Project Bsa B40. (picture heavy) - Updated with images.

[steveh]

Well, went to see a lady about this bike she had in her back yard for a number of years, she didnt know alot, she said "its a bsa, and its rusty"
Sadly it wasnt a goldstar, i half expected it to be a bantam, but instead it was a 1963 bsa b40 (350)

Alot of it isnt original, the tanks from a b25 Starfire, its got different headlight, tail light and mudguards on it, so im not sure what to do with it yet, any ideas?
Also, wheels are shot, i either need replacement rim/spokes, or get one from another model ect.

cleaned out the carb and managed to get it to fire and kick flames everywere, so its a start!
Any ideas, or were to source parts from would be great!

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/random%20stuff/bsa350.jpg
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Current : 06 Zx10r, 07 Wr450f SM, 74 850 norton commando, 63 bsa b40, 1962 Triton 650, 67 Triumph Tr6r, 1955 Triton 750, 1978 TY250E.

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

Nice little find

You could have a wander through https://www.classicbikeforum.co.uk/index.php It's small, but might help you source some original parts, if you go that route.

Pat
____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

[Suntan Sid]

Looks the nuts AFAIC.

No matter what anyone tells you replace the big and little end bearings, the original phosphor bronze items are actually made out of “Thornton’s” toffee.
If you want decent suspension, replace front and back with modern equivalents, oem suspension is crap!

“Starfire” tank looks good”, IMO.

I seem to remember my brother had some problems with the magneto and charging system!

Get some knobblies on it for the scrambler look!

Would love to find one of those to restore / bastardise.

How much did you get it for?

Fook, I’m one year older than that bike.

[Tim..]

Cool project, will be watching this one
____________________
Project builds: My VFR400 nc30 build thread + Honda Britain Rep VFR + What? Another VFR +Project 'cos I want one' + V8 coffee table
www.marshallracing.co.uk
OCD - Helping to bring the standard of my bikes up and make me slowly go mad since 1999

[CHR15]

i once got offered a running goldstar for 500 quid.

i didn't have the money though


the frame looks very similar to a bantam.

(see attachment for my pimped d14/4)
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Turbocharged drag thing / project death weapon / GK73A
Ste: I'm not entirely sure how you'd go about verbally abusing someone with a potato but I'm sure it's possible.

[pepperami]

What a great little find

Parts wont be a problem once you start going to a few bike auto-jumbles.
You will probally find that it is easier to get old Brit bits than it is to get old Jap bits.
This is what i have found whilst trying to get my 1980 Yamaha XS400 back on the road.
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I am the sum total of my own existence, what went before makes me who I am now!

[Lone-Wolf]

[Lone-Wolf]

[Suntan Sid]

[CHR15]

[Lone-Wolf]

[CHR15]

[Lone-Wolf]

[steveh]

Time for abit of an update!

Managed to get it running today, started first kick after mucking out the clutch, carb and setting the timing, theres abit of a "knock" when you lean it over, and theres some play in the layshaft, so that will have to be sorted!

Some pretty Orrible wiring!

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/1963%20bsa%20b40%20project/1.jpg

none original rear light/mud guard
https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/1963%20bsa%20b40%20project/2.jpg

what looks to be a pipe hanger welded together to hold the none standard tank in place!
https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/1963%20bsa%20b40%20project/3.jpg


motor out, looking less like a bike now!
https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/1963%20bsa%20b40%20project/4.jpg

after stripping the motor, theres abit of damage to the bore, im guessing its were its been stood and corroded away.
https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/1963%20bsa%20b40%20project/5.jpg

seems the pistons 40thou over size too.
https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/1963%20bsa%20b40%20project/6.jpg
started to clean it up, further strip down tomorow!
https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/1963%20bsa%20b40%20project/7.jpg

oh, and even got the mrs polishing my head!
https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/1963%20bsa%20b40%20project/8.jpg

steve.
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Current : 06 Zx10r, 07 Wr450f SM, 74 850 norton commando, 63 bsa b40, 1962 Triton 650, 67 Triumph Tr6r, 1955 Triton 750, 1978 TY250E.

