Hurricane X-75 prototype bought by the National Motorcycle Museum

Published: 24/08/2023

One of two Hurricane X-75 'works prototype' now calls the National Motorcycle Museum its home.

It comes after H&H Classics brokered its sale of the machine, verified by the BSA Club as the authentic works’ prototype and sold to the National Motorcycle Museum for £27,000.
This historical motorcycle, once a long-time passion project for John Simmonds, now takes its rightful place among other significant vehicles in the museum.

James Hewing, museum director at the National Motorcycle Museum, said, “In our quest to source the best vehicles for our collection, it's important that we partner with an auction house that consistently offers high-quality lots and impeccable service. H&H Classics has an enviable and longstanding reputation in the industry, and our recent acquisition of the Hurricane X-75 through them is a testament to that. The dedication and expertise of their team is unparalleled."

This specific 1971 model stands apart as the only road worthy ‘BSA Vetter Rocket 3’. The BSA Owners’ Club Dating Certificate backs its authenticity, with evidence suggesting only two prototypes were ever handcrafted.

A handwritten note by Mr A. G. Cave, the BSA Works Manager at Small Heath, and a feature in Classic Bike magazine, further corroborates its past and the dedicated endeavour of John Simmonds in preserving this piece of British motorcycling history.

The iconic machine utilising a 750cc engine, is a product of Craig Vetter's visionary design.  The bike, under the dedicated stewardship of John Simmonds since 1982, had woven itself into the fabric of his life, becoming more than just a vehicle. With the sad passing of John Simmonds, the bike was seeking a new chapter, and what better home than a museum dedicated to protecting the legacy of iconic motorcycles.

Craig Vetter’s design would ultimately define a new class of motorcycle: the cruiser. Vetter was commissioned to reimagine the BSA A75, and thus, the 'works prototype' was born. However, the journey from inception to realisation was fraught with hurdles and by 1973, the X-75 was phased out due to its inability to meet American noise standards.

Interested visitors can explore this magnificent addition at the National Motorcycle Museum. For more details on this and other exhibits, please visit the National Motorcycle Museum