This was my first “Big Bike”… a while ago :-), a 1968 BSA 441 Victor.
The compression ratio on this single cylinder engine was so high I couldn,t kick start it with my slight 5’6″ frame and so had to run down the road and jump on the saddle while releasing the clutch in 2nd. gear to get the beast started.
It was loud, it leaked oil everywhere but great fun to ride until one day whilst riding to Sligo from Dublin with my good friend Mark Heather on the pillion, the engine decided to explode internally and leave us on the side of the road near Mullingar 😦
No parts being readily available for BSAs as the company had closed, I had had to scrap the 441, so sad (I actually swopped it for a Fiat 124 …shocking!) & so ended my early bike career.
There is an upside to this tale though, the BSA name has been bought by Mahindra, an Indian motorcycle co. and they are going to release a range of new BSAs….starting with (You guessed it) a 500c.c. single!
The Beezer is back 🙂
