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LOT 394

1962 BSA 649cc Rocket Gold Star Registration no. YPN 203 Frame no. GA10 702 Engine no. DA10R 8474

Sold for £12,650 inc. premium

1962 BSA 649cc Rocket Gold Star
Registration no. YPN 203
Frame no. GA10 702
Engine no. DA10R 8474

Widely recognised as one of the most desirable of all factory built 'café racers', the Rocket Gold Star arrived in 1962 along with the first of BSA's new unitary 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 Super Rocket engine's compression ratio was raised to 9.25:1 for the RGS, the claimed maximum power increasing to 46bhp. But for some reason best known to BSA, the RGS frame was unique, although not that different from the production A7/A10 item, as was the wider dual seat. The model was offered in a number of different forms and with a host of options relating to controls and equipment. Around 1,800 Rocket Gold Stars were made over a two-year period and today genuine examples are highly sought after.

This genuine Rocket Gold Star comes with a dating certificate from the BSAOC. The machine was restored by the previous owner and acquired by our vendor recently. Very little previous history is known. A video of the machine running may be viewed on the Bonhams Motorcycles' website. Accompanying paperwork includes an old-style continuation logbook, an old V5; current V5C; and sundry invoices.
Key not required

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Spring Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 27 April, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

The aforementioned old V5 is a photocopy only.

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  • 26 April 2025, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 27 April 2025, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

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