Designed to compete in the fast-growing American cruiser market, Triumph spent five years creating a machine that could hold its own against the biggest bike street bikes from Harley and Honda. This motorcycle was intended to hit the market with a 1600cc engine, until Yamaha and Honda introduced beefier bikes while the Rocket III was still under design. Triumph returned to the drawing board and built an absolute beast of an engine, coming in at 2294cc. It debuted as the largest displacement production motorcycle in the world. Motor Cycle News described the Rocket III as the “…biggest, most bad-ass motorcycle money can buy.”

This bad boy has torque for days and maybe more horsepower than you’ll ever need, but it feels perfectly powered for moving this 800lb behemoth up and down the highway. A common theme in test rides and reviews of the Rocket III is how smoothly it rides. The uncivilized rumble you might expect from an engine this big is surprisingly – and pleasingly – absent. Riders will appreciate this during those extended drives and long tours.

This certified street fighter has seen several versions since its inception, at times focusing on power, comfort, touring, and aesthetics. But through the years the Rocket II has maintained its signature menacing look, highlighted by twin headlights, take-no-prisoners exhaust pipes, and stout build. The bike grabs attention wherever it goes. If you love talking motorcycles, this is a great bike to own. People will always want to talk about the Rocket III and its capabilities.

Despite this bike’s size, the Rocket III has plenty to get off the line and up to highway speed in just a few ticks of the stopwatch. But that’s not what motorcycles like this were designed for. It’s about getting from Point A to Point B while loving every minute of the ride (even if Point B is three states away). It’s about hitting those winding mountain roads with enough power to keep things fun. It’s about riding with confidence, whether you’re cruising the boulevard or passing and 18-wheeler on the open road. All-in-all, this machine is a giant – but a gentle giant. Unless the motorcycle next to you makes it angry. He wouldn’t like it when it’s angry.