Yes, the Triumph Rocket looks like a wingless plane, but that weird contraption is, technically, a motorcycle. In fact, it’s the motorcycle the iconic British brand is pinning their hopes on to reclaim the motorcycle land speed record, which they last held back in 1970. And, yes, it’s a monster.
Designed to challenge the standing world record of 376.363 mph, the strange-looking motorcycle is being prepped to hit speeds of over 400 mph. We have no idea if it will achieve the feat, but we’ll definitely enjoy watching this thing hit anywhere near that speed over and over.
Powered by dual turbocharged Rocket III engines that post a total displacement of 2,970cc, the Triumph Rocket produces upwards of 1,000 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. Yes, that’s absolutely batshit for a motorcycle and it’s absolutely the reason why it looks like a racing pod straight out of a futuristic racing league. It measures 25.2 x 2 x 3 feet (length x width x height), so it really looks more like a small plane (or a large missile) than a motorcycle, complete with an enclosed cabin for whoever’s brave enough to actually ride this thing.
Features include a carbon Kevlar monocoque chassis, aluminum swingarm suspension both front and rear, Ohlins TTX36 shocks, Goodyear Land Speed Special tires, and carbon disc brakes. And since we doubt the brakes will get it to slow down quickly from 400 mph, it comes with ribbon type parachutes that can be deployed to help keep things under control.
Learn more about the Triumph Rocket from its official website.