33 REBELS

2008 Triumph Rocket 3

“Oh…my…god…”

Actually, it’s more like, “What the fuck is that…”

Those are the usual initial comments from bystanders when they first see this monster of a cruiser. This beast of a motorcycle packs 3 cylinders, 140HP, has a freaking 2,300 cc capacity and weighs about 800 pounds.

Yes, inserting a very apt “Holy shit” at this juncture will be ok.

Someone working in my building recently bought one of these monsters and parks it proudly right in front of the building. When I asked him how it felt to ride a 2,300 motorcycle, he replied with a very understated “Good”.  Damn I’m jealous…

Here’s a some text, pictures & specs taken from Triumph and a hilarious video of this super cruiser a little further down…

(Source: Triumph)

 The Triumph Rocket III has defined a unique niche in the clone-like performance cruiser market where it sits in a class of its own thanks to its striking looks, stunning performance and incredible specification. At 2294cc it’s the world’s largest capacity production motorcycle.  But, despite the impressive capacity of this amazing machine, it was designed first and foremost to be ridden.  A good turning circle, seamless fuel injection and a low center of gravity combine to make manoeuvring at low speed surprisingly easy.

Engine

The incredible 2.3 liter, in-line, water cooled, triple cylinder engine means that even two-up the Rocket III accelerates incredibly hard without obvious effort.

But despite its size, the engine is incredibly smooth as the balance, input and rear drive shaft contra-rotate against the crankshaft, which makes for minimal torque reaction.

Transmission

Shaft drive is ideally suited to dealing with such a strong production engine and gives the added benefit of being highly durable and virtually maintenance free.

Brakes

The Rocket III’s front brakes - twin four-piston calipers mated with 320mm floating discs – are built to sports bike specification and provide awesome stopping power. The rear brake, developed especially by Brembo, is a single twin piston caliper and 316mm disc.

Fueling

Twin butterfly valves for each throttle body are used to give precise control over the engine and this set-up allows the ECU to vary the mixture flow and ignition map dependent on gear selected and road speed. The torque curve is thus tailored specifically for each gear ratio. And the result is impressive – over 90% of the engine’s prodigious torque output is available at just 2000rpm, giving incredible levels of flexibility and making the five-speed gearbox almost redundant.

Suspension

The Rocket III’s chassis is something quite special and centrers on a large tubular steel twin-spine frame, which houses the motor, while 43mm upside down forks and spring preload adjustable twin rear shocks, built specifically for the Rocket III, add control, composure and supple compliance.

Specifications

For all you readers in Singapore, this beast of a cruiser will cost you about SGD35,000 to SGD40,000.

Wanna see a video? Here’s a hilarious video released from Triumph on the making of this super cruiser…

Here’s a few reviews of the 208 Triumph Rocket III:

• 2008 Triumph Rocket III Review at WebBikeWorld.com
• 2008 Triumph Rocket III Review at Motorbikes Today
• 2008 Triumph Rocket III Review at Motorcycle Cruiser.com

<Look at more cool bikes at 33 Rebels>

<Look at some other cool stuff at 33 Rebels>

Ride or own the above bike? Or just have something to say about it? Let other readers know what you think by leaving a comment below!

Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

(Text and images taken from Lamborghini)

HOLY MAMA!! Come on, I bet those were the first words that came out from you when you saw the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 picture… The Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 just forces you to look at her doesn’t she…

The new Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 features considerable innovations in terms of body design and mechanics. And also with a new name: Murcielago LP640, which refers to its engine position - longitudinale posteriore - and to its power 640 bhp. Designers and engineers have not only focused on reworking the engine, suspensions, gearbox, exhaust system, brakes and electronics, but also the interior and exterior design; improvements that make the Murcielago LP 640 the most extreme and fastest sports car in its class, placing it at the very top.

Unmistakable Lamborghini Design

In their reinterpretation of the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, the designers at the Lamborghini Style Centre have remained true to the traditional Lamborghini principles of purism, sport and function. The Murcielago LP640 now appears even more aggressive, with the new front and rear bumpers contributing significantly to its appearance.

The exhaust system terminal has been incorporated in the diffuser on the rear bumper. Other innovations include the rear lights, which enhance the distinguishing features of the Murcielago LP640, making it unmistakable even at night. The design of the sides is also worth mentioning: while the area behind the air intake on the right side is practically closed, the left side features a vast aperture for cooling the oil radiator. Together with the aerodynamically defined front and rear, this proves yet again that the shape of a Lamborghini is dictated by function.

More Powerful Engine

 The engine of the new Murcielago LP640 has undergone outstanding and radical modification. The increased bore and longer stroke have boosted the displacement of the classic 60° V-engine from 6.2 liters to 6.5 liters. Thus the already extraordinary 580 bhp engine power has now been elevated to an impressive peak of 640 bhp at 8,000 rpm. The 12-cylinder engine reaches a maximum torque of 487 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm.

The new Murcielago LP640 features a modified sixratio gearbox as well as a tougher rear differential and new axle shafts. On request, the e-gear automatic gearbox is also available equipped with the new dedicated “Thrust” (acceleration programme) mode.

Frame and Chassis: Perfect Harmony

The body of the Murcielago LP640 with its characteristic scissor doors is created from the prized union of sheet steel and honeycombed carbon fiber, glued and riveted together.

Driving, handling and stability at high speed are enhanced by new springs and stabilizers, as well as by a redesigned electronically controlled damper. The “antidive” and “anti-squat” features on the axles, which efficiently prevent so-called “brake diving” and “squatting”, have not been changed. The two springs on every rear wheel, the single spring on every front wheel and the damper are placed coaxially.

Optional Ceramic Carbon Brakes

The dual hydraulic circuit brake system equipped with a vacuum brake booster ensures considerable deceleration values. The self-ventilating front and rear brake disks measure 380 mm x 34 mm and 355 mm x 32 mm respectively. The control circuit of the four-channel anti-blocking system (ABS) with electronic brake control (DRP) and traction control (TCS) features a new characteristic curve. The system consists in an electro-hydraulic control unit and four speed sensors.

When particularly high braking performance is required, it is possible to equip the vehicle with 380 mm x 36 mm ceramic carbon brakes featuring six-piston brake calipers.

Interior

The seats in the cockpit have undergone the most radical changes; more spacious and equipped with redesigned head restraints, the seats now ensure better comfort. The leather upholstery features lozenge-shaped stitching called “Q-citura”. The same design is recaptured on the upholstery on the door panels, the panel between the seats and the engine compartment, and on the roof panel.

A new instrument panel has been developed with lights featuring a new graphic design, flanked by a new Kenwood car radio with a 6.5” widescreen monitor and DVD, MP3 and WMA player. An optional navigation system is also available (standard in Japan). 

Look at more pictures and reviews of this fabulous beauty of a car here:

•  MSN Autos - Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Review
• RSportsCars - Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Review
• U.S News - Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Review
• Super Cars - Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Review
• Top Gear - Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Review
• Top Speed - Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Review

Wanna see a video? Here’s a video review of the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 on Fifth Gear…

<Look at more cool cars at 33 Rebels>

<Look at some other cool stuff at 33 Rebels>

Drive the above car? Or just have something to say about it? Let other readers know what you think by leaving a comment below!