[{"id": 4263722, "authorName": "eaglemike", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/eaglemike/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Incredible piece of motorcycle history (at least to me) :)\r\nI remember reading about these when they came out. There was an article about using a version of this for the Isle of Man as a marshall's vehicle, and they said it truly was a rocket.\r\nBest of luck with the auction!", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1584636902, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4263727, "authorName": "crewchief36", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/crewchief36/", "bidAmount": 500, "content": "$500 bid placed by crewchief36", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1584637000, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4263730, "authorName": "Prospect944", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/prospect944/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "As a kid in the late '60s, I remember the radio advertisements on this bike. It was touted as the fastest thing around...Until the Honda CB750 came along and ruined the party for the British bikes.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1584637272, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4263867, "authorName": "2hecknback", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/2hecknback/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "A stock Rocket 3 was certified by the AMA going 131+ mph, the fastest for a production m/c at the time. The Honda 750 Four was good for around 125. In terms of handling, the BSA was superior at any speed. Having Craig Vetter in the line of title is no small thing. He's the designer who transformed the Rocket 3 into what became a styling milestone, the Triumph Hurricane. The original Rocket 3's futuristic look didn't catch on back then. I'd guess it has more fans now.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1584639007, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4263902, "authorName": "guerrila", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/guerrila/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "love that patina", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1584639360, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4264121, "authorName": "johnny_turbo", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/johnny_turbo/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I forget where I first saw an image of that silencer with the triple tips, but it immediately placed these bikes on my list of favorites. I would not dream of repainting this one.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1584641337, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4264125, "authorName": "PWSchuh", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pwschuh/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "How susceptible are drum brakes like this to fade during sport riding? Just as prone as their automotive equivalents, or are they better?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1584641364, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4264127, "authorName": "johnny_turbo", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/johnny_turbo/", "bidAmount": 1000, "content": "$1,000 bid placed by johnny_turbo", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1584641368, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4264171, "authorName": "DaveD", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/daved/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I've owned my 1969 BSA Rocket 3 for 41 years now, buying it from the original owner who purchased it from Century Cycles in San Pedro, CA, after it had sat, unsold on the showroom floor until 1971 (thanks, Mr. Honda). \n\nMine\u2014with currently about 13M on it\u2014is also almost totally original, including paint, chrome, fittings, etc. My paint is not quite as faded this one here as mine has been garaged most of its life, but it's very much this same sort of patina. I'd rebuilt the original Amal Concentrics twice, trying to get an easy start and smooth idle at hot or cold but, failing that, put a set of the new Amal Concentric \"Premier\" carbs on it and it transformed the bike to run like new. It's still a love affair with that old beast and its rock-solid handling and deep rumble down low, building up to a banshee howl at full chat still make me grin.\n\nInterestingly, up until now, my Rocket 3 was the the earliest production model I'd seen, with engine No. ACO1219A75R. This one here is 57 numbers earlier, making it a late 1968 manufacture date, sold as a 1969.\n\n\"The engine may benefit from a rebuild\" is rather ambiguous and I believe needs clarification. Almost any older engine will benefit from a rebuild, so tell us exactly what symptoms or problems exist that lead you to this conclusion. There's plenty of unnecessary description of the blatantly obvious equipment and fittings on the machine, yet no description about how it runs, shifts, clutches, etc. \n\nAre those reproduction/replacement Tripak mufflers? The chrome plating appears much better than on the rest of the bike, and better than the original set on my bike.\n\nIt's great that it has an original California blue plate (if sold and registered in '69 it would've been a black plate, obviously, but many of these, like mine, sat unsold for a while). Hopefully a California buyer would make the case for keeping that plate on the bike, and not surrender it at the DMV. I did with mine.\n\nYes, having Craig Vetter as part of the ownership provenance is kind of a cool thing, no doubt. I've crossed paths with Craig over the years, but haven't seen him since the accident several years ago. I wonder whether he owned this while designing the X75 for Triumph? Gives this bike that added nugget of history!", "likes": 13, "timestamp": 1584641614, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4264213, "authorName": "foolonawheel", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/foolonawheel/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Nice bike and nice patina! Not sure who writes the descriptions but these are not clubman bars, they are commonly known as Superbike bars and are actually a much better bar for this bike than clubmans.