Hello everyone

[Harvey_Mushman]

Hello everyone.

I thought I’d introduce myself to the forum.

I’ve just bought a 1960 BSA Super Rocket which is my first British bike, having always had Japanese in the past.

I thought it was ready to go but I came on here last week for help in a panic when it dropped its oil everywhere after only a couple of miles; I didn’t realise it was the done thing to introduce yourself first so now I’ve calmed down here’s my belated introduction.

I’m looking at making it into a cafe racer once I’ve got things mechanically sorted so I can take it for short spins around Manchester and Lancashire.

I’ve got a feeling I’m going to need to tap into the wealth of knowledge of the members on here.

Thank you.

[muskrat]

G'day HM.
 
Cheers

[Joolstacho]

Welcome. You're starting off with a goody by the looks, as it has an oil filter conversion, and the good TLS front brake.

[chaterlea25]

Hi HM and Welcome

Nice bike
If I may comment?
The rear brake cable on your bike has a too long inner wire, resulting in the too far forward angle of the cross over shaft arm
This will not give a good brake.  the angle of the arm /cable on the rear wheel is about perfect, the cross over shaft arm should operate through 90 degrees to the cable as the brake is applied
Most of the replacement cables available are badly made
its one of my pet hates on A7/10s seeing badly set up rear brakes giving them a bad reputation
properly set up the brakes work well

John

[Joolstacho]

I'm no expert, but that tacho drive on the timing cover is more Road Rocket than Super Rocket (is it?)
But apparently it's a 1960, so SR would be right. Obviously it must be a manual magneto.
Not that it matters, just nice for OP to identify it right.
Caff racer? - just needs rearsets and lower bars eh? Hopefully nothing irreversible! (Ace bars or Norton Straights to retain the good fork shrouds?) Perhaps a hump seat. That'd look nice and sporty and give you a less 'sit-up-and-beg' riding position.
You can reverse the gear lever, but the rear brake side needs a shortened lever.

[Sav]

Welcome.

Looks a lovely bike to me. more of a RGS look-a-like, looks well cared for, oil filter installation is an indication.

Personally I like it exactly as it is - enjoy!

Chris

[Swarfcut]

 Later rear brake arrangement has the rear lever pointing down. Simply doing this gives a "reverse lever" effect, the rotation of the brake cam being opposite to the wheel rotation. This can improve braking efficiency, plenty of discussion on the Forum. Have a look for any other location for the outer cable end ferrule, adjacent to the swing arm tube.

 The cross lever lying parallel or therabouts to the frame tube at rest gives the brake good leverage. I'll agree about the cables, it can be a lottery.  Images of later bikes will show the later cable routing.

 From experience, never throw anything away. Bikes in standard trim are easier to move on, if and when. So keep all the original parts.

 I hate that design of " Tip Toe  "stand feet. Later stand has more rounded foot pads, makes getting the bike on the stand a bit easier.

  Swarfy.

 

[a10 gf]

Welcome ! Bike looking great++