Triumph Unveils Two New Rocket 3 Evel Knievel Limited Editions
Tue, 12 Nov 2024Imagine if Evel jumped one of these...
Triumph has unveiled two new limited edition Rocket 3 motorcycles today, both paying tribute to the one and only Evel Knievel. While mechanically the same as the standard Rocket 3s, the Evel editions have full chrome fuel tanks with a stars and stripes livery inspired by Evel's white jumpsuits. The matte black rear bodywork leaves the focus on the front of the bike, where all the action is.
By "action," we're talking about the Evel Knievel signature logos splattered throughout the bike. We count no less than six of them – on the fender, both sides of the radiator shroud, the cam cover, the seat, and as part of the unique start-up screen animation. Only 500 will be produced, and every owner will receive an exclusive book detailing Evel's history with Triumph. See Triumph's official press release below for more details.
Begin press release:
Triumph Unveils Two New Rocket 3 Evel Knievel Limited Editions
Triumph Motorcycles has unveiled two new Limited Edition Rocket 3 motorcycles, celebrating the legendary partnership between Evel Knievel and Triumph. Offering riders a rare opportunity to own a piece of daredevil history with a record-breaking pedigree, Triumph will be making just 500 of these special motorcycles available around the world.
The new Rocket 3 R and GT Evel Knievel Limited Editions honour the enduring relationship between Triumph and Knievel, from his first televised performance riding a Bonneville T120, to his breakthrough leap over the fountains at Caesars Palace.
Featuring stunning full chrome fuel tanks, the Limited Editions take inspiration from Knievel’s iconic white jumpsuit, adorned with Knievel’s iconic stars and stripes graphic on a crisp white base. The matching rear bodywork and contrasting matt Sapphire Black panels, are paired with statement leather seats featuring a gold-embroidered Evel Knievel signature logo, creating a bold, impressive look.
Each bike features a unique start-up screen animation and individually numbered black and gold cam cover plate, laser-etched with the Evel Knievel signature logo. Every owner will also receive an exclusive collector’s edition hardback book telling the story of Evel Knievel and his Triumphs, individually numbered to match their bike.
The Rocket 3 R and GT, with their record-breaking 2500cc engines, deliver power, performance and agility worthy of the world’s most famous daredevil motorcyclist. As well as generating a phenomenal 225Nm of torque and 182PS at 7000rpm, the Limited Editions benefit from a lightweight aluminium frame, high-specification suspension components, and top-tier braking performance, delivering effortless response and handling.
Triumph Motorcycles’ Chief Commercial Officer Paul Stroud said: “Evel Knievel performed many stunts on Triumph motorcycles during the 60’s, but his jump at Caesar’s Palace on a T120 TT, was the moment he created a legend that has inspired generations of fans. Working with the Knievel family, we have created two striking Limited Editions that are as spectacular on the road as Evel Knievel was in his heyday. With just 250 of each model available globally featuring beautiful Knievel design touches and with a specially commissioned book celebrating his achievements with Triumph, these Rocket 3 Limited Editions will appeal to collectors, fans and the thrill seekers among us.”
DISTINCTIVE DESIGN AND PREMIUM FINISHES
The iconic red, white, and blue colour scheme which incorporates America’s stars and stripes, adorns the stunning chrome fuel tank, and continues on to the front mudguard, where it has been incorporated into a new EK graphic, while elegant gold signature graphics embellish the radiator cowls.
The exclusive colour scheme, with Pure White accents, and contrasting Matt Sapphire Black panels on the flyscreen, headlight bowl, mudguards, side panels, and rear bodywork, highlights the bike’s powerful presence. The premium leather seat features a gold-embroidered Evel Knievel signature and inset brushed aluminium Triumph badge, while a custom Knievel-branded start-up screen animation provides a bespoke welcome every time the 2,500cc triple fires up.
Every owner will also receive an exclusive, collector’s edition hardback book, specially commissioned by Triumph, telling the remarkable story of Evel Knievel and his iconic connection with the brand. Written by renowned author and Knievel expert Stuart Barker, each book will be individually numbered to match the bike and signed by Triumph CEO Nick Bloor – a prized collectable in its own right for any fan of Triumph and Knievel.
ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE AND UNMATCHED PRESENCE
Riders can choose between the Limited Edition Rocket 3 R, with its bold muscle-roadster stance providing optimum power and control, or the Rocket 3 GT, which adds a more relaxed riding position and generous pillion accommodation.
Both are powered by the world’s largest production motorcycle engine and this raw power translates into exhilarating acceleration and an unforgettable ride experience. The distinctive triple-exit silencers further enhance the presence of both motorcycles, producing a deep, resonant exhaust note that complements its muscular performance and amplifies its commanding road presence.
PHENOMENAL HANDLING
Harnessing the Rocket’s impressive performance to deliver a controlled and compliant ride are large 47mm diameter Showa forks, adjustable for rebound and compression damping. At the rear is a Showa monoshock RSU with piggy-back reservoir, fully adjustable for preload, rebound and compression damping.
Exceptional stopping power is provided by top-specification radial Brembo Stylema brake calipers with twin 320mm discs. These lightweight, compact, and high performing calipers offer great airflow for pad cooling during spirited riding. The Brembo M4.32 four-piston radial monobloc rear caliper and 300mm rear disc is bigger and more powerful than the front brake setup on many bikes, helping to provide massive stopping power. The Rocket 3 R and GT Evel Knievel Limited Editions retain full Optimised Cornering ABS functionality.
DISTINCT ERGONOMICS
Each Rocket offers a distinct feel and personality, due to key differences in their ergonomics. The Rocket R’s roadster rider position and handlebar placement is designed to create a purposeful and engaging ride. The GT has a slightly more swept back set-up with a 125mm difference in grip position versus the R, for a more upright riding position.
Each model also gets its own dedicated seating set-up. The Rocket 3 R has a roadster rider and pillion seat with a 773mm seat height, offering comfort, low-speed confidence and manoeuvrability. Designed for enhanced comfort on longer rides, the Rocket 3 GT Evel Knievel Limited Edition offers greater touring comfort with more generously padded leather rider and pillion seats, with matching leather pillion backrest, ensuring both comfort and style for the passenger. The seat height for the GT is just 750mm, further improving rider confidence.
The biggest difference between the two models is the footpeg positions. The R has mid-foot controls, with two settings that offer 15mm of vertical adjustment, to cater for every size of rider, delivering a natural and sporty riding position. The GT has feet forward foot controls giving a more laid-back cruiser feel, with three horizontal position settings offering 50mm of adjustment, to provide the most comfortable position for long rides. Both R and GT models have innovative, neat, retractable pillion footrests.
Amplifying the bikes’ aggressive stance and attitude, both Rocket 3 Limited Editions have twin LED headlights with the Triumph maker’s mark triangle and signature shaped daytime running lights (DRL)*. There are LED indicators, rear light and number plate light, delivering a really distinctive light signature maintaining the Rocket 3’s strong road presence even at night.
GENEROUSLY EQUIPPED
Intuitive rider-focused technology allows riders to confidently exploit the Rocket 3 R and GT epic performance potential.
Ride-by-wire enhances rideability, safety and control, while the Rocket’s high-performance gearbox is engineered with helical cut gears to transmit the huge torque to the rear wheel smoothly. The Torque Assist clutch helps riders shift up and down the six-speed box with satisfying speed and smoothness, while a Triumph Shift Assist quickshifter is available as an accessory fit for both models.
Both models feature optimised cornering ABS and traction control for enhanced stability, improving both straight line and cornering, acceleration and braking. Hill Hold prevents the bike rolling backwards and applies the rear brake until sensing the rider is starting to move off. Both come equipped with four riding modes, road, rain, sport and rider-configurable, which adjusts the throttle map and traction control settings.
