Triumph's Big Bagger

TRIUMPH'S BIG BAGGER

Given the massive torque developed by its 2294cc Triple, the Rocket III is a natural candidate for touring duty, and Triumph took the leap for 2008. In addition to its cop-bike windscreen and hard saddlebags, the Rocket III Touring features a new "slim-line" fuel tank, twin exhaust pipes and a single, large-diameter headlight. This tones down the somewhat in-your-face twin lamps and humpback fuel tank of the original model. Details are still limited, although the frame is said to be new and the engine's claimed torque peak is 154.4 foot-pounds at 2000 rpm, up slightly from the 147 11.-lb. of the other Rockets, with the Touring's peak delivered 500 rpm sooner. Plenty of passing power... MSRP is $16,699, with bikes in deal ers by January.-Mark Hoyer