James Bond’s daily commuter BSA Rocket 3 is up for auction

The 750cc machine proved a firm favourite among the cast, as can be seen from these incredible photos. But after Lazenby sold it, the beautiful BSA disappeared into obscurity – that is until now, having emerged for sale at a Dorset auction house.

Powered by a 58bhp 740cc triple, the BSA Rocket 3 – along with the Triumph Trident with which it shared all but a name – was regarded as a gamechanger in the motorcycle industry, bringing a new level of sophistication to street bikes and kickstarting the superbike era. No wonder Lazenby made a beeline for one!

Almost 40 years after he bought it, in 2007, the motorcycle fell into the current owner’s hands – by now complete with a sidecar unit. Investigating the BSA Rocket 3’s provenance, he sent the POP 950G numberplate and frame number to the BSA Owners Club, who looked through their records and discovered George Lazenby registered as the very first owner.

The classic British bike enthusiast put it through a full program of restoration, in which the bike received an engine and gearbox rebuild, new chrome, and a repaint. The sidecar was removed, too.

It’ll be offered for sale by Charterhouse Auctioneers in Sherborne on Wednesday May 6^th, with a guide price of £25,000 to £30,000. Due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, the auction, featuring nearly 100 classic and vintage motorcycles, will be conducted online and over the telephone. Worth a shot, don’t you think?

Images courtesy of Charterhouse Auctioneers.