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1584641823, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4264243, "authorName": "Yamadude68", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/yamadude68/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Just a friendly reminder to everyone -just like those 70's Triumphs, the rear brake pedal and gear shifter are opposite of Jap bikes fyi. Gorgeous machine by the way. GLWTA", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1584641973, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4264255, "authorName": "DaveD", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/daved/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Amazing to see both a '69 Triumph T150 Trident and this '69 BSA A75R Rocket 3 on here at the same time! What're the odds?", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1584642079, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4264327, "authorName": "DaveD", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/daved/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@PWSchuh ~ Regarding brakes, these are perfectly adequate for what I'd call \"spirited\" riding, which is pushing the bike hard within reason, but not diving at speed and late-braking as you would on a modern sport bike. I've never experienced brake fade on mine and I ride it pretty hard with the Norton and modern Triumph guys on the Angeles Crest and canyons here in So Cal. Setting the brakes up for proper and concentric contact with a clean surfaced drum is essential for not only effective braking, but minimizing fade.\r\n\r\n@Yamadude68 ~ Thanks for the reminder. The British bikes shift on the right side...the Asian machines shift on the wrong side.", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1584642469, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4264361, "authorName": "Rob_O", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rob_o/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I love it that it still has the ray-gun mufflers - a lot of those got swapped out for 3-1 setups. Either way, these things make the most awesome noise (yes, Trident too) of any 4-stroke motorcycle from that time.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1584642614, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4264364, "authorName": "ejhansen05", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ejhansen05/", "bidAmount": 1250, "content": "$1,250 bid placed by ejhansen05", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1584642630, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4264484, "authorName": "Ken_H.", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ken_h.-user/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Would be worth owning just for the link to \"Windjammer\" fairings!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1584643362, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4264641, "authorName": "Slam105", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/slam105/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Geez, 3 cylinder Brit motorcycles popping-up everywhere!\r\n\r\nRegards", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1584644333, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4264755, "authorName": "adriancw", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/adriancw/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Looks wonderful, even with the Patina! As this was Craig Vetter's, it's noteworthy to point out that at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Ohio (unless they moved it out this year) you can read about and see his evolutionary steps, including the original \"BSA Hurricane\" (before it was branded and sold as Triumph).", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1584645038, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4265686, "authorName": "PDXBryan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pdxbryan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@markdinucci\r\nWere those 20 years of storage in a cycle shop in N.E. Portland, Oregon? I remember there was one just like this packed in that store front with a zillion other old Brit Bikes like a can o\u2019 sardines.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1584651013, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4265786, "authorName": "watsonkli", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/watsonkli/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I remember drooling about the claimed 130 MPH top speed. I want to remember it as it was so I refuse to look-up the top speed of my wifes' Honda mini van.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1584651672, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4266131, "authorName": "Billthedreamer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/billthedreamer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Had a 71 Trident 5-speed. Sold it after two winters driving it in Ann Arbor, when it would start. Regretted ever since.\r\nIn 75 I bought a 71 silver blue Rocket 3 that was still in a crate. Unpon assembly it leaked like a sieve. Sold it when I had children to raise, and regretted it.\r\nFast forward 35 years and I bought aother silver blue 71 Rocket 3. Leaks and the brakes are so bad that you don\u2019t even have to worry about fade. I will never sell it !", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1584654496, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4266136, "authorName": "Billthedreamer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/billthedreamer/", "bidAmount": 1350, "content": "$1,350 bid placed by Billthedreamer", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1584654557, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4266361, "authorName": "markdinucci (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/markdinucci/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@PDXBrian To my knowledge this bike has never been to the shop we referred to as \"The Sandy Bandit\". It has been in storage in California's South Bay for two and a half decades.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1584657895, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4266389, "authorName": "VTfly", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vtfly/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Here's the sad, sad history of the BSA Rocket and the final years of British motorcycle industry. \r\nhttps://www.classic-british-motorcycles.com/bsa-rocket-3.html", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1584658633, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4266860, "authorName": "markdinucci (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/markdinucci/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "VIN AC01162A75R\r\nJerry at tripletechs.com cleaned and degreased the bike and removed the parts for servicing.\r\nHe drained the fluids, cleaned and inspected the oil pump and then used the oil pump to flush the system because he believes the old oil is detrimental to the bearings. He doesn't believe in moving the crank until the old oil is flushed and new oil has been pumped into the oil system using the oil pump. The bearing surfaces are therefore fully lubricated and the system, including the oil cooler, has fresh oil.\r\nHe oils the rockers and cam followers before adjusting the valves.