BSA Motorcycles 1920s

Today in Motorcycle History

BSA Models for 1923

The 1922 Olympia Show.

B.S.A. (Stand 96.)

Singles and Twins in Five Sizes.

3½ H.P. MODEL.

    80x98 mm. (493 c.c); single cyl. four-stroke; side valves; mechanical lubrication; B.S.A. carb.; chain-driven mag.; 3-sp. gear; clutch and kick-starter; chain drive; 26x2½in. tyres.
    Price £70.

B.S.A. Cycles, Ltd., Small Heath, Birmingham.

The new 493 c.c. B.S.A. sports model is outstanding in a very attractive display of different types of these famous machines. The engine contains several novel features which, together with the general layout of the machine, combine to make it attractive to the speed merchant. The piston, though of cast-iron, has been very much lightened. An oil pump of the screw type, located in the timing cover, provides forced lubrication to the engine bearings, and the gear box has been modified, the ratios being somewhat closer than those of the standard design.

The handle-bars are adjustable as to angle of inclination, being held by a split lug at the top of the steering head, so that any adjustment required can be made by loosening its grip, moving the bars to a different angle, and then tightening up again. This is a feature which appeals to many.

2¾ H.P. Model.

    72x85.5 mm. (349 c.c.); single cyl. four-stroke; side valves; mechanical lubrication; B.S.A. carb.; chain-driven mag.; 3-sp. gear; clutch and kick-starter; chain drive; 26x2¼in. tyres.
    Price £57 15s.

The features of the new B.S.A. 349 c.c. medium-weight model are similar to the sports machine already described, and with the firm's great reputation behind it, it forms a welcome addition to the range.

4¼ H.P. Model.

    85x97 mm. (557 c.c); single cyl. four-stroke; side valves; drip feed lubrication; B.S.A. carb.; chain-driven mag.; 3-sp. gear; clutch and kick-starter; chain drive. 26x2½in. tyres.
    Price: Solo, £75; with Sidecar, £95.

Several examples of the standard 557 c.c. all-chain drive and chain-cum-belt models are also shown; the low prices are remarkable.

5 H.P. Model.

    76x35 mm. (770 c.c.); V twin-cyl. four-stroke; side valves; mechanical lubrication; Amac carb.; chain-driven mag.; 3-sp. gear; clutch and kick-starter; chain drive; 26x3in. tyres.
    Price: Solo, £65; with Side-car. £105.

Aluminium chain cases are no longer fitted, their place being taken by a light pressed case for the front chain and a guard for the final drive on the "light six" 770 c.c. twin-cylinder machine.

The B.S.A. concern has for some time made a speciality of protecting the rider from cold and wet. Their special leg-shields provide a degree of protection that is as yet unsurpassed. An example of the big twin sidecar outfit with enclosed chain drive and interchangeable wheels as well as a taxi outfit is also shown. The big twin outfit costs £140.

Olympia Show 1922
The Motor Cycle, November 30th, 1922. Page 852

  • 1923 Model L 350