Triumph Rocket 3 R Black, Rocket 3 GT Triple Black are here for 2021

Triumph is releasing two new limited-edition Rocket 3 models for 2021, one based on the R model, and the other on the GT. Both of the new blacked-out models will only be available in production runs of 1,000 machines.

Rocket 3 R Black

Triumph says the Rocket 3 R Black is “the ultimate muscle roadster” with “a dark and moody style.” That tells you there aren’t any performance upgrades to the new machine. Instead, you get an all-black paint scheme, with matte and gloss finishes. The 2,500 cc three-cylinder engine is blacked-out, but not hot-rodded. It still makes 165 hp at 4,000 rpm, and a massive 163 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. 

The exhaust system also gets a healthy coating of black paint. The trend continues through the bike, with nary a shred of chrome to be seen. Blacked-out fender mounts! Headlight bezels! Handlebar clamps! Hand and foot controls! Intake cover! Radiator cowl! And so it goes.

Rocket 3 GT Triple Black

The R has a stripped-down aesthetic, and the Rocket 3 GT has a bit more in the way of creature comforts. And, on the Rocket 3 GT Triple Black, those extra bits are also black, black, black. The GT gets the same blacked-out paint everywhere else, too, on the engine, exhaust, controls, wherever you can imagine. Like the R model, the Rocket 3 GT sees no performance upgrades.

The GT Triple Black has the same electronics package as the standard Rocket 3 models, and the Rocket 3 R Black. Cornering ABS and traction control are standard, an four ride modes, controlled by a switch on the left handlebar. A TFT screen comes standard, for controlling other electronic functions.

Although the new Black versions might look different, they should ride the same as the machines Costa tested at the Canary Islands back in 2019; for his impression, see here.

The Rocket 3 R Black is priced at $27,700, while the Rocket 3 GT Triple Black will set you back $28,500. Both will be available in Canada in late April 2021.