Triumph Rocket Extended Stopping Distances

Triumph Motorcycle enthusiasts, beware! A recent safety concern has emerged for certain models of the Triumph Rocket manufactured between 2020 and 2024. If you own one of these bikes, it's crucial to stay informed about a potential rear brake problem that could affect your riding experience.

The Problem: Brake Fluid Flow

The issue revolves around the rear brake master cylinder, a vital component responsible for moving brake fluid through the system. Some motorcycles produced during the specified period may have a rear brake master cylinder that fails to effectively move fluid, leading to potentially longer stopping distances for riders.

According to the defect report, Triumph acknowledges that motorcycles parked or stored for extended periods may exhibit increased rear brake pedal travel. This means that if your bike has been in storage, you might notice a need to depress the rear brake pedal over a greater distance before the brake engages. Even regularly used motorcycles might experience smaller increases in brake pedal travel.

It's important to note that once engaged, the rear brake performance is unaffected, and the front brakes remain fully functional.

The Impact on Riders

If this condition goes undetected, and if pre-ride safety checks recommended by Triumph are not carried out, riders who rely solely on the rear brake may experience extended stopping distances. This, in turn, increases the risk of a potential crash.

The root cause of the problem lies in the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) 12.7mm rear brake master cylinder, fitted to Triumph Rocket 3 family motorcycles from VIN 971477. This cylinder is unable to consistently move sufficient fluid over a set distance due to the presence of micro air in the brake fluid, which over time coalesces into bubbles. These bubbles reduce fluid movement, leading to a gradually increasing rear brake pedal travel.

The solution comes in the form of a 14.0mm rear brake master cylinder (part number 2025444), which Triumph recommends for replacement. The larger diameter master cylinder displaces a higher volume of brake fluid, overcoming the influence of any air bubbles that may have formed in the brake line.

Recall Information

If you own an affected motorcycle, Triumph will issue a recall notice (SRAN 611) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number is 23V-300. Owners are urged to return to their dealers to have the rear brake master cylinder replaced.

As of October 2023, there have been 85 warranty claims related to this issue. To prevent any safety concerns, Triumph emphasizes the importance of daily pre-ride safety checks, as outlined in the Owner Handbook supplied with all new motorcycles. These checks will help riders identify any increase in rear brake pedal travel, allowing for timely maintenance and ensuring a safe riding experience.