Author Topic: bsa m21? (Read 671 times)

bullet350 · « **on:** June 03, 2008, 06:04:54 PM »

hi all,

i've been without a brit bike for almost 6 months and the cravings are starting to return. with two honda's in the shed the spanners aren't seeing much daylight, and the imperial socket set is into retirement.

So, can anyone let me know the realistic cruising speed of an M21 (standard or raised gearing)?

thanks

bullet350

Bruce · « **Reply #1 on:** June 03, 2008, 07:49:14 PM »

As you know mines a Big4 Norton same size as the M21 I usually hold it at about 55mph if necessary but to be honest I would not like to hold it at that speed for a long period as side valves run hot when ridden hard the bike is happier at about 50mph thats why I avoid motorways due to the lorry's running at 56mph flat out.

johnr · « **Reply #2 on:** June 03, 2008, 08:32:29 PM »

ive a 53 m21. realistically its absolute top speed is probably 60-65mph. but thats throttle open and laid on the tank down a big hill. and save up for an engine build!! realistically, 50-55 is the most you can expect whilst still wanting it to keep working. but its happier at 45-50 ish. lets face it, it weighs a bloody ton, yet only kicks out 18bhp.

bullet350 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 04, 2008, 10:04:26 PM »

45/50mph makes it useable. the one i was looking at on e-bay (plungers & tele's and green) looks like it'll go out of my price range.

the trouble is all the brit bikes i see for sale are at best pricey and at worst an absolute con.

i've thought about building one over time. i know it'll cost a bit more but over a year or so its not so painful.
however a featherbed frame without a V5 or any other parts just sold for a nadger shy of £800 on e-bay!

looks like the c90 and the cbr will be staying for a little while longer.

on the up side i've just booked my ferry tickets for me and the CBR

i'll be spending the last week of june and first week of july riding round europe

bullet350

johnr · « **Reply #4 on:** June 04, 2008, 10:23:51 PM »

my m21 only cost me 300 quid, and last year i got a 67 c15 for 50 quid. theyre out there, but ebay isnt the place for cheapold brit stuff. try the boards at asda and the local free rags.

Happy Daze · « **Reply #5 on:** June 17, 2008, 07:29:41 PM »

You could get a bullet. Not exactly British, but looks the part. It also looks like it would hardtail really easy. And you could get some nice girders. OK i want one!!

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