1963
Following the unveiling of a prototype lightweight, the 74.8cc overhead valve unit construction BSA Beagle last year, the factory has now further developed the machine. Improvements include Girling damper units instead of springs for the rear suspension, a larger seat and a resited engine oil level dipstick. BSA of Armoury Road, Small Heath, Birmingham has informed the press deliveries to dealers are about to start at an announced retail price of £95 inclusive of taxes.
The four-speed engine/gearbox unit 9.5:1 compression ratio is supported in a seam welded oval section spine frame with leading link front fork and rear swingarm suspension. The Beagle features geared primary drive, flywheel magneto ignition and lighting coils for direct lighting. Both wheels have 2.25 x 19in tyres with 41⁄2in front and 51⁄2in rear drum brakes.
The first machines off the production line will be finished in mist green and cream with other colour options planned later. The factory informs the new 140lb lightweight holds just under two gallons of fuel, enough for over 200 miles at average speeds and a top speed of 45-48mph. A range of accessories will be offered including a speedometer, legs shields, windshield and panniers.
1913
Mr A Cox has just unveiled a simple single lever automatic carburettor. Currently under test it’s believed to be suitable for twin cylinder cyclecars and motorcycle outfits. The Electric Ignition Company of Birmingham will handle supplies.
New developments include pressure fed lubrication systems by London maker JAP for its V-twin engines and a new 688cc horizontal twin cylinder engine by W Montgomery & Co
of Coventry.
1938
Ewald Kluge (250cc DKW) is the season’s Champion of Europe under the new FICM championship scheme with Ted Mellors (350cc Velocette) runner-up. Kluge and Mellors took the 250 and 350cc class awards with Georg Meier (BMW) securing the 500cc crown.
Ever more factories are including spring frame models in their ranges. Recent announcements include Coventry Eagle and Montgomery.
1988
Armed with his 588cc rotary Norton and team faith, Trevor Nation beat allcomers including Carl Fogarty (750cc Honda) and the 750cc Suzukis of Phil Mellor and Jamie Whitham for the King of Cadwell crown last Saturday (October 1). On Sunday he fired up the Norton again to win the Formula 1 race.
