Triumph's 2300cc Rocket III was launched in 2004 and has been seen in three guises up to now|: Rocket III, Classic and Tourer.
For 2010 the original Rocket III and Classic are to disappear, making way for a completely new beast, the Rocket Roadster.
The Roadster loses the cruiser appeal of chromed and polished metal and feet forward riding stance for something a shade more brutish.
Black paint and yet more black paint adorns an already black bike, and it's going to be available in metallic Phantom Black, or Matt Black. Ok, there are subtle hints of chrome and polished aluminium.
There has to be because coating everything in paint costs money, and as it is the Roadster is going to be priced very competitively at £10,949.
Underlining the new 'muscle bike' image is a hefty 15% increase in claimed torque and 6% horsepower; not that any previous Rocket III lacked either.
For these reasons the Roadster gets uprated shaft drive and clutch, and a new pair of large volume silencers. ABS also figures as standard equipment.
MCN gets to grips with the Rocket III Roadster Monday, October 5.
First ride impressions will be available on these pages in the afternoon, and the full test in MCN, on sale Wednesday, October 7.
In the meantime, savour the Roadster's specifications and Triumph's superb promo video...
Triumph Rocket III Roadster
Price: £10,949
Claimed power: 146bhp
Claimed torque: 163ftlb
Kerb weight: 367kg
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