1961 BSA Super Rocket

[martinb]

Hello, My 1961 BSA was dispatched  from the factory December 29th 1960 to Redhill Motorcycles in Surrey. Later it was sold by Pride & Clark in London.  The front mudguard reg, # is 574FXV. Does anyone know any it's history? frame GA7 155xx motor DA10R41xx Photo attached. Thanks, Martin

[JulianS]

The reverse numbers first FXV series is a London plate issued between April 1963 and June 1964. This series was allocated in blocks, according to Glass's index.

The image below from Glass's index has a comment about blocks of numbers.

[martinb]

Thanks

[martinb]

photo

[martinb]

photo

[LightningAndStarfire]

I especially like the fat tank and the curved seat. I remember the "banana seat", very popular custom item in the seventies, I imagine it was modelled from these BSA items when I see it.

Fully enclosed chaincase I believe was optional from BSA, when did they give up that? Very sensible option.

[martinb]

Thanks, I believe this bsa has been in the US for 40 years.It was in 2 different collections. The collection i purchased it from had it for 18 years. I put it in running condition  with new tires, tubes. The rear tire i took off had a manufacturers date of 1968. The generator was not working so i changed it to a 12 volt lighting. I believe it has original paint. The seat was on it when i purchased it. It has the  remnants of a Pride & Clark dealer decal on the rear mudguard. I wish i knew more of its history. I know it went from the UK to California, to Hawaii, and now in Idaho. I do know it's a fun ride.Thanks, Martin

[martinb]

Also the shift pattern is different  on this BSA, !st gear is up from neutral and 2nd ,3rd, 4th are down. Was this shift pattern popular in the UK in the 60s? Thanks, Martin

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi Martin,

This is standard on the A10 gearbox.  There was a reverse cam plate available so that rear sets would still have the same 'down for up' pattern.  I believe the up for up came with the unit engines.

Dave.

[martinb]

I've been riding BSAs a long time. Photo of me in 1970 at bike week in Daytona. Dick Mann won but on a Honda. Martin

[martinb]

This is what bikes in the US looked like in the late 60s and 70s. My friend RC on my Lightning in Daytona.

[martinb]

This Super Rocket reluctantly will be ebayed in the US soon. If you know anyone looking pass this on. Thanks, Martin

[martinb]

Listed on ebay in the US Sunday afternoon.

[EDDIE SIMPSON]

hi matinb,
i cant help noticing the 19" rear wheel and thought the us had all 18" rears.
what year is the lightning? is the bike better with a 19" rear?

[martinb]

Don't remember the year of my lighting. I remember the motor had some speed parts and i thought it was fast until i drag raced a BSA triple.  Another memory on the lighting is it didn't go very far in the snow with jack daniel's whiskie.