Close window
Print details

BSA Rocket Gold Star

BSA Rocket Gold Star

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

BSA Rocket Gold StarBSA Rocket Gold StarBSA Rocket Gold StarBSA Rocket Gold StarBSA Rocket Gold Star
Lot number 212
Hammer value £15,000
Description BSA Rocket Gold Star
Registration SBV 620
Year 1962
Colour Chrome/black
Engine size 650 cc
Chassis No. GA10166
Engine No. DA10R7005

Launched in February 1962, the BSA Rocket Gold Star marked the final stage of development of the A10 twins and is widely recognised as one of the most desirable of all the factory built ‘café racers’.

Featuring a specially tuned 46bhp version of the 650cc A10 Super Rocket twin-cylinder engine in a modified Gold Star single frame, BSA created a real road-burner with fine handling that became an instant classic.

The brainchild of Banbury motorcycle dealer Eddie Dow, who had built up a considerable body of expertise in looking after BSA's high-performance singles, the Rocket Gold Star was intended to bridge the gap between the end of Gold Star production and the introduction of new unitary construction sports models which were already on the drawing board.

The model was offered in a number of different forms and with a host of options relating to controls and equipment. When tested by Motor Cycle in November 1962, the new BSA received a glowing report, being summed up as a 'scintillating high-performance road burner: good brakes, excellent rider comfort and docile traffic manners.' A top speed of 105mph was also recorded, an outstanding feat for a road bike of the time.

Only in production until 1963, just 1,584 Rocket Gold Stars were made (272 of them off-road scramblers) and survivors are highly sought after today, a situation which has led to many fakes being created using Super Rocket parts.

This particular Rocket Gold Star comes with a letter from the Gold Star Owners Club dated April 1997 stating that it was despatched to S&G Motorcycles of Blackburn on 20th April 1962 with frame number GA10 166, the engine number being recorded by the club as DA 10R7005 at the time the letter was issued. Both these numbers match those on the bike today, which also still retains its original Blackburn registration number, SBV 620.

Supplied with a V5C registration document and appearing to be in very good order throughout, it is being offered here from a deceased estate and has been in one ownership since 1998.
 

Close window
Print details