BSA Lightning Rocket
The BSA Lightning Rocket was a Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) motorcycle made in Birmingham. A highly-tuned version of the BSA A65R Rocket, it was BSA's bid to capture the potentially lucrative USA export market in the mid-1960s. Twin Amal 389/206 carburetors and high-compression pistons, combined with an optional close-ratio gearbox, gave lively acceleration.
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| Manufacturer | BSA, Birmingham |
|---|---|
| Also called | BSA A65-2L |
| Production | 1964-70 |
| Predecessor | BSA Royal Star |
| Successor | BSA A65L |
| Engine | 654cc, OHV parallel twin |
| Top speed | 115mph |
| Power | 48 bhp @ 6,250 rpm |
| Transmission | Four speed gearbox to chain final drive |
| Brakes | Drum brakes |
| Wheelbase | 56 inches (140 cm) |
| Seat height | 32.3 inches (82 cm) |
| Weight | 395 lb (179 kg) (dry) |
Sharing many A65 cycle parts, the Lightning Rocket had a slimmer fuel tank and mudguards, with additional chrome. From 1965, the A65 was discontinued in the UK and the BSA A65L Lightning became the main BSA production twin.[1]
BSA Lightning Rocket at the National Motorcycle Museum (UK)
See also
References
- Clarke, R. M. BSA Twins - A50 & A65 Gold Portfolio. Brooklands Books Ltd. ISBN 1-85520-337-5.
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