Rocket 3 - Feature Bike     

An example of a 1969 BSA Rocket 3 with some non-BSA modifications.

The bike was retrieved from a shed near Inglewood Victoria in March 2009. This is where it had been sitting for the last twenty seven years. As a result the bike was covered in 27 years of accumulated dirt and grime when the club collected. It is reputed to have a lightened crankshaft and a Rod Quafe five-speed gearbox.

The bike has matching Engine/Frame numbers. The factory despatch records of which the BSA. M.O.A. Inc. has copies of, indicate that the bike was despatched from the BSA factory on 14 March 1969 to Bennett and Wood. Australia. What we have is a BSA Rocket 3 that would provide a suitable base for restoration.

Front End,

The bike has had its front forks and wheel replaced with what is believed to be a disk brake version, possibly Suzuki. The master cylinder is seized so the front brakes did not operate. There is no Speedo or tacho. The switchgear is also of Japanese origin. The front guard is not BSA. There has been an oil pressure gauge and amp meter fitted to a homemade bracket.

Frame.

The frame & swing arm have been what looks like nickel-plated with evidence of some surface corrosion in places. The shocks look like original equipment.

 Engine/Transmission.

The engine turns over but no attempt has been made to start it, at this point in time, the throttle cable is U/S. The clutch seems to operate as the bike can be pushed around while in gear with the clutch disengaged. The fitting of a five-speed gearbox has not been confirmed at this point in time but there is a spare four-speed cluster. Tin ware The tank appears quite presentable along with both side covers. The rear guard has some slight dents and the red paint has the frosty look in places. There is no chain guard. The front guard is Japanese in origin.

Electrics.

There is what appears to be a very early Lucas Rita electronic ignition. The box has the external resistor. The condition of the electronics is unknown. Much of the original wiring loom is present but there are some modifications done with industrial terminals and automotive crimp connectors. The rear tail lamp is not standard.

Wheels.

The front wheel is of Japanese origin and has a steel rim. The rear wheel is a BSA/Triumph hub of the period fitted with a Borrani WM2 rim. The Borrani rim has a dent in it.

This bike is regarded as not running and as is with no warranty expressed or implied. It will require restoration/repairs before it can be used reliably.

Author R. Armstrong, Aug 1999.