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THOMPSON, CT – Some bikes can grab your attention instantly. The 1960 Velocette MSS owned by Rick Price of Chester, CT did just that as it was being unloaded from the back of a pickup at the Thompson Vintage Motorcycle Classic. So did the 1971 BSA Rocket 3 owned by Alan Niles of Harrisville, RI.
The two British-made bikes were among some 65 old machines on display at the 2nd annual event at the Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park on Sunday.
What was surprising about the 46-year-old R3 was the number of miles on the odometer – just 9,983. “I have more than one motorcycle,” explained Niles, jokingly adding that he’s also “had more than one birthday party.”
The three-cylinder, 750cc R3 was built between 1968 and 1975, along with its Triumph Trident counterpart, which could also be found on the show grounds. Niles bought his R3 new, foggily recalling that he paid “as much as $2,100.” It still looks nice and “runs fine,” he said, allowing that he owns 15 motorcycles.
Niles’ affection for the BSA brand goes back to his youth. His first bike was a BSA Spitfire. He certainly loves the Rocket 3. “They’re getting as rare as hen’s teeth,” he said.
Price, meanwhile, brought his 500cc Velocette in the bed of a pickup simply because it isn’t roadworthy yet. “It’s taken forever to put together,” he said, recalling that he got the bike about a dozen years ago from an elderly man in Bethel, CT. The bike was apart. The engine had been rebuilt but had become an office display. “Aside from that, it was basically a basket case.”
Price owns nine motorcycles, including a Vincent and another Velocette. “I just always wanted a Velocette,” he said of getting the MSS. “I like doing the ground up thing.”
While Price rides his other bikes, the MSS still has electrical issues that need to be sorted out, but he’s getting there. “It’s finally rounding the last turn before going down the road,” he said.
– By Bud Wilkinson
