BSA Rocket Gold Star
 | |
| Manufacturer | BSA Motorcycles Ltd |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Birmingham Small Arms Company |
| Production | 1962-63 |
| Predecessor | BSA Super Rocket |
| Engine | 646 cc air cooled twin |
| Power | 50 bhp (37 kW) @ 6,250 rpm |
| Transmission | four speed gearbox to chain drive |
| Wheelbase | 54.75 in (1,391 mm) |
| Dimensions |
L: 84 in (2,100 mm) |
| Weight |
375 lb (170 kg) (dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.5 imp gal (16 l; 4.2 US gal) |
The BSA Rocket Gold Star was a Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) motorcycle that marked the final stage of development of the A10 twins. With a specially tuned A10 Super Rocket engine in the well proven Gold Star single frame, BSA created a very fast bike (for the time) with good handling, that became a 'classic'. Surviving models are in such demand today that 'fakes' (using Super Rocket parts) are sold as originals.
Development
Launched in February 1962, the total BSA Rocket Gold Star production was 1,584 bikes, of which 272 were off-road scramblers.[1] The later (1961-1963) 9:1 compression Super Rocket engine was used with a Spitfire camshaft and an Amal Monobloc carburettor gave 46 bhp (34 kW) as standard. Options such as Siamesed exhaust pipes and a close-ratio RRT2 gearbox could increase this to 50 bhp (37 kW) – 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]
Rocket Gold Star production ended in 1963 due to the development of new unit construction successors.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "The Rocket Gold Star". Archived from the original on 9 May 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-15.
- ↑ Ker, Rod. "Rocket Gold Star". Retrieved 2008-05-16.