; so imagine our surprise at seeing the company's newest ride, the V-Rod, complete with a liquid-cooled DOHC four-valve V-twin developed in partnership with Porsche Engineering." They added, "we think the V-Rod is a serious threat to its own stablemates as well as to cruisers from other manufacturers. It's that good". Motorcycle Cruiser wrote "The V-Rod

2744-487: Was cancelled in 1981, in favor of the Evolution engine . The Revolution engine is a liquid-cooled , double overhead camshaft , four valve per cylinder , electronic fuel injected , internally counterbalanced 60 degree V-twin engine with a displacement of 1,131 cc (69.0 cu in), producing a claimed 115 horsepower (86 kW) at 8,250 rpm at the crankshaft, with a redline of 9,000 rpm. It

2800-429: Was developed for road use by Porsche Engineering with the aid of a few Harley-Davidson engineers from Harley-Davidson's VR1000 V-twin racing bike engine. A derivative of the Revolution engine called the Revolution X was later used on the entry-level Harley-Davidson Street , first released in 2014. Unlike other Harley-Davidson production motorcycles, the VRSC's radiator and the hydroformed frame members support

2856-427: Was intended to bring in more than the usual suspects, and it did. It became the company's best-selling bike in other countries. In America, V-Rod buyers often came from other brands, attracted by its modern engine, excellent performance and not-the-usual-cruiser style". Model years: 2002–2006. The original V-Rod had a 1,131 cc (69.0 cu in) Revolution Engine, producing a claimed 115 hp (86 kW) at

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2912-547: Was introduced for the new V-Rod line in 2001 for the 2002 model year, starting with the single VRSCA (V-Twin Racing Street Custom) model. A 1,247 cc (76.1 cu in) Screamin' Eagle version of the Revolution engine was made available for 2005, and was present thereafter in a single production model from 2005 to 2007. In 2008, the 1,247 cc Revolution Engine became standard for the entire VRSC line. Harley-Davidson claims 123 horsepower (92 kW) at

2968-536: Was introduced in the summer of 2008 at the Harley-Davidson dealer show in Las Vegas for the 2009 production model year. In promoting the Muscle, American fashion model Marisa Miller was hired for an advertising campaign aimed at younger, urban riders. It would be one of only three VRSC models for 2009. Like the other two models, the Muscle used the 1,247 cc (76.1 cu in) Revolution Engine,

3024-474: Was only offered with forward controls. The combination of increased weight, and a 240 mm rear tire with no power increase made the 2007 VRSCAW the slowest production VRSC produced In 2008 the VRSCAW V-Rod's Revolution was increased from 1,131 cc to 1,247 cc (76.1 cu in), producing a claimed 84 lbf⋅ft (114 N⋅m) @ 7,000 rpm, and peak power of 123 hp (92 kW) at

3080-407: Was slightly more torque than the other VRSC models, at a slightly lower engine speeds. Claimed peak crank horsepower was slightly lower than the Night Rod Special, at 122 hp (91 kW) at 500 rpm lower engine speed. Model years: 2005. In 2005 Harley-Davidson's Custom Vehicle Operations produced their first V-Rod. They did not make very many of these. The dimensions were identical to

3136-402: Was the first VRSC to use inverted forks (made by Showa Corporation ) with a steep rake and also was the first to use Brembo brakes. It had the highest seat height at 30 in (760 mm) of any VRSC model, and claimed the greatest lean angle at 40°, over the 32° lean of the other VRSC models. The Street Rod came equipped solely with mid-mounted controls. The Street Rod was the first with

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