\r\nHe used six quarts of different oils and two oil filters to get the system flushed and ready. I don't know of a better method than this to bring an engine that has been sitting a long time back to life.\r\n\r\nHe removed and cleaned the carbs, fitted new jets and needles and adjusted the slides and float levels and got the gantry set up correctly.\r\n\r\nHe adjusted the points and timing and replaced the battery.\r\n\r\nHe replaced the primary chain adjuster, replaced the clutch bearing, installed new cush rubbers and found the primary chain to be in good condition (I had replaced the chain not long before putting it into storage). He put in a new 'long bolt' and washer while he was in there.\r\n\r\nSo you can see the bike has some new gaskets.\r\n\r\nHe installed the new chain guard.\r\n\r\nHe said it started on the second kick!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSome folks here and elsewhere have mentioned the these bikes can achieve 130mph. The factory data I had said it would do 118mph which I achieved for maybe six to nine minutes, in a strong crosswind. When I slowed down to lower revs it felt rough. I pulled to the side of the road and adjusted the points with a Swiss Army knife and it then ran just fine!\r\n\r\nSomeone asked about the mufflers. The mufflers are stock. I have tried to keep the bike as stock as possible and used only stock parts when needed.\r\n\r\nIt doesn't leak but I used Yamabond on the gaskets which may have helped.\r\n\r\nIt shifts as good as you would expect a Brit bike of this vintage to shift and works as well as my lows miles T160 five speed shifted.\r\n\r\nThe brakes worked surprisingly well when I put it into storage. The drums may need to be cleaned with Scotchbrite or something but I am not sure if they will need anything.\r\n\r\nIt has been stored in a closed, dry, California garage with some other nice bikes.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1584669758, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4267181, "authorName": "mezger", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mezger/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Beautiful, just beautiful. \r\n\r\nI'm not in the market but I bet a cold start video would assist the sale.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1584680606, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4267311, "authorName": "Sluggo503", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sluggo503/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I can add a little background on these. Traditionally the BSA Rocket 3s if you track sales outsell the Triumph versions by large margins. I dont know why, But over the years people value them much higher $$$$$ the Las Vegas auctions also illustrate this but across the board people are far more excited about these BSA variants.\r\nThe paint on them was a factory candy paint and was supposed to be Candy Apple red with a silver substrate. Being in Lacquer they fade like crazy. I agree the write up on this is less than stellar and this bike deserves better. At the local modern Triumph dealer, there is a young lady whos father gifted her his bike. It was featured at the ONE Moto show here in Portland a few years back.. Same paint issues. The brakes, as Dave notes, with proper service and set up are excellent but do suffer from fade in extreme riding. But of all the Triumphs this was the best brake they made. Sensible people ride accordingly.\r\nI know Jerry Liggett and indeed he is the Triple guru, Very respected. I will defer to his superior knowledge but I am perplexed at the choice to retain the stock ignition. They are junk. Sorry,, but you cant keep the stock points in spec. Rev it and watch with a timing light. Experts disagree on the best ignition choice but most select a Boyer Bransden but some prefer the TRI-Spark. Either way, I ALWAYS tell owners the only sensible course of action is a EI. \r\nThe history of these is a bit more convoluted. Initially development was started in 65. The project was shelved and even the CB750 was derided as a non threat as the test one tossed its chain at MIRA and Corporate dismissed the threat. Only when CB750s started selling like crazy did they dust off the triple concept and it was rushed into production without fully developing the product. Young Norman Hyde and others were engineers, Testers at the time are well documented their feedback but was dismissed. Hyde went on to a successful career catering to the Triples crowd.\r\nRebuilds and fettling is best done under a proper guru like Jerry or others of his knowledge. The bike was built from existing parts on the Triumph-BSA shelf and the parts are common to others in the range (250-500-650). Early ones had issues but easily addressed. Indeed Uncle Cliffy, AKA the Sandy Bandit did have one of these in the window of the Lombard store along with a PU Speedtwin. There is a story about those bikes. But he had more of them in the Sandy Blvd store as well. I documented for several years the contents of the stores and his Inventory of Factory NOS parts. (TriCor, NVT, Duarte, etc etc) I have photos of several of the bikes. I also took tons of photos of the parts coming out of the crates. One that created a stir was there was several crates of these ray gun silencers, NOS tanks of the UK style as well as the Triumph Beauty kits. So there is a lot of parts for these floating around now. For 3 years nearly every day I posted 3 pix a day of the Warehouse and shop contents along with some narrative and a few pranks (I said they were throwing away all the Goldstar parts as everyone knows they are junk and worthless, I showed a picture of Goldie engines sitting by a dumpster. Mike was getting calls like crazy from Europe over it, The story he was being deported back to Australia was another hoot,. The $10 all you can carry story tripped up a lot of people) Anyrate, Carl, the Club newsletter editor was Xposting my stuff onto the Cycle World forum,. They came up and did an article called \"Mining for old\" but all I wanted was buy me a beer and I was ignored. Oh well, But the Gold Mining reference had a deeper meaning. Cliff was a Hoarder to the extreme. There also was no conspiracy theory he did not subscribe too. So he had ideas about the US Gold standard and for a while he wanted only gold, not US Currency. But he hid stashes of gold coins in the parts collections but lost track of some of it. We know of 2 stashes that were found and returned to him ($30,000 and $50,000) but who is to say what happened to the rest. I got a million other stories about this stuff.. but getting off track about this bike. I will say,, Either people love the Triples or hate them. But those who love them are madly in love with them and some of the most passionate Vintage British owners out there except those Vincent weirdos. And yes,, Met Craig Vetter, Sears Point vintage days west he did a tech talk-seminar on a wide range of topics and was very interesting to hear. Fun Fact. BSA and then