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.

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