Triumphrat

ohiorider · 01-31-2010, 06:22 PM

I don't think I've posted this pix before, at least not since I got the original red on the fuel tank and oil tank to pop back, using Paint 8 program. I scanned the original pix, which is a tiny, faded (maybe 3" x 3") photo of my 1964 BSA Spitfire Scrambler. I really think she was an incorrectly titled 1963, since it had the A10 engine, instead of the unit construction A65. Any BSA experts out there that could confirm my suspicions?

It had a single Amal carb, and high pipes down the left side. No battery ..... 6V generator only for the lights, which would blink out if I let the idle drop too far. Ignition was by magneto. The front brake was practically non-existant .... a cable operated drum brake that was only half as wide as the hub. I believe the rear may also have been a half drum.

After the small oil pump that supplied oil to the overhead valve mechanism failed, I found myself constantly reaching down with my right hand to confirm that the oil tank was hot, a good sign!

I rode this little vibrator from Charleston, W Va, to Port Isabel, Texas and back that August. No speedo or odometer working, but think we covered 3200-3300 miles approx.

(Now that I'm posting this .... I think I may have posted the pix sometime in the past, but thought some of you newer guys might get a kick out of seeing this little bike. She was truly Motorcycle 101!)

Bob

rmak · 01-31-2010, 07:50 PM

Beautiful bike, Bob. Thanks.

buck dogers · 02-01-2010, 11:10 AM

I took this picture last year ,looks similar to your BSA.

ohiorider · 02-01-2010, 01:59 PM

Buck -

Thanks for the pix of the scrambler. I'm thinking as I look at it that it may have parts from a road bike, perhaps a Lightning or similar, since it has a full width brake drum, larger headlight, and possibly a larger fuel tank. The high pipes and rear fender gap look about right, as I remember them, except for the fender mount (and the taillight, which also looks to be off another bike). Could be this was a Super Rocket or Lightning that has been modded to look like a Spitfire Scrambler

Bob