The Wheels and Forks Quiz

[Allan G]

69 and 70 A50s were fitted with 8" TLS.

A7s were fitted with 7" SLS whilst the A10 had 8" SLS

[Tommyrugrat]

Thanks Neil, that seems like the front wheel is well and truely sorted.

Would any of you be able to provide me with the details of the rear wheel?

Attached is what I currently have, Im still unsure what wheel it is exactly (as previously suggested, possibly A10).

This wheel will not work, I do know that I need an 18" wheel, but the ones online all look pretty much look the same?

Is there any distinguishing features that may point me in the right direction for a late 60's Lightening?

Or any other BSA or Triumph model that used the same rear wheel?

[Allan G]

Rear wheel should be of the QD type with brake hub and sprocket bolted together with 10 bolts.

There are two types used on the A65's over the years. They also fitted a version to the unit singles. Both the unit singles and the early A65 had a smaller spindle which goes into the DS side of the axel. The early A65 type also uses a metal back plate, it also has the threaded portion of the main axel on a reduced amount. The later type is not reduced down at all.

Wheels between all QD A65 are interchangeable. (Should have visible domed rivets on the hubs) however, everything which connects to the brake drum does not and is type specific. Including the bearing within the drum.

When you get lucky and find a setup, look at replacing the splined disc which bolts onto the brake drum.

[Tommyrugrat]

Thanks Neil, correct me if I am wrong, but I may have to find the specific drum with the associated brake items and spindle for the Lightening and use any A65 wheel?

I would be interested to know why I would need to change the splined disc, is it because of wear and tear?

[neil1964]

Afraid the other guys will have to advise on those rear wheels (I'm ok on unit Triumphs too after years of thrashing 500 Daytonas).
I only have the GoldStar (53-55) QD type rear wheels/hubs to hand.   I think these are very similar to the later single sided A50/65 versions.  I know the later hub/splines fit the later type. The 'Ariel' FWH I have only ever seen pics of. My original 55 was all original. I've just built a rear for my CB34 competition frame from bits (A65 or B50 QD hub correct GS drum with correct GS stainless spindle and spacers from Barley Corn Engineering (highly recommended btw).
I'm fortunate to have both spares catalogues and of course an original hub to compare with. Even so I still ended up with an oversized spindle and other bits (wrong sized bearing) that don't fit from other suppliers.
If it is a QD rear hub you are going for I might be able to help with measurements.

[Rob Neal]

Tommy.  I similarly began my BSA 'career' with an A65 about 18 months ago. It was originally a 1962 Star but seems to have various later parts added. As the others have suggested download a copy of the Workshop manual from the club.  Personally I wouldn't bother with the Haynes manual, next to useless in my opinion.  A really useful book though is the excellent "BSA Twin Restoration" by Roy Bacon. ISBN 0-85045-669-X. I found a used copy on the 'net.  Worth every penny and full of invaluable info.

[Tommyrugrat]

Hi All

Thank you so much, you have been a great help, I may have been lucky and sourced the correct front and back wheels, so fingers crossed.

I will certainly look out for the Roy Bacon book, I think at this stage it does seem a bit of a uphill battle trying to source the correct parts for the correct year as I basically bought a mongrel, so any help I can glean from books etc will be beneficial.

Thanks again fellas.