1969 BSA Rocket 3

Description

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‘MDM361G’ is a rare and very special example of the 750cc, triple-cylinder BSA Rocket 3 haling from 1969. The Rocket was offered alongside the almost identical Triumph Trident, first appearing in 1968. As a pair these motorcycles are credited with ushering in the age of the superbike, predating the Honda CB750 by a month, or so. The BSA version was by far the rarer of the pairing with around 5,800 units of the total Trident / Rocket 3 production of around 27,500 wearing a BSA badge. ‘MDM361G’ is rarer still, however. Rather than the somewhat clunky Ogle design of the standard Rocket 3, this one is thought to be a redesigned example by American motorcycle design legend, Craig Vetter. This exclusive design went on to become the highly collectable Triumph X-75 Hurricane. This renders ‘MDM361G’ very much sleeker and more desirable than your average Rocket 3. The vendor reports that Vetter himself thought that this “could be” one of the pre-production prototypes. This matching numbers example is MOT and road tax exempt based on age and is reported to run very well.

Whereas the standard BSA Rocket 3 was somewhat cursed with a very clunky, so called “bread bin” tank and slabby side panels, this Vetter design is very much sleeker and daintier. The bodywork is much reduced and creates a flowing continuity from tank to side panels. A pinched in “waist” results in a surprisingly small and manageable form factor for a 750cc machine. The rider environment is standard Rocket fare with a generous pillion saddle and upright bars. ‘MDM361G’ vivid orange livery is truly eye-catching together with its accompanying yellow stripes and black decals and coachlines. The three upward slanting chrome silencers round off the look of this dramatic BSA perfectly. The vendor rates the bodywork, paintwork and rider environment as “good.”

The mechanical specification of ‘MDM361G’ is standard Rocket 3 fare. This means a 740cc OHV three-cylinder engine dwells under that shapely tank. In original trim this was good for a healthy 58bhp at 7,500 rpm. This endowed the Rocket 3 with a top speed in excess of 115mph. The vendor notes that the BSA currently lacks a battery but rates all other mechanical aspects of ‘MDM361G’ as “good.”

In summary:

A rare and exclusive example of the BSA Rocket 3 as designed by Craig Vetter
Complete with a vibrant and eye-catching livery
Reported to run very well

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Ad ID: 1502096511

Exact specification may vary from the details on this page. Please contact the seller to reconfirm any details before purchasing. See Terms & Conditions for further information.