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#31

Singles / Re: Thinking about a B40

Last post by DAVE BRADY - 21 Oct, 2026, 09:46

Hi,

Apart from the incorrect weights given by internet searches the anomalies in handbooks etc.may be caused by wether dry or kerb weight is used. Add a tank of fuel and some oil and about 30lbs may be added to the dry weight.

Dave.

#32

Singles / Re: Thinking about a B40

Last post by limeyrob - 21 Oct, 2026, 09:10

I too have found bike weights on the web to be all over the place.  Even the old manuals seem to disagree. A good idea to weigh it and settle the issue. 

#33

Singles / Re: Thinking about a B40

Last post by NClark - 21 Oct, 2026, 07:38

The 1962 BSA factory data book gives the dry weight of the B40 as 295lbs.

Thanks Julian, that makes sense.

Nigel

#34

Singles / Re: 441 Victor Spark Plug Evol...

Last post by Big Diehl - 20 Oct, 2026, 23:13

That is definitely possible!   I will reach out to other '67 Victor owners on other blogs to find out what they are using.

#35

Singles / Re: Thinking about a B40

Last post by JulianS - 20 Oct, 2026, 21:47

The 1962 BSA factory data book gives the dry weight of the B40 as 295lbs.

#36

Singles / Re: Thinking about a B40

Last post by NClark - 20 Oct, 2026, 20:55

That looks very nice, report back on how you get on with it.

Thank you, will do!

Earlier in this thread, we discussed the weight of a B40, and I found data online showing a wet weight of 364 lbs, only 20 lbs lighter than a B31. This didn't feel right, the B40 gives the impression of being significantly lighter than it's predecessor.

I've roughly weighed my B40 this afternoon, but putting the front wheel followed by the rear wheel on old digital bathroom scales and adding the readings. I get a total of 305-310 lbs wet. This makes much more sense to me, it's a bit heavier than a C15, but not much.

The moral of this little story? Don't believe everything quoted online!

Nigel

#37

Singles / Re: Thinking about a B40

Last post by limeyrob - 20 Oct, 2026, 20:39

That looks very nice, report back on how you get on with it.

#38

Singles / Re: Thinking about a B40

Last post by NClark - 20 Oct, 2026, 20:18

So it's happened... Ebay showed me a nicely restored 1961 B40 just 30 miles from home. At the price when the auction finished, it would have been rude not to.

It's not been ridden much since restoration. A few test miles this afternoon show is all good but needs a little fettling, oiling cables, adjusting tickover, nothing major.

What it really needed is riding. I'm looking forward to that!

Nigel

#39

Singles / Re: 441 Victor Spark Plug Evol...

Last post by limeyrob - 20 Oct, 2026, 13:59

I wonder if small improvements to power and the smaller needle jet lead to hotter running in the mid-range. Of course the one thing you don't want on a bike that hard enough to start is a cooler plug!  Its also possible that the factory were getting reports of plug problems with the hotter plugs.

#40

Singles / Re: 441 Victor Spark Plug Evol...

Last post by Big Diehl - 20 Oct, 2026, 12:43

Interesting information, at what point did the practice of glazing the porcelain cease to happen? I just purchased a bunch of old stock Champion N6Y plugs. As far as tell, that plug has not been produced for a number of years.

I am away from the bike for another week to begin experimenting with all of it. My plan is to begin with the N6Y plug, which is recommended by the factory manual. At the same time I am going over the carb one more time with a couple of new components (needle jet, and needle). At that time I will also check the timing again. After all this, and if my results are the same, I may think about moving to leaner overall jetting, and perhaps changing the plug altogether.

My original question was about why BSA went to cooler plugs with the later model Victor. The later model Victor had a battery, longer pipe, and the carb was jetted differently (richer main jet, smaller needle jet and used the 3rd clip position on the needle).