Post Sale Update: sold for $10,000 after 9 bids on eBay in Portland, Oregon.
Specifically built for the US market (which wanted larger displacements and less vibrations), the 750cc triple motor in the BSA Rocket 3 was designed to extend the model line beyond 650 twins. BSA’s financials suffered with the production of this bike, but nearly 27,500 of the Triumph Trident/BSA Rocket 3 were produced between 1968 and 1975. The bike was initially released to rave reviews, but Honda brought out the CB750 just four weeks later – you know how that story ends.
The 58 horsepower engine was capable of pushing the BSA Rocket 3 up to 120 miles per hour, which might have been its saving grace. The $1,800 MSRP was high compared to Japanese competition, and on top of that Honda was able to offer features BSA could not compete with like a 5-speed gearbox, overhead camshaft, electric start, and disc brakes. In 1970, BSA restyled the Rocket with a more ‘classic’ look to differentiate in the market, and the US sales team exploited the bike’s top speed to set speed records in Daytona. 200 models were then released with 5-speed gearboxes that supposedly commemorate the Daytona run. Kawasaki broke the top speed record in 1971, and one year later, BSA was done. For more on the Rocket 3, check out this article on Classic British Motorcycles.
This example (VIN: PC00544A75R) was acquired b the current owner in 2017 and was subsequently refreshed with a new rear tire, throttle/choke cables, fuel lines, rear brake shoes, and aftermarket handlebar. It also got a carb rebuild, drive chain grease, and “general disassembly and cleaning.” The paint is original and the odometer shows 2,594 miles.
Find this Rocket for sale in Portland, Oregon with bidding up to $10,000 and the reserve met here on eBay.