This is one of the few BSA’s that were shipped to the British Army on the Western Front in WW-1, so it’s a veteran of that conflict. It was found on the Island of Malta by a Canadian soldier, and now runs again, for the first time since the twenties. The 550cc engine is of side-valve configuration, with a three speed gearbox, and all chain drive. In spite of the chain drive, you will notice two belt rims, one on each wheel. These are for the brakes, which are operated by a shoe forcing into the v of the rim. Although these brakes were not too effective at the time, modern “retarding medium” makes them quite useful. Front brakes were used on British machines from the very early days, but didn’t appear on most American machines until 1928. The BSA is typical of British machines of the period, except for the unusual location of the clutch- inside the gearbox. BSA didn’t build many machines during this period, as they were busy making armaments for “The Great War”.

Impressions from the Saddle
The BSA is set up very much like a modern motorcycle. It is all chain drive, and starts with a kick starter on the right. Usual drill again, with the various levers, fuel taps, de-compressor, etc., and a swift kick or two triggers the booming sound of a big single. Putting it in to gear is a bit tricky, because the multi plate all steel clutch which lives inside the gearbox is a bit vicious, but it soon loosens up with use. The engine is very smooth and powerful, and the bike has a very gentlemanly riding position with roomy footboards, so it’s a great “cruiser”. The dummy rim brakes front and rear work quite well, thanks to modern “retarding medium” supplied by the VMCC. A rocking pedal activates the clutch, and shifting is done via a tank-mounted lever. The brakes are in the same locations as a modern bike.

Listen to the BSA 550.

Click and drag the QTVR image below to rotate the BSA 550.