[CHR15]

renthal ultra lows


also, they used leaded paint on the frames so try not to breath too much of it if your wire wheeling it. don't want to get aids or anything.
____________________
Turbocharged drag thing / project death weapon / GK73A
Ste: I'm not entirely sure how you'd go about verbally abusing someone with a potato but I'm sure it's possible.

[Tim..]

Nice progress. Top marks for the bird getting her hands grubby, she's a keeper .
____________________
Project builds: My VFR400 nc30 build thread + Honda Britain Rep VFR + What? Another VFR +Project 'cos I want one' + V8 coffee table
www.marshallracing.co.uk
OCD - Helping to bring the standard of my bikes up and make me slowly go mad since 1999

[pepperami]

More please
____________________
I am the sum total of my own existence, what went before makes me who I am now!

[f1fan111]

nice BSA B40 there, trying to find one myself as a project. For spares there is https://draganfly.co.uk or eBay and autojumbles if you know what your looking for.

For ideas could do trials bike as pre65 trials or enduro look

https://www.uk-collectables.co.uk/images/shop/products/51b5368136702357be7ebbd12741c8c5.jpg

or maybe a B40WD

https://www.bsawdb40.com/phy/clim/126225/BSA-WD-B40.jpg

Hope to see more pictures

[Teflon-Mike]

I was at a jumble once and poking areound a rusty army surplus B40, bloke on the stall was surprised any-one could be 'exited' by one. But my introduction to them was in dirt biking.
https://motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/classic-bikes-2/cheney-bsa-b50.jpg
For classic scrambles, A Cheaney Victor is a VERY potent tool.
For Classic Trials, A C15 Ottor, is the way to go.
https://441mettise.co.uk/images/mettise4.gif
(Some run the B40 motors for the added grunt)
I had a C15 I got to do a trials chop on; frustrating project; I ended up putting it in a skip in 1988!
Seem to recall they had 6v electrics and infuriatinglt unreliable distributor ignition, not that I even got as far as that being a problem with mine!
But, as a resto project, ecconomically, B40's now are not worth very exiting money in standard trim.
Most were War Dept spec, and they had the heaviest frames.
Stock street versions wasn't much lighter, though!
Think there were a couple of factory variants that ARE interesting & worth money, but cant remember which ones, apart from the Victors.
Doing a C15/B40 now, for me, I think I'd pander to where the money is.
And yours, probably an ex-mil, civilianised, & far from original, I'd not be too preciouse about making a special out of it, & a Cheaney Victor rep, would be VERY tempting.
Last time I checked, which was about 5 years ago, Cheaney was still going and offering frames for sale, for a Victor Scrambler.
While Sammy Miller Motorcycles offer all the parts to build a complete C15/B40 Ottor from spares; frame, motors, forks, body-work & mudguards etc.
Between them & Rickman (B40 Matisse is the other classic scrambles contender), pretty sure you can pretty much get ALL the bits to build to almost any spec for mud-busting.
AND rediculousely, well fettled examples will fetch sensible money.
Seen a couple of almost concourse restored C15/B40's over the last few years, price tags around £1500, which seems about tier price cap.
But seen 'Victor' replicas, pushing twice that, with Cheaneys or Mittises commanding what I think is 'silly money' for a dirt bike.
BUT then, was at a classic scramble few years ago, and there was a lad HOONING a B441 Jef-Smith replica around, and it was just AWESOME! He was taking big air on the thing, like he was on a moden 'crosser' and ran it not just in the pre 72 / Brit-Bike, but also the 'Twin-Shock' class for outmoded old Jap stuff.... where there was another loon on a Dave Thorpe, Kawasaki KX4?0 (It was definitely the T-shock one!) Going just as hard...
Was one of those memorable 'duels'; two 'Real-Mans Bike' machines, ridden by blokes that COULD ride'em, and giving them thier head! dont normally get exited as a spectator, but that was one of those moments you just KNEW that there was something electric going on on the track, and a spectacle to behold!
anyway, you asked for ideas, and they're mine.
From an entirely mercenary point of view, given teh work needed, I'd dirt it; but then I also happen to like the dirt variants.
BUT, its your project.
B40 was around long enough and offered in enough guises, and you have a bike thats such a blank canvas, you could take it in whatever direction appeals to you.
Oh.... I have another reason that mud-larking it would be favourite with me..... 'the other half'....... she's too diddy to get her leg over (& Hence NICK) a long legged dirt-bike!
How tall is your missus?
I mean, she's polishing bits of the bike now, for you.....
When its done.... how long till she says something along the lines "Well I DID help you build it!" and expect her name on the insurance!
____________________
My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

[steveh]

Seems to be a little bit of interest, so ill keep posting!

