The BSA Rocket Gold Star motorcycle was produced in 1962-63, with a total of 1584 units made. It features a four-stroke, parallel twin-cylinder, OHV engine with a capacity of 646cc and a compression ratio of 9.1:1. The ignition system is a Lucas magdyno and it has a kick-start function. The bike has a maximum power output of 34 kW or 46 hp at 6250 rpm. There is also an optional RRT 2 close ratio gearbox that increases the power to 37 kW or 50 hp. The transmission is a 4-speed system, with a chain final drive. The bike has a welded seamless steel tubing frame with duplex downtubes and a full cradle engine support, and a bolted-on rear subframe. The front suspension is a telescopic fork with a hydraulically damped coil spring, while the rear suspension is a swinging arm with twin coils. The bike has drum brakes, with an 8-inch drum in the front and a 7-inch drum in the rear. It also features alloy wheels with wire spokes and shouldered tires, with a front tire size of 3.25 x 19 inches and a rear tire size of 4.00 x 19 inches. The bike has a length of 2100mm or 84.0 inches and a wheelbase of 1391mm or 54.75 inches, with a dry weight of 143kg or 315lbs. The fuel capacity is 16 liters or 4.2 US gallons, and it has a top speed of 185 km/h or 115 mph. The bike comes in two color options – silver/chrome and red/chrome.
Technical specifications:
Make Model: BSA Rocket Gold Star
| Year | 1962 – 63 |
|---|---|
| Production | 1584 units |
| Engine | Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, OHV |
| Capacity | 646 cc / 39.4 cub in. |
| Bore x Stroke | 70 x 84 mm |
| Carburetor | Amal Monobloc |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 |
| Lubrication | Dry sump |
| Exhaust | Single, stainless steel |
| Ignition | Lucas magdyno |
| Battery | 6V |
| Starting | Kick start |
| Max Power | 34 kW / 46 hp @ 6250 rpm Optional RRT 2 close ratio gearbox: 37 kW / 50 hp |
| Clutch | Multi-plate with built-in cush drive |
| Transmission | 4 Speed |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Frame | Welded seamless steel tubing with duplex downtubes and full cradle engine support, bolted-on rear sub frame |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic forks with coil spring – hydraulically damped |
| Rear Suspension | Swinging arm, twin coil |
| Front Brakes | Drum, 8 in. |
| Rear Brakes | Drum, 7 in. |
| Wheels | Shouldered alloy wheels, wire spokes |
| Front Tyre | 3.25 x 19 in. |
| Rear Tyre | 4.00 x 19 in. |
| Dimensions | Length: 2100 mm / 84.0 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1391 mm / 54.75 in. |
| Dry Weight | 143 kg / 315 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 16 L / 4.2 US gal |
| Top Speed | 185 km/h / 115 mph |
| Colours | Silver/chrome, Red/chrome |
| Source | Wikipedia, Vintage Motorcycles Online, Bar Hopper Challenge, Classic Auctions |
