Recent posts

#81

Singles / Re: Thinking about a B40

Last post by limeyrob - 15 Oct, 2026, 18:54

"..just think C15, but more so".  Yes, many mates had C15s and when a B40 came up I thought it would be like a faster, better C15, and in a way it was, but it also had the C15 faults only more so.
I don't know about your budget, but a lot of Victor Specials seem to have arrived from the States recently and they do look fun.

#82

Singles / Re: Thinking about a B40

Last post by V500 - 15 Oct, 2026, 17:47

More readily available in a far wider range of choice, better made and (probably) greater spares availability.
The WD B40 was a good bike, but as for the earlier Civvie B40s....just think C15, but more so..

#83

Singles / Re: Thinking about a B40

Last post by NClark - 15 Oct, 2026, 17:33

Wouldn't think the B31 is noticeaebly or appreciably heavier though.

Food for thought, thank you. I just compared specications and the B40 is only 20lb lighter. Perhaps I should revisit my teens and get a B31!

Nigel

#84

Singles / Re: Thinking about a B40

Last post by V500 - 15 Oct, 2026, 16:57

Wouldn't think the B31 is noticeaebly or appreciably heavier though.

#85

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

Last post by Big Diehl - 15 Oct, 2026, 02:14

I had a heck of a time finding N6Ys. Found some on eBay and I am waiting for delivery. Meanwhile I am traveling so I will let everyone know about the results.  I did find this in the 67 owner's manual:

#86

Singles / Re: Thinking about a B40

Last post by NClark - 14 Oct, 2026, 21:13

Yes, whereas I sold the B40 after a few months I kept my B31 for about 25 years!  The B31 is a lot heavier and old fashioned but its smoother, more comfortable and has a magneto which I personally prefer for bikes used occasionally

I had a B31 back in the 1970s. Certainly a nice bike, but a bit heavier than I want now.

Nigel

#87

Singles / Re: Thinking about a B40

Last post by limeyrob - 14 Oct, 2026, 21:11

Yes, whereas I sold the B40 after a few months I kept my B31 for about 25 years!  The B31 is a lot heavier and old fashioned but its smoother, more comfortable and has a magneto which I personally prefer for bikes used occasionally

#88

Singles / Re: Thinking about a B40

Last post by V500 - 14 Oct, 2026, 21:05

I had one, a 1961 B40 (404 KYD, where are you now?) and like the post above, I too was glad to see the back of it.
I would recommend an earlier B31 if you want a BSA350. Better in every respect.

#89

Singles / Re: Thinking about a B40

Last post by NClark - 14 Oct, 2026, 20:53

Thank you gents, that's encouraging advice. I'm not looking for the peaky performance of a highly tuned/stressed engine like the SS90, and would prefer the gentler power delivery which the basic, low compression B40 appears to offer.

I'll let you know how my search goes. My ideal bike would be basically sound, but with a bit of potential to improve while still riding, a kind of rolling improvement project.

Nigel

#90

Singles / Re: Thinking about a B40

Last post by DAVE BRADY - 14 Oct, 2026, 20:12

Hi,

A B40 will meet your needs. Once sorted they are reliable and because of the short wheelbase are ideal for country lane and A/B road twisties.  Standard compression is about 6.5:1 so really quite a soft engine that can be bit nippy if given its head.

Dave.