Triumph’s Rocket 3 has never exactly been a wallflower, but the release of the latest ‘Storm’ editions, the world’s biggest capacity motorbike is gaining even more brute power and a tougher new look.

First introduced in 2004, the Rocket 3 goes into its third decade with a pair of blacked out new versions called the Rocket 3 Storm R and the Rocket 3 Storm GT. As well as the moody dark finish, the headline news is that the gargantuan 2,458cc motor gets a power and torque hike, gaining 15 more ponies to take peak power to a whopping 180bhp, with torque rising by 4Nm to 225Nm at 4,000rpm.

While largely appearing to be a fairly minor update to meet in next incoming round of emissions regulations, the beefy power cruiser has been given a bit of a diet too. The new 10-spoke cast aluminium wheels (17” front and 16” rear) are lighter, which should have a positive impact on the power cruiser’s handling. At 317kg (320kg for GT) the Rocket 3 is still one of the heaviest bikes on the market today, however the low centre of gravity has always made it a far more manageable machine than the formidable stats would suggest.

The two versions feature different riding positions, with the £23,195 R adopting a more roadster style of ergonomics, while the £23,895 GT has been set up for a more cruiser style ride. The R features adjustable mid-mounted foot pegs and a 773mm seat height, while the GT seat is just 750mm from terra firma and has forward mounted pegs, again adjustable.

Each model comes in three two-tone colour options, with the 18 litre fuel tank featuring the new ‘Storm’ logo. The colours are what Triumph dub ‘Carnival Red’ with black, ‘Satin Pacific Blue’ with matt black and ‘Sapphire Black’ with granite. The colours are the same on both models, although the design is slightly different on the R and the GT, with the colours being reversed on the tank. All major components, like the frame, engine cases and exhausts have been given the full blacked out treatment, to create a mean and moody look befitting of such an imposing machine. Thankfully, for many Triumph aficionados, it retains the famous bugeye headlamps, the last bastion of a design feature seen on the company’s naked machines in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

There are not too many other modifications to the 2024 Rocket 3s, however it’s very much a case of ‘if it’s not broken, don’t fix it’ as the latest generation models have always packed a real punch on the spec sheet. Forks are 47mm upside down units from Showa, adjustable for rebound and compression damping, while the rear Showa monoshock also adds preload adjustability.

Brakes remain Brembo’s radially mounted M4.32 Stylema four-piston calipers, working in conjunction with the bike’s cornering ABS system, while other rider focussed electronic aids include corner optimised traction control, hill hold and cruise control. Three rider modes, plus a user configurable option, come as standard, with a quickshifter available as an optional extra. As has been the case with Triumphs for many years now, the detailing looks sumptuous, with some lovely touches like the TFT dashboard, which can be personalised to give the rider a personal welcome and is even tilt adjustable to aid visibility for riders of all shapes and sizes. There are also more than 50 official accessories available, for riders who want to further customise and modify their Triumph Rocket 3, this includes items like luggage, alternative handlebars, different saddles and bar end mirrors.

Sound like the new bike for you? The updated Triumph Rocket 3 will be in showrooms from April 2024.