The BSA Rocket 3

I was commissioned by a collector to shoot a, now rare, 1969 motorcycle made by BSA (Birmingham Small Arms Motorcycles Ltd ).

The client, an avid motorcycle history buff, wrote a bit of background on the motorcycle: “The model was named the Rocket 3, due to the fact that it has a three cylinder engine of 750cc and was the quickest production motorcycle of its day. BSA owned Triumph, Ariel and Sunbeam motorcycle companies, amongst many other assets, at the time. Originally BSA had been Arms manufacturers and had turned to manufacturing bicycles in the late 1800s (due to a lack of military action, I assume), which eventually led to motorcycle manufacture in 1903. Many models were made over the following years culminating in BSA becoming the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. Unfortunately the BSA group of companies came to an abrupt end in 1972 with the onslaught of Japanese motorcycle manufactures taking market possession and the group was unable to adapt quickly to the changing situation.”

The client’s garage was so messy it was cool. So I turned off all the lights and used a little flashlight to paint the bike with light. Shots ranged between 75 seconds to 4 minute exposures.

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