BSA MC 1 Racer

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Bsa-mc1-02.jpg
BSA MC 1 Racer
Manufacturer
BSA
Production 1952
Engine
Four stroke, horisontal single cylinder, DOHC, with bevel-gear camshaft drive, four radial valves and external flywheel.
Compression ratio 10.1:1
Top Speed 177 km/h / 110mph
Transmission 4-Speed
Frame Tubular, double cradle type
Suspension Front: Leading link
Rear: Mono shock
Brakes Front: Drum
Rear: Drum
Weight 113 kg / 248 lbs (dry),
Fuel Capacity 26 L / 7 US gal
Manuals Service Manual


It could reach a top speed of 177 km/h / 110mph.

Engine

The engine was a Air cooled cooled Four stroke, horisontal single cylinder, DOHC, with bevel-gear camshaft drive, four radial valves and external flywheel.. The engine featured a 10.1:1 compression ratio.

Drive

Power was moderated via the Dry, multi-plate.

Chassis

Stopping was achieved via Drum in the front and a Drum in the rear. The front suspension was a Leading link while the rear was equipped with a Mono shock. The MC 1 Racer was fitted with a 26 L / 7 US gal fuel tank. The bike weighed just 113 kg / 248 lbs.

Photos

BSA MC 1 Racer BSA MC 1 Racer BSA MC 1 Racer

Overview

BSA MC1






In the immediate post-World War II era, Bert Hopwood, then an engineer at Norton, created the legendary Dominator parallel twin. In May 1948, Hopwood became chief engineer at BSA. Eager to develop an innovative, new generation of products for BSA, in 1949 he roughed out the concept of a 250cc single — simply coded MC1 — with a horizontal cylinder and four radial valves operated by short, chain-driven, overhead camshafts connected by bevel gears. At a time when long-stroke engines were the accepted norm, the MC1’s square 68mm x 68mm dimensions were unusual. Hopwood’s assistant at Norton, Doug Hele, followed him to BSA in 1949, and in 1950 was commissioned by Hopwood to put this concept into metal as the prototype for a family of road bikes, with a possible view to racing in the Lightweight TT in the Isle of Man where Moto Guzzi singles of comparable format were dominant.


Three engines were built and aprototype lapped the Motor Industry Research Association's banked test track at 104mph without streamlining. Reigning 500cc champion Geoff Duke took interest in the project and was given a test ride in the winter of 1954. He was greatly impressed by the MC1 and his association with it led to fevered speculation that BSA was about to enter the international racing arena. Knowing that BSA bosses would expect nothing less than total success, Hopwood veoted a road racing programme because he felt the machine was insufficiently developed to guarantee victory in the Isle of Man TT. He saw the MC1 as the basis for advances sports roadsters but sadly, the company's senior management did not share his vision.



Make Model BSA MC1 Racer
Year 1952
Engine Type Four stroke, horisontal single cylinder, DOHC, with bevel-gear camshaft drive, four radial valves and external flywheel.
Displacement 248.5 cc / 15.2 in
Bore X Stroke 70 x 64.5 mm
Cooling System Air cooled
Compression 10.1:1
Lubrication Dry sump
Carburetor 2 x Amal
Exhaust Single, chrome
Clutch Dry, multi-plate
Maximum Power 25 kW / 34 hp @ 10250 rpm
Transmission 4-Speed
Final Drive Chain
Frame Tubular, double cradle type
Front Suspension Leading link
Rear Suspension Mono shock
Front Brakes Drum
Rear Brakes Drum
Wheels Steel, laced spokes
Dry Weight 113 kg / 248 lbs
Fuel Capacity 26 L / 7 US gal
Top Speed 177 km/h / 110mph
Colours Racing green