BSA Road Rocket

BSA A10 Road Rocket
ManufacturerBSA
Production1954-1958
AssemblySmall Heath, Birmingham, UK
SuccessorBSA Super Rocket
Engine646 cc air cooled twin
Bore / stroke70 mm × 84 mm (2.8 in × 3.3 in)[1]
Power40 bhp (30 kW) @ 6,000rpm[2]
Ignition typeMagneto
TransmissionFour speed, chain drive
SuspensionTelescopic fork (front), swinging arm (rear)
BrakesDrum
Wheelbase54.75 in (1,391 mm)
DimensionsL: 84 in (2,100 mm)
Weight418 pounds (190 kg)[3] (dry)
Fuel capacity3.5 imp gal (16 L)
Fuel consumption50 mpg‑imp (5.6 L/100 km)[3]

The BSA Road Rocket was a 1950s 646 cc (39.4 cu in) air-cooled parallel twin motorcycle designed by Bert Hopwood and produced by Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) at Small Heath, Birmingham. Developed from the A10 Golden Flash it was the first sports bike in the BSA A10 series. The A10 had a reputation for reliability but was struggling to compete against the Triumph engines and the Norton Featherbed frames.[4] Advertised by BSA in 1956 as 'undoubtedly the world's greatest motor cycle'[5] the Road Rocket was discontinued in 1958 when it was replaced by the BSA Super Rocket.[6]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference classic-british-motorcyclesA10 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference realclassic was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b "BSA Road Rocket". MCS. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  4. ^ "BSA Golden Flash on test". Classic Bike Guide. May 2008.
  5. ^ "BSA Sales Brochure". Retrieved 17 January 2009.
  6. ^ "BSA Twins". Retrieved 17 January 2009.