BSA Spitfire 650 MK III
BSA Spitfire 650 MK III, 1967 model
The 654cc A65 Spitfire is one of the last great classics from BSA . The bike was produced from 1966-1968, and was the fastest production model from BSA . The Spitfire was, as the name suggests, a very sporty and fast twin. The model was shown at the Brighton Motorcycle Show in September 1965, and replaced the cafe racer-inspired BSA Lightning Clubman 650.
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GP carburetors from Amal
The Spitfire was one of the first models from BSA to have a 12-volt electrical system. The bike had, among other things, a sports seat, Amal GP carburetors and a fiberglass tank. The A-65 was also the first large twin engine with a unit construction, i.e. the engine and transmission are together. The model was colloquially referred to as the "Poweregg", in reference to the engine block's characteristic egg shape seen from the side. "Poweregg" is not a bad name for the twin, and it pulls well from the bottom.
Close to 200 km/h
With a high rear wheel ratio, top speeds of up to 200 km/h are within reach. Weak points are the oil pressure/oil pump, the main bearing in the crank, and the electrical system. However, this is now easy to repair. There are a number of suppliers of high-quality parts, which can give such BSA a high degree of operational reliability.
Good driving characteristics
It is far from vibration-free when riding, but this must be considered good "vibes". The engine sound when accelerating must undoubtedly be described as "correct", here it is "twinpowersound" so that will do. The availability of original parts and so-called "aftermarket parts" is very good. As mentioned, there are a lot of online stores in England, and the prices are certainly affordable. A "freshly stretched" Spitfire is a great bike to ride, it is fast, and has quite good handling characteristics. The downside is, as with most English motorcycles from the 1960s, slightly weak brakes, and an engine that needs a certain amount of maintenance. The three different years were given the following model designations: 1966 MK II, 1967 MK III and 1968 MK IV.
Technical data BSA Spitfire 650 MK III, 1967 model:.
Engine: 2-cylinder 4-stroke, OHV
Displacement: 654 cc
Power: 54 hp at 6900 rpm.
No. of gears: 4 gears
Front tires: 3.25 x 19
Rear tires: 4.00 x 18
Electrical system: Lucas 12 volt
Tank: 16 liters
Weight: 185 kg
Top speed: 196 km/h
