Introduced in 1968 the BSA Rocket 3 was designed and built by Triumph and is essentially identical to the Triumph Trident. The 3 cylinder motor was developed from the split case twin cylinder Triumphs by adding a cylinder between the split. The result was much smoother operation than the parent motor. All the 3 cylinder motors (and the Rocket 3) were built at the BSA Small Heath factory. The Trident motorcycles were assembled at the Triumph Meriden plant. Production of the BSA variant ended in 1971.
The 1969 BSA Rocket 3 used a 740CC (45.15 CID) used an air cooled transverse mounted four stroke overhead valve triple with 3 Amal carbs to produce 58 HP. Power was pushed through a single plate dry clutch via a 4 speed transmission for a top speed of 115 MPH. Exhaust was a unique 3 into 2 system.
This 1969 BSA Rocket 3 (VIN: DC02797A75R) is in Sweet Grass, Montana and is listed as “close to 100% original as a 47 year old, perfectly running, iconic piece of motorcycling history can be.” The listing contains extensive documentation and citation. The Rocket 3 is currently priced at $12,300 with reserve not met and a Buy It Now price of $20,000