Triumph stiffed him on payment for his development work. You can read more in David Gaylins excellent book, Ver 2.0 Triumph in America and you can buy the book direct from him off eBay. He will autograph it for you. Nice guy! If you want to see what those hacks at Cycle world wrote..You can read this here. https://www.cycleworld.com/2015/07/30/mining-for-old-the-greatest-cache-of-vintage-motorcycle-parts-in-the-world/", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1584700861, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4267522, "authorName": "osy00", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/osy00/", "bidAmount": 1500, "content": "$1,500 bid placed by osy00", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1584710542, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4267987, "authorName": "2hecknback", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/2hecknback/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@VTfly I suppose any \"history\" of the BSA-Triumph triples that doesn't mention their competition successes would be on the sad side. Seller's use of Yamabond gasket sealant goes a long way toward ending oil leaks. Jerry at Triple Techs is top rank.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1584719101, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4268498, "authorName": "33EJB", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/33ejb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Wow!\n\n'70s motorcyle-gasm here on BAT this week!\n\nWhere else could you see all of these '70s bikes for sale in one place?\nOnly on BAT, I'll wager.\n\n* BSA Rocket 3\n* Triumph Trident\n* Ducati 450\n* BMW R75\n* BMW R90\n* BMW R90 with Sidecar\n* Honda CB750\n* Honda CB350\n* 2 Honda Z50 Monkey bikes\n\nWhich is your favorite? This BSA Rocket 3 for me.\nGLWATA!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1584727374, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4269551, "authorName": "homer_gator", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/homer_gator/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "A former Craig Vetter bike and no fairing? I call for an investigation!\r\n\r\n@33EJB, dang, the 1970 T120R I bought 2 weeks ago didn't make the cut. JK!\r\n\r\nCool bike! GLWTA!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1584734170, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4270735, "authorName": "Lazyk", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lazyk/", "bidAmount": 2000, "content": "$2,000 bid placed by Lazyk", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1584740871, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4271661, "authorName": "Dobb", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dobb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I love the patina on this Beezer! Is there any documentation of Craig Vetter's ownership available?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1584752275, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4272559, "authorName": "shooker", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/shooker/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Sluggo503 I would disagree on the triple vs Honda 4 timeline. Both were introduced in 1969 at the Las Vegas dealer's show. I read the account of a Triumph rep who thought they were going to be killer with the triples. He came down and saw the the Honda 4's. 4 cylinder, disc brake, electric start for roughly the same price. He went back upstairs and started updating his resume......He knew that was the end. \r\nThe points ignition was fraught with peril. Typically within 800 miles the timing would start to vary and possibly hole a piston. If the engine ever gets low on oil, they love to toss the central rod. Sweet sounding bikes.\r\n BTW Love hearing about Sandy Bandit again. One of the true colorful characters in motorcycling.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1584800452, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4272806, "authorName": "Yuri", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/yuri/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I owned one of these. Bought it from a friend who got in trouble with the law riding it....long story. \r\n\r\nSynching the carbs is essential or they run pretty rough. I rode mine from Chicago to Champaign, IL once and discovered that they have to be right or they're very uncomfortable. \r\n\r\nMine had been set up cafe style with a Honda 750 front fork with disc brake, VDO round gages, a larger Harley-sized rear wheel and tire and a GP 3 into 1 flat-black megaphone pipe with no baffle...also an integrated seat/rear fender. It looked the business and was decently fast. Would have been a lot better if I'd known how to take care of it at the time. \r\n\r\nIt nearly killed me. Tee intersection, unmarked, over a hill on a back-road...put it down on the asphalt, went into a vacant lot with it and landed on the bike in tall grass. My back a textbook case of road rash with tar in it. Missed hitting a tree by only a little. ...I should be dead!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1584805485, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4273225, "authorName": "2hecknback", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/2hecknback/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Sluggo503 It can be a bit of a guessing game as to why one bike or car is worth more as a collectible than another. However, in the case of the BSA and Triumph triples, it may not be much of a mystery. (Triumph Hurricanes, and Slippery Sam and Rob North Replicas are excepted for obvious reasons.) There were far fewer Rocket 3's built in the first place. The all welded duplex frame is unquestionably a better piece of kit than the Triumph's (single down tube bolted together), and the BSA's inclined cylinders place a bit more weight on the front wheel. As contemporaneous track test lap times document, the BSA's handled better than the Triumphs. (Although the Triumph's handling was good enough to win the Isle of Man Production 750 TT five years running.) Also, the 'Flash Gordon' styling of the BSA was wilder than the Triumph's, and that ups the cool factor. The MKI Rocket 3's came from the factory in more than one color, including green (Martian?) Many BSA-Triumph colors of the era used a silver base coat to achieve a metallic effect, including Triumph's famous racing blue (Pacific Blue). @shooker The 1968 release of the 750 Norton Commando and BSA-Triumph triples, the first of what would be called 'superbikes' in that era, pre-dates that of the 1969 Honda 750-4. The Brits got to market first, but not with the most.