The electronic cruise control system is fitted as standard as well. Activated by a single press of the button, the speed can be set and adjusted up or down in 1mph increments, as well as be resumed with just one touch. Both models feature a high functionality full colour TFT set-up with a five-way back-lit joystick. This has a minimal stylish design with two information layout design themes, and the adjustable instrument angle set-up provides optimum visibility for every height of rider. The rider can even personalise the start-up screen message with their name.
Adding extra security, both bikes have standard fit keyless ignition and steering lock, which can be disabled. The key fob can also be turned off to prolong battery life and increase security. Plus, there’s a USB charging socket in a dedicated compartment under the seat, where devices can be kept safe and dry while charging.
LIMITED EDITION WITH EXTRA PERSONALISATION
With over 50 Genuine Triumph Accessories to add comfort, practicality, style and security, riders can customise their Limited Edition Rocket to make it truly bespoke. Owners can choose from interchangeable R and GT foot controls, rider and pillion seats for tailored ergonomics, plug and play technology for greater convenience, styling parts to customise the look and luggage solutions for longer rides.
ON THE ROAD
Arriving in dealerships from March 2025, the new Rocket 3 R Evel Knievel Limited Edition will be available from $27495, while the Rocket 3 GT Evel Knievel Limited Edition will be $31,995. Customers can place an order or find out more at triumphmotorcycles.com.
SPECIFICATION ENGINE
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION | ROCKET 3 R AND GT | |
Type | Liquid-cooled, inline 3-cylinder, DOHC | |
Capacity | 2,458 cc | |
Bore | 110.2 mm | |
Stroke | 85.9 mm | |
Compression | 10.8:1 | |
Maximum Power | 182 PS / 180 bhp (134 kW) @ 7,000 rpm | |
Maximum Torque | 225 Nm (166 lbft) @ 4,000 rpm* | *for China @3,250 rpm |
Fuel System | Ride-by-Wire, fuel injected | |
Exhaust | Stainless steel 3-into-1 headers with 3 exit silencer | |
Final Drive | Shaft drive, bevel box | |
Clutch | Wet, multi-plate, hydraulically operated, torque assist | |
Gearbox | 6 Speed |
SPECIFICATION CHASSIS
CHASSIS | ROCKET 3 R AND GT |
Frame | Full aluminium frame |
Swingarm | Single sided, cast aluminium |
Front Wheel | 17 x 3.5-inch cast aluminium |
Rear Wheel | 16 x 7.5-inch cast aluminium |
Front Tyre | 150/80 R17 V |
Rear Tyre | 240/50 R16 V |
Front Suspension | Showa 47mm upside-down 1+1 cartridge front forks, compression and rebound adjustment, 120mm wheel travel |
Rear Suspension | Fully adjustable Showa piggyback reservoir RSU with remote hydraulic preload adjustment, 107mm wheel travel |
Front Brakes | Dual 320mm discs, Brembo M4.30 Stylema® 4-piston radial monobloc calipers, Optimised Cornering ABS |
Rear Brakes | Single 300mm disc, Brembo M4.32 4-piston monobloc caliper, Optimised Cornering ABS |
SPECIFICATION DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS | ROCKET 3 R | ROCKET 3 GT |
Length | 2365 mm (93.1 in) | |
Width (Handlebars and fittings) | 920 mm (36.0 in) | |
Height Without Mirrors | 1125 mm (44.3 in) | 1183 mm (46.6 in) |
Seat Height | 773 mm (30.4 in) | 750 mm (29.5 in) |
Wheelbase | 1677 mm (66.0 in) | |
Rake | 27.9 ° | |
Trail | 134.9 mm (5.3 in) | |
Wet weight | 317kg | 320kg |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.0 litres (4.76 US gal) |
SPECIFICATION CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS (EU)
FUEL CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS | ROCKET 3 R AND GT | |
Fuel Consumption | 42.8 mpg (6.6 l/100km) | |
CO2 Figures | 152 g/km | |
Standard | EURO 5b | Fuel consumption and emissions figures are measured according to the World Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC) under specific test conditions and provided for comparison purposes. Actual fuel economy may vary depending on factors such as riding style, accessory fitment, rider and pillion weight and tyre pressures, as well as external environmental conditions. |