My bike's V5 says it was registered in 1994; declared as made in 1965 & it has an age specific plate . It is blue .
Have just received a copy of Rupert Ratio Vol 2 which seems to say UK B40 Stars (61 to 66) were either Royal Red or Black.
I'm now getting awfully concerned about my heritage ! I knew it had a few bits from elsewhere & it lacks the Chrome tank sides.....but now I'm thinking it could be a cross between Dolly-the-Sheep and a Ford Cortina.
Is Rupert right ?
Are the factory despatch books accessible anywhere to see what they may say ?( I am hoping that at least my frame and engine number might match !)
I always rely on RS Paint who indicate the 1965 B40 was either Sapphire Blue or Royal Red. Up to 1964 it was the colours given by RR.
If you want to check your bike's details, contact the Dating Officer and request a Vehicle Report giving the despatch details for your bike. Use the link below which describes what you need to provide:
https://www.bsaownersclub.co.uk/applyformachinecertificate.html
Hi
As a vmcc member I have visited their HQ in Burton and viewed the Bsa factory despatch records, not sure if this only available to members
Regards
Clive
Below from 1965 BSA factory issued catalogue.
Shows 1965 B40 available in royal red, sapphire blue or black.
Great. Thanks for the catalogue extract. I will follow up with the dating request.
What do "despatch details" comprise? Phil.
The date it was despatched and to whom. It might also give the colour and confirmation that the engine presently fitted is the original one.
I'm presuming a BSAOC Vehicle Report checks for & indicates details from the factory despatch book. Does it ?
Yes. It provides the date when it left the factory, to whom it was delivered, confirms whether or not it still has the original engine, and indicates what its original colour was.