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1584817984, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4273349, "authorName": "Sluggo503", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sluggo503/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Shooker Actually I was wrong on the dates of the development, But if you care to research it, Norman Hyde is a great resource but there is many accounts of the development of the R3 and T150 & T160, *Fair disclosure, I have dealt with many of them as a shop but tried to stay away from them for many reasons, Vintage bike owners can be complicated to deal with and Triple owners need to be self maintainers, happy to sell you a part, but tried to avoid service or overhaul. IMHO*, But there is many articles and books on the topic from many excellent first hand accounts. I found Edward Turner interesting and he took a trip to Japan in the early 60s and came back and warned staff \"We are in trouble!\" As well as David Gaylins excellent book on Triumph in America that ironically many dealers were ENCOURAGED to offer Japanese bikes along with their BSA and Triumph product lines as it was felt that a new bike owner would start with a small Asian bike and then step up to the \"Real Bikes\". But for reference see page 89 of TIA, https://books.google.com/books?id=nE8_DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA89&lpg=PA89&dq=development+of+the+Triumph+triple,+1965&source=bl&ots=5QIzepvamm&sig=ACfU3U1wPdzxT7wJln69iJHmxe0Jy6gTDw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjVi9f1razoAhXCFjQIHdLnBHkQ6AEwDnoECAoQAQ#v=onepage&q=development%20of%20the%20Triumph%20triple%2C%201965&f=false And besides John Healys comments about BSA and Warranty costs But the Paragrpah of interest is \"Prototype Triples testing in the US\" is where you want to look at. \"Eight years before Honda's Four was introduced in the US, Triumphs general manager had already planned his company's three-cylinder super bike. Bert Hopwood conveived the 750cc triple in late 1961. By October 1962, Chief development engineer Doug Hele completed drawings for the triple's 120 degree crankshaft, Back burner development continued until 1964, When the rumor of a 750cc Honda was dropped like a bombshell during a BSA group senior executive meeting\" Etc etc etc,, Other reference material showed early Hondas did poorly in testing including a write off at the MIRA test track so mgmt discounted the threat. Thats why the bikes never got the proper development, but were rushed into production in the late 60s. The project had not been given priority until the last minute. The reason I have so much interest is I have a development bike that came from Cliff-Cycle Hub. Part of the aborted Triumph Quadrant program. But its best to always go to source material and I have been doing so for several decades, too much to discuss here, but the source material is out there and encourage others to research it. Process engineering and product development has been part of my career so I find it fascinating to study it in others as well, Hence why I bought Norton America to showcase the Oregon Norton chapter with Vintage Rebuilders which is a fascinating story itself, and use this to promote our local museum. **I hope this helps the discussion!!!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1584822217, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4273646, "authorName": "snerd", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/snerd/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "to Sluggo503 on a trip from LA to Portland(70's) and areas around found the Sandy Bandit...yep every thing was for sale... but nothing could be bought . I'm a proud owner of '53 Triumph Thunderbird, '66Norton 99 . '70 Fastback ,72 Combat Commando plenty to keep busy with.RB", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1584833769, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4274234, "authorName": "shooker", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/shooker/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Sluggo A friend of mine the late Bob Hanson was involved in the Honda four project. He was at a meeting where Mr. Honda and other factory big wigs were cooing about a \"big project\". Until this time Honda's big bike was the 350 twin. Hanson suddenly said, \"I sure hope it isn't going to be a big twin? The English do that and they vibrate\". The room went really quiet. Hanson then said \"You should make a four\". Mr. Honda leaned back in his chair and smiled. \"We have much experience with the four\". \r\nDoubtless the British had been toying with the idea too. I mean wasn't the Ariel two Triumph engines? Just not transverse. \r\n@pfshoen I know when the Commando was released it was considered the beginning of the Superbike era. Others would argue when the Vincent Black Shadow came out, it began and then there was the Brough Superior SS100 argument. All bikes are super with me;-)", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1584883775, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4274531, "authorName": "DaveD", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/daved/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This machine is missing what is true for almost every early Rocket 3 out there: the small, brittle clip that holds the clutch cable to the left side cover (that's what that empty hole is for), and the gold-toned plastic strips that clip onto the forward edge of both side covers right where the air filter is visible. \n\nI'm fortunate to still have my clutch cable clip intact (I actually put a drop of oil on it every time I have to pop the cable out or in), but I'm missing those gold plastic trim edging pieces, and would be interested in purchasing a set if anyone has some to sell. They were there when I bought my bike but fell off, unnoticed, over the years...", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1584892425, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4275044, "authorName": "sjmorgan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/sjmorgan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Bob Hansen... I bought my first Laverda SFC Production Racer through him. Nice guy, and very helpful in all areas of performance motorcycling. He was a fixture at all of the AFM and WERA club races in So Cal. Besides Honda, he was involved with the Kawasaki H1 and H2R road racers, with riders Nixon and DuHamel. Interesting, golden age sort of times. \r\n\r\nI had a Rocket 3, one of my first bikes. Very nice engine, decent performance, nice sound and much better braking when the front drum brake was replaced with a Honda fork and disc brake. I didn't really want to sell it, but I had a line on a new MV Agusta 750 S America, and that Laverda, so away it went. \r\n\r\nThe Craig Vetter connection is interesting, as he was responsible for the then unique, single- piece body of the Rocket 3 based X75, one of the coolest bikes of the period. \r\n\r\nThis one looks to be mostly complete and would not be a major PITA to restore. It's especially nice with the flat, narrow bars.