Does anyone have any experience with the following combination:-BSA Starfire with B40 350cc Engine
Regards
Olly
I asked the same question at the Stafford classic bike show club stand a couple of years ago and it depends if it's the pre 1970 oil tank frame then it's a straight swap apart from the head steady. If it's a 1971 on oil in frame then it's not so simple the rear engine mounts are different and would need some fettling to make it work. Can't remember what the problem was though.
I think the later frames have narrower rear mounts? Or it may be wider! The engine cases can I think be cut to fit but that seems a bit extreme.
I seem to recall a workmate doing just this many years ago, and he had the rear engine plates rewelded wider (I think!). Should be obvious when the crankcases are offered up.
Many thanks all for the reply - So in fact the engine is already in situ and running... my main issue is that the vibrations in the handle bar are very significant, and I'm trying to figure out the best way forward.
The engine has been on the bike for a while now and the vibrations are now getting worse... to the extent of becoming un-ridable
I'm afraid I am not the most mechanically minded - but looking for any advice to decrease the vibrations running through the bike.
Do you have a good head-steady fitted? Are the engine mounting bolts/studs correct Imperial sizes rather than cheap studding or whatever?
frames - whilst seeming just tubing - have a resonance that the designers would have considered 60 years ago - possibly the reason for the vibes.
I bet the original B40 frame and lugs were much heavier physically that the Starfire frame.
so - as suggested - check the quality of the fit between the engine stud or bolt and the crankcase and also the fit in the frame lugs - and rectify if nneded
head steady suggested , double check that
how long are the handlebars? as they will have their own resonance point - you could try filling them up with silver sand and ramming it in tightly and finally bar end weights maybe
As it's getting worse and assuming the engine is mounted solidly with the head steady bolted in place I would be looking at the engine not the frame. Is the crankshaft or rod knocking itself to pieces