Today in motorcycle history, January 11, 2004

The 2004 Cycle World International Motorcycle Show makes it's stop at the Convention Center in Washington, DC, giving the Capital motorcycling population their first look at the 2-wheeled marvel,  the Triumph Rocket III.

  It appears to have very little in common with the 740cc, air-cooled, Amal-powered  BSA Rocket-3 where the name was borrowed from.  This version has a boastful 2,294 cc (140 cubic inch), fuel-injected, 12-valve,  DOHC, liquid-cooled, shaft-drive straight three, 140 bhp @ 6000 rpm.  It is 98" long and 38" wide (not for the short-legged), 774 lbs (wet) with 6.3 gallon fuel capacity.

 Triumph's hard work paid off with the critic's at least,  being awarded Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine's 2004 Bike of the Year and Motorcyclist's 2004 Cruiser of the Year.

 The 2004 Rocket III is one of the newest models to be on exhibit at the UK National Motorcycle Museum.