48th ABR Highlight – BSA Rocket 3 Hyde Harrier

When you get more than 800 British-built and British-branded motorcycles in one place, you’re assured of variety, along with some bikes you may have never seen before. That was certainly the case for the 48th edition of the All British Rally. Already the largest gathering of British motorcycles in the Southern Hemisphere, this year’s All British Rally (ABR) is believed to be one of the biggest – if not THE biggest – in the event’s history. 

Held annually at Newstead in central Victoria, the ABR sees entrants gather at the country town’s racecourse to camp for the three-day event. Activities include organised rides of the region, a popular street display in the nearby town of Maldon, plus live entertainment back at the racecourse.

Trophies are handed out across a variety of categories, with a raffle bike to be won by one lucky ABR entrant, too.

At first glance, this bike looked like it didn’t belong at the Rally, but it was British – very British in fact. Based on a 1972 BSA Rocket 3 engine and other parts, this bike had been reimagined as a ‘Hyde Harrier’. Designed by Norman Hyde, and with a frame from Harris Performance, the Harrier was made specifically to accommodate classic British twins or triples.

First appearing in 1987, most Harriers were in the café racer style like the bike pictured, which is believed to be the same unit that was listed for sale in the UK in 2015.

Fitting larger barrels and lengthening the stroke has increased capacity from 740cc to 988cc, with plenty of other engine mods, too. Öhlins suspension, Brembo calipers and PFM rotors have been fitted, along with carbon fibre bodywork.

Local additions and alterations appear to be limited to a pair of small headlights in the fairing, plus bar-end mirrors and tank pads.

For JUST BIKES’ report on the 48th All British Rally, click HERE.