BSA Owners' Club Workshop Discussions

The BSA Workshop => Singles => Topic started by: Oliver Pi on 01 Dec, 2021, 22:49

Title: Speedometer code
Post by: Oliver Pi on 01 Dec, 2021, 22:49
Hello All,
Can anyone offer facts, figures or reference material explaining the cryptic numbers and letters found on the Smiths speedometers and speedometer drive units? 
Farewell for now,
Oliver
Title: Re: Speedometer code
Post by: JulianS on 02 Dec, 2021, 09:51
The numbers on the speedometers relate to the internals and application of the device.

The numbers on the gearbox relate to ratio, direction of rotation and spindle diameter.

There are literally dozens of numbers, more for the chronometrics than the magnetic instruments.

Smiths issues catalogues, annually in the late 1950s and the 1960s and into the 1970s detailing the applications.

Are you looking for information on any numbers in particular?
Title: Re: Speedometer code
Post by: Oliver Pi on 02 Dec, 2021, 20:30
The bike I am working with had no speedometer or drive unit when I purchased it.  The parts manual (1970 BSA Starfire) calls for a BG.5330/31 drive unit and the speedometer head designation is given as SSM.5007/02 for miles per hour.