LOT 129
1963 BSA Rocket Gold Star Frame no. GA10 987 Engine no. DA10R 9226
Estimate: US$30,000 - US$35,000
Lot 129
1963 BSA Rocket Gold Star Frame no. GA10 987 Engine no. DA10R 9226
Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum
1963 BSA Rocket Gold Star
Frame no. GA10 987
Engine no. DA10R 9226
Frame no. GA10 987
Engine no. DA10R 9226
• 1960s Factory- built 'cafe racer'
• Only 1200 Rocket Gold Star produced in two years
• Last of the 'pre-unit' BSAs
• Period Correct modifications
• Recent ground-up restoration
Widely recognized as one of the most desirable of all 1960s factory-built 'café racers', the Rocket Gold Star arrived in 1962 along with the first of BSA's new unitary, or unit, construction range. A combination of - mainly - Gold Star cycle parts and the A10 Super Rocket twin-cylinder engine, the newcomer represented the last of the old 'pre-unit' line rather than a new departure and thus was destined for a relatively short life. The idea of making what was effectively a twin-cylinder Goldie originated with Banbury (near Oxford) motorcycle dealer Eddie Dow, who had built up a considerable body reputation in looking after BSA's high-performance singles.
The Super Rocket's compression ratio was raised to 9.25:1 for a claimed 46hp. But the RGS frame was unique as was the wider dual seat. Motor Cycle's test in November 1962, summed it as a 'scintillating high-performance road burner: good brakes, excellent rider comfort and docile traffic manners.' Top speed? 105mph. Around 1,800 were made over a two-year period and today genuine examples are highly sought after. Often as much the Goldie single itself.
This lovely example was the subject of a recent ground-up restoration. It shows superbly. The twin headers and mufflers, alloy wheel rims, and air cleaners fitted to this bike were on the factory option list – BSA called it their 'extra fittings' list - as was a 2- and 4-gallon aluminum gas tank to replace the stock, steel 4-gallon unit and a 190mm front brake. BSA's 1963 sales brochure stated the obvious, 'This time BSA have hit the jackpot – really hard. The new Rocket Gold Star is a jet-age genius.'
• Only 1200 Rocket Gold Star produced in two years
• Last of the 'pre-unit' BSAs
• Period Correct modifications
• Recent ground-up restoration
Widely recognized as one of the most desirable of all 1960s factory-built 'café racers', the Rocket Gold Star arrived in 1962 along with the first of BSA's new unitary, or unit, construction range. A combination of - mainly - Gold Star cycle parts and the A10 Super Rocket twin-cylinder engine, the newcomer represented the last of the old 'pre-unit' line rather than a new departure and thus was destined for a relatively short life. The idea of making what was effectively a twin-cylinder Goldie originated with Banbury (near Oxford) motorcycle dealer Eddie Dow, who had built up a considerable body reputation in looking after BSA's high-performance singles.
The Super Rocket's compression ratio was raised to 9.25:1 for a claimed 46hp. But the RGS frame was unique as was the wider dual seat. Motor Cycle's test in November 1962, summed it as a 'scintillating high-performance road burner: good brakes, excellent rider comfort and docile traffic manners.' Top speed? 105mph. Around 1,800 were made over a two-year period and today genuine examples are highly sought after. Often as much the Goldie single itself.
This lovely example was the subject of a recent ground-up restoration. It shows superbly. The twin headers and mufflers, alloy wheel rims, and air cleaners fitted to this bike were on the factory option list – BSA called it their 'extra fittings' list - as was a 2- and 4-gallon aluminum gas tank to replace the stock, steel 4-gallon unit and a 190mm front brake. BSA's 1963 sales brochure stated the obvious, 'This time BSA have hit the jackpot – really hard. The new Rocket Gold Star is a jet-age genius.'
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Client Services (Los Angeles)
Client Services (New York)
Auction Viewings
- 4 October 2019, 08:30 - 17:00 CDT
- 5 October 2019, 08:30 - 11:30 CDT
