BSA A65 Spitfire and650 Spitfire Special
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| BSA A65 Spitfire and650 Spitfire Special | |
| Manufacturer | |
|---|---|
| Production | 1966 - 68 |
| Engine | Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/h / 132 mph |
| Ignition | Coil, 3ET Lucas, Alternator RM19ET Lucas |
| Spark Plug | Champion N4 |
| Battery | 12V, 10 a.h., Lucas RM19 |
| Transmission | 4 Speed |
| Frame | Steel tubing, double cradle |
| Suspension | Front: Telescopic forks with coil spring - hydraulically damped Rear: Coil spring/hydraulically damped |
| Brakes | Front: 20.32 cm / 8 in., drum, twin leading shoe Rear: 17.78 cm / 7 in., drum |
| Front Tire | 3.25 x 19 in. |
| Rear Tire | 4.00 x 18 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1410 mm / 55.5 in. |
| Seat Height | 813 mm / 32 in. |
| Weight | 185 kg / 408 lbs (wet) |
| Oil Capacity | 3 L / 5 pints / 0.79 US gal |
| Fuel Capacity | Europe:18 L / 4.8 US gal US: 9 L / 2 US gal |
| Manuals | Service Manual |
It could reach a top speed of 212 km/h / 132 mph.
Engine[edit | edit source]
The engine was a Air cooled cooled Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder. The engine featured a 9.0:1 compression ratio.
Drive[edit | edit source]
Power was moderated via the Multi-plate with heavy duty springs.
Chassis[edit | edit source]
It came with a 3.25 x 19 in. front tire and a 4.00 x 18 in. rear tire. Stopping was achieved via 20.32 cm / 8 in., drum, twin leading shoe in the front and a 17.78 cm / 7 in., drum in the rear. The front suspension was a Telescopic forks with coil spring - hydraulically damped while the rear was equipped with a Coil spring/hydraulically damped. The A65 Spitfire and650 Spitfire Special was fitted with a Europe:18 L / 4.8 US gal US: 9 L / 2 US gal fuel tank. The wheelbase was 1410 mm / 55.5 in. long.
Photos[edit | edit source]
Overview[edit | edit source]
BSA A65 Spitfire and Spitfire Special (Mk IV)
The 1968 Mk IV version of BSA's speedy 650cc Spitfire twin was the last of the line. Two particular features distinguish it from its immediate predecessors, the first unit-construction A65 Spitfire Mk II of 1966 and the Mk III of 1967. Firstly, the Mk II's Amal GP racing carburetors were replaced by the same maker's newly-introduced Concentric instruments on the 1967 Mk III. Secondly, the 1968 version has the twin-leading-shoe front brake introduced on BSA and Triumph 650s for that year, providing greater stopping power than the previous drum. Less obvious technical changes for 1968 included the latest independently adjustable Lucas ignition points, providing accurate spark timing for smoother running, along with lubrication system improvements. During 1967, engine power output was boosted to more than 53 horsepower and BSA promoted its top performer in Production class racing. A factory-prepared Spitfire finished third in the 1968 750cc Production TT, behind two 750cc machines and was timed at over 132mph on a section of the Mountain course. This Mk IV is in European trim with a large moulded fuel tank: US export models usually had a smaller tank and high-rise handlebars. Side-facing reflectors, under the front of the tank and on the rear lamp unit, were mandatory on American road machines from 1968. Source classicbsamotorcycles.co.uk
| Make Model | BSA A65 Spitfire Special (Mk IV) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1966 - 68 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement | 654 cc / 39.9 cub in. |
| Bore X Stroke | 75 x 74 mm |
| Carburetors | Amal Concentric 389/206 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Compression | 9.0:1 |
| Lubrication | Dry sump |
| Engine Oil | SAE 20W/50 |
| Oil Capacity | 3 L / 5 pints / 0.79 US gal |
| Exhaust | Twin |
| Ignition | Coil, 3ET Lucas, Alternator RM19ET Lucas |
| Spark Plug | Champion N4 |
| Battery | 12V, 10 a.h., Lucas RM19 |
| Starting | Kick start |
| Max Power | 40.0 kW / 53 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Clutch | Multi-plate with heavy duty springs |
| Transmission | 4 Speed |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Gear Ratio | 1st 9.30 / 2nd 6.73 / 3rd 5.07 / 4th 4.58:1 |
| Frame | Steel tubing, double cradle |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic forks with coil spring - hydraulically damped |
| Rear Suspension | Coil spring/hydraulically damped |
| Front Brakes | 20.32 cm / 8 in., drum, twin leading shoe |
| Rear Brakes | 17.78 cm / 7 in., drum |
| Wheels | Steel, wire spokes |
| Front Rim | WM2-19 |
| Rear Rim | WM2-18 |
| Front Tire | 3.25 x 19 in. |
| Rear Tire | 4.00 x 18 in. |
| Dimensions | Length: 2165 mm / 85.3 in. Height: 1117 mm / 44.0 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1410 mm / 55.5 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 203 mm / 8.0 in. |
| Seat Height | 813 mm / 32 in. |
| Wet Weight | 185 kg / 408 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | Europe:18 L / 4.8 US gal US: 9 L / 2 US gal |
| Top Speed | 212 km/h / 132 mph |
| Review | Classicbsamotorcycles.co.uk |