Triumph Evel Knievel Rocket 3 Editions Launched

Triumph has paid homage to stunt great Evel Knievel by unwrapping brand-new, limited edition Rocket 3 R and GT models, both of which feature a unique Evel Knievel start-up screen animation.

Each bike includes an individually numbered black and gold cam cover plate, laser-etched with the Evel Knievel signature logo. Owners 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 feature the same liquid-cooled, inline three-cylinder 2458cc engine as the standard Rocket 3 Storm model. They also produce the same 180bhp at 7000rpm and 166Ib ft of torque at 4000rpm. The bikes feature a full lightweight aluminium frame, while the swingarm also consists of a single-sided cast aluminium set-up.

Suspension is also exactly the same as the previous model which comprises a Showa 47mm upside-down 1+1 cartridge front fork layout with full compression and rebound adjustment and 120mm wheel travel. On the rear is a fully adjustable Showa piggyback reservoir rear shock with remote hydraulic preload adjustment, featuring 107mm wheel travel.

Braking aboard the new Rocket 3 and GT Evel Knievel models gets the same classy treatment as the existing bikes, meaning a Brembo M4.32 Stylema 4-piston monobloc caliper set-up on the front with twin 320mm discs are used. At the rear you have a single 300mm disc, Brembo M4.32 4-piston monobloc caliper. Both features optimised cornering ABS.

Both models feature a full-colour TFT set-up which is linked to a five-way back-lit joystick. The rider can also personalise the start-up screen message with their name. Adding extra security, both bikes have standard keyless ignition and steering lock, which can be disabled. The key fob can also be turned off to prolong battery life and increase security. There’s a USB charging socket in a dedicated compartment under the seat. The cruise control function is fitted as standard.

The only noteworthy differences between the two new models are surrounding the seat height. The Rocket 3 comes in at 773mm while the slightly lower seat height of the GT stands at 750mm. The GT model is three kilos heavier and sits at a wet weight of 320kg.

Stunt performer Robert Craig ‘Evel’ Knievel rose to fame for daring ramp-to-ramp stunts, and although a few of them ended in disaster, he was adored for his miraculous efforts, which started aboard a Triumph Bonneville T120.

Knievel performed his most well-known stunt on a Triumph which involved jumping over the fountains at Caesars Palace, although the daredevil crashed on that particular jump. Throughout his career, Knievel attempted over 175 stunts and was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.

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