The 1959 BSA A10 Super Rocket is a legendary British motorcycle, renowned for its blend of power, reliability, and classic styling. It represented the pinnacle of BSA’s pre-unit twin development and remains a favorite among vintage motorcycle enthusiasts. Here’s a closer look:
General Overview
- Production Years: 1958–1963
- Engine: 646cc, air-cooled, OHV (overhead valve) parallel twin
- Power Output: ~40 horsepower at 6,250 rpm
- Transmission: 4-speed manual, chain drive
- Top Speed: ~110 mph (177 km/h)
- Weight: ~190 kg (419 lbs) (dry weight)
Key Features
- Engine and Performance:
- The Super Rocket featured a high-performance version of the BSA A10 engine, equipped with an alloy cylinder head and an Amal Monobloc carburetor for improved airflow.
- The engine was designed for reliability and torque, making it suitable for both spirited riding and long-distance touring.
- Its increased compression ratio (8.5:1) contributed to its powerful performance compared to earlier A10 models.
- Frame and Handling:
- The duplex cradle frame provided excellent stability and rigidity, contributing to confident handling.
- Front Suspension: Telescopic forks with damping adjustment.
- Rear Suspension: Swingarm with twin shock absorbers.
- Its geometry made it a capable bike for twisty roads and high-speed cruising.
- Braking:
- Front and Rear Brakes: Drum brakes were standard, offering adequate stopping power for the time, though requiring careful modulation.
- Styling and Design:
- The Super Rocket showcased classic 1950s British styling, with a teardrop fuel tank adorned with BSA’s iconic badge, chrome fenders, and polished alloy details.
- Dual exhaust pipes gave it a balanced, symmetrical look and delivered a distinctive exhaust note.
- Instrumentation:
- The bike featured simple, analog gauges mounted on the headlamp nacelle, reflecting its utilitarian yet elegant design.
Cultural and Historical Significance
- Performance Leader: The A10 Super Rocket was one of the fastest and most powerful motorcycles of its time, competing with Triumph’s Bonneville and Norton’s Dominator.
- Sporting Pedigree: The Super Rocket was popular among racers and tuners, forming the basis for many café racers and custom builds in the 1960s.
- Transition to Unit Construction: It was among the last of BSA’s pre-unit construction motorcycles, succeeded by the unit-construction A65 series in the early 1960s.
Legacy
- The BSA A10 Super Rocket is highly regarded by collectors and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts for its combination of performance, craftsmanship, and classic aesthetics.
- Restored examples are prized for their historical value and nostalgic appeal, while some riders continue to use them for vintage rallies and rides.
Fun Facts
- The “Super Rocket” name emphasized its role as a higher-performance version of the Golden Flash, another model in BSA’s A10 lineup.
- It was often used as a base for the BSA Rocket Gold Star, a hybrid model combining Super Rocket components with the lighter Gold Star chassis.
Would you like more details on its maintenance, restoration, or comparisons with its contemporaries?