1961 BSA Super Rocket Rebuild

Jerry Doe · Dec 30, 2020

I picked up my BSA Super Rocket today. Its going to be a fun restore, but probably going to take a while. I'll post updates and ask questions here. I am probably going to need a lot of advice as I am Norton. Here are some photos.

To see the full gallery of photos in this album look here:
BSA Rocket Rebuild Album

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Jerry Doe
Dec 30, 2020

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Jerry Doe
Dec 30, 2020

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Jerry Doe
Dec 30, 2020

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Jerry Doe
Dec 30, 2020

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Jerry Doe
Dec 30, 2020

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Jerry Doe
Dec 30, 2020

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Jerry Doe
Dec 30, 2020

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Jerry Doe
Dec 30, 2020

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Jerry Doe
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Jerry Doe
Dec 30, 2020

EstuaryBoy · Dec 31, 2020

Didn't the National Motorcycle Museum take all the Bruce Maine Smith archives?? Doubtless reprints copies from there, but UK post, of course..

PS: Isn't a fender some sort of guitar

Jerry Doe · Dec 31, 2020

EstuaryBoy said:
Didn't the National Motorcycle Museum take all the Bruce Maine Smith archives?? Doubtless reprints copies from there, but UK post, of course..

PS: Isn't a fender some sort of guitar

Hello mate, I have to ask in American as I dont want to ship from UK. However that might be a good idea the way the exchange rate is. I just ordered a parts and workshop manual on ebay

(So I deleted the above post)

worntorn · Dec 31, 2020

Jerry, which clutch did you get, 4 spring or 6?

Glen

Craig · Dec 31, 2020

Nice project ! Thanks for putting it up ! Will be following closely , ‘72 Lightning was my first taste of Brit bikes ..... lots of fun was had on that stretched beast ......

baz · Dec 31, 2020

EstuaryBoy said:
Didn't the National Motorcycle Museum take all the Bruce Maine Smith archives?? Doubtless reprints copies from there, but UK post, of course..

PS: Isn't a fender some sort of guitar

No a fender is something you hang off the side of a boat mate!!

EstuaryBoy · Dec 31, 2020

baz said:
No a fender is something you hang off the side of a boat mate!!

Or put in front of a fire?

Jerry Doe · Dec 31, 2020

worntorn said:
Jerry, which clutch did you get, 4 spring or 6?

Glen

Hi Glen,

I am going to have lots of questions for you, sorry.

Its a 4 spring clutch. I heard that is better?

I got a handle on most of it I think except the tank. I don't want to buy an Indian one even though they look good. To get that tank fixed up, is going to cost me a few grand (I think). I want it to look original. Matt knows someone who might have a tank in better condition. The problem is I am now becoming obsessed. I am wondering what the tank is supposed to look like for 1961. I searched Google images and some of the tanks have a pear shaped tank badge and some like mine a round badge. I know east coast tanks were larger than west coast tanks and I want an east coast tank (I think that might be what I have). BUT which style of tank badge is it supposed to have. Do you know?

It is missing the clocks. I saw a speedo on eBay for $700. For now I have just purchased 2 indian instruments. They will do for now. They look nearly the same. I will keep a look out for originals for less $.

Once I decide what to do with the tank and get it on its way, I will start on the motor and gearbox. I'll have to get some chroming done too. I cant wait to get into the motor. The tires are flat so it was probably ridden on the freeway a lot. There are no obvious signs of abuse.

Will keep you updated

Cheers

Jerry Doe · Dec 31, 2020

baz said:
No a fender is something you hang off the side of a boat mate!!

Hilarious

Onder · Dec 31, 2020

"The problem is I am now becoming obsessed."

A first. This has never happened to anyone on this list.

Craig · Dec 31, 2020

BritCycle and/or Walridge motors might offer some help , info on tank and badges ....

possm · Dec 31, 2020

Re Clocks try Andy- http://vintagebritishcables.com/ he is very good to deal with and may be able to supply a recondition set.

Jerry Doe · Dec 31, 2020

possm said:
Re Clocks try Andy- http://vintagebritishcables.com/ he is very good to deal with and may be able to supply a recondition set.

Thanks, great resource.

Jerry Doe · Dec 31, 2020

I have found out that the correct tank should have a pear or tear shaped badge. Mine is not correct...

worntorn · Dec 31, 2020

The four spring clutch is borrowed from Triumph and it's a very good clutch. It was used on 61-63 A 10s, so it's also the correct one for your bike. The earlier 6 spring BSA was quite problematic, particularly when BSA bumped power levels first to Road Rocket then to Super Rocket levels.
The late Super Rocket (61-63) has a bit more pep again due to the Spitfire cam and bigger inlet valves. So it's a good thing that they went to the stronger clutch.
If my Super Rocket 4 spring clutch is any indication, it's a really nice, light, smooth engaging clutch.
Your 61 is very similar to my 63. There were only a few changes in 62 and then the 63s were just a continuation of the 62s. There were a lot of good changes 60 to 61.

I'm not sure on the tank badge but it sounds like you've got that sorted.

Glen

Jerry Doe · Jan 1, 2021

Thanks Glen.

I am so lucky sometimes and thanks Matt. Matt just happened to know someone with a very nice original Rocket tank that they wanted to sell. Its now mine

It will soon be off to Brent and will become sapphire blue on top with the super rocket decals and gold stripes. Stoked about this, very lucky.

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Jerry Doe
Jan 1, 2021

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Jan 1, 2021

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Jan 1, 2021

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Jan 1, 2021

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Jerry Doe
Jan 1, 2021

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Jerry Doe
Jan 1, 2021

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Jerry Doe
Jan 1, 2021

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Jerry Doe
Jan 1, 2021

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Jerry Doe
Jan 1, 2021

CanukNortonNut · Jan 1, 2021

Jerry,
Nice project. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
Tom

Craig · Jan 1, 2021

Nice tank ! Actually it’s a real beauty , after a white vinegar soak over a couple days , inside should be shiny too ...

Fast Eddie · Jan 2, 2021

SHINY !
My eyes are burning ...

grandpaul · Jan 2, 2021

Wow, that is one shiny tank!

This should be a very fun project...