 BSA Spitfire MkIV | |
| Manufacturer | BSA Motorcycles Ltd |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Birmingham Small Arms Company |
| Predecessor | A65L Lightning |
| Engine | 654 cc (39.9 cu in) air cooled four stroke, parallel twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder, 2 Amal 10GP2 carburettors, five pints of oil |
| Power | 54 bhp (40 kW) (claimed) @ 6900 rpm[1] |
| Transmission | 4 Speed, chain |
| Suspension | BSA telescopic front fork with two-way damping, Girling rear shock absorbers with three-position spring adjustment |
| Brakes | 190mm (7.5 inches) front, 180mm (7 inches) rear |
| Wheelbase | 56 inches |
| Fuel capacity | 4 gallons (2 in the US export version) |
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The BSA Spitfire is a high-performance BSA motorcycle made from 1966 to 1968 with model designations of MkII, MkIII and MkIV. Announced at the Brighton motorcycle show held during September 1965,[2] it was based on the earlier BSA Lightning with a power-upgrade achieved by higher compression-ratio 10.5:1 pistons and two large-bore Amal GP carburettors with velocity stacks [1] it was one of the first BSAs to have 12-volt electrics.[3] At introduction in 1966, it was the fastest standard BSA ever produced and the fastest standard motorcycle tested by Motor Cycle with a best run at 123 mph and average of 119.2 mph[1] The Spitfire was used for travelling Marshalls' course duties at the 1967 Isle of Man TT races.[4]
- ^ a b c Motor Cycle, 21 April 1966. Road test Accessed 2013-06-28
- ^ Motor Cycle, 16 September 1965. p.390. Brighton Show. Bright'n Breezy. Range-by-range Review and Prices Accessed 2013-08-09
- ^ "BSA Spitfire". Retrieved 15 July 2009.
- ^ Motor Cycle 3 August 1967 p.1 BSA Spitfire Mk111 full-page Advertisement Accessed 2013-08-09