BSA Rocket 3 Mk1

1968 BSA Rocket 3 pictured in the grounds of the National Motor Museum

Key facts

Year

1968
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

741cc
Cylinders

3
Output

58bhp at 7,250rpm
Performance

115mph
Price new

£614
Owner

National Motor Museum Trust
Manufacturer

BSA Cycles Ltd

The Rocket 3 was launched in 1968 to compete with the new generation of Japanese-built motorcycles and to meet demand for increased performance from the important US market. The same three-cylinder engine was used in the Coventry-built Triumph Trident, although the frames were unique to each model and in the BSA the engine was slanted slightly forward. A restyling exercise delayed the launch of the Rocket 3, resulting in a clash with Honda’s radical new CB750.

This motorcycle was built on 13th November 1968 and exported a few days later. It was the twenty third Rocket 3 off the production line. It was the subject of a meticulous restoration by its previous owner.