BSA B33. Scraping or getting rid of?

The knees of the swinging generation of owners are often a thing of the past. Because to start a British 500 cc single-cylinder, you need pedaling power for that. And the fat one-pitters - and many more beautiful things - have been cherished within a limited circle for years. They have grown older together with their owners. But at the time that the condition of the fat BSAs and peers got better, the wear and tear on their owners' backs and knees started to creep up. Peter Koelewijn already sang it: "You are getting older daddy".

Everything has its limits

And at a certain point such a British pestle is simply unstoppable. That realization usually has to simmer for a few years, but then someone sometimes wants to decide that it is sometimes better to also end a long, loving relationship. That is why there are now regularly again large British single cylinders for sale. And those are of course not only the motorcycles of BSA, but also those of the other once renowned brands. And that is lucky for the people whose knees have passed the MOT.

500 cc is quite a lot

The BSA B33 is an enlarged version of the 350 cc B31 and with a bore x stroke of 85 x 88 mm an almost 'square' engine design. The B33 in its third gear was just as fast as the B31 in fourth gear and the top speed of the half-liter bicycle was about 130 km / h.

With its separate gearbox behind the engine block, this BSA was also an example of classic engine construction. And 500 cc was a very impressive engine capacity at the time. The BSA is a large, almost stately motorcycle. A serious touring machine or sidecar tractor. An engine for serious people such as vets and artisan dignitaries.

Many BSA B models have been made

Many have been cherished, preserved and restored. And it is still very easy to drive and maintain a BSA B33. Because there are - also in the Netherlands - a few specialized suppliers who can literally supply all parts just as new, or with experience. And that for the most friendly prices.

British single cylinders are of course heavily dated

And such a good pestle is not very happy with long journeys on motorways. In his time there were not even motorways in England. But today, such an 350 or 500 cc single-cylinder is the ideal partner to dance lazily along the most beautiful secondary roads.

Add to that the fact that such a single-seater is technically simple and is key-friendly. Then all you need is a set of 'English' tools, with inch sizes, to be able to enjoy the sonorous hum of such an impressive monk for a very long time. As long as your knees allow it. And in terms of comfort, serious distances can also be run on such a day. “Inland to the Zeeland coast or the low side of the Ardennes? That's a long 350 kilometer ride. And that is a wonderful ride.

And if the knees no longer want? Then there are - of course in England - providers of easily assembled sets to start the business electrically.

Currently the offer is nice. But the prices still seem to be based on the asking prices from the scarce times. If such a British stamper has not been sold after about three months, there must be room for negotiation in the story. Good luck!