The fat BSA single pitters and their competitors from other brands are back on the market. And that while they could not be found for years because they were fairly divided among enthusiasts. There is an explanation for that return of the precursors of the XT500:
The BSA and the knees
The knees of the swinging generation of owners. 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 big British single-cylinder heads. 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 was 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 BSA 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 125 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.
Many BSA B models have been made
There are many 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.
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.
The range is increasing ...
The question does that less. Because for the most recent generation of classic enthusiasts, a British single-person is simply too old, it falls outside the frame of reference. But the beauty is that the people who are interested in something so beautiful have a certain freedom of choice. And the fact that a choice must then be made between different, usually in excellent condition. machines? Isn't that a problem that we would all like to have?
