BSA Rocket Gold Star

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BSA A10 Rocket Gold Star

Manufacturer	BSA
Production	1962-63
Predecessor	BSA Super Rocket
Engine	646cc air cooled twin
Power	50 bhp @ 6250 rpm
Transmission	four speed gearbox to chain drive
Wheelbase	54.75 inches (139.1 cm)
Dimensions	L 84 inches (210 cm)
Fuel capacity	3.5 gallons

The BSA Rocket Gold Star is a British motorcycle that marked the final stage of development of the BSA A10 twins. With a specially tuned A10 Super Rocket engine in the well proven BSA Gold Star single frame, BSA created a very fast bike (for the time) with good handling fast bike that became 'classic'. Surviving models are in such demand today that 'fakes' (using Super Rocket parts) are sold as originals.

[edit] Development

Launched in February 1962 the total BSA Rocket Gold Star production was 1584 bikes, of which 272 were off-road scramblers^[1]. The Super Rocket compression was increased from 8.25 to 9:1 with a BSA Spitfire camshaft and an Amal Monobloc carburettor gave 46bhp as standard. Options such as Siamese exhausts and a close-ratio RRT2 gearbox could increase this to 50bhp – and add 30% to the price. ^[2] Nine specials were made for export to California and one was fitted with a sidecar by Watsonian for the Earls Court Show in October 1962^[1].

The main reason for the demise of the popular Rocket Gold Star was the emergence of new unit construction successors, which meant that production ended in 1963.