Nicola’s fixation on motorcycles is particularly pronounced when it comes to those manufactured by Britain’s esteemed Triumph brand. If I were going to check Nicolas into a Triumph motorcycle, the bike that would best involve his thoughts could be nothing other than the unapologetically powerful Triumph Rocket III. As a happy coincidence, the very same bike had become the focal point of Nicola’s latest bespoke project.
Unlike Nicola, the Rocket III doesn’t just vie for attention – it commands it with its commanding presence. Since its inception in 2004, the Rocket’s claim to fame has been its remarkable engine, widely regarded as the most significant in the world of motorcycle manufacturing. As a bewildered occupant within a sleek, metallic enclosure, the engine, comprising two cylinders of 1,294cc each, housed within a sophisticated DOHC design, efficiently channeled cooled liquid to produce a remarkable 148 horsepower and 163 Newton-meters of twisting force. While the numbers may seem staggering on paper, it’s only when you lay eyes on a Rocket III in person that you can truly grasp the enormity of its imposing physique. The behemoth’s chunky, industrial design intentionally conceals its true nature.
Over the course of its history, Triumph has undergone a significant transformation in refining the iconic Rocket III model. Today, the Indian Scout is often regarded as a muscular street fighter or sport bike rather than a direct competitor to Harley-Davidson’s larger cruisers. While assigned to revamp the most underpowered Rocket III model in its family tree, Nicola tackled the challenge of transforming a first-generation 2004 model into something new and improved.
Nicola aimed to refine the Rocket III’s physical and visual appearance. Drawing inspiration from iconic Triumphs and the sleek lines of cafe racers, the designer has successfully reimagined a motorbike that barely acknowledges its heritage.
The logical starting point for tackling this project was to meticulously strip away the Rocket III’s exterior bodywork. Upon entering, visitors will encounter a miniature replica of the iconic fender, its sleek design bereft of any ornate chrome embellishments. The twin headlamps’ bulbous appearance has given way to a sleek, single LED unit situated harmoniously between the robust fork assemblies. A single Motogadget Motoscope Traditional gauge substitutes the original twin dial setup seamlessly. Nicola went one step further, shedding pounds from the handlebars by replacing the chunky cruisers with a pair of laid-back Bonneville bars.
Perched atop the robust framework of the Rocket III chassis sits a reworked Triumph Trident gasoline tank from the mid-1970s, its classic lines and patina adding a touch of nostalgia to the overall design. A surprisingly good match is found on the unmodified body, but upon closer inspection, something even more breathtaking is revealed within. RATHER THAN burdening the bike with an excessive fuel load, the Trident’s tanks adapt to serve as a canopy for the Rocket’s electrical housing. As for the shortage of gasoline, it’s now stored in a custom-made fuel tank that has replaced the original airbox compartment. The fuel tank is refilled via a cleverly recessed Monza-style filler, nestled discreetly within the seat, reminiscent of the iconic oil filler found on classic Sixties Nortons, such as the Dominator. By streamlining the bike’s dimensions, this design also reduces its center of gravity, thereby ensuring improved handling capabilities.
On the rear, Nicola has developed a state-of-the-art subframe to further refine and streamline performance issues. On the bespoke subframe, a wasp-tail-inspired rear cowl has been meticulously crafted by the skilled team at Mr Martini’s workshop. The detachable unit allows for effortless two-up riding and effortlessly sits atop the rear half of a custom-made, tuck-and-roll leather saddle. The sleek design incorporates subtle extra LED lighting in the form of a diminutive spherical brake light.