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1584909682, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4278780, "authorName": "John_B", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/john_b/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I love the patina on this bike. BSA engaged the design firm Ogle Design to design the Rocket 3. Ogle had no experience designing motorcycles but was famous for their toaster designs. So all I ever see anymore in a Rocket 3 is a toaster on two wheels. Put two slots in the top of the tank and you're done : )", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1584997648, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4279110, "authorName": "UK_MGA", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/uk_mga/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Lovely bike.\r\nCan the seller give details on the documentation of Craig Vetter\u2019s ownership?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585001630, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4279186, "authorName": "PDXBryan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pdxbryan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@markdinucci\r\nI\u2019m glad I checked back in and saw your response. Yes, you\u2019re right, the shop was on Sandy. Around 20-25 years ago I\u2019d stop in there on occasion to admire the dusty old Brit bikes. He was a grouchy old cuss though and, as I recall, was damn proud of all his crusty relics. Is that why they called him the \u2018Sandy Bandit\u2019?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585003224, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4279430, "authorName": "markdinucci (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/markdinucci/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Regarding my comment about the engine may benefit from a rebuild. It has been sitting idle for a long time. It is an engine that revs quite freely to over eight thousand rpm. It has 14k+ miles on it. It has never had the head off.\r\n\r\nBefore we started working on it we discussed a rebuild and came to the conclusion that the next owner should decide if it met his/her needs and let them decide.\r\n\r\nI hope this helps answer why I made the statement in the listing.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1585008808, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4279503, "authorName": "markdinucci (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/markdinucci/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@PDXBryanTe Sandy Bandit had a ton of spares. He had a sodium filled exhaust valve for my B50 but he wanted over one hundred dollars for it. I passed. He was quite the crusty dude for sure. Kinda entertaining.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1585010770, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4279530, "authorName": "markdinucci (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/markdinucci/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Here is how I can document that the bike was Craig's by showing the email discussion. I am not allowed to show his email address. He also sent me a picture (jpg or gif?) of the newspaper advertisement that showed the price he was selling it for in the last mail he sent. I had never seen the newspaper ad. I met Craig through bicycles and he noticed that I had a BSA 441 Victim (Victor) which prompted him to ask me if I would be interested in his triple.\r\n\r\n\r\nFri, Jun 26, 2015 at 12:06 PM\r\nOK Mark\u2026 I found the serial number of my Rocket 3.\r\n\r\nWhat is yours?\r\n\r\nDrum roll...\r\n\r\nCraig\r\n\r\n\r\nFri, Jun 26, 2015 at 3:28 PM\r\nHi Craig\r\nThanks for getting back.\r\n\r\nAC01162 A75R\r\n\r\n\r\nFri, Jun 26, 2015 at 4:05 PM\r\nYou win!\r\n\r\nTell \u2018em it was mine.\r\n\r\nCraig", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585011391, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4279587, "authorName": "Hailwood1965", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/hailwood1965/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@shooker Nice story but I seriously doubt Bob Hansen \"told Mr. Honda\" much at all. \r\nSay weren't Hansen (and the rest) all fired from Honda after the 1970 Daytona 200 win? For ..telling Honda something they had no interest in hearing? Read Youngblood's book, it spells it out pretty well, and is sourced by none other than Dick Mann.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1585013325, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4279597, "authorName": "Hailwood1965", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/hailwood1965/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "You guys are ALL missing the point. This bike may or may not have been owned by Craig Vetter. The main point is that this bike, if it was owned by Craig, missed being made into one of his shockingly ugly experiments in bad taste. FFS. \r\n\r\nIf I were Craig I'd hide my email address too.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1585013529, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4279612, "authorName": "markdinucci (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/markdinucci/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Hailwood1965 The rules for not showing personal contact info are required by this site, BaT.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585013807, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4279639, "authorName": "Hailwood1965", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/hailwood1965/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Used to be a good shop debate as to whether or not the columnist for Playboy, also named Craig Vetter, could make a less visually hideous motorcycle than CRAIG VETTER. Most seemed to think he could.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1585014584, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4279922, "authorName": "Gordy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gordy/", "bidAmount": 2200, "content": "$2,200 bid placed by Gordy", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585024834, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4279927, "authorName": "Gordy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gordy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I have a 72 Norton Interstate, a 1968 BSA lightening, a 72 Triumph Bonneville and a 69 Triumph Trident all in my living room so why not a BSA Rocket too to keep them company", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1585025115, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4280041, "authorName": "Lazyk", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lazyk/", "bidAmount": 2500, "content": "$2,500 bid placed by Lazyk", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585034832, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4280955, "authorName": "shooker", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/shooker/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Hailwood1965 Hansen was held in pretty high regard by Honda. He built CR-450s for Daytona. He was a professional team manager. He ran G-50 matchless before and went on to run a team for Kawasaki. \"Fired\"? I never heard that. Like a lot of racers, he kept his secrets. After the rest of the entries were upset with him for not sharing his discovery, he walked away.