BSA 500 S32-8 Deluxe
The Model S, also known as the “Sloper”, represents an important era in BSA factory’s model development. The period from its inception in 1903 until 1926 was characterized by sturdy and reliable machines, while the Sloper, which went on sale in the fall of 1926, represented something new and more sporty. The Sloper became a trendsetter, paving the way for the legendary STAR series.
BSA factory in Small Heath belonged to one of the largest and proudest manufacturers in motorcycle history. The roots of BSA go back to the 1860s, when production revolved around the manufacture of light handguns for the Crimean War. At the beginning of the 20th century, the production of pedal bicycles was started, which in turn paved the way for the production of motorcycles. BSA quickly gained a solid reputation as a manufacturer of reliable everyday machines.
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Slooper = Sport
When BSA launched its first Sloper model in August 1926, it stood out from previous models with its sporty design. The Sloper eventually replaced the V-twin models that BSA was best known for in the 1920s. The forward-leaning cylinder in the Sloper series gave a sporty feel, and undeniably looked good in the frame. A number of manufacturers eventually copied BSA with a similar solution in their models. The Sloper models were called “S”, and the bike we have looked at in more detail is an S32-8 De-Luxe.
Race kit as an option.
The Sloper model was not only sporty to look at, it could be given extra “powder” under the cylinder head by BSA offering customers a “race kit”, consisting of high-compression pistons, special spark plugs and harder valve springs. This gave an output of about 25 hp, and the power was transferred to the asphalt via a 4-speed gearbox. The engine’s long stroke gave solid bottoming, and in combination with high gearing it was a fast machine.
120 Km/h
The top speed was just over 120 km/h, which was very respectable for a mass-produced machine from the late 20th century. The Sloper models could be delivered with both top and side-ventilated engines, and both 1- and 2-port cylinder heads were used. The engine options were 349 cc, 493 cc and 595 cc respectively. The Sloper was produced in six different models between 1926 and 1935. The Sloper series from BSA is a study in technology from the 1930s, with a great wealth of detail. 1932 was the first year of the Sloper with 4 gears. The model designation “S32-8 De-Luxe” was a lavish version with, among other things, an oil pressure gauge and an ammeter embedded in the petrol tank.
Technical data BSA S32-8 De-Luxe, 1932 model
Engine: 1-cylinder 4-stroke, OHV, 2-port
Displacement: 493 cc
Power: 20 hp at 4800 rpm.
Number of gears: 4
Front/rear tires: 3.50 x 19
Top speed: 121 km/h
