c.1972 BSA 750cc Rocket III 'Rob North' Racing Motorcycle

• Genuine Rob North-built example
• Numerous 'works bike' features
• Present ownership since 2014
• Subsequently restored
• Immaculate condition

This 'Rob North' BSA was purchased by Norman Murray from Bonhams' Stafford auction in April 2014 (Lot 240) and subsequently sympathetically restored. Our April 2014 catalogue described the machine as follows: "This 'Rob North' triple was purchased in its present condition in 1998 by the vendor's late husband from well-known tuner and sponsor Fred Walmsley. Little is known about the machine's previous history, though it appears to have several works-type modifications and is believed to have a Quaife five-speed transmission. Other noteworthy features include triple Lockheed disc brakes, Akront alloy wheel rims, Krober tachometer and an oil cooler in the nose of the 'letterbox' fairing. The engine is not numbered; however, the BSA back stamping is present where the number would be located, indicating that it probably was constructed with new crankcases. The frame is also without an identification number. Used only for display at various shows - the engine has never been started during the present ownership - the machine will require basic safety checks and re-commissioning prior to use."

While in Norman Murray's care the Triumph was painstakingly restored to its current state from the ground upwards with much of the work carried out by Paul 'Trog' Nickels. The rebuild included dismantling the engine and removing by hand all the congealed Castrol R oil inside it. It is believed that the engine contains all the parts used to build it in 1972-1973. As far as possible the original trim was preserved, including what is believed to be the original paint on the tank. Other notable features include a magnesium rear hub (used only in the USA in the 1972/73 season) while the numerous attached stickers name a rider 'S Handy' and the Edinburgh dealers Moto-Cal. There is also an exhibitor's sticker from the 21st International Classic Bike Show of 2001. John Cooper has signed the fairing.

Former BSA factory race mechanic Steve Brown has suggested that the bike has a genuine Rob North frame and swinging arm, works machine bracketry and period-made petrol and oil tanks. A letter on file from the late Richard Darby of 3D Motorcycles dated June 2021 states: "I have inspected this machine, along with Mr Steve Brown (ex BSA factory race mechanic) and believe it to be a genuine tig welded Rob North chassis built by Rob North after he stopped building frames for the Triumph race department. This would date it to somewhere during 1972, possibly even into 1973, but it should be noted that it is not a factory machine. It is fitted with a genuine Lucas ignition control box of the type fitted to factory machines. The points are Bendix type, fitted onto a factory race department plate and driven by works' quill drive. The rev counter bracket is of the same style and manufacture as those fitted to the works' team machines. The front hub also appears to be of the same style as the factory race bikes, although the rear hub is not recognised - it is in magnesium. The swing arm can be seen to be genuine Rob North by the style of the bearing housings, being of a larger diameter to the actual cross tube. The petrol tank can be said to be of Don Woodward manufacture, as would also be the oil tank."

It is not known when the machine was last used but it was pictured in Classic Bike Guide at the Beezumph 27 rally on the Anglesey circuit in 2018. Very nicely presented (as are all Norman's motorcycles) it has been kept in his immaculate heated private museum since purchase. A rare opportunity to own a genuine Rob North-built triple incorporating numerous rare 'works bike' features. Key not required.
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