Photo: Mfhutchins · CC BY-SA 3.0
BSA A10 Super Rocket
82/100 Overall
68 On the road95 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
BSA A10 Super Rocket vs Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead
BSA A10 Super Rocket scores 82/100 overall against Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead on 74/100. On the road: 68–58. As classics: 95–90. Overall result: BSA A10 Super Rocket.
Photo: Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd · Owned by Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd
Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead
74/100 Overall
58 On the road90 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | BSA Super Rocket | Harley-Davidson FLH | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 5 | BSA Super Rocket |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 4 | BSA Super Rocket |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 6 | 4 | BSA Super Rocket |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 6 | 5 | BSA Super Rocket |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 7 | 8 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 9 | Harley-Davidson FLH |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 10 | 9 | BSA Super Rocket |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 9 | 8 | BSA Super Rocket |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 10 | Level |
Choose the BSA Super Rocket if…
you want one of the fastest and most desirable sporting versions of BSA's pre-unit A10 twin.
Choose the Harley-Davidson FLH if…
you want relaxed long-distance presence, unmistakable American V-twin character and traditional Harley styling.
Background
History
BSA Super Rocket
The BSA A10 Super Rocket was produced from 1957–1963 and used a 646cc air-cooled parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, character, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Harley-Davidson FLH
The Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead was produced from 1966–1984 and used a Air-cooled 45-degree Shovelhead V-twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, styling, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
BSA Super Rocket
- Its production span in this library runs from 1957 to 1963.
- The recorded engine description is: 646cc air-cooled parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, character, historic importance.
Harley-Davidson FLH
- Its production span in this library runs from 1966 to 1984.
- The recorded engine description is: Air-cooled 45-degree Shovelhead V-twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, styling, historic importance.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
BSA Super Rocket
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the BSA A10 Super Rocket. Its library score for styling is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Harley-Davidson FLH
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead. Its library score for character is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
BSA Super Rocket
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Harley-Davidson FLH
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check primary drive, charging system, engine mounts and evidence of non-standard modifications.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the BSA Super Rocket
Rivals to the Harley-Davidson FLH
Final result
The verdict
BSA A10 Super Rocket wins the direct on-the-road comparison. BSA A10 Super Rocket wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. BSA A10 Super Rocket takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.