BSA Rocket Gold Star (1962-63)

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.

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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