\n\nI know Honda did send him a CB-750 in appreciation of his suggestion.https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/news/remembering-bob-hansen/", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1585067359, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4282851, "authorName": "late_apex", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/late_apex/", "bidAmount": 2600, "content": "$2,600 bid placed by late_apex", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585080804, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4283806, "authorName": "Lazyk", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lazyk/", "bidAmount": 2700, "content": "$2,700 bid placed by Lazyk", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585086695, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4284784, "authorName": "Gordy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gordy/", "bidAmount": 2800, "content": "$2,800 bid placed by Gordy", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585112743, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4284802, "authorName": "PDXBryan", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pdxbryan/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@markdinucci\r\nYes, he was definitely entertaining. He liked to tell stories about his squabbles with Steve McQueen. He thought Steve was an a_hole! Yeah, OK, whatever.....;^)", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585113888, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4285015, "authorName": "Greg_G", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/greg_g/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Far from a bike expert, but Im really liking small details here, like the ventilated front drum and triple tip mufflers. Are these unique to the Rocket?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1585140117, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4285091, "authorName": "voiture", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/voiture/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Bring a Windjammer...\r\n\r\nActually the Vetter connection is pretty cool.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1585141789, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4287027, "authorName": "Gary_T1", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gary_t1/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The ventilated drum was on both BSA's and Triumphs of the period. I think they're superior to the non-vented drum models, but I've talked to some purists who feel otherwise. The front discs came in 1975 I believe. Regardless of the system utilized, Brit bikes stopped and handled better than anyone else when they were made. \r\n\r\nAs far as the styling and the Rocket-only triple tip mufflers, I HATED these, they looked pretentious and not very \"motorcycle cool\" at all. As others have mentioned here, they were designed by Ogle and this was their first motorcycle design. I wouldn't be surprised if it were their last. However, with the passage of time and my appreciation of old eclectics from the past (myself being one) I like it! It would make a nice weekend ride that isn't seen very often.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1585162509, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4287420, "authorName": "Dobb", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/dobb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This one will Rocket tomorrow.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585164572, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4287426, "authorName": "MTdesign", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mtdesign/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Front discs came in at least 1974.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585164599, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4289111, "authorName": "markdinucci (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/markdinucci/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I just realized a mistake I have made that I had posted below. When I was referring to Jerry Ligget and his website I misspelled the name of his web site. I spelled it tripletechs when the correct spelling is tripletecs. Please accept my apology. If you are interested in these British triples you will find it beneficial to check out his site.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1585176480, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4289325, "authorName": "DaveD", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/daved/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The ongoing talk about the \"Buck Rogers\" mufflers (officially dubbed \"TriPak\" and meant to evoke the \"Rocket\" theme, although Ogle was a decade behind the times) misses something very important here. \n\nNot only have these come to be one of the most distinguishing characteristics of the '69 BSA Rocket 3 and Triumph Trident, but the most successful racing triple\u2014Slippery Sam\u2014was a Triumph that dominated the production class at the Isle of Man in its day and, after exhaustive dyno testing, it was discovered that these goofy-looking devices actually extracted more horsepower and torque from the mill than anything else available. Open megaphones were not allowed on proddy racers, and would have boosted horsepower at the expense of torque in the process in any case. \n\nCheck out pics of Slippery Sam at the IOM and you'll see a black exhaust system with these TriPaks in place, canted up a few extra degrees for clearance during hard cornering.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1585180730, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4289668, "authorName": "DaveD", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/daved/", "bidAmount": 2969, "content": "$2,969 bid placed by DaveD", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585187169, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4289735, "authorName": "chancek69", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/chancek69/", "bidAmount": 6000, "content": "$6,000 bid placed by chancek69", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585188979, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 4290356, "authorName": "2hecknback", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/2hecknback/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Craig Vetter's redesign of the Rocket 3 involved more than the 1 piece seat/tank unit. The cylinder head fins were lengthened, the forks extended, a 3 into 3 exhaust stacked on one side, and headlight mount fashioned from alloy casting. It is without a doubt a styling milestone, and widely considered a masterpiece. Values tend to be 2-3x more than the other triples. Count up how many production semi-chopper models have been built by different manufacturers since Vetter's prototype was unveiled. Imitation is the highest form of flattery.