1959 BSA Motorcycles Super Rocket Gold Star & More - 3-Page Vintage Article

Description

1959 BSA Motorcycles Super Rocket Gold Star & More - 3-Page Vintage Article
Original, Vintage Magazine Article
Page Size: Approx. 8" x 11" (21 cm x 28 cm) each page
Condition: Good
The 1959
BSA
Program
l^SA enters the 1959 season with new
models and many new features designed
for the American market. In addition to
a powerful motorcycle program, BSA is
going into the scooter field with two brand
new machines of unique design.
Here are the highlights of the BSA
motorcycle range for 1959:
Super Rocket With
"Big Value" Engine
The already powerful and fast Super
Rocket engine has been further improved
as to horsepower output. Larger inlet
valves, opened-out ports, a bigger car-
buretor, and higher compression pistons
combine to produce substantially more
h.p. than the previous model. This in-
creased power is easily handled by the
heavy base cylinder block and massive,
forged manganese-molybdenum steel crank-
shaft employed on this model.
Motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere will
be glad to learn that die famous BSA “full
chrome” treatment is back on the 1959
‘Rocket. This sportier, racier looking
model is equipped with chrome plated
fenders of semi-race style, chrome plated
fork covers with rubber dust sleeves,
chrome tank panels, chrome exhaust pipes
and mufflers, and many other parts in
sparkling, satin-smooth chrome. Polished
alloy brake plates are new. as are the con-
trol cable sleeves on die handlebars. These
chrome plated sleeves, together with re-
moval of the air control from the handle-
bar, contribute greatly to the new “clean”
look of the handlebar assembly. Fuel tank
is sapphire blue, frame is black on this
extremely handsome motorcycle.
OTHER BSA TWINS
Before individually describing the other
BSA twin cylinder models it may be well
io recall some of the tried-and-tested fea-
tures of BSA design that arc used on all
die Twins.
These would include the fine handling
BSA Twin. Tube frame—an all welded
structure of tremendous strength and rig-
idity, the luxurious BSA Twin-Solo dual-
seal,* the powerful, centrally positioned
brakes now with polished alloy end plates,
the large chromium plated lank panels
with three dimensional badges, the full
rear chain enclosure (optional at slight
extra cost) and the theft-resisting steering
head lock to name just a few of the many
items of equipment that make BSA so
popular.
•Sports dualseat on western models.
Golden Flash
Smooth and powerful and extremely
handsome in its new black, gold, and
chrome finish is this always popular BSA
model. For 1959 this favorite 'Twin will
be finished in jet black* with hand-ap-
plied gold striping, and of course, chrome
tank panels, chrome wheels, chrome ex-
haust system and handlebars, and many
other items in heavy chrome. New fea-
tures include polished brake plates, con-
trol cable sleeves, relocated air lever and
magneto cut-out, and as on the other BSA
twins, an improved Lucas magneto. This
big 650 also has the Rocket type heavy
duty crankshaft and heavy base cylinder
block which contribute so much to smooth
running and long engine life.
•Sapphire blue on western models.
Shooting Star
The Shooting Star is BSA’s fast 500
twin, equipped with a high performance
alloy head engine. For 1959 this model
will have higher compression pistons
which, in conjunction with the high-
speed camshaft give even better perform-
ance and speed. Finish for the new season
will be jet black with gold striping, large
chrome tank panels, “Star” badges, and
all of the other chrome plated parts as
on the Golden Flash model. Additional
contrast is provided on this model by
polishing out the cylinder head fin edges.
(Fin edges on 1959 Super Rocket and
Gold Star are also polished). The new
“clean” handlebar set up and new pol-
ished plates are also on this model.
500 Flash
'This is the lowest priced twin in the
BSA range, but has most of the fine
equipment features of the larger models.
Sparkling performance is provided by the
smooth running 500cc engine and this
model is entirely capable of all legal
cruising speeds. Finish will be in sapphire
blue with large chrome tank panels and
gold striping with many parts in bright
chrome. As on all BSA models, frame is
black.
The new “clean” handlebar set-up and
polished brake plates are also on this
model.
Spitfire Scrambler
This big 40 inch scrambler now has an
air cleaner, longer skid plate, improved
power output with “Big Valve” engine,
and greatly enhanced appearance. New
equipment items include high level cross-
over exhaust pipes of straight-through
pattern, chrome plated lenders, racing
type dualseat, and lightened frame. With
9-1 pistons, and lulhracc camshaft this
is the most powerfid BSA 10 incher, built
and intended for off-the-road competition.
Finish is Rocket red tank, chrome panels,
chrome fenders, black frame.
Gold Star
One of the world’s most highly re-
garded motorcycles is the reliable, high
powered Gold Star single. Supplied with
full road equipment, this versatile ma-
chine has an enviable record when strip-
ped and used as a road racer, or (with
a standard BSA rigid frame) as a track
racer. As supplied, this model has many
“speed equipment” items including hand
tuned dynamometer tested engine with
racing cams, racing carburetor, high com-
pression piston, racing valves and springs
and many other parts designed for max-
imum performance. On the principle that
high speed potential deserves good “stop-
pers,” the Gold Star Road Racer is
equipped with a genuine road racing type
190 mm front brake of positive-cooled
design, and a ventilated type finned rear
racing brake.
Contributing to a new, racy appear-
ance are the chromed upper fork covers
with rubber dust sleeves. Finish specifi-
cations include a dark blue tank with
chrome panels, chrome racing-type fenders
and many other parts superbly finished
in chrome or highly polished alloy.
Gold Star Catalina Scrambler
One of the most successful "full race”
500cc scramblers in the world, the famous
“Catalina” hand tuned and dynamometer
tested engine is set up to produce ample
horsepower at low revs and through the
acceleration range. The 1959 model will
include a new racing-type dual seat, and
new scrambles type air cleaner, chromed
fork covers and rubber dust sleeves. Finish
specifications will be similar to those on
the Gold Star Road Racer. Eastern model
Catalinas will continue to have the racing
magneto, western models will be fitted
with magdyno equipment.
350cc Catalina
A limited number of 350cc Catalinas
will again be available, due to world wide
demand for this extremely capable per-
former. Riders interested in a Gold Star
of this capacity are urgently advised to
place their order with their BSA dealer
at once.
New 250 Star
Fhe brand new 250 Star will occupy a
position of high interest in the 1959 BSA
program. This new ohv lightweight fea-
tures an ultra-modern unit type power
plant with four speed gearbox. The BSA
Star is capable of very good road speeds,
and extensive testing has proven it an
extremely dependable machine. Finish will
be bright red with white striping, with
many items in heavy cltrome or polished
alloy.
New 250 Scrambler
A scrambles version of the 250 Star will
be available early in the 1959 season.
14568-5812-23