1969 BSA Rocket 3
1969 BSA 740cc Rocket III
Registration no. PCD 836G
Frame no. AC01527 A75R
Engine no. AC01527 A75R

Essentially a 'Tiger-and-a-half', the Triumph and BSA 750cc Triples were launched in the UK in 1969. Differences between the Triumph Trident and BSA Rocket III were more than just cosmetic: the two models used different frames and in BSA guise the motor's cylinder block was slightly inclined. BSA-Triumph had learned a lot about engine development from racing the 500 twins, and the Triples were the most powerful machines in their class. Dynamometer tested by the American publication Motorcycle Buyer's Guide in 1970, the Rocket III produced a maximum of 55.4bhp at the rear wheel, slightly down on its Triumph Trident sibling's 58.8 horsepower but 1.5bhp better than Honda's four-cylinder CB750. Meanwhile, back in the UK, Bike magazine wound their road test Rocket III up to a top speed of 128mph. This re-imported Rocket III was first registered in the UK in 1983 and comes with old/current Swansea V5/V5C documents. We are advised that the speedometer has been changed. The most recent MoT on file (issued July 2002) records the mileage total at that time as 21,434, while the current odometer reading is 1.6 miles. Acquired by the current owner in July 2005, the machine has been in a private collection and has not been used for some years due to the owner's ill health. Running recently, it nevertheless will require re-commissioning before returning to the road. Non-original handlebars and a stainless steel exhaust system to original pattern are the only notified deviations from factory specification.