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585227688, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4290394, "authorName": "elchinero", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/elchinero/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "CraIg Vetter without a Vetter fairing ///", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585228586, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4290687, "authorName": "BobRawkes", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bobrawkes/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Imagine the social distancing you could achieve with this rocket", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585233737, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4290907, "authorName": "DucatiJohn", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ducatijohn/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "You spelt Jerry's name wrong, too. There are 2 't' s on the end.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585236888, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4290967, "authorName": "markdinucci (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/markdinucci/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Ducatijohn You are correct. Thanks for pointing that out. He is a really great guy BTW.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585237680, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4291069, "authorName": "markdinucci (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/markdinucci/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Ducatijohn You are correct. Thanks for pointing that out. He is a really great guy.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585239006, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4291153, "authorName": "markdinucci (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/markdinucci/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Ducatijohn You are correct. Thanks for pointing that out.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585239991, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4291759, "authorName": "Gordy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gordy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Funny how it double in price bid\r\nHimmmmm", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585246506, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4292039, "authorName": "eaglemike", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/eaglemike/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@markdinucci Thanks so much for offering this piece of history. I have to be responsible at this time. I'd love to have this beautiful motorcycle.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585248082, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4292072, "authorName": "markdinucci (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/markdinucci/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@eaglemike Thanks. It is a piece of history and it runs great. Sorry to hear you go.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585248283, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4292088, "authorName": "DaveD", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/daved/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Gordy ~ Maybe @chancek69 wants to park it next to his newly-acquired BMW 633CSI!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585248358, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4292112, "authorName": "Malcom", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/malcom/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Still cheap", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585248535, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4292122, "authorName": "Anonymous", "authorUrl": "", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Reserve not met on 3/26/20 at $6,000", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585248602, "type": "bat-bid-reserve"}, {"id": 4292131, "authorName": "DaveD", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/daved/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "No surprise there...but considering both the current softening of prices, coupled with Covid caution, it's probably a good offer. Which I hate to say since I own one nearly identical to this one...", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1585248722, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4292168, "authorName": "Malcom", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/malcom/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Yes the problem is for international buyers is the current extremely bad exchange rates. Would be good for an English or New Zealand buyer normally", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585248859, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4292190, "authorName": "2wheelterry", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/2wheelterry/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sweet machine with a beautiful patina located in my bank yard. Too many projects stacked up to take this one on.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1585248978, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4292296, "authorName": "Crossle32F", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/crossle32f/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Worth hanging on to it at that price ... biased, because I too own a near identical bike (inherited from an uncle in the BC interior in the early '80s). But when all sorted they are so great to ride, plenty enough power for modern roads, great sound and still that classic narrow bike feel (at least compared to most moderns). Even 'super-slabbing' it along I5 between Vancouver & Seattle, it is a nice ride. Never understood why the Brits were always so hard on themselves about these and the Tridents.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1585249626, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 4293094, "authorName": "Swancron", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/swancron/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Just the patina on this makes it seem museum worthy. Just lovely. You can not replicate the look of this bike.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1585254695, "type": "comment"}]