BSA B40
The BSA B40 with telescopic front forks was a modern motorcycle in its day and was used for convoy control, messenger services and the carriage of any small stores, which could be fitted into the pannier bags. The carriage of messages was an important function at a time when radios were few, and less reliable than now. Shepherding road convoys, particularly on major exercises, with the British Army of the Rhine in Germany, was a vital function. Motorcycles ensured that units did not become muddled, as there was often a set time allocation for the use of roads by military traffic with no allowances for losing the way.
Developed from the unit 250cc C15, the B40 350cc single offered greater flexibility and power output without an increase in weight when compared to the smaller engine. The release of a large number of ex military B40's during the early eighties coincided with a growing interest in Pre 65 trials resulting in many of them being modified to trials motorcycles. The B40 continues to be a favorite in the pre 65 trials world and is well supported by specialist suppliers.
1961[edit | edit source]
1963[edit | edit source]
1964[edit | edit source]
1965[edit | edit source]
1967[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
BSA B40 | |
Manufacturer | |
---|---|
Production | 1967 |
Class | Classic |
Engine | air-cooled, four-stroke, single cylinder, OHV |
Bore / Stroke | 78.7mm x 78.7mm |
Compression ratio | 7:1 |
Top Speed | 55 mph |
Horsepower | 19.98 HP (14.9 KW) @ 7000RPM |
Transmission | Gear box: 4-speed, manual Final Drive: chain |
Suspension | Front: hydraulic telescopic fork Rear: dual shocks |
Brakes | Front: drum Rear: drum |
Front Tire | 3.00 x 18 |
Rear Tire | 3.50 x 18 |
Wheelbase | 53.5 inches (1359 mm) |
Length | 82.72 inches (2101 mm) |
Width | 29.49 inches (749 mm) |
Seat Height | 32.01 inches (813 mm) |
Weight | 165.0 kg (wet) |
Manuals | Service Manual |
The BSA B40 was a air-cooled, four-stroke, single cylinder, OHV Classic motorcycle produced by BSA in 1967. Claimed horsepower was 19.98 HP (14.9 KW) @ 7000 RPM.
Engine[edit | edit source]
A 78.7mm bore x 78.7mm stroke result in a displacement of just 343.0 cubic centimeters.
Drive[edit | edit source]
The bike has a 4-speed, manual transmission. Power was moderated via the multi-plate with cork insert.
Chassis[edit | edit source]
It came with a 3.00 x 18 front tire and a 3.50 x 18 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via drum in the front and a drum in the rear. The front suspension was a hydraulic telescopic fork while the rear was equipped with a dual shocks. The wheelbase was 53.5 inches (1359 mm) long.
1967 BSA B40[edit | edit source]
The 1966 BSA B40 sports an air-cooled, four-stroke, 343cc, single cylinder powerhouse mated to a four-speed manual transmission with a foot-operated gear-shift and can produce a claimed 20 horsepower at 7000 rpm.
In addition, it comes standard with a dual seat, a large headlight, a center stand, mid-mounted foot pegs, a hydraulic telescopic fork, laced wheels, a 16-liter (4.2-gallon) fuel tank, a drum braking system in the front and in the rear, dual shocks as a rear suspension and a small tail-light.