BSA Super Rocket (A10)
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Make Model | BSA Super Rocket |
Year | 1959 - 63 |
Engine | OHV, Parallel twin |
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. |
Colours | Sapphire blue/chrome, Red/chrome |
Source | Wikipedia |
The Super Rocket has a near-three-figure cruising speed – a performance to meet the autobahn ambitions of foreign-touring enthusiasts, or those who buy motorcycles with an optimistic eye to the extension of motorway travel at home in the not too distant future. On the other hand, the current model can be throttled back to accept happily the inevitable limitations of built-up-area riding. In these less spectacular circumstances, one's patience in jogging along at 30mph is rewarded by a remarkable - for a lusty 650cc twin - fuel consumption also in the three-figure class.' - Motor Cycling.
BSA's range for 1955 embodied several novel features. Alongside the existing plunger-framed machines were new models equipped with swinging-arm rear suspension, while the A7 Shooting Star and A10 Road Rocket sports twins came with new aluminium-alloy cylinder heads. The latter produced a highly respectable 40bhp, and as tested by Motor Cycling magazine was found capable of reaching 109mph. For 1958 the sports 650 became the Super Rocket, gaining a revised cylinder head, Amal Monobloc carburettor and an extra 3bhp. The model lasted into the unitary construction era and was last produced in 1963.