In 1969 BSA-Triumph’s US distributors asked motorcycle styling guru Craig Vetter to create a customised BSA Rocket 3 that would capture the USA ‘Chopper’ styling that was popularised worldwide by the movie Easy Rider, released that same year. With a slightly raked frame, extended front forks and upswept three-pipe exhaust system matched to the unique bodywork, there had been nothing like the Vetter BSA before.
By the time the concept reached production in ’72, BSA had major financial problems and so Vetter’s creation had become a Triumph. Apart from the change of badge, the production Hurricane remained remarkably faithful to the original vision and become one of the motorcycling icons of the 1970s. The limited edition Hurricane was produced for only one year and only 1200 are known to have been built, today its is highly sought after by collectors.
This correct and matching number example is an early production example being frame number 00197. Having stayed in the USA until 2007 it was exported to France where it is still registered. Since being in the UK the bike underwent some recommissioning work last year at a cost of over £1,000 and is in good working order and in generally vert fine condition. Supplied with a TR30C dating certificate the bike can be re registered if the UK if desired.
