1973 Triumph X75 Hurricane
Superb example of one of the first factory customs
Engine and Frame number; TRX75 PH00954
Today the factory custom is taken for granted as an integral part of mainstream motorcycling. Harley-Davidson has almost made it an art form, and nearly all other manufacturers have followed suit. But it was BSA that pioneered this now successful concept with Craig Vetter’s strikingly styled X75 Hurricane of 1973. Not only was the X75 the world’s first factory custom, it also influenced later mainstream motorcycle design.
The Hurricane grew out of the lukewarm response to the original BSA Rocket Three in America. This was considered ugly and overweight, and in 1969 BSA in the US approached a young designer and fibreglass manufacturer Craig Vetter to produce a prototype custom Rocket Three. There was already a growing interest in customised machines among young American motorcyclists and the directors of BSA in the US wanted something that evoked the lean US-specification Triumph Bonnevilles of the mid-1960s. Vetter’s own philosophy was to contrast the age-old traditions of the British motorcycle industry with the American underground youth culture.
Vetter set to work on a stock 750cc BSA Rocket Three, creating a single curvaceous moulded fuel tank, seat and side panels. Although the 67x70mm three-cylinder engine was standard, Vetter modified the cylinder head by enlarging the fin area. This was done purely for aesthetic reasons, as were the black painted cylinder barrels. With three 27mm Amal concentric carburettors the power was 58 horsepower at 7,250 rpm. The distinctive triple silencers exiting on the right were derived from those of the Team BSA flat tracker. Going for a lean look, Vetter installed separate instruments and a traditional chromed headlamp. The standard gaitered forks also made way for cleaner Ceriani-style units. The one-piece nine-litre tank and seat incorporated a steel fuel cell within the fibreglass while the conical hub twin leading shoe front brake was from the A75. The Vetter Rocket Three also received Borrani light alloy 19 and 18-inch wheels rims and an Aztec Red colour scheme.
Considering the precarious financial state of the BSA company at that time it was surprising that BSA executives approved a limited production run of the Vetter Rocket Three. Unfortunately, the finalisation of the production version coincided with the closure of BSA’s Small Heath factory so the Vetter was transferred to the Triumph plant at Meriden for further development. When it finally went into production in September 1972 the official model name was the Triumph X75 Hurricane. However, it was still essentially a BSA Rocket Three, as evidenced by the forward slanted cylinders. The name also carried on a BSA tradition of meteorological themes, including Cyclone, Lightning, and Thunderbolt.
The general specifications were that of the four-speed BSA A75, but some Hurricanes were also based on the five-speed A75V. The dry weight was considerably less than the standard Rocket Three at 202kg, and the longer forks increased the wheelbase to 1,524mm. The top speed was nearly 200 km/h. The Hurricane was primarily a US market model and only 1,172 were built. Today it is one of the most coveted BSA/Triumph triples. Vetter’s styling was visionary and few designs have withstood the ravages of time as well as the X75 Hurricane.
This four-speed X75 Hurricane is dated November 1973. A US import, this is presented in unrestored original condition and shows only 2,527 miles. Nearly all the components are original, including the front 3.25x19-inch ribbed Dunlop and rear 4.25x18-inch Dunlop TT100 tyres. The fuel lines and air filters are not standard. This motorcycle comes with full import approval and would have to one of the lowest mile, most original examples in existence. To top this wonderful machine off, this bike is hand signed on rear of seat by its famed designer Craig Vetter. The bikes original tool kit will also accompany the sale.
To view high resolution images of the motorcycles, please follow the below Dropbox link;
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/n5bcjb2nuoc16t4y3k5hs/h?dl=0&rlkey=exyqlbxilyvv4n3ue8jmppkbx
This motorcycle is sold unregistered.
