BSA B40350
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| BSA B40350 | |
| Manufacturer | |
|---|---|
| Production | 1936 |
| Engine | Four stroke, single cylinder, Overhead valve |
| Compression ratio | 7.0:1 |
| Ignition | Magneto |
| Spark Plug | N4 |
| Battery | 12V, 8Ah |
| Transmission | 4-Speed, foot gearshift |
| Frame | Full cradle of welded tubular construction |
| Suspension | Front: telescopic, coil spring, hydraulically damped Rear: Swinging fork, coil spring, hydraulically damped units |
| Front Tire | 3.00 x 18, Trials universal |
| Rear Tire | 3.50 x 18, Trials universal |
| Seat Height | 813 mm / 32 in. |
| Weight | 165 kg / 364 lbs (wet) |
| Oil Capacity | 2.8 L / 5.9 US pints |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.9 L / 4.2 US gal |
| Manuals | Service Manual |
Engine[edit | edit source]
The engine was a Air cooled cooled Four stroke, single cylinder, Overhead valve. The engine featured a 7.0:1 compression ratio.
Drive[edit | edit source]
Power was moderated via the Multi-plate with cork insert.
Chassis[edit | edit source]
It came with a 3.00 x 18, Trials universal front tire and a 3.50 x 18, Trials universal rear tire. The front suspension was a telescopic, coil spring, hydraulically damped while the rear was equipped with a Swinging fork, coil spring, hydraulically damped units. The B40350 was fitted with a 15.9 L / 4.2 US gal fuel tank.
Photos[edit | edit source]
Overview[edit | edit source]
BSA B40
These machines were the early post war replacements for the remaining fleet of BSA M20's and Matchless GL3's which, together with the US built machines, had formed the major component of the Army's wartime motorcycle holdings.
The 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.
The B40 like most military motorcycles of the period was basically a road machine with limited off road performance.
It is suggested that the total number supplied to the British Armed forces was 3,087, which included 141 for the RAF and 34 for the Royal Navy. BSA received a further order for an additional 235 machines in 1971, which the company was unable to fulfil due to its increasingly precarious state at the time.
As well as serving in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, the WD B40 was sold to the armies of Australia, Denmark, Jordan to name a few.
| Make Model | BSA B40 / WD40 |
|---|---|
| Year | 1936 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, single cylinder, Overhead valve |
| Displacement | 343 cc / 20.9 cub in |
| Bore X Stroke | 79 x 70 mm |
| Compression | 7.0:1 |
| Oil Capacity | 2.8 L / 5.9 US pints |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Lubrication | Dry sump |
| Carburetor | Amal 396, 397 or 398 |
| Exhaust | Single |
| Ignition | Magneto |
| Battery | 12V, 8Ah |
| Spark Plug | N4 |
| Starting | Kick starter |
| Clutch | Multi-plate with cork insert |
| Max Power | 14.7 kW / 20 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-Speed, foot gearshift |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Gear Ratios | 1st 12.3 / 2nd 9.6 / 3rd 6.9 / 4th 5.8:1 |
| Frame | Full cradle of welded tubular construction |
| Dimensions | Length: 2100mm / 82.6 in. Width: 750 mm / 29.5 in. Height: 1080 mm / 42.5 in. |
| Wheel Base | 1360 mm / 53.5 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 159 mm / 6.3 in. |
| Seat Height | 813 mm / 32 in. |
| Steering Head Angle | 65° |
| Turning Circle | 4.4 m / 14.5 ft |
| Front Suspension | telescopic, coil spring, hydraulically damped |
| Rear Suspension | Swinging fork, coil spring, hydraulically damped units |
| Front Wheel Travel | 127 mm / 5 in. |
| Rear Wheel Travel | 70 mm / 2.75 in. |
| Front Tire | 3.00 x 18, Trials universal |
| Rear Tire | 3.50 x 18, Trials universal |
| Front Brake | 1.125 x 7 in., mechanical |
| Rear Brake | 1.125 x 7 in., mechanical |
| Wet Weight | 165 kg / 364 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.9 L / 4.2 US gal |
| Average Speed | Surfaced road: 88 km/h / 55 mph Cross country: 40 km/h / 25 mph |
| Average Range (@ 64 Km/h / 40 Mph) | 322 km / 200 miles |
| Average Consumption (@ 64 Km/h / 40 Mph) | 4.5 L/100 km / 22.2 km/l / 52.2 US mpg |
| Colour | Defence force green, Plumb, Black, Red |
| Source | BSA WD B 40 |