Best books for BSA

[guest1406]

Hi there,

Im just about to get my hands on an in depth full engine rebuild on a BSA B40 and would like to know if anyone has any experience on these engine. Also what's the best books? I like pictures and detailed information, just built a stand for it but want to read, read, read before stripping.

I did think about giving the big make over, (dual plugs, bigger valves, high comp piston, race cam etc.), but I'm a bit scared to turn it into a grenade as haven't heard these are the most reliable performance lumps, so going to play it safe with all new factory spec modern internals 

Mackenzie

[Propellor]

I used to have a manual for this bike. Dunno if it got thrown out. I'll have a goosey, if you need one?

[blew]

I had one for many years.It was reliable enough,but not exactly quick.Top speed,sitting normally,about 70 - 75. Happy cruising speed 55 - 60. 6  volt electrics,so poor headlamp.Some had a distributor type gadget for the points,later ones had the points in the cases. 7 to 1 compression ratio,from memory.Easy starter,I went everywhere on it,including my first trip to the IOM.It was popular for despatching in the Army.There was a tuned version called the SS90,with a higher compression ratio,but I know nothing about that one.I would keep it standard-it will run happily for many miles.I remember once the gear lever fell off,but I didn't notice until I tried to change down a couple of miles later.I pulled over,clutch in,turned around and plonked away back up the road to look for it,all in top gear.Try that on an XBR.It's probably similar in performance to an Enfield 350.

[manxie]

I had a B40 about 30yrs ago, great bike, never let me down. It was an old MOD bike in green, it could sit for months then a tickle of the carb to prime it, and first kick she`d go! However, maybe the gearing on mine was way out because my cruising speed on it was about 45, any more than that I felt she was revving too hard  I remember going to Jurby Airshow on it to park her up for display, I was heading down St Jude`s straight, overtaking a Willy`s Jeep whipping it like a horse....45mph  Should have kept it though  SAME AS THIS ONE....

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[timbo]

The Rupert Ratio manuals are very detailed, and specialise in BSA Unit Singles. But I think there are three different ones to cover it 

[timbo]

I've always found the wee pocket size Pitman's books very good 

[guest1406]

Thanks for all the help guys, my friends dads looking for his Haynes manual to give to me. He like some of you said, the Rupert ratio books are really good. He said i wouldn't need volume 2 or 3 so ill get ordering.

I'm looking forward to this rebuild, my first detailed, every component engine job.

Also going to build a little stand for it to make life easier. And got to get some new tools!

Cheers all

Mackenzie