2008 Triumph Rocket Iii on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Twin-Engined Triumph Rocket Streamliner To Challenge Motorcycle Land-Speed Record At Bonneville

The 1,000-horsepower Castrol Rocket is currently undergoing testing for its upcoming assault on the land speed record of 376.156 mph, set in 2010, by Rocky Robinson with the Ack Attack streamliner. The goal: a 400-mph-plus record-breaking run. The 25-foot long x 2-foot wide x 3-foot high streamliner was constructed in cooperation by Hot Rod Conspiracy and Carpenter Racing and will compete in the Division C (Streamlined) – Type V (5) Spark Ignition, Over 2,000cc to 3,000cc class. Powering the Rocket are two heavily modified Triumph Rocket III engines. Each Carpenter Racing built engine was reduced from 2,294cc to 1,485cc (2,970cc total) to meet the 3,000cc maximum total displacement class rule requirement. While piston size remains the same stock 4-inch bore, stroke was reduced from 3.75 inches to 2.4 inches and redline increased from 5,750 rpm to 9,000+ rpm. There’s also one Garrett GT2876R ball bearing, liquid-cooled turbocharger per engine.

Watch: 2011 Speed Triple Dyno run

With the full factory fitted arrow system and map fitted it was time to give the Speed a run on a Dyno to see where the power is at. Over two runs the best results were as follows; Power at the crank : 130bhp & 75 ft.lbs torque Power at the gearbox : 124bhp & 72 ft.lbs torque Power at the wheel : 119bhp & 69 ft.lbs torque The bike has covered 4200 miles and is due its first proper service at 6000 so you would expect to see a reduction in power. Triumph claim on a brand new bike the Speed Triple at best puts out 135bhp and 82 ft.lbs torque at the crank with the cans fitted, effectively mine has lost 5bhp and 7ft.lbs of torque.

Filling a void with an RD350LC

Last winter I managed to fill a void in my life when I stumbled on a very reasonably priced Yamaha RD350LC.  It was a tad scruffy, had the wrong exhausts but most importantly it was blue and white with all numbers matching.  I had the usual euphoria when the deal was done but I underestimated how much pleasure this particular purchase would continue to deliver another eight months down the line. The difference with this old bike is, instead of just taking it for the occasional ride I was talked into doing a full nut and bolt restoration.  Having never taking a bike apart completely before, initially it was quite daunting but I soon found the RD is easy to work on so it turned into a truly satisfying experience.  I’ve had some help from LC enthusiasts with the rebuild, however, the stripping, sourcing and organising was a total labour of love.  And call me sad but it has made me bond with this bike like no other which only adds to the feel good factor.  The bike cost £1800 and I’ve spent around £1000 but I reckon my mint Elsie is now worth a fair bit more.   I fancy rejuvenating a Fizzy  next time but there’s lots of other cheap 70’s and 80’s winter projects  out there so why not have a go yourself?