The 2.3-litre Rocket III, which became a victim of EU4 emissions last year, is likely to return late next year. Our spy shots reveal and all-new inline- three-cylinder engine that we reckon may be as big as 2500cc. Such an engine should easily match the Diavel and its increased torque, already 221Nm in 2.3-litre form, will demolish virtually any other production motorcycle in a straight line.

The new chassis incorporates aluminium castings and has a single-sided swingarm that incorporates the shaft final drive.

A superbike-style upside-down fork and Brembo radial brake calipers and matched to a much sportier steering head angle. We’ve briefly seen two versions of the Rocket III, one with a conventional upright riding position and  another with a more cruiser, feet-forward style.

The big talking point is the rear tyre, an Avon Cobra that’s at least a 250-section and possibly even the widest 300-section version that it offers.

A brief reveal to Triumph dealers late last year suggests a public debut before next November’s round of motorcycle shows.

By Ben Purvis