Motorcycle manufacturers are riding in their new models at what's considered by many as the superbowl of motorcycle shows, the EICMA.

One on the lips of industry experts is Triumph’s new Rocket III Roadster which made its public debut at the annual EICMA show in Milan, Italy.

The British company also took the opportunity to announced two new special editions and an exciting collaboration with two of the industry’s leading brands, Castrol and Ohlins.

The Rocket III Roadster, which received its world press launch in the UK last month, is the latest version of the cult 2.3 liter motorcycle that created such a stir when it was first introduced in 2004. This latest version positions the Rocket away from the  cruiser world and into streetfighter territory.
The new machine features a sophisticated ABS system, new blacked out styling and revised ergonomics. New exhaust systems have been introduced and account for an improved acoustic experience and increased power and torque.

The Rocket III Roadster pumps out a mighty 221Nm, more than any other volume production motorcycle. In addition to the Rocket III Roadster, Triumph has unveiled the Bonneville Sixty at EICMA. Inspired by the classic colour scheme of the 1960 incarnation of Triumph’s most famous model, the Bonneville Sixty is a limited run of 650 T100s featuring a unique two-tone Meriden Blue/Caspian Blue combination with hand painted pinstripes.
 
The Bonneville was first introduced in 1959, although the 1960 Bonneville T120 was commonly regarded as a more handsome creation than the earliest models thanks to its classic blue and grey color scheme, blade style mudguard and the move away from an integrated headlamp/instrument nacelle to the classic twin-clock set up with chromed headlight that carries on today’s T100.

While the new Bonneville Sixty is inspired by the classic design of 50 years ago, the 865cc 66bhp machine combines timeless looks with modern components and engineering to deliver an authentic experience that appeals to a wide range of motorcyclists. To add to the Bonneville Sixty’s limited edition appeal, each motorcycle comes with a numbered plaque on the handlebar clamp and an individual certificate of authenticity. 

Another special edition is the Speed Triple SE, which sees the most famous model of the modern Triumph era get updated suspension and two-tone paint for the first time in its 15 year history. First introduced in 1994 as a classy café racer, the Speed Triple’s place in history was cemented in 1997 when the Speed Triple was ‘streetfightered’ with wide, flat bars and distinctive twin headlamps.

The Speed Triple has remained a cult classic, starring in three movies (Mission Impossible 2, The Matrix and Johnny English) and spawning a whole host of competitors in the ‘factory streetfighter’ class. The new Speed Triple SE features a higher specification than the standard Speed Triple.

The vivid Tornado Red color scheme features a sporting Crystal White centre stripe and black pinstripe, with a color matched fly screen and seat cowl.

The Speed Triple SE debuts upgraded suspension, which will be introduced to all Speed Triple models. Changes to the suspension include modified internal components in both the forks and rear suspension unit to improve the damping characteristics. Combined with a 5% softer rear spring, the latest Speed Triple offers better ride comfort, reduced fork dive under heavy braking and superior body control. Mechanically the Speed Triple SE identical to the standard model, featuring a 128bhp version of Triumph’s signature 1050cc three-cylinder engine.

Triumph is also showcasing two new premium color options for the Thunderbird cruiser at EICMA.

The flamboyant Phantom Blue Haze and Phantom Red Haze Thunderbirds are hand painted at Triumph’s Hinckley factory and contain a high sparkle content that creates an impression of incredible depth in sunlight, transforming from near black to a vibrant blue or
red.

The new color options will be made available on a limited run of Thunderbirds in early 2010.

To celebrate the arrival of the 1700cc big-bore accessory kit for the award-winning new Thunderbird, Triumph Genuine Accessories is offering a limited run of the cruiser with the kit factory-fitted. The big bore kit, which consists of new pistons, liners, camshafts and uprated clutch springs, is usually a dealer-fitted extra and lifts the maximum power output from 85bhp to 97bhp – with torque increased from 106ft/lbs to 115ft/lbs.

The factory-fitted 1700cc Thunderbirds come fitted a bespoke ‘1700’ clutch cover embellisher and are fully homologated in all markets. Existing owners can have the big bore kit retro fitted to their Thunderbirds at official Triumph dealerships.

Triumph partners with Ohlins
Triumph has announced a partnership with the world’s foremost race suspension supplier, Ohlins, to deliver a range of supreme quality accessory rear suspension units for Triumph’s Urban Sports range. Available for the Daytona 675, Street Triple, Street Triple R, Speed Triple and Tiger, the Ohlins shock absorbers have been developed to provide the ultimate control and performance to the sporting rider.

The Ohlins partnership continues Triumph’s policy of working with the industry’s finest aftermarket experts to develop products specifically for its motorcycles and riders. Triumph already works with Italian companies Alpinestars and Arrow Special Parts, and sees the partnership with Ohlins as another benefit to its discerning customer base.

The bespoke suspension units have been developed in close collaboration between Triumph and Ohlins and have been thoroughly tested to both companies’ exacting standards. They are available exclusively from authorised Triumph dealers from March 2010. To celebrate the partnership, Triumph is featuring a special Speed Triple on its stand at EICMA.

In addition to the Ohlins rear suspension unit, the Speed Triple features Ohlins road and track forks and a host of exclusive components including special texalium  bodywork with a one-off paint job created in house by Triumph’s paint shop, a ceramic coated Arrow exhaust system and special wheels, brake discs and calipers from German company PVM.

Triumph and Castrol announce technical partnership Triumph has entered into a technical and commercial partnership with lubricant specialists Castrol to develop a range of specialist products for the Triumph range. Castrol engineers are working closely with their counterparts at Triumph to develop a range of lubricants that will be available through authorised Triumph dealerships.

Commenting  on the agreement, Paul Checkley, General Manager of Triumph Genuine Parts and Accessories, said: “This is a true partnership in  every sense of the word. Castrol have an outstanding technical expertise and are the leaders in what they do. We are already working together on projects that are three years away from production, it’s a long-term two-way agreement.”