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The BSA A65 Star was a Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) motorcycle aimed at the US market for unit construction twins. As well as giving a clean look to the engine, with the pushrod passages part of the cylinder block casting, unit construction reduced the number of places oil could leak from.[3] A range of A65 Star twins was produced between 1962 and 1972.[4]

BSA A65 Star

Manufacturer	Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA)
Production	1962–1972
Predecessor	BSA A10
Engine	654 cc (39.9 cu in) air-cooled OHV twin
Power	38 bhp (28 kW) @ 5,000 rpm[1]
Transmission	four speed gearbox to chain drive
Wheelbase	54 in (1,400 mm)
Weight	406 lb (184 kg)[1] (wet)
Fuel capacity	4 gallons
Fuel consumption	50mpg[2]

Development

The decision by Lucas in the late 1950s to switch production of motorcycle electrical components (from magneto/dynamo systems to alternators/coil systems) forced British motorcycle manufacturers to completely redesign their engines. Triumph and BSA took the opportunity to move from pre-unit and semi-unit construction to full unit construction, that is, with the engine and gearbox together in an integrated casting. At the same time, Bob Fearon, managing director and general manager of BSA, recognised the need for a new look that built on the best features of the A10s but would succeed in the potentially lucrative, but competitive, US market. Working with chief development engineer Bert Perrigo, he developed the unit construction Star twins.[3]

A range of these 650 cc (40 cu in) Star twins were produced between 1962 and 1972, and improved on the old pre-unit A7 and A10 series, being lighter and easier to manufacture, with more up to date styling.[5] Not enough time was spent on testing and development as BSA were struggling to remain competitive with Triumph models and the emerging Japanese motorcycles. Large side panels were fitted to cover the space behind the engine but they contributed to a dated look. This was reinforced by engine vibration, but acceleration was good to a top speed of 100 miles per hour (160 km/h).[4]

Twelve volt electrics were introduced in 1966 and the top of the range BSA Spitfire with a claimed top speed of 120 mph (190 km/h).[6] In 1967 BSA won a special Queens Award to Industry and by 1969 80% of the BSA factory production was going to America.[7] In the US the 650 Star twins were selling well with styling changes including high rise handlebars and more streamlined fuel tanks. In 1970 a new 'oil in frame' design was adopted but this proved unpopular with shorter riders, as it increased the seat height. This was sorted out by 1972 but by then BSA were facing serious financial problems and stopped production of the outdated 650 Star twin.[4]

See also

• BSA A65 Rocket

References

На других языках

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- [en] BSA A65 Star

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[fr] BSA A65 Star

La BSA A65 Star était une moto fabriquée par la Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) équipée d'un bicylindre vertical à boîte de vitesses intégrée et destinée au marché nord américain. En plus de donner au moteur une apparence épurée, les passages de la tige faisant partie du bloc-cylindres, la boite de vitesses intégrée (unit construction) permettait de réduire les fuites d’huile[1]. Une gamme de bicylindres A65 Star fut produite entre 1962 et 1972[2].

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