BSA Super Rocket (1959-63)

The BSA Super Rocket was a four-stroke, parallel twin cylinder motorcycle produced from 1959 to 1963. It had a capacity of 646cc and a maximum power of 37 kW/50 hp at 6250 rpm. The engine was equipped with an Amal TT racing carburetor, a Lucas magneto ignition, and a dry sump lubrication system. The bike had a kick start and a 4-speed transmission with a multi-plate clutch and chain final drive. The frame was made of welded seamless steel tubing with a duplex downtube and full cradle engine support, with a bolted-on rear subframe. The BSA Super Rocket had telescopic forks with a coil spring-hydraulically damped front suspension and a swinging arm rear suspension. The braking system consisted of an 8-inch drum brake in the front and a 7-inch drum brake in the rear. The wheels were made of steel with wire spokes and the tires were 3.25 x 19 inches in the front and 4.00 x 19 inches in the rear. The bike weighed 170 kg (375 lbs) and had a fuel capacity of 16 L (4.2 US gal). It had an average fuel consumption of 4.7 L/100 km (21.3 km/l or 50 US mpg) and a top speed of 187 km/h (116 mph). The standing quarter mile was achieved in 14.1 seconds.

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Technical specifications:

Make Model: BSA Super Rocket

Year: 1959 – 63

Engine: Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, OHV

Capacity: 646cc / 39.4 cub in.

Bore x Stroke: 70 x 84 mm

Carburetor: Amal TT racing

Cooling System: Air cooled

Compression Ratio: 8.3:1

Lubrication: Dry sump

Exhaust: Twin, stainless steel

Ignition: Lucas magneto

Battery: 6V

Starting: Kick start

Max Power: 37 kW / 50 hp @ 6250 rpm

Clutch: Multi-plate with built-in cush drive

Transmission: 4 Speed

Final Drive: Chain

Gear Ratio: 1st 11.68 / 2nd 7.96 / 3rd 5.48 / 4th 4.53:1

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

Front Brakes: Drum, 8 in.

Rear Brakes: Drum, 7 in.

Braking Distance (both wheels from 32 km/h / 20 mph: 4 m / 13 ft

Wheels: Steel, wire spokes

Front Tyre: 3.25 x 19 in., ribbed

Rear Tyre: 4.00 x 19 in.

Dimensions: Length: 2100 mm / 84.0 in.

Wheelbase: 1391 mm / 54.75 in.

Wet Weight: 170 kg / 375 lbs

Fuel Capacity: 16 L / 4.2 US gal

Average Fuel Consumption: 4.7 L/100 km / 21.3 km/l / 50 US mpg

Top Speed: 187 km/h / 116 mph

Standing Quarter Mile (400 m): 14.1 sec.