Triumph Rocket III Touring - 2008 Specifications and Reviews

The 2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring is a heavyweight cruiser built for long-distance riders seeking commanding presence and massive torque. Its distinctive 2.3-liter triple engine delivers 154 Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful cruisers available. Designed for comfort and stability on extended journeys, it appeals to riders who prioritize character and performance over agility.

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General information

CategoryTouring
Year2008
ModelTriumph Rocket III Touring
 
 

Engine and Transmission Specifications

ClutchWet. multi-plate
Transmission typefinal driveShaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox5-speed
Cooling systemLiquid
StarterElectric
Ignition--)
Fuel controlDOHC
Fuel systemInjection. Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection twin butterflies. progressive linkage on primary butterflies
Bore x stroke101.6 x 94.3 mm (4.0 x 3.7 inches)
Compression12.0:1
Torque154.00
Power106.00
Stroke4
Engine typeIn-line three
Capacity:2294.00 ccm (139.98 cubic inches)

Physical measures and capacities

Wheelbase1,707 mm (67.2 inches)
Overall width894 mm (35.2 inches)
Overall length2,606 mm (102.6 inches)
Overall height1,181 mm (46.5 inches)
Seat height736 mm (29.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Dry weight357.4 kg (788.0 pounds)

Triumph Rocket III Touring dimensions and frame

Rear brakes diameter316 mm (12.4 inches)
Rear brakesSingle disc
Front brakes diameter320 mm (12.6 inches)
Front brakesDouble disc
Rear tyre dimensions180/70-R16
Front tyre dimensions150/80-R16
Rear suspensionKayaba chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preload. 105mm wheel travel
Front suspensionKayaba 43mm forks with fully shrouded uppers 120mm travel
Trail185 mm (7.3 inches)
Rake (fork angle)32.0°
Frame typeTubular steel. twin spine
 
 

Speed and acceleration

Power/weight ratio0.2966 HP/kg

Other specs

MaintenanceFind parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay
Color optionsEclipse Blue/Azure Blue. Jet Black. Jet Black/New England White. Jet Black/Sunset Red
Fuel capacity18.54 litres (4.90 gallons)

Performance Profile & Rider Fit

148 hp
Peak Power
3.7s
0-60 mph

Best For

Track25%
City35%
Cornering45%
Daily Riding65%
Touring88%
Passenger85%

Rider Profile

Best ForThis is a machine best suited to experienced riders who are comfortable managing enormous mass and torque at low speeds.
PurposeBuilt for effortless, high-torque long-distance cruising rather than nimble sport riding, with massive shaft-driven muscle to eat highway miles.
Rider FitIts nearly 400kg wet weight and low-speed heft demand good upper body strength and confidence in parking lots, U-turns, and stop-and-go traffic.
CharacterA brutish, torque-monster tourer that flexes a huge triple-cylinder engine while wrapping the rider in cruiser-style comfort and long-haul amenities.
Not Ideal ForThis is not the bike for riders seeking flickable agility, off-road capability, or a lightweight, easy-to-manage commuter.

Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.

Rider Fit Visualizer

2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring Rider Ergonomics Assessment

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Feet:

At 736mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2008 Triumph Rocket III Touring, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 degrees and an upright riding position.

Data quality: measured. Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated (a typical street-bike rule of thumb - stiffer or softer suspension will vary). This is an approximation from category-typical geometry and generic body proportions, not a measurement of this specific bike or you - sit on it before you buy.

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⚠ Safety Recalls (4)

TIRES Mar 2009 · 09T004000

BRIDGESTONE AMERICAS TIRE OPERATION (BRIDGESTONE) IS RECALLING 1,018 BRIDGESTONE EXEDRA G850 G MOTORCYCLE TIRES, SIZE 180/70R16 77H, SOLD AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT FOR MY 2008 AND 2009 TRIUMPH ROCKET III TOURING MOTORCYCLES. THE MOTORCYCLE TO WHICH THESE TIRES ARE APPLIED DEVELOPS VERY HIGH TORQUE AND CAN CAUSE TORQUE-INDUCED DEGRADATION IN A BODY PLY WHICH MAY RESULT IN INNERLINER CRACKING THAT MAY LEAD TO A SLOW LEAK IN THE REAR TIRE. THIS CONDITION DOES NOT AFFECT THE FRONT TIRE.

Risk: THE AFFECTED TIRES MAY BEGIN TO VIBRATE AT MODERATE SPEEDS. CONTINUED USE OF A TIRE WITH THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: BRIDGESTONE IS WORKING WITH TRIUMPH TO NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE DEFECTIVE TIRES WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT TIRE WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE DUE TO THE MATCHING REQUIREMENTS OF THE MOTORCYCLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRIDGESTONE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-465-1904.

STRUCTURE Dec 2008 · 08V686000

TRIUMPH IS RECALLING 8 MY 2008 ROCKET III TOURING MOTORCYCLES. THERE COULD BE A MISSING WELD ON THE BACK OF THE PANNIER RAIL.

Risk: THE PANNIER RAIL MAY, AFTER TIME, BE WEAKENED LEADING TO A FULL FRACTURE OF THE RAIL AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF PANNIER AND RAIL FROM THE MOTORCYCLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PANNIER RAIL. ALL MOTORCYCLES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS Mar 2008 · 08V145000

TRIUMPH IS RECALLING 356 MY 2008 ROCKET III TOURING MOTORCYCLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS," AND PART 567, "CERTIFICATION." THE CERTIFICATION LABEL, LOCATED ON THE LEFT FRONT FRAME TUBE, INCLUDES INCORRECT INFORMATION REGARDING TIRE SIZES AND PRESSURES, AS WELL AS AN INCORRECT GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR).

Risk: AN OWNER MAY UNDER-INFLATE THE FRONT TIRE IF USING THE INCORRECT INFORMATION. UNDER-INFLATION MAY CAUSE A TIRE TO SLIP OR COME OFF THE RIM CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW CERTIFICATION LABEL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRIUMPH AT 1-678-539-8782.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM Sep 2007 · 07V455000

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, WHEN THE ENGINE IS RETURNING TO IDLE IT MAY STALL.

Risk: IF THE MOTORCYCLE STALLS, THE RIDER WILL HAVE TO RESTART THE ENGINE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND DOWNLOAD NEW ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRIUMPH AT 678-854-2010.

Source: NHTSA. View all Triumph recalls →

Rider Reviews

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