BSA Unit-Construction Twins - The Complete Story

By: Matthew Vale .

The BSA 500 and 650cc unit twins were the top-of-the-range models for BSA from the early 1960s through to the Rocket 3 of 1969. The model range covered every angle, from staid tourer, through rorty off-road racers to true road-burners. Though the bikes never seemed as popular as contemporary Triumphs, the BSA twins commanded a loyal following that continues to this day.

This book has two parts. The first describes the design and development of the range from its inception in 1962 to the final demise of BSA in 1973. It covers the various models produced each year, and provides a detailed technical description of the basic design and the modifications and refinements made during the model's life. Comparisons with the technical specifications and details of the models' main rival, the Triumph twin, are made to illustrate and explore the relative lack of commercial success of the BSA twins. The second part of the book looks at the practicalities of restoring and running a BSA unit twin, both by documenting owners' experiences of owning and riding these bikes in their heyday and by means of a full restoration of a typical bike, carried out specially for this book. The illustrated record of the restoration of a 1965 Lightning identifies the pitfalls that will confront the restorer and the practical modifications that can be made to provide a reliable mount for today's traffic conditions.

Illustrated throughout with photographs and diagrams, this is a complete and readable resource for all owners of BSA unit twins, and the perfect companion for anyone considering acquiring or restoring one of these classic British motorcycles.

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