Got the motor fully stripped down now, with abit of a list of what i need, as i thought the bronze crank bush is completley shot, it looks like its picked up on the crank and spun round, its marked the castings, so im not sure what im going to do with it yet, ive heard rumours that you can get roller bearings to fit, ill have to dig around!

heres some pictures!

the Bronze bush, that supposed to stay in the crankcase!
https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/4a.jpg

The nurled up bush, its even got pop marks were someones tried to make it stay in the casings... sigh.
https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/a3.jpg

luckily theres no play in the crank, but its abit rotten.
https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/a2.jpg

and a random shot.
https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/a1.jpg


so whoever built this last clearly had no idea! now its time to start hunting for motor spares, going to rebore the barrel at work, so im going to be after a 80.5mm piston for it, not sure whats going to be the best place to be honest, if anyone knows of a company that might be able to help it would be much apprechiated.

oh, and i know im getting ahead of myself, but i really like this!

https://caybroendumsparetime.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-bsa-tracker.html

steve.
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Current : 06 Zx10r, 07 Wr450f SM, 74 850 norton commando, 63 bsa b40, 1962 Triton 650, 67 Triumph Tr6r, 1955 Triton 750, 1978 TY250E.

[Teflon-Mike]

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/a1.jpg
IS..... that thing lurking in top right hand corner of pic, with 'ray-gun' silencers, what I THINK it might be?....
Prey tell, cos theres no mention of a tripple in your sig-line.....
350 Tracker Street-Scambler..... Hmmm Yes, very tempting.....
____________________
My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

[steveh]

[Teflon-Mike]

YUM!
https://members.shaw.ca/elrojo/motorcycles_files/bsa_files/bsa_rocket_3.jpg
Amazing what lurks in hidden corners of folks sheds, innit?
I went round to a freind of a freinds a little while back, to borrow a crypton tune.
Poking out from under a dust sheet was a curiouse front hub with scoop on it.....
'That looks familiar!' Thunked I!
I waited till FofF came back and asked, tentatively if it belonged to what I thought it belonged to..... and if I could pull the dust sheet off.....
He grinned....
"Well what do you think's under there?" He asked.....
"Something styled by Craig Vetter..." I replied.....
"Have a look!" He said
https://www.bikeexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/triumph_x-75_hurricane.jpg
He was also the unconvinced owner of a B40..... complete with dodgy ignition, and a 1930's BSA V-Twin!
____________________
My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

[steveh]

yep thats identical to my old fellas, his next one is the x75 hurricane, awsome bit of kit!
____________________
Current : 06 Zx10r, 07 Wr450f SM, 74 850 norton commando, 63 bsa b40, 1962 Triton 650, 67 Triumph Tr6r, 1955 Triton 750, 1978 TY250E.

[steveh]

Well, time for an update, not too much really, few new bearings and bushes arrived recently, got the frame, motor and few other bits bead blasted on my day off.

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/1963%20bsa%20b40%20project/IMG_0331.jpg

created myself abit more work cleaning the shit out,but its worth it imo
https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/1963%20bsa%20b40%20project/IMG_0333.jpg

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/1963%20bsa%20b40%20project/IMG_0336.jpg

head
https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/1963%20bsa%20b40%20project/IMG_0328.jpg

And i couldnt resist putting it together to see what it looks like!

https://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f215/stesewell/1963%20bsa%20b40%20project/IMG_0342.jpg

I will be assembling the motor next, ive just finished porting the head a little, lapping in the vavles, and fitting a 60thou over sized piston to get read of a horrible rust mark in the barrel.

Oh, and i intend on taking it with me to barbon hill climb this year for a little bit of a giggle

steve.
____________________
Current : 06 Zx10r, 07 Wr450f SM, 74 850 norton commando, 63 bsa b40, 1962 Triton 650, 67 Triumph Tr6r, 1955 Triton 750, 1978 TY250E.